Collins Class Sub in dry dock

[Desertraptor]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1092/816500934_ac6511ec1d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/desertraptor/816500934/)

Not an easy subject considering the foreground clutter. I almost didn't post.

[wrxflame]

I got my number plate taken by security and I was just showing my young lad the sub at the same access point you were taking this photo....I got narky with the guy!

Little did he know I work on the base all the time and have been in just about every area...including the bloody sub ;)

I know...he was just doing his job and that kid might have been a decoy.

[Desertraptor]

Been on board too a few years back. Waller I think it was. I'm looking to get back there when the AWD program hots up.

I was asked not to take shots at another less classified location just minutes before.

[hopmedic]

Wow - the boat seems so small... I was a nuclear power plant operator on a Sturgeon class fast attack sub in the US Navy. And yes, submariners are VERY protective of pictures being taken of their boats.

[Desertraptor]

Thanks Rich,
This boat is on 77 metres long. A baby compared to a LA boat and less to an Ohio.But apparently a very capable little thing.

See link for more info HMAS Collins (http://www.navy.gov.au/ships/collins/default.html)

[hopmedic]

I guess it's not that much smaller than my boat was. Mine wasn't much under 300 feet - exact number is probably still classified, though the ship was decommissioned in 94 - I'm not sure if there are any of the class left. 300 feet would be like 89 meters. Still, the shape of it must be why it looks so small to me.

[Desertraptor]

I think the US has only LA boats now and have decommisioned a lot of them too.
New Virginia and Seawofl class boats have been commisioned.
24 Ohios have been rebirthed as SSG as well

I guess times change