Australian Navy decommissions HMAS Wewak

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has decommissioned fifth ship of the Balikpapan-class landing craft heavy (LCH) ship, HMAS Wewak (L130) following service of more than 40 years.

The frigate has supported the RAN in various missions including transferring large amounts of cargo, personnel and equipment from larger ships to shore.

HMAS Wewak’s commanding officer lieutenant Luke Weston said the ship has conducted numerous operational deployments and made a vital contribution to the Navy’s delivery of secure Australian waters.

Launched in May 1972 and commissioned in August 1973, HMAS Wewak was named after the amphibious assault that took place on Wewak, Papua New Guinea, in May 1945.

The fleet of eight Balikpapan-class LCHs are scheduled to retire from operational service during the next two years and will be replaced by six new heavy landing craft.

The new crafts will be equipped to provide improved ocean going capabilities to transport armoured vehicles, trucks, stores and people for the Australian Forces.

Powered by two GE diesel engines, the 44.75m-long Balikpapan-class ships have a fully loaded displacement capability of 511t, and a range of 2,280nm with a payload of 150t.

Capable of cruising at a top speed of 9k, the Balikpapan-class frigates are armed with two 0.50in machine guns to support missions for RAN.

HMAS Betano and Balikpapan will also be decommissioned this month, whereas HMA ships Brunei, Labuan and Tarakan are planned to retire in the last quarter of 2014.