Cutting the birthday cake, Commanding Officer CMDR Nick Bramwell, youngest member of the ship’s company ABBM Clayton Byrne and youngest member of the NEOC Sea Training Deployment MIDN David Koehler.

HMAS Tobruk (CMDR Nick Bramwell) achieved another significant milestone on April 23 when she celebrated her 23rd year in Commission.

Tobruk is a ship with a proud history and one which prides itself on professionalism and operational efficiency.

The ship is the ADF’s only Amphibious Heavy Lift Ship (LSH) and, as such, is a multi purpose troop and roll-on/roll-off, heavy vehicle transport built by Carrington Slipways Pty Ltd at Tomago, near Newcastle, NSW.

The ship’s design, which is based on the British Sir Bedevere Landing Ship
Logistic (LSL), includes facilities for bow and stern loading, beaching, a drivethrough capacity and inter-deck transfers via ramps.

Although the LPAs (HMA Ships Kanimbla and Manoora) have some similar facilities, Tobruk retains unique amphibious warfare capabilities of immense importance to the ADF.

She can transport most of the wheeled and tracked vehicle inventory in the Australian Army. In addition, she is capable of loading, transporting and tactically discharging the Army’s soon to be introduced M1A1 Abrahms Main Battle Tanks.

The ship’s vehicle deck is also capable of supporting two Landing Craft Mechanised Mk 8 (LCM 8) on specially designed cradles. In addition, davits on either side of the superstructure secure two Landing Craft Vehicular and Personnel (LCVP) craft.

Two 8.5 tonne capacity FAVCO cranes and a velle derrick capable of lifting up to 70 tonnes supplement the ship’s unique rollon/ roll-off function.

Forward and aft helicopter decks, which can be operated simultaneously, further enhance the ship’s amphibious and sea transport versatility. Accommodation is available for up to 350 troops for extended periods.

In an overload state, the ship can also provide accommodation for up to 520 personnel for short periods of time.

This particular capability was well demonstrated during her critical support to the evacuation of civilians from the strife torn Solomon Islands in 2000.

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