Fish-class torpedo recovery vessel
The Fish class was a ship class of three torpedo recovery vessels previously operated by Defence Maritime Services (DMS). Design and constructionThe class was ordered in 1969 as replacements for World War II-era torpedo recovery vessels.[1] The vessels each had a full load displacement of 94 long tons (96 t), a length of 26.8 metres (88 ft), a beam of 6.1 metres (20 ft), and a draught of 1.1 metres (3 ft 7 in).[2] Propulsion machinery consisted of three GM V8 diesels, which supplied 890 horsepower (660 kW) to the three propeller shafts.[2][1] Top speed was 9.5 knots (17.6 km/h; 10.9 mph), and the vessels had an endurance of 63 hours at 8 knots (15 km/h; 9.2 mph).[1][2] Each Fish-class vessel could recover up to eight torpedoes via a watertight stern gate.[2][1] They were unarmed, and their sensor suite was limited to an I-band navigational radar.[2] Nine personnel made up the crew.[2] All three vessels were built at Williamstown Dockyard for the Royal Australian Navy between January 1970 and April 1971.[3][2] Operational historyOriginally identified only by the numbers 253–255, the vessels were named in 1983 and renumbered 801–803.[1] On entering service, TRV 253 was assigned to the target range at Jervis Bay, while the other two vessels were attached to HMAS Waterhen in Sydney.[1] In addition to torpedo recovery, the boats were used as dive tenders and as training vessels for the Royal Australian Naval Reserve.[1] In 1988, the three vessels were sold[citation needed] to DMS.[4] As part of the company's role in providing maritime support for the RAN, the vessels were assigned to various bases: Tuna to nearby HMAS Creswell, Trevally remaining at Waterhen, while Tailor sailed to HMAS Stirling in Western Australia.[3] As of 2012, only Tailor remained in service.[2] As of 2018, Tailor was decommissioned and put up for sale to the public effectively ending the service of this class[5] Ships
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