A member of MANOORA's aviation party brings an Army blackhawk to rest on her ship. Note her camouflage "camelback" drinking water reservoir on her back.

HMAS MANOORA, one of the RAN's "can do" ships, has done it again, this time as a member of Australia's contribution to the International Peace Monitoring Team in the Solomon Islands.

The versatility of the 8,450 tonne amphibious transport and its ship's company of 200 led by CMDR Chris Frost, has been displayed in weeks since the ship left Australian waters early in November.

Carrying its own "Shark 7" Sea King helicopter and two Army Blackhawks, MANOORA and its aviation team have trained using all three helicopter landing places on the ship including the one forward of the bridge.

"Shark 7" has been used for line training and operations while the Army aircraft have formed shuttles to and from the ship

The ship has also operated with landing craft using her stern cargo door.

MANOORA's RHIBS have been used to transport smaller cargo and personnel.

MANOORA, due home before Christmas, stood off Honiara during her weeks in the Solomons.

While she carried the logistics support role, Australian and New Zealand diplomats, aid workers and civilian police worked in the region.

An initial deployment of 35 Australians and 14 New Zealanders went "in country."

The deployment of MANOORA and the land based teams followed the signing of a cease fire between warring factions in the island group and signed on October 15.

"The role of the IPMT will be to support the indigenous Solomon Islands peace process under the aegis of the Peace Monitoring Council," the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Alexander Downer, said.

"The monitors will be a completely neutral, unarmed group deployed at the invitation of all the main parties to the ethnic tension," Mr Down said.

For those on MANOORA it has not been all work and no play

While at station teams took part in a deck volleyball competition with a difference on cushions.

HMAS TOBRUK is expected to replace MANOORA off Honiara this week.