The Western Australian Museum acknowledges and respects the Traditional Owners of their ancestral lands, waters and skies.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this digital guide may include images, sounds, and names of now deceased persons.

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HMAS Ovens submarine

HMAS Ovens

The Oberon class Submarine HMAS Ovens is an authentic Cold War-era vessel situated on Fremantle's historic World War Two submarine slipway.

This exhibit serves as a living memorial to submariners and those who gave their lives while serving from Fremantle during World War Two.

Deep Dives

Two of the submarine tour group look out at the water from the top of the Ovens submarine.

See you next time

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An open hatch to the outside has a ladder coming down. There is a shabby couch and table on the far wall.

Using resources wisely

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Many square and circular dials mounted in two grey metal panels. Labels read, for example, "Bus Bar Volts," "Speed Group Indicator," and "Port Blower Motor."

The Motor Room

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A very narrow walkway between two large engines. Many dials are all over the engines, the closest one reads "Keel depth in feet."

The Engine Room

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A very bare-bones shower stall with metal taps and shower head on a hose.

No ensuites for the crew

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Toilet with wooden lid and seat in a tiny stall.

The Ship's Heads

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Two large old glass tube computer screens with panels of many buttons.

Weapons Control

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The submarine's periscope has been stowed away, so its thick metal piston is in its place.

The Control Room

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A row of cramped bunks, stacked three high with thin blue mattresses. There are straps like seatbelts across them for securing the crew in rough conditions.

Junior Sailors Mess

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A cramped submarine compartment with four torpedo tubes, and an orange protective suit with face shield hanging from the ceiling.

Torpedoes

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A smiling woman on the submarine tour descends a ladder down into the submarine.

Down the Hatch

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The Ovens submarine looms in the background as tour participants listen to the volunteer guide.

Welcome to HMAS Ovens

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In a display case are some models of submarines, below them is a very long strip of white fabric with red stripes. This is the pennant.

Our Cold War hero - HMAS Ovens

Model of HMAS Ovens

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In a display case are some models of submarines, below them is a very long strip of white fabric with red stripes. This is the pennant.

Our Cold War Hero - HMAS Ovens

HMAS Ovens paying off pennant

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A bright silver bell labelled HMS Ovens 1969.

Our Cold War hero - HMAS Ovens

HMAS Ovens - the vessel's bell

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HMAS Ovens submarine

HMAS ovens