HMS Opossum (S19) was an Oberon-class submarine operated by the Royal Navy from 1964 until 1993. The Oberon class was a development of the Porpoise class, featuring similar external dimensions but incorporating advancements in equipment, internal fittings, and a higher grade of steel for the pressure hull. The vessel measured 241 feet (73 meters) between perpendiculars and 295.2 feet (90 meters) overall, with a beam of 26.5 feet (8.1 meters) and a draught of 18 feet (5.5 meters). Its displacement was 1,610 tons at standard load, increasing to 2,030 tons when surfaced at full load, and 2,410 tons when submerged. Powered by two Admiralty Standard Range 16 VMS diesel generators and two 3,000 shaft horsepower electric motors, HMS Opossum could reach speeds of up to 17 knots submerged and 12 knots on the surface. Its armament included eight 21-inch torpedo tubes—six forward and two aft—capable of carrying a total of 24 torpedoes. The submarine was equipped with Type 186 and Type 187 sonar systems and an I-band surface search radar, supporting its tactical operations. The typical crew comprised 68 personnel, including six officers. Constructed by Cammell Laird, HMS Opossum was laid down on 21 December 1961, launched on 23 May 1963, and commissioned on 5 June 1964. Throughout her service, she participated in notable events including a two-day visit to Pitcairn Island during the 1990 bicentennial celebrations. She also played a role in the 1991 Gulf War, deployed to the Persian Gulf under Operation Granby, where she was involved in deploying and recovering Special Air Service and Special Boat Service personnel—evidenced by her flying a Jolly Roger upon return. HMS Opossum's service ended in 1993, following a collision with the fishing vessel Amber Rose off the coast of Scotland while on the surface. Her nameplate was subsequently presented to St Edmundsbury council in honor of her connection to Bury St. Edmunds. The submarine’s legacy is also symbolized in the heraldic crest of Admiral Lord Boyce, a former commanding officer, featuring a mouse opossum and the motto "Ipsis Fretis Impedimentis Possum."

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.