Construction
Dechaineux was laid down by the Australian Submarine Corporation on 4 March 1993, launched on 12 March 1998, and commissioned into the RAN on 23 February 2001.
The issues with the Collins class highlighted in the McIntosh-Prescott Report and the pressing need to have combat-ready submarines in the RAN fleet with the pending decommissioning of Otama, the final Oberon class submarine in Australian service, prompted the establishment of an A$1 billion program to bring Dechaineux and sister boat Sheean up to an operational standard as quickly as possible, referred to as the "fast track" or "get well" program. The fast track program required the installation of reliable diesel engines, fixing the hydrodynamic noise issues with the class by modifying the hull design and propeller, and providing a functional combat system. The original Rockwell International-designed combat system had been cancelled, but because there wasn't enough time to evaluate the replacement system to include it in the "fast track" program, the two submarines were fitted with components from the old Rockwell system, which were augmented by commercial off-the-shelf hardware and software. Even with the enhanced Rockwell system, it was believed that the capabilities of the fast track Collins boats was only equivalent to the Oberons.
On 14 December 2000, Dechaineux and Sheean arrived at HMAS Stirling, following the completion of sea trials.
Dechaineux was named for Captain Emile Dechaineux, who was killed by a kamikaze attack on 21 October 1944 while commanding HMAS Australia.
Read more about this topic: HMAS Dechaineux (SSG 76)
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