RAN commissions HMAS Canberra
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has commissioned its first Landing Helicopter Dock, HMAS Canberra, in a ceremony held at Garden Island, Sydney, marking the vessel’s entry into the RAN fleet.
HMAS Canberra is one of two LHDs built for the RAN by Spanish shipbuilder Navantia and BAE Systems – Maritime. The second vessel, NUSHIP Adelaide, is expected to be commissioned in 2016.
The new 27,000 tonne vessel will bring the RAN advanced amphibious assault capabilities, with deck space for six medium-size helicopters such as the MRH 90 Taipan or Black Hawk, and the capacity to support a mix of helicopter operations ranging from the smaller Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopter through to the much larger CH-47 Chinook heavy lift helicopters.
David Johnston, Defence Minister, said: ‘HMAS Canberra incorporates lessons learnt from recent operations in East Timor and the Solomon Islands. This LHD is a true multi-purpose warship ideally configured to carry out humanitarian assistance or transport an embarked force complete with their equipment and aviation assets for a peacekeeping mission.
‘These two ships together will be able land a force of more than 2000 personnel by helicopter and water craft, along with all their weapons, ammunition, vehicles and stores.’
Both LHDs will have advanced medical facilities including operating theatres, an eight bed Critical Care Unit, a variety of wards, pathology and radiology services, an x-ray, pharmacy and dental facilities.
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