HMAS Brisbane : Combat Data Centre : Socket box

The socket box consists of a rectangular cast metal case, painted grey. On the front is a cast cover panel secured by four screws. On the front of the panel is an embossed inscription which reads: `Socket Box 19 way, NSN 5935-99-427-7449. On the lower left is also written ALAIG and on the lower right LM6M 1980. A cable on the front is attached via a metal connector, while a leashed cover hangs next to it. On the back of the unit are two holes for bolting it top the wall. Also written on the back is ALAIG LM6M 1980. At the base of the unit is another cable, attached via a small metal bracket. On either side of the cable are black rubber blanking plugs for additional cable points.

This component was removed from HMAS Brisbane after the ship was de-commissioned in 2001. The Socket box was fitted in the Combat Data Centre and was part of the ship's electrical system. HMAS Brisbane [II] was commissioned into the Royal Australian Navy in December 1967 and was the second vessel of that name to serve in the RAN. Known officially as DDG-41, Brisbane was the third of the RAN's American-built "Charles F. Adams" class guided-missiles destroyers. This class were the first major Australian warships designed and built in America, and were constructed by the Defoe Shipbuilding Co. The original complement of the Brisbane was 20 officers and over 300 sailors. Main armament was two 5-inch/54 calibre guns and anti-submarine torpedoes. The Ikara missile system was subsequently added. In later service the ship was known by the nick-name ‘the Steel Cat’. The HMAS Brisbane saw operational service in two conflicts. During the Vietnam War the ship undertook two tours of duty with the United States Seventh Fleet, in 1969 and again in 1971. The ship’s major task was to provide gunfire support for the land campaign. During the Gulf War (1990-91), Brisbane was one of four Australian warships to serve a tour in Gulf waters. The Brisbane arrived in the Gulf in December 1990 and operated there until March 1991, performing a number of roles. Apart from contributing to the anti-aircraft defences in the carrier screen, the ship also kept watch for mines and ensured that small civilian craft kept well away from the carrier group. Later, during Operation Desert Storm, the Brisbane controlled fighter combat air patrols and tanker aircraft. The ship’s final role was as an escort for US replenishment ships. In 2003 HMAS Brisbane was retired from service in the Royal Australian Navy. The Brisbane was the last steam powered ship in the RAN. HMAS Brisbane was sunk as a recreational dive wreck off the coast of southern Queensland in July 2005.