HMAS Swan (DE 50)

Crest Swan

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

HMAS Swan (DE 50) QF 4.5-inch Mk I – V naval gun on display at Princess Royal Fortress, April 2022 02

HMAS Swan (DE 50) was a River-class destroyer escort of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Launched in 1967 and commissioned in 1970, Swan served the RAN until her decommissioning in 1996. Throughout her service life, Swan was involved in a variety of operations, including patrols, exercises, and training missions, both within Australian waters and in international deployments.

Design and Construction

The River-class destroyer escorts were designed for anti-submarine warfare, general escort, and patrol duties. HMAS Swan, with a displacement of 2,150 tons, measured 370 feet in length, with a beam of 41 feet and a draught of 13 feet. She was powered by two English Electric geared turbines, which provided a top speed of 30 knots. For her main armament, Swan was equipped with a 4.5-inch Mark V gun, Ikara anti-submarine missile system, and torpedo tubes. Her sensor suite included sonar and radar systems designed for the detection and engagement of submarines.

Operational History

Throughout her 26 years of service, HMAS Swan participated in numerous operations and exercises, both domestically and internationally. She played a role in the RAN's efforts during the Vietnam War, providing escort services to troop transports and supply ships between Australia and Vietnam. In the late 1970s and 1980s, Swan was involved in surveillance operations, monitoring foreign fishing fleets and enforcing Australia's maritime laws.

Swan also took part in multinational exercises with allies, showcasing the RAN's capabilities and enhancing interoperability with other navies. Her operational life was not only limited to military engagements; she also contributed to search and rescue operations and humanitarian missions in the region.

Decommissioning and Legacy

HMAS Swan was decommissioned on 13 September 1996. In a unique transformation from a naval vessel to a dive wreck, Swan was scuttled off the coast of Western Australia near Dunsborough in December 1997. The ship now serves as an artificial reef, attracting a diverse range of marine life and offering a unique underwater experience for recreational divers. This second life as a dive site has not only contributed to the local tourism industry but also serves as a living museum, preserving the legacy of HMAS Swan for future generations.

See Also

• Royal Australian Navy
• River-class destroyer escort
• Anti-submarine warfare