By
Graham Davis
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HMAS
Manoora to be refitted for the first time since being modernised.
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One
of the RAN’s “can do” ships, HMAS Manoora has entered
the Captain Cook Graving Dock in Sydney for a five-month-long
refit.
It is the first major refit for the 8,450 tonne warship since
Forgacs/Newcastle converted her from a “horned” Newport
Class transport (formerly USS Fairfax County) to the versatile
amphibious transport that she is today.
Manoora and sister LPA Kanimbla (formerly the USS Saginaw) were
bought from the US and commissioned into the RAN in 1994. ADI
Ltd won the multi million-dollar contract to carry out the current
refit.
On April 5, a fleet of DMS tugs guided the warship from Fleet
Base East to the southern section of the graving dock. A caisson
was lowered and water pumped from the dock leaving Manoora high
and dry on a set of pre-positioned concrete and timber pillows.
“It is a five-month-long refit,” her CO, CMDR Martin
Brooker said.
“It is the first major refit since she was modernised.
“She should emerge from the dock at the end of June with
the work due to be completed in September.
“Sea trials are scheduled to commence in October,” he
said.
He said one of the major projects of the refit was the installation
of a new electrical switchboard and associated cabling.
He also said the ship’s company would be reduced allowing
some members to take leave or do courses to enhance their careers.
Dockside offices would be used by the ship’s company while
ADI workers and their contractors carried out their tasks.
Manoora will remain “in commission.”
