HMAS MANOORA to be decommissioned......

[CarlLinkenbagh]

I'll miss Fighting 52. I was posted to her in 2005 and had a great time.

In a bit over 11 years in servce, this beloved old battleaxe of ship has done more than we could have ever expected of her, and achieved some remarkable things. MANOORA's motto is "In War And Peace". She has certainly been there for Australia in both.

Despite my recent change to the newer Anzac class ships, I'm a born and bred LPA stoker. I learnt my job in the oily recesses of the enginerooms of these ships, and worked with some inspiring people. I started out as a Seaman and graduated a Petty Officer....and what a way to do it! Being an LPA stoker is totally different to just about every other platform. The plant is much larger, requires much more "hands on", and an "old school" approach to marine engineering than the other ships.

A lot of us have devoted a significant part of our working lives in keeping the LPAs operational. Me included, and I am still associated with them today. Some of us have been there from the beginning - serving on both KANIMBLA, MANOORA and in support positions ashore over the years - since MANOORA came out of Newcastle in November 1999. KANIMBLA joined her in service in December 2000.

In that time, these ships (and the people on them) have gone above and beyond to deliver what the Government has asked of them. In times of need, they have always risen to the challenge. Thats something that we are proud of.

It will be sad to see her go.

Source: http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/Smit ... ntId=11344

01 Feb 2011

Stephen Smith MP
Minister for Defence

Transition plan to Landing Helicopter Dock

Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today announced that HMAS Manoora would be decommissioned and that Defence would develop a new comprehensive plan to transition to the new Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) Ships.

HMAS Manoora

HMAS Manoora will be decommissioned on the advice of Chief of Navy.

The Manoora was placed on operational pause by the Seaworthiness Board in September last year.

An examination of the over 40 year old ship has revealed it requires remediation of significant hull corrosion and the replacement of both gear boxes.

This work would cost over $20 million and would take until April 2012 to complete.

The Manoora was scheduled to be decommissioned at the end of next year.

“That is not value for money for another nine months of service,” Mr Smith and Mr Clare said.

Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD):

HMAS Manoora and the Royal Australian Navy’s other amphibious support ships (HMAS Kanimbla and HMAS Tobruk) will be replaced by two Canberra Class LHDs, the largest Ships ever operated by the Royal Australian Navy.

Later this month (February 18) the hull of the first LHD will be launched in Spain where it has been constructed by Navantia.

The hull will arrive in Melbourne next year for further work to be completed at the Williamstown Shipyard before the LHD becomes operational in 2014. Australia’s second LHD will become operational the following year.

The LHDs are bigger than Australia’s last aircraft carrier. Each is 230 meters long and can carry a combined armed battlegroup of more than 1000 personnel, 100 armoured vehicles and 12 helicopters. Each also includes a 40-bed hospital.

“Stepping up to this new capability is going to require a lot of work by Navy,” Mr Smith said.

“It is very different to the ships we currently operate. One LHD will effectively replace the entire amphibious force we have today. It also has a number of capabilities, such as a floating dock that the Royal Australian Navy does not currently operate.

“Because of the decommissioning of the Manoora and the age of our other amphibious ships, I have asked Defence to present a new comprehensive plan for the transition towards the new LHDs.”

Transition plan:

“I have asked Defence to present me with options and recommendations to ensure the smooth transition to the LHD,” Mr Smith said.

This could include the lease or purchase Ships that would provide a platform to train and prepare for the LHDs, such as a Bay Class Ship from the UK Government.

If this option is taken up it could provide for the decommissioning of the HMAS Kanimbla or HMAS Tobruk to be brought forward.

HMAS Kanimbla was also placed on operational pause by the Seaworthiness Board last year. The Kanimbla is not now expected to be available for operations until mid-2012 and is currently scheduled to be decommissioned at the end of 2014.

HMAS Tobruk is currently being maintained at a 48 hours readiness posture in order to meet Australian Defence Force preparedness requirements.

The Tobruk will be required to dock this year to replace worn-out support bearings on a propeller shaft. She is due to be decommissioned at the end of 2012.

[MikeJames]

I understand that we have a team in the UK examining Largs Bay, the five year old amphib being paid off by the RN as part of the defence cuts.

I would be very surprised if we buy it, given the Commonwealth's strained finances, however it would provide useful support to the LPA's and allow Tobruk to pay off early, thus saving some serious coin there.

Mike

[MikeJames]

HMAS Manoora decommissioning

What: Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Manoora will decommission after 17 years of dedicated service at her homeport of Garden Island, Sydney.

When: 9:45am for a 10:00am commencement on Friday 27 May 2011

Where: Media wanting to attend the welcoming should arrive no later than 09:45 am at the Garden Island Pass Office, Cowper Wharf Rd, Woolloomooloo, New South Wales for escort to the arrival wharf. Photo identification will be required.

Who: Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Russ Crane, AO, CSM, RAN, Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral S.R. Gilmore, AM, CSC, RAN and Commanding Officer HMAS Manoora Commander Stephen Dryden, RAN.

Note: Commander Dryden will be available for interview following the conclusion of the ceremony.

Royal Australian Navy Landing Platform Amphibious (LPA), HMAS Manoora will be decommissioned at a traditional ceremony in Sydney.

During her 17 years of service, Manoora has effectively provided amphibious and sea lift capability in humanitarian aid and disaster missions, non-combat evacuation operations, border protection, exercises and active service.