The rebirth of the Australian Submarine Service followed the decision of the Naval Board, in 1963, to order four of the highly successful British “Oberon” class vessels for the RAN. The Royal Navy's 4th Submarine Squadron, which included “T” class submarines, was disbanded on 10 January 1969 when the 1st Australian Submarine Squadron comprising OTWAY and OXLEY was founded. The “Oberon” class was one of the most advanced type of conventional submarines in any navy, combining high speed with great underwater endurance.Â They were attack submarines, with both anti-surface and anti-submarine capabilities.Â Designed specifically for silent running, they were amongst the quietest operational submarines in the world, including nuclear submarines.Â They were therefore extremely difficult to detect and were ideally suited to operations on an enemy’s “doorstep”.Â Equipment included sensitive long-range underwater listening devices and electronic fire-control systems.Â They were fitted with a “snort” system, which enable batteries to be recharged while the submarine remained submerged.Â Moulded fibreglass had been used extensively in the construction of the casing and fin (sometimes referred to as the 'sail'). Oberon Class -Â The First Australian Submarine Squadron

Us submarine classes