By Graham Davis

HMAS Hobart Revisited (Mpeg Video 3.26Mb)

HMAS Hobart’s final CO CAPT Peter Murray and OIC of the Maritime Warfare Training Centre LCDR Jaye Harris, plus divers from Green Ghost Dive Charters inspect the algal growth on Hobart’s five-inch gun.

A view from the stern where HMAS Hobart was scuttled in South Australia

When he was the commanding officer of HMAS Hobart, CAPT Peter Murray had to regularly carry out “captain’s rounds”.

These involved checking the compartments of his ship and inspecting personnel. He did the “rounds” again on Hobart a few weeks ago, this time wearing scuba gear.

Hobart (CAPT Murray was her last CO), was scuttled as a dive site in 29 metres of water in Lady Bay, South Australia, just over a year ago.
Older sister HMAS Perth was already a dive site in Albany.

Her younger sister, HMAS Brisbane, is alongside the old HMAS Platypus wharf in Sydney awaiting her future – likely to be a dive site off Queensland.

Normally it is illegal for divers to enter sunken wrecks in Australian waters.

However, because the three warships are destined for tourist-attracting dive locations, they have been stripped of much machinery and any polluting fluids.

Hatches have been enlarged, all doors removed and obstructions which could entangle a diver, eliminated.

In addition, holes have been cut in bulkheads and decks to allow easy access to open water.

Despite this there are many fittings left intact.

In Hobart a diver can sit in CAPT Murray’s bridge chair or even take a rest in the rack in the CO’s sea cabin.

One of the SPG 51C fire control radars remains aft and both mounts have their barrels mounted.

The operations room contains the skeletons of the multi-function display consoles.

Number one engine is open for inspection.

As part of underwater filming for a documentary being produced by Skinner Production House, CAPT Murray donned scuba gear recently and did “captain’s rounds”.

LCDR Jaye Harris, the OIC of the Maritime Warfare Training Centre and a keen recreational diver, assisted CAPT Murray in the inspection by reporting on the condition of deeper compartments.

Four dives were done over two days, utilising the services of Green Ghost Dive Charters.

All members of the dive and film team held a combined de-brief, utilising underwater footage taken as part of the documentary.

As can be seen from the still images taken during the dive and supplied thanks to Greg Adams of the Adelaide Advertiser, the marine growth on Hobart in just 12 months, is significant.

Figures provided by the Fleurieu Reef Economic Development Officer indicate the extremely positive benefits to tourism in the region that the sinking of Hobart has provided.

CAPT Murray is now Commander Amphibious Task Group.

Divers “assume command” from the bridge of HMAS Hobart.
The “Green Ghost”, HMAS Hobart, is scuttled off Lady Bay in South Australia on November 5, 2002.	One of the divers gets up close and personal with the ship’s algal growth.	2000 Maritime Commander RADM John Lord accepts HMAS Hobart’s White Ensign from the then CO CMDR (now CAPT) Peter Murray.	HMAS Hobart’s first CO Guy Griffiths (ret’d) during a recent ANZAC Day service.
Photo courtesy South Australian Tourism		Photo: LSPH Phillip Hunt

 

FACT FILE – HMAS Hobart

Bow number 39

Charles F Adams class ,700-tonne guided missile destroyer

Laid down at the Defoe Shipbuilding Co. yard in the US in October 1962

Launched in January 1964 and commissioned on December 18, 1965

Decommissioned on May 12, 2000

With sister ships HMAS Perth (No.38) and HMAS Brisbane (No.41), Hobart was an impressive high-speed steam-driven warship carrying Standard and Harpoon missiles, two five-inch guns and two Phalanx close-in weapons

Served in Vietnam 1967, 1968 and 1970. Was first ship to help with Cyclone Tracy. Won Gloucester Cup eight times

She carried 330 officers and sailors

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