Defence Update — RAN LSTs

The THSS mod project will close an Australian Defence Force (ADF) capability gap by providing an amphibious lift for the lodgement from sea into a non-developed port or site of 450 Australian Army troops using helicopters and landing craft; and also training for junior RAN officers, in particular Seamen Officer Application Courses (SEAAC).

The original Kanimbla and Manoora were Australian coastal passenger ships built in 1935 which became RAN armed merchant cruisers early in World War 2. They were converted to LSIs (Landing Ships Infantry) in 1943 and took part in amphibious operations in the Pacific theatre, and then in repatriation tasks in the postwar era.

USS Fairfax County was sailed 8500nm (15,750km) from the US Navy base at Norfolk, Virginia to Sydney by her US Navy crew in August/September 1994, decommissioned in Sydney on September 27, and commissioned into the RAN as HMAS Manoora on November 25 that year. USS Saginaw was commissioned HMAS Kanimbla at the US Navy base at Norfolk on August 29 and brought to Sydney by an RAN crew in October/November 1994.

The acquisition followed ADF investigations into enhancing the capability which has been provided by the amphibious assault ship, HMAS Tobruk, and the need for a training role due to the early retirement of HMAS Jervis Bay. The Newport Class landing ships were recommended as the best option because of their diesel propulsion system, inherent helicopter capability, large cargo capacity and accommodation suitable for embarking trainees or Army personnel.

The modification work will enhance the ships’ capability to a base standard to allow them to operate in either the training or amphibious support roles. Other enhancements may be considered at a later stage.

The modification work is expected to be carried out through until about mid-1997, with the vessels becoming operational with the RAN on completion of acceptance trials expected to be held in the second half of 1997. Hull life has been assessed at up to 20 years. (HMAS Kanimbla arriving in Sydney in November 1994. Defence PR)

ADI Ltd (Australian Defence Industries) has already undertaken some refit work including hull surveys and the removal of ship-to-shore ramps at Garden Island, Sydney, firstly on Manoora and more lately on Kanimbla prior to the modification task getting underway at Newcastle.

Manoora has only a skeleton crew of about 40 and is to be towed to Newcastle in what is known as a “cold move”. Kanimbla, however, has a full crew of about 178 (19 officers), and has operated in the training role while the contract was being sorted out. The crew mostly came from the training ship HMAS Jervis Bay, which decommissioned on April 18, 1994.

The two surplus Newport Class LSTs acquired by the RAN were named Saginaw and Fairfax County. They displace 8675 tonnes fully loaded, measure 159 metres in length and have a beam of 21.2 metres. They have a top speed of 22kt (41km/h) and when converted will have a range in excess of 10,000km at an average speed of 14kt (26km/h).

The primary Capability Proposals (CPs) include replacing the AN/SPS-10 and AN/SPS-64 radars with Kelvin Hughes 1007 F and I band radars, and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) MkXII systems.

There are to be three helicopter flightdecks capable of operating Black Hawk type helicopters, one forward of the superstructure and two aft. These would allow for simultaneous operations of three Army Black Hawks, or options of one Navy Sea King and one Black Hawk; or, on an occasional basis, one Army medium lift Chinook and one Black Hawk.

The program calls for the removal of the bow derrick arms (bull horns) and machinery associated with the bow ramp to make room for fitting a forward flightdeck, or alternatively stowage of two LCM8s landing craft. A 66 tonne crane is to be fitted to launch and recover LCM8s in Sea State 2. The ships’ existing boats and boat handling equipment will also be removed and replaced with two 7.3 metre long Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) and a dedicated davit.

The forward flightdeck is to be capable of day and night helicopter operations in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) and Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC). The twin helicopter pads aft are to support day and night operations of up to two medium sized helicopters in VMC and IMC. Bilge keels are to be fitted to reduce the amplitude of the ship’s roll, and existing roll tanks and the fuel/ballasting system refined.

The mods include increasing the stowage of aviation fuel for the helicopters from 71 to possibly about 255 tonnes, and improving the aviation fuel distribution arrangements.

The work also requires modifying the accommodation mainly to enable mixed gender crewing, including when an embarked Army force is aboard. There will be additional messes for the senior ship’s company and as required, Army NCOs.

The provision is understood to be for a minimum of 650 bunks, with 450 required for the Army’s embarked force.

Other requirements include a helicopter shelter capable of holding four Black Hawks and protecting them from the elements. There will be a facility for minimal maintenance.

A special feature will be a Level 3 medical facility capable of undertaking initial wound surgery and provision of hospitalisation for medium and high density nursing of the wounded, sick and injured arising from support operations undertaken by the Army force and units to which the ship is providing logistic support.

Three dual-use compartments are to be built to provide a Classroom/Debriefing room for 30 personnel, a chartroom with 15 tables, and a general purpose room when the ships are operating as training vessels.

These compartments will provide a briefing room and Joint Force Headquarters when the ships are used for amphibious operations. Such a deployed operational HQ will require a basic command, control and communications system. The system will use a combination of fixed and portable systems and will allow for progressive upgrades. It will include LAN, HF and VHF Raven combat net radios, UHF Parakeet secure tactical trunk communications system and AUSTACCS (the Australian Army’s Command Support System) work stations.

There is a requirement for an elevator to allow the movement of vehicles, helicopters and cargo between the aft flightdecks and the deck cargo space on 3 Deck.

A side door and ramp is to be fitted to enable Army vehicles to embark and disembark under their own power from the 3 Deck cargo space to and from an alongside berth when the ships are berthed parallel to a wharf.

The vessels’ existing boilers are to be replaced with automatic units. An important aspect will be to increase the capacity to make potable water to support the demand for increased berths, hospital requirements and helicopter washdown facilities.

The packages also look at modifying or replacing the Combined Holding Tank (CHT) sewage system to cope with extended operations in the Great Barrier Reef and territorial waters, and also meet the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution at Sea and other statutory and regulatory bodies. There is also a requirement for a training bridge to enable practical navigation training and assessment of Junior Naval Officers.

Prime contractor, Forgacs Engineering, is being supported by Transfield Defence Systems who is handling the project management and design areas.

Footnote: The US Navy downsizing which led to the two LSTs being available for purchase by Australia in 1994 also has led to other surplus LSTs being leased to other countries. Barnstable County is leased to Spain, Bristol County to Morocco, and Cayuga to Brazil.