Fifty years after the last Australian Army ships were retired from service, a new group has been established to operate and maintain an Australian-made fleet of Army landing craft scheduled for construction over the next decade. 

With the headquarters based in Brisbane, the new Littoral Manoeuvre Group was formally recognised at a ceremonial parade at Gallipoli Barracks on March 30.  

Set to strengthen Army’s ability to move, deploy and support land forces across coastal and island regions, the Littoral Manoeuvre Group Headquarters and 1st Landing Craft Battalion form the core of a team that will grow to three landing craft battalions in support of the combat brigades in South-East Queensland, North Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Army’s existing littoral units – 35th Water Transport Squadron and the Littoral Riverine Survey Squadron – have transitioned to the group, bringing specialist skills and command and control within 17th Sustainment Brigade in support of the 1st (Australian) Division as the unit of action.

'We’re building on a long history of amphibious experience and we’re all extremely proud to be standing here today as the future of Army’s littoral manoeuvre capability.'

Chief of Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart addressed the parade in front of an audience of official guests, veterans, families and friends.

“It has been 50 years since we last operated ships of the magnitude and capacity of those that you will crew, operate and command in the coming years,” Lieutenant General Stuart said.

“Your parade today is the next chapter in a long, rich and storied history.

“We have re-shaped our command and control, creating new units like those standing here today.

“We have re-written our concepts, placing littoral manoeuvre at the centre of how we will fight and win Australia’s wars.”

Commander of the Littoral Manoeuvre Group Colonel Rory Hale said the transition of existing units and the development of the new team of maritime specialists was progressing well.

“Our motto is ‘soldiers from the sea’ and our people are at the heart of this group,” Colonel Hale said. 

“Through targeted training, new career pathways and close collaboration with Navy and TAFE, we are building a skilled team of confident maritime specialists that will lead this capability into the future.

“We understand the unique skills and experience required to operate large-hull landing craft in open ocean and are working through an accelerated training program to build Army’s maritime workforce and ensure we’re ready for delivery of the new landing craft.

“We’re building on a long history of amphibious experience and we’re all extremely proud to be standing here today as the future of Army’s littoral manoeuvre capability.”