PN personnel for Aussie-donated ships now in Australia

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 2): PN personnel for Aussie-donated ships now in Australia

Ten Philippine Navy (PN) personnel have already flown to Australia to pick up the two LCHs (landing craft heavy) earlier donated to the country by the Australian government last January.

This was disclosed by PN public affairs office chief Cmdr. Lued Lincuna in a message to the PNA Thursday.

"Ten personnel departed for Cairns, Australia last June 29. They will compose the initial sailing crew for training and logistic support (of the two LCHs)," he added.

Lincuna said the ships are expected to arrive before the end of July or first week of August at the latest.

These LCHs are named the HMAS Tarakan and HMAS Brunei in the Royal Australian Navy service.

The two LCHs were decommissioned from Australian service at a ceremony in Cairns last Nov. 19, 2014.

LCHs are an extremely versatile vessel, capable of moving large amounts of cargo, personnel and equipment from larger ships to shore.

A very shallow draft (two meters) allows these ships to deliver personnel and equipment to areas otherwise unreachable especially during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations (HADR).

It is an all-welded twin-screw vessel, able to trans-ship cargo and supplies from ships lying offshore to water terminals or across the beach.

Maximum cargo load is governed by the load-fuel balance and varies between 140 and 180 tons.

A typical load of 175 ton gives the LCHs a range of 1,300 nautical miles, increasing to 2,280 nautical miles for a load of 150 tons.

Up to five shipping containers with HADR supplies and equipment can also be embarked.

LCHs have a draft of two meters, length of 44.5 meters, beam of 10.1 meters and displacement of 364 tons.

It has a speed to 10 to 13 knots and a range of 3,000 nautical miles and a crew of 15.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=778375