Commander Tim Duchesne was commanding officer of HMAS Platypus in 1975. From that perspective, he gave a brief history of the development of the submarine arm in the RAN, and the role of the Oberon Class in the defence of Australia. They were designed as a direct follow-on from the Porpoise class: physical dimensions were the same, but stronger materials were used in hull construction, and updated equipment was fitted. The Oberons operated during the height of the Cold War, with duties including surveillance, tracking of other ships and submarines, delivery and retrieval of special forces personnel, and serving as targets for anti-submarine training. Submarines of the class remained in service until 2000.
Recorded on 6th June 1975.
Duration is 29 minutes
Note that photos and diagrams referred to in this address are not included in this audio-only podcast.
