The Stalwart of the Navy

22 November 2010

The Balikpapan Class Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) are certainly amongst the stalwarts of the fleet having served with distinction since commissioning in 1971. LCH’s have been deployed in a variety of roles over the years including receiving battle honours for service in East Timor and more recently playing a pivotal role in exercise Pacific Partnership providing humanitarian aid throughout SE Asia.

Members of 2nd Cavalry Regiment manoeuvre an Australian Light Armored Vehicle onto the tank deck of HMAS Betano whilst conducting a Naval Evacuation Operation Exercise during Minor War Vessels Concentration Period.

LEUT Michael Casey the newly appointed Executive Officer of HMAS Betano (LEUT W. Hooper) was recently interviewed on what it’s like to serve on an LCH.

Q. What is life like onboard a LCH?

“Life onboard an LCH is often very demanding, when working on a small boat with a small ship’s company everyone’s job becomes that much more important, however if we are not working we can relax and have a game of cricket on the tank deck or go fishing. The food onboard is great; because of the small numbers the cooks do up some pretty fancy dishes.

Q. Michael what is unique about the LCH?

“The unique thing about the LCH is that they can be beached, it’s pretty funny that all through my navigation training I had been taught not to drive into shallow water and not to drive at land. Now I actually have to drive a ship aground, it’s still something I haven’t got used to.”

Q.What is your role as XO on the LCH?

“As the XO my primary role is to support the CO. I make sure that the ship is ready and prepared to do anything from transporting vehicles to the need to board vessels to render assistance. As it is a small ships’ company I also find myself helping setup Seamanship evolutions and helping train phase three junior warfare officers.

Q. Where do the LCH’s operate?

“The six LCH’s operate out of Cairns and Darwin; they are always working hard earning them the nickname utes of the ocean. Normally the LCH’s operate in pairs which can make things more fun. We often work closely with our neighbours from PNG and Timor. LCH’s participate in Exercise Sealion and Squadex each year and exercise Talisman Sabre every second year.