LSAWA Greg Curè (left) and LSMT PAUL ROSS from HMAS DFECHAINEUX visit the plaque remembering CAPT E.F.V. Dechaineux. CAPT Dechaineux, who was born in Launceston, was in command of HMAS AUSTRALIA when the ship was attacked by kamikazi aircraft. Initially wounded in the attack, he later died of the injuries he received.

As the thick fog lifted to reveal the splendour of the Tamar Valley, the lookout turned to the officer of the watch and casually remarked, "It's good to be here".

Following a week-long passage from FBW, HMAS DECHAINEUX had indeed arrived at Launceston.

Aside from being DECHAINEUX's first port visit since commissioning earlier this year, it was also the first time a Collins Class submarine had ever visited Launceston.

The significance of the visit extended a step further, as the submarine's namesake, CAPT Emile Frank Verlaine Dechaineux DSC RAN was born there on October 3, 1902. At the age of 13, he entered the Royal Australian Naval College as a cadet.

The highlight of the visit was the adoption and granting of Freedom of Entry into the City of Launceston, with a touching ceremony held in the civic square where the submarine's commissioning lady, Mrs Mary Purbrick and widow of the late CAPT Dechaineux were both present.

The visit also created great interest amongst the residents and local media, with nearly 1000 people queueing in cold weather and drizzle to inspect and go aboard 'their' submarine.

By LEUT John Tha