HMAS Huon refers to two notable vessels in Royal Australian Navy (RAN) history, both named after the Huon River in Tasmania. The name is most commonly associated with HMAS Huon (M 82), the lead ship of Australia’s Huon-class minehunter.
HMAS Huon (M 82) — Minehunter Coastal (1999–Present)
Commissioned on May 15, 1999, HMAS Huon (M 82) is the lead ship of six Huon-class minehunter coastal (MHC) vessels built for the RAN. Based on the Italian Gaeta-class minehunter design, the ship was constructed using a unique glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) hull designed to withstand underwater explosive shocks and remain non-magnetic.
Key Specifications & Design
| Feature | Details |
| Displacement | 720 tonnes (full load) |
| Length | 52.5 meters (172 ft) |
| Beam | 9.9 meters (32 ft) |
| Hull Material | Glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) monocoque |
| Speed | 14 knots (geared diesel); low-speed electric propulsion for minehunting |
| Armament | 1 × MSI-DS30B 30 mm cannon; 2 × .50 caliber machine guns |
| Specialized Sensors | Variable Depth Sonar (VDS) to locate moored and bottom mines |
| Countermeasures | Double Eagle ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicles) & clearance diving team |
Operational Capabilities
Shock & Magnetic Stealth: The hull has no magnetic signature, preventing the accidental detonation of naval mines.
Maneuverability: Equipped with bow and stern thrusted propulsors alongside retractable auxiliary propulsors, allowing the ship to hover in position against currents during mine clearance operations.
Clearance Operations: Deploys robotic vehicles equipped with searchlights and cameras to identify targets, dropping disposal charges to destroy underwater threats safely.
HMAS Huon (D53) — River-Class Destroyer (1914–1928)
The first vessel to bear the name was a River-class torpedo boat destroyer built at the Cockatoo Island Dockyard in Sydney and commissioned into service in February 1916 during World War I.
World War I Service: Deployed to the Mediterranean in 1917 as part of the RAN Destroyer Flotilla, performing anti-submarine patrols and convoy escort duties in the Adriatic and Mediterranean Seas.
Collision: In November 1917, HMAS Huon (D53) was involved in a collision with the British destroyer HMS Chaser, requiring extensive repairs in Genoa, Italy.
Decommissioning: Returned to Australia after the war, served in reserve roles, and was decommissioned in 1928 before being used as a target vessel off Sydney in 1931.