Following the loss of the Australian-built "Daring"-class destroyer in a collision with the aircraft carrier on 10 February 1964, both the United Kingdom and the United States offered to loan ships to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) as a temporary replacement; the Royal Navy offering "Duchess" or while the United States Navy offered two destroyers: US Ships and . The Admiralty suggested "Defender" because she had just completed a major modernisation, and "Duchess" because her location in South East Asia meant she could be handed over quickly. "Duchess" was seen as the more favourable vessel for the British offer: in addition to the proximity, the ship was due to undergo refit in June, and doing so while in Australian hands meant the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) could make any modifications they felt necessary. Unlike "Duchess", "Defender"s internal electrics were configured for DC power, and the ship lacked air-conditioning.