BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Mar 8 (NNN-BBNEWS) – Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, yesterday, conducted a working visit to the Australian Collins Class Submarine, HMAS Dechaineux, which is the first submarine to dock in Brunei, from Mar 7-9.
Upon arrival at the Muara Commercial Wharf, the Prince was welcomed by the Chief of Navy of the Royal Australian Navy, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan, High Commissioner of Australia to Brunei, Nicola Rosenblum, and Commanding Officer of HMAS Dechaineux, Commander Brad Francis.
The tour began with a safety briefing delivered by Commander Brad. The Prince then boarded the submarine and visited the Senior Sailors Mess, Control Room, Weapon Storage Compartment, Junior Sailors Mess, Motor Generator Room, and Machinery Control Room.
The HMAS Dechaineux, which is based at Fleet Base West in Western Australia, is the fourth Collins Class submarine that was commissioned for service in the Royal Australian Navy on Feb 23, 2001.
The submarine is capable of accommodating 38 sailors and 10 officers, and is one of the first submarines designed with computers. The submarine also boasts a range of features including a high-performance hull form, highly automated controls, high shock resistance and an efficient weapons handling and discharge system.– NNN-BBNEWS
