Return to service of the Collins Class submarine, HMAS Dechaineux

First lines are thrown as HMAS Dechaineux arrives at Fleet Base West, HMAS Stirling, Western Australia.

24 May 2010 -- Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Materiel and Science, today welcomed the successful return to service of the Collins Class submarine, HMAS Dechaineux.

“The successful return to service of Dechaineux shows efforts to improve material availability of Navy’s submarine force are paying off,” said Mr Combet.

HMAS Dechaineux has recently completed its first Full Cycle Docking at the Adelaide yard of its builder, ASC Pty Ltd.

Full Cycle Docking is the major recertification and upgrade docking for the submarines. Dechaineux is the fourth submarine to complete this upgrade and arrived today in its home port of Fleet Base West, Western Australia after an intensive sea trials period to prove its systems.

“The Government has been working to improve the level of submarine availability. To help provide an increased focus and scrutiny of the submarine sustainment program the Government formed the Australian Submarine Program Office (ASPO) earlier this year.

"The return of HMAS Dechaineux is an important step in the improvements Navy, DMO and ASC are making to submarine availability through the ASPO.

“I also acknowledge the US Navy’s strong support in the development of capability upgrades for both our submarine forces.

Australian DoD