Australian Oberons

Introduction of a Submarine Service
The First Australian Submarine Squadron
Five Australian Oberons entering Sydney Harbour

Image provided by Royal Australian Navy

In October 1959, the Department of Defence Joint Planning Committee recommended the “introduction of a submarine service into the Royal Australian Navy”. There should be at least 8 submarines and their roles were primarily anti-(surface) shipping and anti-submarines. “We have concluded, the R.A.A.F. member dissenting, that excluding program considerations and interservice priorities, the institution of a submarine service would be a valuable addition to balanced Australian Defence Forces.”

The first of four (later to be six) Oberon Class submarines arrived at their base in Sydney Harbour on 18 August 1967.