HMAS Hobart (D 39)

USS Guadalupe (AO-32) refuels HMAS Hobart (D39) off Vietnam in 1967

HMAS Hobart missile damage 1

USS New Jersey (BB-62) battle group with Australian ships 1986

Hobart Galley (5047068152)

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HMAS Hobart (D 39) was a guided missile destroyer of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Commissioned in 1965, she was the lead ship of the Hobart class, which included two other vessels, HMAS Perth and HMAS Brisbane. These ships were based on the United States Navy's Charles F. Adams class, and were the first guided missile destroyers to serve in the RAN.

Design and Construction

HMAS Hobart was laid down at the Defoe Shipbuilding Company in Bay City, Michigan, in 1962 and was launched on 9 January 1964. She was commissioned into the RAN on 18 December 1965. The ship was equipped with a variety of weapons systems, including the Mark 13 missile launcher for RIM-24 Tartar missiles, two 5-inch (127 mm) guns, and anti-submarine torpedoes. She also featured advanced radar and sonar systems for her time, enhancing her capabilities in anti-aircraft, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare.

Operational History

HMAS Hobart saw extensive service during her career, including three deployments to the Vietnam War, where she provided naval gunfire support and screened aircraft carriers in the Gulf of Tonkin. Her service in Vietnam earned her a Unit Citation for Gallantry.

In addition to her combat roles, Hobart participated in numerous exercises with other navies, showcasing the RAN's capabilities on the international stage. She also undertook several deployments to the Indian and Pacific Oceans, contributing to regional security and participating in joint exercises.

Incidents

One of the most notable incidents in HMAS Hobart's career occurred in June 1968, when she was mistakenly attacked by a United States Air Force aircraft during her deployment in the Vietnam War. The friendly fire incident resulted in the deaths of two crew members and injuries to several others. The ship sustained significant damage but was repaired and returned to service.

Decommissioning and Legacy

HMAS Hobart was decommissioned from active service on 12 May 2000. Following her decommissioning, she was sunk as a dive wreck off the coast of South Australia in November 2002. The ship remains a popular site for recreational diving and serves as an artificial reef, contributing to the marine environment.

The legacy of HMAS Hobart continues with the commissioning of a new Hobart class destroyer, also named HMAS Hobart (DDG 39), in 2017. This new ship carries forward the proud name and traditions of her predecessor into the 21st century.

See Also

• List of ships of the Royal Australian Navy
• Military history of Australia