HMA Ships Canberra and Adelaide take the US hull classification “Landing Helicopter Dock” (LHD) – they are helicopter carriers that incorporate a floodable well deck that can support landing craft. The Canberra-class LHDs are the largest ships ever constructed for the RAN, and provide the Australian Defence Force with one of the most capable amphibious deployment systems in the world. The Canberra-class LHDs are able to conduct amphibious operations and land a force of over 1000 embarked personnel along with all their weapons, ammunition, vehicles and stores, using landing craft and helicopters.
HMAS Choules, a Bay-class Landing Ship Dock (LSD), provides a similar capability. Choules is capable of embarking more than 300 troops, 23 Abrams tanks, 150 light trucks, two landing craft, and Navy and Army helicopters.
As part of a task force, an amphibious assault ship can provide a rapid build-up of combat power ashore in the face of enemy opposition. The RAN’s three ships of this type are also well equipped for large-scale humanitarian and disaster relief missions, with on-board medical facilities, operating theatres, and critical care units.