HMAS Choules (L100)

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HMAS Choules starboard bow.jpg
HMAS Choules at Fleet Base East in January 2012
Career (United Kingdom)
Name: RFA Largs Bay
Namesake: Largs Bay
Ordered: 18 December 2000
Builder: Swan Hunter, Wallsend, Tyne and Wear
Laid down: 28 January 2002
Launched: 18 July 2003
In service: 28 November 2006
Out of service: April 2011
Identification: IMO number: 9240756
Fate: Decommissioned under SDSR, sold to Australia
Career (Australia)
Name: HMAS Choules
Namesake: Chief Petty Officer Claude Choules
Acquired: 6 April 2011
Commissioned: 13 December 2011
Identification: IMO number: 9240756
Motto: "Face Difficulty With Zeal"
Status: Active as of 2012
Badge: Ship's badge
General characteristics
Class and type: Bay class landing ship dock
Displacement: 16,160 t (15,905 long tons) full load (RFA)
16,190 t (15,934 long tons) (RAN)
Length: 579.4 ft (176.6 m)
Beam: 86.6 ft (26.4 m)
Draught: 19 ft (5.8 m)
Propulsion: 2 x Wärtsilä 8L26 generators, 6,000 hp (4.5 MW)
2 x Wärtsilä 12V26 generators, 9,000 hp (6.7 MW)
2 x propulsion pods
1 x bow thruster
Speed: 18 knots (33 km/h; 21 mph)
Range: 8,000 nmi (15,000 km; 9,200 mi) at 15 kn (28 km/h; 17 mph)
Boats and landing
craft carried:		 1 LCU Mark 10, 1 LCM-8, or 2 LCVPs (Royal Marines version or RAN version
2 Mexeflote powered rafts
Capacity: 1,150 linear metres of vehicles (up to 24 Challenger 2 tanks, 32 M1 Abrams tanks, or 150 light trucks)
Cargo capacity of 200 tons ammunition or 24 TEU containers
Troops: 356 standard, 700 overload
Complement: 60 (RFA)
158 (RAN)
Armament: • 2 × 7.62mm Mk.44 Miniguns
• 6 × 7.62mm L7 GPMGs
Fitted to receive :
• Phalanx CIWS
• 30 mm DS30B cannon
Aircraft carried: None carried
Aviation facilities: Twin-spot flight deck can operate helicopters up to Chinook size. Temporary hangar can be fitted as required.

HMAS Choules (L100) is a Bay class landing ship dock that served with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) from 2006 to 2011, before being transferred to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). The vessel was built as RFA Largs Bay (L3006) by Swan Hunter in Wallsend, Tyne and Wear. She was named after Largs Bay in Ayrshire, Scotland, and entered service in November 2006. During her career with the RFA, Largs Bay served as the British ship assigned to patrol the Falkland Islands in 2008, and delivered relief supplies to Haiti following the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

At the end of 2010, Largs Bay was marked as one of the vessels to be removed from service under the Strategic Defence and Security Review. She was offered for sale, with the RAN announced as the successful bidder in April 2011. After modifications to make her more suited for Australian operating conditions, the vessel was commissioned in December 2011 as HMAS Choules, named after Chief Petty Officer Claude Choules.

Contents

[edit] Design and construction

Main article: Bay class landing ship dock

The Bay class was designed as a replacement for the Round Table class logistics ships operated by the RFA.[1] The new design was based on the Royal Schelde Enforcer design; a joint project between the Dutch and Spanish resulting in the Rotterdam class and Galicia class amphibious warfare ships.[1] The main difference with the British ships is the lack of a helicopter hangar.[2] The ships were originally designated "Auxiliary Landing Ship Logistics" or ALSL, but this was changed in 2002 to "Landing Ship Dock (Auxiliary)" or LSD(A), better reflecting their operational role.[3] Four ships were ordered; two from Swan Hunter, and two from BAE Systems Naval Ships.[1]

The Bay class ships have a full load displacement of 16,160 tonnes (15,900 long tons) in RFA service; this increased slightly to 16,190 tonnes (15,930 long tons) after modifications for RAN service.[1][4] Largs Bay/Choules is 579.4 feet (176.6 m) long, with a beam of 86.6 feet (26.4 m), and a draught of 19 feet (5.8 m).[1] Propulsion power is provided by two Wärtsilä 8L26 generators, providing 6,000 horsepower (4.5 MW), and two Wärtsilä 12V26 generators, providing 9,000 horsepower (6.7 MW).[1] These are used to drive two steerable propulsion pods, with a bow thruster supplementing.[1] Maximum speed is 18 knots (33 km/h; 21 mph), and the Bay class ships can achieve a range of 8,000 nautical miles (15,000 km; 9,200 mi) at 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph).[1] For self defence, Largs Bay was fitted with two Mk.44 miniguns and six 7.62mm L7 GPMGs,[citation needed] plus fitted for but not with a Phalanx CIWS and a 30 mm DS30B cannon.[5] The RAN's webpage for Choules does not specify any armament.[4] The standard ship's company consists of 60 officers and sailors when operated by the RFA, or 158 total personnel in RAN service.[1][4]

RFA Largs Bay in Portland Harbour, August 2009

As a sealift ship, Largs Bay is capable of carrying up to 1,150 linear metres of vehicles; equivalent to 24 Challenger 2 tanks, 32 M1 Abrams tanks, or 150 light trucks.[1][4] The cargo capacity is equivalent of 200 tons of ammunition, or 24 Twenty-foot equivalent unit containers.[1] During normal conditions, a Bay class ship can carry 356 soldiers, but this can be almost doubled to 700 in overload conditions.[1] No helicopters are carried onboard, but the twin-spot flight deck is capable of handling helicopters up to the size of Chinooks, as well as Merlin helicopters and Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, and a temporary hangar can be fitted as required.[3][1][6] The well dock can carry one LCU Mark 10, one LCM-8, or two LCVPs (either the Royal Marines version or the Royal Australian Navy version), and two Mexeflotes can be suspended from the ship's flanks.[3][1][4] Two 30-ton cranes are fitted between the superstructure and the flight deck.[1]

Largs Bay and sister ship Lyme Bay were ordered from Swan Hunter on 18 December 2000.[1] Largs Bay was laid down at Swan Hunter's shipyard at Wallsend, Tyne and Wear on 28 January 2002; the first ship of the class work started on.[1] The ship was launched on 18 July 2003.[1] The ship was completed and accepted by the Ministry of Defence in April 2006, over a year late.[7] Largs Bay was dedicated on 28 November 2006, the second of the class to enter service with the RFA.[1] The Bay class construction project saw major delays and cost overruns, particularly in the Swan Hunter half of the project.[7] Shortly after Largs Bay was handed over, Swan Hunter was stripped from the project, with BAE taking full responsibility for the class and Lyme Bay towed to BAE's shipyard in Govan for completion in June 2006.[7]

[edit] Operational history

[edit] United Kingdom

Largs Bay (right) docked at Marchwood Military Port in mid-2007

Largs Bay, with HMS Albion and HMS Ark Royal, was involved in training exercises called "South West Scimitar" between 26 February and 8 March 2007. In late November 2007, Largs Bay embarked 815 Naval Air Squadron 215 Flight and left home waters for the Caribbean to conduct counter-drug operations.[8] She visited eleven islands including Barbados, Curaçao, Grand Turk, Martinique, Trinidad and also the USA.[8] Three days after leaving Barbados Largs Bay's patrolling helicopter spotted a small fishing vessel stopped in the water and detained her after a pursuit; 575 kilograms (1,270 lb) of cocaine were recovered, with an estimated £20 million European street value.[8] She participated in Navy Days while in port at Curaçao, where several hundred people toured her.[8]

In late 2008, it was reported that Largs Bay was to replace HMS Northumberland for duties in the Falkland Islands. Northumberland was to have left for the Islands in December 2008, but was instead sent for pirate patrol off Somalia.[9]

In early 2010, Largs Bay was deployed to the Arctic Circle.[10] Following the 2010 Haiti earthquake, the ship was pulled from exercises and sailed on 3 February to deliver a load of relief supplies to Haiti.[10][11] On 18 February 2010, she arrived at Port-au-Prince and unloaded 430 tonnes (470 tons) of supplies plus 165 tonnes (182 tons) of rations, while engineers from the ship began work on restoring electricity ashore.[10][12] On 30 March 2010, she returned home.[13] Largs Bay's actions were recognised in December 2011 with the awarding of the Firmin Sword of Peace.[10]

In August 2010, the ship participated in the Bournemouth Air Festival.[14]

[edit] Decommissioning and transfer

Largs Bay in Falmouth Docks during August 2011. Note that her new RAN pennant number has been painted on her hull.

In December 2010, it was announced that the ship would be decommissioned in April 2011 as part of the Strategic Defence and Security Review.[15][16] Shortly after marking Largs Bay for disposal, the British Ministry of Defence contacted the Chilean government and suggested the vessel as a potential replacement for the landing ship tank vessel Valdivia, which was due to leave service.[17] In January 2011, the Australian Department of Defence announced that it was interested in purchasing the vessel for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) as a replacement for the heavy landing ship HMAS Tobruk or one of the Kanimbla class amphibious warfare ships.[16][18] Interest in the ship was also shown by Brazil and India.[19]

On 17 March 2011, the Australian Department of Defence announced that the RAN would be bidding for Largs Bay; this was followed on 6 April by news that a £65 million (A$100 million) bid had been successful.[20][21] Sea trials during April showed that the ship was in good condition, although she will have to be modified before entering Australian service, particularly to allow operation in tropical conditions.[22] The RAN also acquired two Mexeflotes, allowing the ship to retain that capability.[23]

On 13 August, it was announced that Largs Bay would be renamed HMAS Choules when commissioned into the RAN.[24] The name comes from Chief Petty Officer Claude Choules, who served in both the Royal Navy and the RAN during his career, and prior to his death in May 2011, was believed to be the last living participant in World War I.[24][25] Choules is the second RAN vessel to be named after an enlisted sailor, following the submarine HMAS Sheean.[26] The ship's pennant number will be L100, reflecting the 100th anniversary of the RAN, which occurred in 2011.[25] Her motto is "Face Difficulty With Zeal".[27]

On 14 October, the vessel was handed over to the RAN.[28] She arrived in Fremantle, Western Australia on 9 December,[28][citation needed] and was commissioned into the RAN on 13 December.[29] Choules is due to enter full operational service in early 2012, and will be based at Fleet Base East.[27][23]

[edit] Citations

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s Saunders (ed.), Jane's Fighting Ships 2008–2009, p. 876
  2. ^ Kemp, New UK landing ship takes to the water
  3. ^ a b c Scott, The Royal Navy's Future Fleet
  4. ^ a b c d e Royal Australian Navy, HMAS Choules
  5. ^ Royal Navy, RFA Largs Bay
  6. ^ Scott, Sweating the asset: versatility is the key to LSD(A) multi-tasking
  7. ^ a b c Brown, UK strips Swan Hunter of LSD(A) role
  8. ^ a b c d Royal Navy, 815 Naval Air Squadron in RFA Largs Bay
  9. ^ UPI, Britain withdraws warship from Falklands
  10. ^ a b c d Craig, Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Largs Bay wins award
  11. ^ BBC News, RFA Largs Bay leaves Southampton bound for Haiti
  12. ^ Daily Express, Royal Navy aid ship reaches Haiti
  13. ^ The News, RFA Largs Bay returns home after earthquake aid mission
  14. ^ Bournemouth Echo, RFA Largs Bay sails in for Bournemouth Air Festival
  15. ^ Defence News, Changes to Royal Navy's surface fleet announced
  16. ^ a b 'Themistocles', The UK SDSR and JP 2048 Phase 4C – A Golden Opportunity
  17. ^ Higueras, Chile eyes new amphibious transport ship
  18. ^ Oakes, Navy eyes redundant UK vessel
  19. ^ Kerr, Australia completes Largs Bay purchase
  20. ^ Taylor, Australia to buy amphibious military transport ship, aircraft
  21. ^ Australian Associated Press, Australia to buy used UK landing ship
  22. ^ Flash Traffic: Purchase of Largs Bay, in The Navy
  23. ^ a b Royal Australian Navy, HMAS Choules commissioned
  24. ^ a b Moulton & Australian Associated Press, Naval ship named after WA war veteran Claude Choules
  25. ^ a b Griggs, Naming of Ex RFA Largs Bay - HMAS Choules
  26. ^ Royal Australian Navy, HMAS Sheean
  27. ^ a b O'Callaghan, Choules on her way
  28. ^ a b Dodd, Navy's borrowed ship costs us $82,000 a day
  29. ^ Australian Broadcasting Corporation, HMAS Choules commissioned in honour of veteran

[edit] References

Books
  • Saunders, Stephen (ed.) (2008). Jane's Fighting Ships 2008–2009. Jane's Fighting Ships (111th ed.). Surrey: Jane's Information Group. ISBN 9780710628459. OCLC 225431774. 
Journal articles
  • Brown, Nick (13 July 2006). "UK strips Swan Hunter of LSD(A) role". Jane's Defence Industry (Jane's Information Group). 
  • "Flash Traffic: Purchase of Largs Bay". The Navy (Navy League of Australia) 73 (3): 13. July 2011. 
  • Higueras, José (26 January 2011). "Chile eyes new amphibious transport ship". Jane's Defence Weekly. 
  • Kemp, Ian (25 July 2003). "New UK landing ship takes to the water". Jane's Defence Weekly (Jane's Information Group). 
  • Kerr, Julian (6 April 2011). "Australia completes Largs Bay purchase". Jane's Defence Weekly (Jane's Information Group). 
  • Scott, Richard (4 September 2003). "The Royal Navy's Future Fleet – Taking Shape". Jane's Defence Weekly (Jane's Information Group). 
  • Scott, Richard (3 August 2011). "Sweating the asset: versatility is the key to LSD(A) multi-tasking". International Defence Review (Jane's Information Group). 
  • 'Themistocles' (January 2011). "The UK SDSR and JP 2048 Phase 4C – A Golden Opportunity". The Navy (Navy League of Australia) 73 (1): 2–3. 
News articles
Websites

"HMAS Sheean". Fleet. Royal Australian Navy. http://www.navy.gov.au/HMAS_Sheean. Retrieved 7 September 2011. 

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: IMO 9240756
Canberra class Landing Helicopter Dock
Bay class landing ship dock
Choules
Tobruk class landing ship heavy
Kanimbla class landing platform amphibious
Balikpapan class landing craft heavy
Balikpapan  · Brunei  · Labuan  · Tarakan  · Wewak  · Salamaua  · Buna  · Betano
LSM-1 class landing ship medium
Landing Ship Tank (Mark 3)
Labuan  · Lae  · Tarakan  · LST 3008  · LST 3014  · LST 3022
Landing Ship, Infantry
Australian Army amphibious craft
Royal Australian Navy amphibious craft
 Royal Fleet Auxiliary
 Royal Australian Navy
Choules (ex-Largs Bay)
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