The Philippine Navy (PN)'s humanitarian assistance and
disaster relief (HADR) capabilities will be greatly boosted with the
commissioning of the three ex-Australian landing craft heavies (LCHS) this
coming June 1.
"With their capability of moving large amounts of
cargo, personnel and equipment, these vessels will bolster the PN's HADR. They
will also be useful in transporting troops from one operational area to another
especially during amphibious operations," PN spokesperson Capt. Lued
Lincuna earlier said.
The three LCHs are former ships of the Royal Australian Navy
and identified as the HMAS Balikpapan (L-126), HMAS Wewak (L-130) and HMAS
Betano (L-133).
These vessels arrived in Liloan, Cebu
last March 26.
The three are sisters to BRP Ivatan (formerly HMAS Tarakan)
and BRP Batak (ex-HMAS Brunei) which were commissioned into PN service last
Aug. 10.
The first two LCHs were donated by the Australian government
to the Philippines
While the three were sold for the "friendship price
"of Php270 million.
"The acquisition of additional capabilities of our Navy
further translates into offering better service to our maritime nation as we
continue to protect our country, step up commitment for HADR and our continuing
pledge to provide assistance to our Filipino people in all corners of the
archipelago. These new assets are manifestations of our Navy’s optimum
readiness to perform its tasks and the ability to adapt vis-a-vis the emergent
operating environment," he added.
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 HADR missions.
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=888633
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