HMAS Brisbane : Headset/intercom unit with cables attached

The headset and intercom unit consists of two sections ' a metal framed adjustable headset with a pair of padded ear-phones and a chest set consisting of microphone attached to an angled bracket and plate, which can be placed around the neck of the wearer using an adjustable strap. The headset is black, with moveable ear-pieces and adjustable head-size options. The ear-pieces have the company name Dynalec Corporation pressed into them. The top of the headset is covered with black mesh material and slightly padded. The headset is connected via two (2) cables, one from each side of the headset, to the base of the microphone unit, which is contained within a piece of black, circular rubber. A nomenclature plate on the unit reads `Type H-200/U Sound Powered Headset-chest set. NSN5965-00-900-6401, Dynalec Corp.' This rubber unit is attached to a piece of black metal, which is shaped like a simplified butterfly. Two brackets attached to the side of this metal assembly hold in place the actual microphone mouthpiece, which has approx. 45 degrees of movement. A third cable, running from the rubber base of the unit to the microphone mouthpiece connects the two. On the back of the microphone mouthpieces is imprinted the company name `Dynalec Corporation'. A long black cable is protruding from the base of the rubber unit with a grey plastic and metal plug at the end.

This component was removed from HMAS Brisbane after the ship was de-commissioned in 2001. The headset is part of the ship's internal communication equipment. 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.