Definition
HMAS Hobart is the name assigned to three commissioned vessels of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), each named after Hobart, the capital city of Tasmania, Australia.
Overview
The vessels bearing the name HMAS Hobart have served in a variety of roles, ranging from World War II convoy escort to Cold‑War air‑defence operations and modern anti‑missile warfare. The three ships are:
- HMAS Hobart (D63) – a River‑class destroyer that entered service in 1939 and was active throughout World II.
- HMAS Hobart (DE 94) – a Perth‑class guided‑missile destroyer commissioned in 1965, operating until 2000.
- HMAS Hobart (DDG 39) – the lead ship of the Hobart‑class air‑warfare destroyers, commissioned in 2017 and currently in active service.
Collectively, these vessels have earned multiple battle honours, including Atlantic 1941, Mediterranean 1941, Pacific 1942–45, and Korea 1951–52 (the first two ships) and East Timor 1999 (the second ship).
Etymology/Origin
The name “Hobart” originates from the Tasmanian city, which itself was named after Robert Hobart, 4th Earl of Buckinghamshire, who served as Secretary of State for War and the Colonies in the early 19th century. The Royal Australian Navy traditionally names its warships after Australian cities and towns, reflecting national geography and heritage.
Characteristics
| Ship | Class | Displacement | Length (m) | Armament (selected) | Service Entry – Decommission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HMAS Hobart (D63) | River‑class destroyer (originally a Royal Navy “H”‑class) | ≈1,730 t full load | 115.8 | 4 × 4.7 in (120 mm) guns, torpedo tubes, depth‑charge throwers | 1939 – 1947 |
| HMAS Hobart (DE 94) | Perth‑class guided‑missile destroyer | ≈4,500 t full load | 133.5 | 1 × Mark 45 5‑inch gun, 2 × RIM‑7 Sea Sparrow missiles, 2 × Harpoon anti‑ship missiles, 2 × Mark 41 VLS (later upgraded), ASW torpedoes | 1965 – 2000 |
| HMAS Hobart (DDG 39) | Hobart‑class air‑warfare destroyer (Aegis Combat System) | ≈7,000 t full load | 147.0 | 1 × 5‑inch gun, 8 × RIM‑66 Standard missiles (via Mk 41 VLS), 8 × RIM‑162 ESSM, 2 × Harpoon missiles, 2 × Mk 46 torpedoes, advanced radar and electronic warfare suite | 2017 – present |
Notes:
- The displacement and dimensions cited for each vessel are derived from publicly released RAN specifications.
- Armament listings represent the primary combat systems at the time of commissioning; subsequent refits may have altered capabilities.
Related Topics
- Royal Australian Navy – the naval branch of the Australian Defence Force, responsible for operating the HMAS Hobart ships.
- Hobart, Tasmania – the capital city after which the vessels are named.
- Perth‑class destroyer – a class of guided‑missile destroyers built for the RAN in the 1960s, of which HMAS Hobart (DE 94) was a member.
- Hobart‑class destroyer – the contemporary class of air‑defence destroyers, featuring the Aegis combat system; HMAS Hobart (DDG 39) is the lead ship.
- Battle honours of the Royal Australian Navy – recognitions awarded to ships for participation in specific campaigns; the HMAS Hobart vessels have earned several such honours.