DMO accepts first LHD, NUSHIP Canberra

The Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) has accepted Australia’s first Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ship, NUSHIP Canberra.

DMO Chief Executive Officer Mr Warren King said the acceptance of this ship is a significant project milestone that will result in this ship entering service by the end of 2014.

“The LHD is an excellent capability that the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) should be proud to have”, he said.

He praised the collaboration between BAE Systems Australia Pty Ltd, the DMO, RAN, Navantia, L3 and SAAB.

“This accomplishment is proof that building ships, although not an easy task, takes dedication, patience and a multitude of different skill sets to achieve a result of this magnitude,” Mr. King said.

“The 27,000 tonne ships are the largest vessels ever constructed for the RAN and will provide the Australian Defence Force with one of the most capable and sophisticated air–land-sea amphibious deployment systems in the world.”

NUSHIP Canberra will remain in Williamstown for a few more weeks before sailing to its homeport of Sydney for commissioning later this year.

Work is progressing well on the second LHD, NUSHIP Adelaide, and contractor sea trials are expected to commence in second quarter 2015.

The Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) has accepted Australia’s first Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ship, NUSHIP Canberra.

DMO Chief Executive Officer Mr Warren King said the acceptance of this ship is a significant project milestone that will result in this ship entering service by the end of 2014.

“The LHD is an excellent capability that the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) should be proud to have”, he said.

He praised the collaboration between BAE Systems Australia Pty Ltd, the DMO, RAN, Navantia, L3 and SAAB.

“This accomplishment is proof that building ships, although not an easy task, takes dedication, patience and a multitude of different skill sets to achieve a result of this magnitude,” Mr. King said.

“The 27,000 tonne ships are the largest vessels every constructed for the RAN and will provide the Australian Defence Force with one of the most capable and sophisticated air–land-sea amphibious deployment systems in the world.”

NUSHIP Canberra will remain in Williamstown for a few more weeks before sailing to its homeport of Sydney for commissioning later this year.

Work is progressing well on the second LHD, NUSHIP Adelaide, and contractor sea trials are expected to commence in second quarter 2015.