Commissioned in 1978, HMAS Otama was the last of the Oberon-class submarines to enter service with the Royal Australian Navy. Built in Scotland, Otama was fitted with modifications for intelligence gathering, including advanced electronic surveillance equipment. She played a significant role in covert operations during the latter years of the Cold War, conducting patrols and collecting intelligence in the Asia-Pacific region. Otama’s missions were often classified, but she contributed to Australia’s understanding of regional naval activities and enhanced the RAN’s ability to operate undetected in contested waters.
Otama served until 2000, making her the last Oberon-class submarine to be decommissioned in Australia. After decommissioning, plans were made to preserve her as a museum ship in Victoria; however, she remained moored at Western Port for many years, with her future uncertain. Sadly, she was ultimately scrapped after a prolonged period of awaiting preservation never materialised. Despite this, Otama is remembered for her service during a pivotal era in naval history, and her story highlights the critical role of submarines in intelligence, surveillance, and national defence.
