The Tribals built in Australia were based on their British counterparts design, save that X Turret was a Twin 4 Inch in lieu of the 4.7 Inch Turret mounted in the Royal Navy Ships.

Original plans were for a total of 8 Tribal Class to be constructed at Australian Naval Dockyards. Onl.y three of these were to be completed. HMA Ships
Arunta, Bataan and Warramunga.

Cockatoo Island Dockyard was the birthplace of these three 'super' destroyers

These ships were quite powerful for their size, able to reach speeds of up to 36 knots, shipping 6x4.7 Inch and 2x4 Inch Gun Turrets, they were to provide substantial anti ship, air and submarine capabilities. They were seen as a good substitute for Cruisers on convoy escort work.

Towards the end of the war in 1945 both Arunta and Warramunga exchanged their 6x20mm Oerlikons for 6x40mm Bofors (all single mountings), plus four 2 pounder Pom Poms.

Arunta and Warramunga carried out many varied duties in WW2 including escort and naval guinfire support roles. In 1945 Bataan was one of nine RAN Ships that attended the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay. (USS Missouri).

HMA Ships Bataan and Warramunga also saw active service during the Korean War in the 1950's. During this period Arunta and Warramunga were converted to Anti-Submarine Destroyers (in a limited fashion) from 1950 until November 1952. These changes included new masts and radar. Reomal of Y Turret, replaced by 3 barrelled Squid Anti Submarine Mortar. The old Pom Pom Amidships was replaced with a Twin 40/60 Mounting.

Ship Specifications:

Displacement (Tons): 2,700
Length (feet): 377.6
Beam: 36.6
Draught: 15.6
Machinery: Pasrons geared Turbines, twin screws, 44,000 shp
Speed (knots): 36
Range (Miles): 5,700 @ 15 Knots
Complement: 261

Armament:

Arunta & Warramunga - 6x4.7inch, 2x4inch, 1x2pdr Pom Pom, 6x20mm Oerlikon Cannon, 4x21 Inch Torpedo Tubes, 2xDCTs.

Bataan - 6x4.7inch, 2x4inch, 1x2pdr Pom Pom, 6x40/60 Bofors, 4x21 Inch Torpedo Tubes, 2xDCTs.

HMAS ARUNTA