The Australian Army tried amphibious warfare ships for size last month (June) with M1A1 Abrams tanks from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment among vehicles being loaded aboard the vessels either from the wharf or using a Mexeflote.

Carried out as Exercise Sea Explorer across the coast of North Queensland, its aim was preparing the Amphibious Ready Unit (ARU) for certification. The Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) HMAS Adelaide and Landing Platform Dock (LPD) HMAS Choules are the core ARU ships, working with a beach landing force comprising  infantry, armoured vehicles, artillery, aviation and logistic elements ‘optimised for amphibious raids and assaults’, according to an Australian Defence Force (ADF) press release. It added: ‘The Sea Series of exercises enhances joint interoperability of the Australian Army and Royal Australian Navy’s amphibious capabilities.’