HMAS Vampire (D11)

HMAS Vampire (D11) was a ''Daring''-class destroyer that served as a flagship of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Commissioned in 1959, she was the last conventionally-powered destroyer in Australian service and had a long career spanning the Cold War. The ship is now preserved as a museum ship at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney.

Design and description

The design was based on the British ''Daring''-class, modified for Australian conditions with increased air conditioning and different radar fits. *Vampire* displaced 2,800 tons standard and over 3,600 tons at full load, with a length of 390 feet. Her propulsion was provided by two Foster Wheeler boilers feeding English Electric steam turbines, driving two propellers for a top speed of over 30 knots. Primary armament consisted of six 4.5-inch guns in three twin turrets, supplemented by later upgrades including an Ikara anti-submarine warfare system and modern fire-control systems.

Construction and career

Ordered in 1946, *Vampire* was built at Cockatoo Island Dockyard in Sydney Harbour, with her keel laid in 1952 and launching in 1956. She was commissioned into the RAN in June 1959, joining the Australian Fleet. Early service included flag showing deployments throughout Southeast Asia and participation in the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation. During the Vietnam War, *Vampire* conducted gunfire support missions off the coast of South Vietnam and served as an escort for the aircraft carrier HMAS *Sydney*. The destroyer also participated in major regional exercises like Exercise Sea Eagle and represented Australia at international events, including the New York World Fair in 1964.

In the 1970s, *Vampire* underwent a major modernization refit, receiving the Ikara system and new radar. She served as the flagship of the Australian Defence Force from 1977 until her decommissioning, a role that included hosting Queen Elizabeth II during the 1988 Bicentennial celebrations. Her final commanding officer was Captain Peter Sinclair, who later became Governor of New South Wales. *Vampire* was decommissioned at Fleet Base East in August 1986 after 27 years of service.

Fate

Following decommissioning, *Vampire* was transferred to the Australian National Maritime Museum in 1987 for preservation. She was berthed permanently at the museum's wharf in Darling Harbour, Sydney, opening to the public in 1991. The ship is maintained as a museum ship and forms a central part of the museum's fleet, alongside vessels like HMAS *Onslow* and a replica of HMS *Endeavour*. *Vampire* is listed on the Australian Register of Historic Vessels and remains the largest museum warship in Australia.