HMAS Collins arrives in Sydney

24 September 2010

The Royal Australian Navy’s longest serving submarine, HMAS Collins, has berthed alongside Fleet Base East, Sydney, this afternoon.

HMAS Collins and her ship’s company of 58 are visiting the region as part of a deployment along the east coast of Australia where she is conducting training with Royal Australian Navy ships.

“The crew is looking forward to their stay in Sydney. Many of the crew have family and friends in the region who they do not get to see often,” said Commanding Officer of HMAS Collins, Commander Glen Miles.

“Submarines serve under the motto "The Silent Service" and as such we spend much of our time unseen, this transit is a great opportunity for us to show the east coast of Australia our importance as part of Australia’s maritime defence,” said Commander Miles.

Collins Class submarines meet Australia’s unique strategic circumstances through stealth, long-range endurance, formidable striking power and advanced intelligence collection capabilities.

HMAS Collins is the first of six Collins class submarines built for the Royal Australian Navy. Since commissioning in July 1996, the submarine has made a significant contribution to Australia's defence, including many high profile international exercises.

Following her visit to Sydney, HMAS Collins will transit the east coast of Australia, visiting other ports before returning to her homeport at Garden Island, Rockingham later in the year.