 |
|
HMAS
Manoora will soon be out of Sydney’s Captain Cook Graving
Dock after a three month refit. She has been strengthened
to take the new Abrams tank.
|
for
a return A shiny new, upgraded version of HMAS Manoora will undock
next week after three months’ refit in Sydney’s Captain Cook Graving
Dock.
In her first major refit since her conversion from the former
USS Saginaw, completed at a cost of about $100 million in 1998,
the 8500 tonne, 159-metre Landing Platform Amphibious has been
in dock since April 4.
Work will continue alongside at Garden Island until mid-September.
Executive Officer LCDR Roger Knights said one main task had been
to modify Manoora’s switchboard and wiring to improve power distribution
and electrical safety throughout the ship.
The work will result in more efficient communication and computer
systems.
She has also undergone internal modifications and has a strengthened
stern door to aid in amphibious approaches, LCDR Knights said.
A sideline of the work will allow her to transport the Army’s
new Abrams tanks. Also on the list have been repairs to cracks
in Manoora’s superstructure. Her ship’s company will be more comfortable,
too, when they go back aboard.
“Within the next month we will be refurbishing the heads and bathrooms
and the mess decks,” LCDR Knights said.
“It’s her first major refit since modernisation and it’s been
work that was well needed.”
After she sails on September 17, Manoora will work up until the
end of the year, with her ORE due over Christmas.
“Then next year, we’re off to take part in exercises Sea Eagle
and Talisman Sabre,” LCDR Knights said.
“I should think we’ll all be glad to get back to sea.”
