HMAS Diamantina (K377)

HMAS "Diamantina" (K377) was a River class frigate that served the Royal Australian Navy from 1944-1946.

She was named for the Diamantina River in Queensland and was one of twelve River class frigates built for the RAN during World War II.

Construction

"Diamantina" was laid down on 12 April 1943 at Walkers Ltd., Maryborough. She was launched on 6 April 1944 and commissioned into the RAN at Hervey Bay, Queensland on 27 April 1945 carrying pennant number K377. Her first commanding officer was Cmdr. G.M. Rose.

Operational history

"Diamantina" saw several months war-time service in the RAN before the Surrender of Japan. She was paid off to reserve on 9 August 1946, but was recommissioned as an oceanographic survey ship on 22 June 1959.

As an oceanographic survey ship "Diamantina" was responsible for discovering the deepest point in the Indian Ocean in 1961, which was named Diamantina Trench. She carried the pennant numbers F377, A266, and GOR266 at various points throughout her career.

Preservation

"Diamantina" paid off from the RAN on 29 February 1980, and was the last World War II-era frigate to serve Australia. "Diamantina" was handed over to the Queensland Maritime Museum where she was permanently berthed in the drydock located on the Brisbane River. In March 2006, "Diamantina" was towed out into the river to allow repairs to the dock, which had been flooded since the seals failed in 1998. As of July 2006, she has been returned to the dry dock adjacent to the Queensland Maritime Museum, where she is used as a self-touring museum ship.

References

* [http://www.navy.gov.au/HMAS_Diamantina_(I) RAN website for HMAS "Diamantina" I]
* [http://www.hnsa.org/ships/diamantina.htm HNSA Web Page: HMAS Diamantina]
* [http://www.maritimemuseum.com.au/ Queensland Maritime Museum website]

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