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Naval Forces News - Australia |
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| Royal
Australian Navy HMAS Choules passes first capability test |
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The
Royal Australian Navy’s new amphibious ship HMAS Choules has successfully
completed its first major amphibious training tasks. Navy and Army have
come together during the last three weeks for the amphibious exercises
SQUADEX and SEA LION. Exercise SQUADEX provided practice for drivers
of Army and Navy landing craft along with a variety of vehicle types
as they drive on and off HMAS Choules.
HMAS Choules is significantly larger than the amphibious ships she replaced
and gives the ADF new capabilities such as a floating dock.
The internal docking facility (or well dock) can be flooded to
a depth of up to three metres so landing craft and the ship’s
own landing barges actually drive inside the hull while the ship is
at sea, taking on their cargo of vehicles and people in safe and controlled
conditions.
Army Blackhawk helicopter pilots from 5 Aviation Regiment have also
put the ship to the test, flying constant sorties to confirm their deck
landing qualifications and practice cargo and personnel transfers.
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An Army Landing Craft Medium (LCM8) makes its approach to the stern
door of HMAS Choules to conduct amphibious boat operations during Exercise
SQUADEX 2012.
(picture: Royal Australian Navy)
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For exercise SEA LION, HMAS Choules was joined by
the New Zealand amphibious ship HMNZS Canterbury, Australian Army personnel
from Townsville’s 3rd Brigade and planning staff from all three
services around Australia. This exercise focused on ensuring the ADF
is prepared for a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief incident
in our region.
HMAS Choules’ Commanding Officer, Commander John Cowan, said Choules
had the capacity to conduct simultaneous landing craft and helicopter
operations, day and night, to support humanitarian and disaster relief
operations.
“Using Choules’ well dock to move personnel and equipment
ashore allows a significant increase in the speed of transfer compared
with the Navy’s previous Landing Platform Amphibious ships,”
Commander Cowan said.
Choules has a crew of 158 officers and sailors, including a permanently
embarked Ships Army Department of 22. The ship can accommodate two large
helicopters, 150 light trucks and 350 troops.
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