View source for Canberra-class landing helicopter dock

{{Short description|Australian naval amphibious ship class}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}
{{Use Australian English|date=March 2018}}

{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image
| Ship image = HMAS Adelaide at Pearl Harbor in July 2018.jpg
| Ship caption = ''Adelaide'' at Pearl Harbor, July 2018
}}
{{Infobox ship class overview
| Builders = [[Navantia]], [[Ferrol, A Coruña|Ferrol, Spain]] and [[BAE Systems Australia]], [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]]
| Operators = {{Navy|AUS}}
| Class before = {{HMAS|Tobruk|L 50|6}}, {{sclass|Kanimbla|landing platform amphibious|4}}
| Class after = 
| Subclasses = 
| Cost = *{{ShipCost|AUS|3.1|b|year=2007|mode=historical|r=1}} for two units
*{{ShipCost|AUS|1.55|b|year=2007|mode=historical|r=2}} per unit
| Built range = 2009–2015
| In commission range = 2014–present
| Total ships building = 
| Total ships planned = 2
| Total ships completed = 2
| Total ships cancelled = 
| Total ships active = 2
| Total ships laid up = 
| Total ships lost = 
| Total ships retired = 
| Total ships preserved = 
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
| Ship type = [[Landing helicopter dock]]
| Ship displacement = {{convert|27500|t|LT|abbr=on|lk=on}} at full load
| Ship length = {{convert|230.82|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| Ship beam = {{convert|32.0|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| Ship draft = {{convert|7.08|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| Ship power = * 1 × [[GE Power|GE]] [[LM2500]] [[gas turbine]] {{convert|19.1|MW|shp|abbr=on|lk=on}}
* 2 × [[Navantia]] MAN 16V32/40 [[diesel generator]]s, {{convert|7.4|MW|shp|abbr=on|lk=on}} each
| Ship propulsion = * [[combined diesel-electric and gas#Integrated electric propulsion|integrated electric propulsion]]
* 2 × [[Siemens]] Navantia [[azimuth thrusters]], {{convert|11|MW|shp|abbr=on|lk=on}} each
| Ship speed = * Over {{convert|20|kn|lk=in}} maximum
* {{convert|19|kn}} full-load sustained
* {{convert|15|kn}} economical
| Ship range = {{convert|9000|nmi|lk=in|abbr=on}} at {{convert|15|kn}}
| Ship endurance = 
| Ship boats = * 4 × [[LCM-1E|LHD Landing Craft]]
* 2 x 7.2m RHIBs in port and starboard boat bays
| Ship capacity = * Up to 110 vehicles
* Heavy vehicle deck: {{convert|1410|m2|abbr=on}}
* Light vehicle deck: {{convert|1880|m2|abbr=on}}
| Ship troops = * 1,046 standard
* 1,600 overload
| Ship complement = 358 personnel; 293 RAN, 62 Australian Army, 3 RAAF
| Ship sensors = * [[Giraffe radar|Giraffe AMB radar]]
* Saab [[9LV]] combat system
| Ship EW = * [[AN/SLQ-25 Nixie|AN/SLQ-25C Nixie]] towed torpedo decoy
* [[Nulka]] missile decoy
| Ship armament = * 4 × [[Typhoon Weapon System|Rafael Typhoon {{convert|25|mm|in|abbr=on|1}} remote weapons systems]]
* 6 × {{convert|12.7|mm|abbr=on|1}} machine guns
| Ship aircraft = * 8 helicopters (standard)
* 18 helicopters (maximum hangar space)
| Ship aircraft facilities = [[Flight deck]] with 13-degree [[Aircraft ski-jump|ski-jump]], 6 in-line deck landing spots
| Ship notes = 
}}
|}

The '''''Canberra'' class''' is a [[ship class]] of two [[landing helicopter dock]] (LHD) ships built for the [[Royal Australian Navy]] (RAN). Planning to upgrade the navy's amphibious fleet began in 2000, based on Australian experiences leading the [[International Force for East Timor]] peacekeeping operation. With a new climate for growing Australian Navy spending, a desire existed for forward defence capability for landing and supporting troops on Asian territory, that had never existed in Australian history, even with the old {{sclass|Majestic|aircraft carrier|0}} light fleet carriers, {{HMAS|Melbourne|R21|6}} and {{HMAS|Sydney|R17|6}} in the 1970s. In 2004, French company [[Direction des Constructions Navales]] (DCN) and Spanish company [[Navantia]] were invited to tender proposals, with DCN offering the {{sclass|Mistral|amphibious assault ship|1}} and Navantia proposing the "''Buque de Proyección Estratégica''" design (later commissioned as {{ship|Spanish ship|Juan Carlos I||2}}). The Spanish design was selected in 2007, with Navantia responsible for construction of the ships from the [[keel]] to the [[flight deck]], and [[BAE Systems Australia]] handling the fabrication of the combat and communications systems.<ref name=ET>Engineering & Technology</ref> Finally, [[Siemens]] (Germany) supplied and fitted the azimuth thrusters.<ref name=ET/>

Construction of the first ship, {{HMAS|Canberra|L02|6}}, commenced in late 2008, with the hull launched in early 2011, and sea trials in early 2014. ''Canberra'' was commissioned in November 2014. Work on the second vessel, {{HMAS|Adelaide|L01|6}}, started in early 2010. ''Adelaide'' was commissioned in December 2015. They are the largest vessels ever operated by the RAN, with a [[displacement (ship)|displacement]] of {{convert|27500|t|lk=on}}.

The ships are [[home-port]]ed at [[Fleet Base East]] in Sydney (which has prompted complaints from nearby residents about machinery noise, exhaust fumes, and blocked views) and will regularly operate out of [[Townsville]], the location of [[Lavarack Barracks]], home of the [[Australian Army]]'s [[3rd Brigade (Australia)|3rd Brigade]]. In addition to being located in [[North Queensland]] close to Asia and the Pacific Islands, one of the 3rd Brigade's infantry battalions, the [[2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment]] (2 RAR), was selected to become the Army's specialist amphibious infantry battalion.

==Planning and selection==
Planning to replace the {{sclass|Kanimbla|landing platform amphibious|0}} landing platform amphibious ships {{HMAS|Kanimbla|L 51|2}} and {{HMAS|Manoora|L 52|2}}, and the heavy landing ship {{HMAS|Tobruk|L 50|2}} began as early as 2000, with the intention announced in the ''Defence 2000: Our Future Defence Force'' [[white paper]].<ref name=Borgu1>Borgu, ''Capability of First Resort?'', p. 1</ref> The importance of amphibious warfare had been demonstrated during Australia's leadership of the [[International Force for East Timor]] peacekeeping operation: the difficulty in supporting an expeditionary force to one of Australia's nearest neighbours demonstrated the need for an improved amphibious sealift capability.<ref name=Borgu2/><ref name=FishAmphib/> In November 2003, the [[Minister for Defence (Australia)|Minister for Defence]], [[Robert Hill (Australian politician)|Robert Hill]], released a Defence Capability Review, which stated that two ships of at least {{convert|20000|t}} [[displacement (ship)|displacement]] and capable of launching five to six helicopters simultaneously were being sought.<ref name=Borgu1/> The acquisition was included under the procurement designation Project JP2048: although Phase 1 of JP2048 looked at a new type of [[landing craft]] for the ''Kanimbla'' class (the [[LCM2000]]), Phases 2 and 4 were to identify, then acquire the new amphibious warfare ships, and Phase 3 covered the design and construction of compatible landing craft (12 [[LCM-1E]], ordered on 27 September 2011).<ref name=Borgu2>Borgu, ''Capability of First Resort?'', p. 2</ref><ref>Office of Stephen Smith MP, Minister for Defence, ''Projects of concern – Update''</ref> The ships were originally to replace one of the ''Kanimbla''-class ships and ''Tobruk'', with the other ''Kanimbla''-class ship later replaced by a strategic sealift ship.<ref name=Borgu2/>

In January 2006, the Australian government announced the names for the planned ships: {{HMAS|Canberra|L02|2}} and {{HMAS|Adelaide|L01|2}}.<ref>Department of Defence, ''Next generation of naval ships to reflect a rich history of service''</ref> After the announcement, suggestions for alternate names were expressed in several venues. The [[Navy League of Australia]] proposed that ''Adelaide'' should instead be named [[HMAS Australia|''Australia'']]; using the name of the nation and its capital for the RAN's two most powerful ships, as had been the case with the navy's two World War II-era [[County-class cruiser]]s, while freeing the name up for the League's proposed fourth [[Hobart-class destroyer|''Hobart''-class destroyer]].<ref>''Time to bring back the Pride'', in ''The Navy'', p. 2</ref> Alternately, a member of the [[Australian Naval Institute]] opined that the ships should be named ''Gallipoli'' and ''Guadalcanal''; the first reflecting the [[Gallipoli Campaign|landings at Gallipoli]], one of the first amphibious operations of the modern era, the second recognising the [[Guadalcanal Campaign|amphibious campaign to recapture Guadalcanal]] and the efforts of the [[United States Navy]] and [[United States Marine Corps]] in aiding Australia during World War II.<ref>Garai, ''Lets give the LHDs some names with meaning'', pp. 33–4</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" border="1"
|+ Comparative statistics of proposed designs<br /><small>''Kanimbla'' class included for comparison</small><ref>Borgu, ''Capability of First Resort?'', p. 6</ref>
|-
!
!align="center"|DCN
!align="center"|Navantia
!align="center"|''Kanimbla''
|-
!Displacement ([[tonne|t]])
|align="center"|24,000
|align="center"|27,000
|align="center"|8,500
|-
!Range ([[nautical mile|nmi]])
|align="center"|11,000
|align="center"|9,000
|align="center"|14,000
|-
!Personnel
|align="center"|177
|align="center"|240
|align="center"|210
|-
!Troops
|align="center"|1,000
|align="center"|1,100
|align="center"|450
|-
!Vehicles (m2)
|align="center"|1,000
|align="center"|2,000
|align="center"|700
|-
!Helicopters
|align="center"|16
|align="center"|11
|align="center"|4
|-
!Landing spots
|align="center"|6
|align="center"|6
|align="center"|2/3
|-
!Landing craft
|align="center"|4 [[Landing Craft Mechanized|LCM]]
|align="center"|4 [[LCM-1E]]
|align="center"|2 [[LCM-8]]
|-
|}

A Request For Information and invitation for tenders was sent to two European shipbuilders in February 2004; French company [[Direction des Constructions Navales]] (DCN) and Spanish company [[Navantia]].<ref>Borgu, ''Capability of First Resort?'', pp. 5–6</ref> Shipbuilders from the United States were not included, as American amphibious warfare ships were too large for Australian requirements, and were either too personnel-intensive or could not operate the number of helicopters required.<ref>Borgu, ''Capability of First Resort?'', p. 5</ref> DCN responded with an enlarged version of the {{sclass|Mistral|amphibious assault ship|1}}; {{convert|2000|t}} greater [[displacement (ship)|displacement]] than the {{convert|22000|t|adj=on}} vessels active with the [[French Navy]].<ref name=Brown>Brown, ''Spanish designs are Australia's choice for warship programmes''</ref> A design being built by Navantia for the [[Spanish Navy]], the "''Buque de Proyección Estratégica''" (Strategic Projection Ship, later commissioned as {{ship|Spanish ship|Juan Carlos I||2}}) was offered by the Spanish, partnering with Australian company [[Tenix Defence]].<ref name=Brown/> Although {{convert|4000|t}} larger and with an increased troop, vehicle, and helicopter carrying capability compared to the ''Mistral''s, the Spanish ship was still under construction at the time of the offer, and was not due to enter service until late 2008.<ref name=Brown/> On 20 June 2007, Minister for Defence [[Brendan Nelson]] announced that the A$3 billion contract to build the ''Canberra'' class had been awarded to Navantia and Tenix.<ref name=Semaphore1>''Amphibious Ships'', in ''Semaphore'', p. 1</ref><ref name=FishShape/> Although an unproven design, the Spanish offer was closer to the RAN's requested requirements, and there were benefits from ordering the ''Canberra''s and the new {{sclass|Hobart|destroyer|0}} air warfare destroyers from the same company.<ref name=Brown/>

At around the time the decision to purchase the ships was made, many defence analysts advocated for acquiring a larger number of smaller vessels on the grounds that this would be better suited to conditions in Australia's region.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Snow|first1=Deborah|title=Arming Australia|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Arming-Australia/2005/03/24/1111525288173.html|access-date=28 May 2017|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=25 March 2005}}</ref> However, the Navy's Sea Power Centre argued that large amphibious vessels would provide greater flexibility.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sea Power Centre - Australia|title=Amphibious Ships|url=http://www.navy.gov.au/media-room/publications/semaphore-october-2007|publisher=Royal Australian Navy|date=October 2007}}</ref>

[[Hugh White (strategist)|Hugh White]], a former leading defence planner for the Hawke and Howard Governments, ANU Professor and defence writer for the SMH, has long been a critic of the decision to acquire the ''Canberra''-class ships. In 2004 he argued that the Australian Defence Force did not need the capacity to conduct a major opposed amphibious operation, as it was unlikely to ever be called upon to do so, and the money needed to purchase the vessels would be better spent on smaller amphibious ships and other defence capabilities.<ref>{{cite news|last1=White|first1=Hugh|title=Big ships: too costly, too cumbersome|url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/07/11/1089484241301.html|access-date=28 May 2017|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=12 June 2004}}</ref> In 2016 White judged the ships to be a 'terrible and heroic, waste of money and nothing more than, 'big, fat... targets in the South China Sea'.<ref>S.Morris. Shipping Forecast, Australia, in Monocle 91, March 2016, p 044</ref> which are too vulnerable for deployment in a serious crisis.

==Design and capabilities==
The ''Canberra''-class vessels are {{convert|230.82|m|ftin}} [[length overall|long overall]], with a maximum [[beam (ship)|beam]] of {{convert|32|m|ftin}}, and a maximum draught of {{convert|7.08|m|ftin}}.<ref name=RANlhd>Royal Australian Navy, ''Amphibious Assault Ship (LHD)''</ref> Keeping the maximum draught low was an important factor during design, allowing the ships to operate in [[Littoral zone|littoral waters]] and small harbours.<ref name=RANlhd/> At full load, each ship will [[Displacement (ship)|displace]] {{convert|27500|t|ST LT}}, making them the largest vessels to serve in the RAN.<ref name=RANlhd/> The ''Canberra''s have the same physical dimensions as ''Juan Carlos I'', but differ in the design of the [[superstructure|island superstructure]] and the internal layout, in order to meet Australian conditions and requirements.<ref name=FishAmphib/> Unlike the Spanish vessel, the Australian ships are built to meet [[Lloyd's Naval Rules]].<ref name=FishAmphib/>

Propulsion is provided by two Siemens Navantia {{convert|11|MW|adj=on}} [[azimuth thruster]]s, each with an onboard electric motor, driving two {{convert|4.5|m|adj=on}} diameter propellers.<ref name=RANlhd/><ref name=Semaphore2>''Amphibious Ships'', in ''Semaphore'', p. 2</ref> The electricity is provided by a [[combined diesel and gas]] system, with a single [[General Electric LM2500]] turbine producing {{convert|19160|kW}}, supported by two Navantia MAN 16V32/40 diesel generators providing {{convert|7448|kW}}.<ref name=RANlhd/> The main thrusters are supplemented by two {{convert|1500|kW}} bow thrusters, and a {{convert|1350|kW|adj=on}} Progener-[[Mitsubishi|Mitsubishi S16MPTA]] diesel generator is fitted as an emergency backup.<ref name=RANlhd/> The vessels have a maximum speed of over {{convert|20|kn|lk=in}}, a maximum sustainable full-load speed of {{convert|19|kn}}, and an economical cruising speed of {{convert|15|kn}}, with a corresponding range of {{convert|9000|nmi|lk=in}}.<ref name=RANlhd/> The LHDs can maintain full directional control while reversing at up to {{convert|8|kn}}.<ref name=RANlhd/>

HMAS ''Canberra'' was reported to have completed a major maintenance period in the Captain Cook Graving Dock at Garden Island during which the propulsion pods were replaced including new 4 bladed propellers.  At the time of reporting (March 2021) ''Canberra'' was preparing for sea trials and plans were being made for HMAS ''Adelaide'' to undergo similar maintenance.<ref name=DefNews>Defence News ''Huge maintenance task a first''</ref>

Each ship is fitted with a Saab [[9LV]] Mark 4 combat management system.<ref name=FishAmphib/> The sensor suite includes a [[GIRAFFE Radar#Variants|Sea Giraffe 3D surveillance radar]], and a Vampir NG [[infrared search and track]] system.<ref name=FishAmphib/> For self-defence, the LHDs are fitted with four [[Typhoon Weapon System|Rafael Typhoon {{convert|25|mm|in|abbr=on|1}} remote weapons systems]] (one in each corner of the flight deck), six {{convert|12.7|mm|in|abbr=on|1}} machine guns, an [[AN/SLQ-25 Nixie]] towed torpedo decoy, and a [[Nulka]] missile decoy.<ref name=RANlhd/><ref name=DID>Defense Industry Daily, ''Australia's Canberra class LHDs''</ref> Planned upgrades include the installation of up to three [[Phalanx CIWS]] from 2018.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kerr|first=Julian|url=http://www.janes.com/article/62013/australian-lhds-to-be-armed-with-latest-configuration-phalanx-ciws|title=Australian LHDs to be armed with latest-configuration Phalanx CIWS|publisher=[[Jane's Information Group]]|date=5 July 2016|access-date=6 July 2016}}</ref> Defence against aircraft and larger targets is to be provided by escort vessels and air support from the [[Royal Australian Air Force]] (RAAF).<ref name=DID/> The ships' companies consist of 358 personnel; 293 RAN, 62 Australian Army, and 3 RAAF.<ref name=KerrAA>Kerr, ''Amphibious Ambitions''</ref>

[[File:LCC L4408.JPG|thumb|left|LHD Landing Craft L4408 (with a second LCC berthed behind it)]]

The LHDs are able to transport 1,046 soldiers and their equipment, and can carry 1,600 in overload conditions.<ref name=KerrAA/><ref name=McPhedran>McPhedran, ''Inside HMAS Canberra''</ref> The embarked force is called the Amphibious Ready Element Landing Force (ARE-LE) based on an infantry company of up to 220 soldiers.{{sfn|Hawkins|2009}} Army planners considered several options for forming an amphibious force including training a dedicated infantry [[battalion]], training several battalions with battalion rotations or creating a [[brigade]] size force similar to the [[Marine expeditionary unit|U.S. Marines MEU]] and [[3 Commando Brigade|Royal Marines 3 Commando Brigade]] structure.{{sfn|Hawkins|2009}}{{sfn|Gillespie|2010}}{{sfn|Collingburn|2010}} In December 2011, [[2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment]] (2RAR) was selected to develop the initial amphibious capability with the Chief of Army stating that as the capability is developed a future model for the force will be decided.{{sfn|Welfare|2012}} A special forces capability will be provided by the [[2nd Commando Regiment (Australia)|2nd Commando Regiment]] with the potential in the future for elements of 2RAR to be trained in certain special forces skills.{{sfn|Collingburn|2010}}{{sfn|Gillespie|2010}} Two vehicle decks (one for light vehicles, the other for heavy vehicles and tanks) have areas of {{convert|1880|m2}} and {{convert|1410|m2}} respectively, and between them can accommodate up to 110 vehicles.<ref name=RANlhd/> The heavy vehicle deck may alternately be used for cargo, with a capacity of 196 [[Intermodal container|shipping containers]].<ref name=McPhedran/> Each ship has a {{convert|69.3|by|16.8|m|adj=on}} [[well deck]], that houses up to four LHD Landing Craft (LLC, the RAN designation for the [[LCM-1E]]), which can be launched and recovered in conditions up to [[Sea State]] 4.<ref name=RANlhd/><ref name=Semaphore2/><ref name=KennedyLLC>Kennedy, ''Canberra's landing craft coxswains demonstrate new skills''</ref> Twelve were ordered from Navantia, which delivered them in batches of four during 2014 and 2015.<ref name=Rahmat>Rahmat, ''Navantia launches Australia's last LHD landing craft''</ref> Six LLC are assigned to each LHD, with the additional craft used for training and trials at shore bases, and rotated to their parent ship when embarked craft require maintenance.<ref name=KennedyLLC/><ref name=Rahmat/> The well deck also has room for four [[rigid-hulled inflatable boat]]s (although these will not be carried as standard), and can be used by other nations' landing craft and amphibious vehicles.<ref name=RANlhd/>

[[File:Stern of HMAS Canberra December 2014.jpg|thumb|right|Stern view of ''Canberra'']]
The [[flight deck]] is {{convert|202.3|by|32|m}} and sits at a height of {{convert|27.5|m}},{{clarify|date=January 2013|reason=From waterline, or from keel?}} with six spots for helicopters up to [[MRH-90 Taipan|MRH-90]] size to operate simultaneously.<ref name=RANlhd/> Alternately, helicopters up to [[Boeing CH-47 Chinook|Chinook]] size can take off or land simultaneously on four spots on the flight deck.<ref name=RANlhd/> Flight operations can be conducted up to Sea State 5.<ref name=DID/> The standard air group aboard these ships will be a mix of MRH-90 transport helicopters and [[MH-60R]] anti-submarine helicopters.<ref>Gillis, ''Interview. Landing Helicopter Dock Project – Canberra Class'', pp. 28–9</ref> The {{convert|990|m2}} hangar deck can accommodate eight medium-size helicopters, and an additional ten can be carried if the light vehicle deck is used for additional helicopter space.<ref name=RANlhd/> Two aircraft lifts (one large one centre-aft, and a smaller one to starboard and in front of the island superstructure) connect the flight and hangar decks.<ref name=RANlhd/>

The [[Aircraft ski-jump|ski-jump ramp]] of ''Juan Carlos I'' has been retained for the RAN ships, although is not intended for use.<ref name=KerrAA/> The Spanish use the ramp to launch [[McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II|Harrier jet aircraft]], and although operating [[STOVL]] aircraft was decided against early in the Australian procurement process due to cost and detraction from the ships' main role, redesigning the ship to remove the ramp would have added unnecessary cost to the project.<ref name=Seidel>Seidel, ''Australian Strategic Policy Institute raises doubts over Abbott Government plan to rebuild newest warships''</ref> The retention of the ski-jump has prompted multiple recommendations that fixed-wing aircraft be operated from the ships (primarily envisaged as a flight group of [[F-35B Lightning II]] STOVL aircraft).<ref name=KerrAA/><ref name=Borgu11>Borgu, ''Capability of First Resort?'', p. 11</ref><ref>Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade, ''Australia's Maritime Strategy'', p. 95</ref><ref name=Gills>Gillis, ''Interview. Landing Helicopter Dock Project – Canberra Class'', p. 29</ref> The RAN has maintained that embarking Australian-operated, fixed-wing aircraft was not under consideration, although has conceded that [[cross-decking]] with other nations' aircraft could possibly occur.<ref name=KerrAA/><ref name=Borgu11/><ref name=Gills/> In May 2014, [[Minister for Defence (Australia)|Minister for Defence]] [[David Johnston (Australian politician)|David Johnston]] stated in media interviews that the government was considering acquiring F-35B fighters for the ''Canberra''s, and Prime Minister [[Tony Abbott]] instructed 2015 Defence White Paper planners to consider the option of embarking F-35B squadrons aboard the two ships.<ref name=KerrJanes>Kerr, ''Australia could buy F-35B''</ref><ref>Butterly, ''Jump jets on Defence radar''</ref> This assessment found that the cost of modifying the ships to operate jets would be very high, and the idea was rejected before the completion of the White Paper.<ref>Kerin, ''PM's floating fighter jet plan quietly sunk by Defence''</ref>

Opponents to operating F-35s from the ''Canberra'' class state that embarking enough aircraft to be an effective force would require abandoning their capability as amphibious warfare vessels, operating as an aircraft carrier would make the ships higher profile targets and need greater escorting forces, existing fuel and ordnance storage would not be able to sustain fixed-wing operations, structural modifications were needed to reinforce and heat-treat the flight deck to withstand F-35B vertical thrust, and the F-35B project itself has been the most expensive and most problematic of the three Joint Strike Fighter variants.<ref name=Seidel/><ref>Brabin-Smith & Schreer, ''Jump jets for the ADF?''</ref><ref name=AusAvi>''Johnston raises possibility of acquiring F-35Bs'', in ''Australian Aviation''</ref> Supporters counter that providing fixed-wing air support close to amphibious operations maximises aircraft capability, other nations are already working on solutions to structural and thrust problems for other Harrier-era ships, and the presence of a ski-jump makes the vessels already more suitable for STOVL operations than equivalent amphibious ships with flat flight decks.<ref>George, ''LHD and STOVL: an engineer's view''</ref>

==Construction==
Navantia was contracted to construct the hulls from 104 'blocks' or 'modules', which were fabricated individually at Navantia's facilities in [[Ferrol, Galicia|Ferrol]] and [[Fene, Galicia|Fene]], then combined on the [[slipway]] at the Ferrol shipyard.<ref name=FishAmphib>Fish, ''Amphibious assault ships''</ref><ref name=FishShape>Fish, ''First Australian LHD takes shape''</ref><ref name=FishAwaits>Fish, ''Australia awaits new LHDs for amphibious uplift''</ref> The ''Canberra''s were built up to the flight deck, launched, then transported by [[Dockwise|Dockwise's]] [[heavy lift ship]], {{MV|Blue Marlin||2}}, to [[Williamstown, Victoria]], where the installation of the island superstructure and the internal fitout of the hull was completed by [[BAE Systems Australia]] (which acquired Tenix in mid-2008).<ref name=FishAmphib/><ref name=Brown/>

[[File:The future HMAS Canberra being fitted out in Williamstown in February 2014.jpg|thumb|left|''Canberra'' fitting out at Williamstown, February 2014]]
Construction of ''Canberra'' began in September 2008, when the first steel was cut.<ref name=FishShape/> The first three blocks were laid down on 23 September 2010.<ref name=FishShape/> She was launched on 17 February 2011.<ref name=DoD18Feb>Department of Defence, ''LHD launch paves the way for amphibious transformation''</ref><ref>Cavas, ''Australia's Largest Ship Launched''</ref> The hull was loaded onto the heavy lift ship ''Blue Marlin'' on 4 August 2012, with ''Blue Marlin'' departing Ferrol for Williamstown on 17 August, and arriving in Port Phillip on 17 October.<ref>''Navantia efectúa con éxito el 'encaje' del 'Canberra''', in ''Laopinióncoruña''</ref><ref>''El "Blue Marlin", abandonando el puerto exterior de A Coruña'', in ''La voz de Galicia''</ref><ref>''Huge Navy ship hull arrives in Victoria'', in ''ABC News''</ref> ''Canberra'' commenced [[sea trials]] on 3 March 2014.<ref>Kennedy, ''Canberra's size and power tested at sea trials''</ref> Contractor-run sea trials concluded in early September, and ''Canberra'' was commissioned into the RAN on 28 November 2014.<ref>Kennedy, ''Canberra sea trials a success''</ref><ref>ABC News, ''HMAS Canberra enters commission into Australian Navy at Sydney ceremony''</ref>

[[File:Vigo Embarque del portaaviones HMAS Adelaide en la plataforma Blue Marlin (11311950946).jpg|thumb|right|''Adelaide'' being loaded onto the heavy lift ship {{MV|Blue Marlin||2}} at Vigo Bay, prior to being transported to Williamstown for completion]]
Work on ''Adelaide'' began during February 2010, when the first steel was cut.<ref name=FishAmphib/> The first hull blocks were laid down on 18 February 2011, and ''Adelaide'' was launched on 4 July 2012.<ref name="FishAwaits"/><ref>Royal Australian Navy, ''Launch of second Amphibious Ship Landing Helicopter Dock''</ref> Initially, the ship was due to reach Australia in early 2013 to begin final fitout,<ref name=KerrAA/><ref name=FishAwaits/> but this did not occur.{{clarify|date=December 2013 |reason=Why delayed?}} The hull was loaded onto ''Blue Marlin'' on 10 December 2013 in [[Vigo Bay]].<ref>Otero, ''Perfecto embarque de un coloso del mar''</ref> ''Blue Marlin'' and ''Adelaide'' arrived at Williamstown on 7 February 2014.<ref>''Adelaide LHD hull arrives in Melbourne'', in ''Australian Aviation''</ref> Entry into RAN service was originally planned for mid-2015, but as of July 2011, this had been pushed back to sometime in 2016.<ref name=FishAmphib/><ref name=FishAwaits/> Fitting out of the ship progressed at a faster rate than expected, which has brought the predicted commissioning date back to late 2015.<ref name=Durrant>Durrant, ''Second LHD completes initial sea trials''</ref> After sea trials ended in October, ''Adelaide'' was commissioned on 4 December 2015.<ref name=StaplesEnterService>Staples, ''HMAS Adelaide enters service''</ref> Although ''Canberra'' was identified as "LHD01" and ''Adelaide'' as "LHD02" during construction, the ships were commissioned with the [[pennant number]]s LHD 02 and LHD 01 respectively.<ref>''On the way to Australia'', in ''Navy News''</ref> The reversal of the numbers causes the new ships' pennants to correspond to the {{sclass|Adelaide|frigate|1}}s with the same names.<ref>Fish, ''Steel cut for second Australian LHD''</ref>

The early decommissioning of the two ''Kanimbla''-class vessels in 2011, several years before ''Canberra''-class ships would enter service, led to the acquisition of the landing ship dock {{HMAS|Choules|L100|6}} and the support vessel {{Ship|ADV|Ocean Shield}}.<ref>ABC News, ''HMAS Choules commissioned in honour of veteran''</ref><ref name="MfDMfDM"/> The latter was only intended as a stop-gap acquisition, and in mid-2014, ''Ocean Shield'' was transferred to the [[Australian Customs and Border Protection Service]].<ref name=MfDMfDM>Offices of the Minister for Defence and Minister for Defence Materiel, ''Ocean Shield the Navy's newest humanitarian and disaster relief vessel''</ref><ref name=Ellery>Ellery, ''Defence buys boat bound for Customs''</ref><ref name=SaundersPhilpott39>Saunders & Philpott (eds.), ''IHS Jane's Fighting Ships'' 2015-2016, p. 39</ref>

== Ships ==
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="background:#efefef;"
! Name
! Pennant Number 
! Builder
! Laid down
! Launched
! Commissioned
! Status
|-
|{{HMAS|Canberra|L02|2}}
| L02
|rowspan=2 align=center|[[Navantia]], [[Ferrol, Galicia|Ferrol]] (Construction)<br/>[[BAE Systems Australia]], [[Williamstown, Victoria|Williamstown]] (Fitting out)
|23 September 2009
|17 February 2011
|28 November 2014
|Active
|-
|{{HMAS|Adelaide|L01|2}}
| L01
|18 February 2011
|4 July 2012
|4 December 2015
|Active
|}

== Basing arrangements ==
[[File:Adelaide Canberra FBE.JPG|thumb|left|''Adelaide'' and ''Canberra'' berthed at [[Fleet Base East]] in December 2015]]
[[File:Canberra-class landing helicopter dock ships (30676205621).jpg|thumb|right|HMAS ''Adelaide'' and HMAS ''Canberra'' berthed at Fleet Base East in October 2016]]

The two LHDs are officially home-ported at [[Fleet Base East]] in Sydney.<ref name=McPhedran/> On 4 December 2015, the support centre for the class at [[Garden Island, New South Wales|Garden Island]] was named after Captain John Robertson.<ref name=McPhedranApology>McPhedran, ''Formal apology long overdue for navy hero Captain John Robertson''</ref> Robertson was commanding officer of the carrier {{HMAS|Melbourne|R21|2}} at the time of the [[Melbourne–Voyager collision|''Melbourne''–''Voyager'' collision]] in 1964, and was widely seen to be a scapegoat after the first Royal Commission found him to be at fault.<ref name=McPhedranApology/>

Basing the two ships at Fleet Base East prompted complaints, including a short lived unsuccessful public campaign to have the ships based elsewhere from nearby residents in [[Potts Point]] and [[Woolloomooloo]].<ref name=HansenMarch>Hansen, ''Residents fume as HMAS Canberra blocks their view, keeps them awake and now there's another one on the way''</ref> Issues raised include exhaust fumes and noise pollution from the ships' generators and machinery running around-the-clock, and that the large ships block views of Sydney Harbour.<ref name=HansenMarch/><ref name=HansenNov>Hansen, ''$1.5 billion navy vessel NUSHIP Adelaide docks for indefinite stay in Sydney beside HMAS Canberra''</ref> To alleviate concerns, Defence began investigating options to relocate one or both ships to the northern portion of Garden Island, and has installed shore-powered air-conditioning units (allowing the ships' onboard generators to be shut down at night).<ref name=HansenNov/> Such units were, however, not installed or deemed a requirement and local residents objection's considered either incorrect, such as the claim the ship's block views or minor when compared to the decades old Navy base as a whole such as the objections raised about noise. 

The ships regularly operate out of Townsville, the base of 2RAR.<ref name=McPhedran/> To this end, the Department of Defence contributed A$30 million to the A$85 million upgrade of the multi-purpose Berth 10 at the [[Port of Townsville]], which was completed in October 2013.<ref name=DefencePRBerth10>Department of Defence Ministers, ''Minister for Defence – Port of Townsville Berth 10 upgrade opening''</ref><ref name=Carter>Carter, ''Townsville's Berth 10 opens''</ref> Naval vessels have been allocated 45 days of berthing per year.<ref>Raggat, ''Townsville port's cruise terminal one of its busiest wharves''</ref> Defence also spent A$5.3 million to lease and develop a dedicated staging area for equipment and personnel within the Port of Townsville precinct.<ref name=DefencePRBerth10/>

== References ==
=== Citations ===
{{Reflist}}

=== Sources ===
=== Books===
* {{cite book |editor1-last = Saunders |editor1-first = Stephen |editor2-last = Philpott |editor2-first = Tom |name-list-style=amp |title = IHS Jane's Fighting Ships 2015–2016 |publisher = IHS Jane's |location = Coulsdon |date = 7 August 2015 |edition = 116th Revised |series = [[Jane's Fighting Ships]] |isbn = 9780710631435 |oclc = 919022075 }}

===Journal articles and papers===
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite journal |title = Amphibious Ships |journal = Semaphore |publisher = Sea Power Centre – Australia |date = October 2007 |volume = 2007 |issue = 14 |url = http://www.navy.gov.au/w/images/Semaphore_2007_14.pdf |access-date = 22 February 2011 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110320184151/http://www.navy.gov.au/w/images/Semaphore_2007_14.pdf |archive-date = 20 March 2011 }}
* {{cite journal |last=Borgu |first=Aldo |title=Capability of First Resort? Australia's Future Amphibious Requirement |publisher=[[Australian Strategic Policy Institute]] |year=2004 |url=http://www.aspi.org.au/publications/publication_details.aspx?ContentID=55&pubtype=6 |access-date=23 February 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706124110/http://www.aspi.org.au/publications/publication_details.aspx?ContentID=55&pubtype=6 |archive-date=6 July 2011 }}
* {{cite journal |last1=Brabin-Smith |first1=Richard |last2=Schreer |first2=Benjamin |date=17 November 2014 |title=Jump jets for the ADF? |journal=Strategic Insights |publisher=Australian Strategic Policy Institute |issue=78 |url=https://www.aspi.org.au/publications/strategic-insights-78-jump-jets-for-the-adf |access-date=28 November 2014 }}
* {{cite journal |last=Brown |first=Nick |title = Spanish designs are Australia's choice for warship programmes |journal = International Defence Review |date=28 June 2007 }}
* {{cite thesis |last = Collingburn |first = Major A. R. |title = Adaptive Army : Embracing the concept of operational manoeuver from the sea |url = https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA604389.pdf |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170106174037/http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA604389 |url-status = live |archive-date = 6 January 2017 |access-date = 28 July 2016 |degree = Master's |institution = [[Marine Corps University]] |date = 5 May 2010 }}
* {{cite journal |last=Fish |first=Tim |date=25 July 2011 |title=Australia awaits new LHDs for amphibious uplift |journal=Jane's Defence Weekly |publisher=Jane's Information Group}}
* {{cite journal |last=Fish |first=Tim |title=Amphibious assault ships: Striking distance |journal=Jane's Defence Weekly |date=15 June 2010}}
* {{cite journal |last=Fish |first=Tim |date=5 February 2010 |title=Steel cut for second Australian LHD |journal=Jane's Navy International}}
* {{cite journal |last=Fish |first=Tim |title=First Australian LHD takes shape |journal=Jane's Navy International |date=28 September 2009 }}
* {{cite journal |last=Garai |first=Paul |title = Lets give the LHDs some names with meaning |journal=Headmark |issue=138 |date=October 2010 |pages=33–4 }}
* {{cite speech |title = Chief of Army |last = Gillespie |first = Lt. Gen. Ken |date = January 2010 |institution = sixth Sea Power Conference |location = Sydney, NSW |url = http://www.navy.gov.au/spc/sites/default/files/publication-documents/SP10_0.pdf |work = Combined and Joint Operations from the Sea |ISBN = 9780992500443 |access-date = 6 January 2017 |archive-date = 29 September 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180929030850/http://www.navy.gov.au/spc/sites/default/files/publication-documents/SP10_0.pdf |url-status = dead }}
* {{cite journal |last=Gillis |first=Kim |year=2007 |title=Interview. Landing Helicopter Dock Project – Canberra Class |journal=DefenceToday |volume=6 |issue=3 |pages=28–29 |issn=1447-0446 }}
* {{cite journal |last = Hawkins |first = Lt. Col. Jon |title = Australia's Future Amphibious Warfare Capability |url = http://toryu.customer.netspace.net.au/toryu/amphib/aus_amphib.pdf |date = 15 June 2009 |access-date = 5 January 2017 |publisher = Joint Amphibious Capability Implementation Team }}
* {{cite report |author = Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade |year = 2004 |title = Australia's Maritime Strategy |url = http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/jfadt/maritime/report/chapter5.pdf |access-date = 15 October 2006 |archive-date = 29 June 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110629150611/http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/jfadt/maritime/report/chapter5.pdf |url-status = dead }}
* {{cite news |last=Kerr |first=Julian |date=26 May 2014 |url=http://www.janes.com/article/38374/australia-could-buy-f-35b |title=Australia could buy F-35B |work=IHS Jane's Defence Weekly |access-date=8 June 2014 }}
* {{cite journal |last=Kerr |first=Julian |date=22 December 2011 |title=Amphibious ambitions: expanding Australia's naval expectations |journal=Jane's Navy International |publisher=Jane's Information Group }}
* {{cite news |url=http://www.janes.com/article/51101/navantia-launches-australia-s-last-lhd-landing-craft |title=Navantia launches Australia's last LHD landing craft |last=Rahmat |first=Ridzwan |date=30 April 2015 |work=IHS Jane's Navy International |access-date=6 May 2015 }}
* {{cite journal |title=Time to bring back the Pride |date=October 2007 |journal=The Navy |publisher=Navy League of Australia |volume=69 |issue=4 |page = 2 }}
{{refend}}

===News articles===
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite news |title=Multi-billion dollar Australian warships under investigation for possible design flaws |url=https://eandt.theiet.org/content/articles/2017/05/multi-billion-dollar-australian-warships-under-investigation-for-possible-design-flaws/ |date=22 May 2017 |publisher=Engineering and Technology |access-date=5 June 2021 }}
* {{cite news |publisher=Australian Government, Department of Defence |work=Defence News |title=Huge maintenance task a first |url=https://news.defence.gov.au/capability/huge-maintenance-task-first |date=2 March 2021 |access-date=5 June 2021 }}
* {{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-13/hmas-choules-to-be-commissioned/3727686|title=HMAS Choules commissioned in honour of veteran|work=ABC News|location=Australia|date=13 December 2011|access-date=13 December 2011}}
* {{cite news |url = http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-17/huge-navy-ship-hull-arrives-in-victoria/4317434 |title = Huge Navy ship hull arrives in Victoria |work = ABC News |date = 17 October 2012 |access-date = 20 October 2012 }}
* {{cite news |url = http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-11-28/hmas-canberra-commissioning-ceremony-in-sydney/5924340 |title = HMAS Canberra enters commission into Australian Navy at Sydney ceremony |date = 28 November 2014 |work = ABC News |location = Australia |access-date = 28 November 2014 }}
* {{cite news |url=http://australianaviation.com.au/2014/02/adelaide-lhd-hull-arrives-in-melbourne/ |title=Adelaide LHD hull arrives in Melbourne |date=7 February 2014 |work=Australian Aviation |access-date=7 February 2014 }}
* {{cite news |title=Johnston raises possibility of acquiring F-35Bs |url=http://australianaviation.com.au/2014/05/johnston-raises-possibility-of-acquiring-f-35bs/ |work=Australian Aviation |date=19 May 2014 |access-date=8 June 2014 }}
* {{cite news |last=Butterly |first=Nick |url=https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/national/a/23583014/jump-jets-on-defence-radar/ |title=Jump jets on Defence radar |work=The West Australian |publisher=Yahoo7 News |date=17 May 2014 |access-date=8 June 2014 }}
* {{cite news |url=http://www.rebuildingthenation.com.au/freight-ports/townsvilles-berth-10-opens/ |title=Townsville's Berth 10 opens |last=Carter |first=David |date=23 October 2013 |work=Rebuilding the Nation |publisher=Faircount Media Group |access-date=24 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105051723/http://www.rebuildingthenation.com.au/freight-ports/townsvilles-berth-10-opens/ |archive-date=5 January 2016 |url-status=dead }}
* {{cite news |url = http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=5748662&c=ASI&s=SEA |title=Australia's Largest Ship Launched |last=Cavas |first=Christopher P. |date=18 February 2011 |access-date=22 February 2011 |work=Defense News }}{{dead link|date=January 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
* {{cite news |url=http://www.defence.gov.au/defencenews/stories/2011/feb/0218.htm |title=LHD launch paves the way for amphibious transformation |access-date=22 February 2011 |date=18 February 2011 |publisher=[[Department of Defence (Australia)]] }}
* {{cite news |url=http://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/second-lhd-completes-initial-sea-trials |title=Second LHD completes initial sea trials |last=Durrant |first=Patrick |date=10 July 2015 |work=Australian Defence Magazine |access-date=19 July 2015 }}
* {{cite news |url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/national/defence-buys-boat-bound-for-customs-20120319-1vg4u.html |title=Defence buys boat bound for Customs |last=Ellery |first=David |date=20 March 2012 |work=The Canberra Times |access-date=3 June 2012 }}
* {{cite news |url = http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/city-east/residents-fume-as-hmas-canberra-blocks-their-view-keeps-them-awake-and-now-theres-another-one-on-the-way/story-fngr8h22-1227266828966 |title = Residents fume as HMAS Canberra blocks their view, keeps them awake and now there's another one on the way |last = Hansen |first = Nick |date = 18 March 2015 |newspaper = [[Wentworth Courier]] |publisher = [[NewsLocal]] ([[News Corp Australia]]) |access-date = 27 December 2015 }}
* {{cite news |url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/city-east/billion-navy-vessel-nuship-adelaide-docks-for-indefinite-stay-in-sydney-beside-hmas-canberra/story-fngr8h22-1227607472961 |title=$1.5 billion navy vessel NUSHIP Adelaide docks for indefinite stay in Sydney beside HMAS Canberra |last=Hansen |first=Nick |date=13 November 2015 |work=Wentworth Courier |publisher=NewsLocal (News Corp Australia) |access-date=27 December 2015 }}
* {{cite news |url=http://news.navy.gov.au/en/Mar2014/Fleet/889 |title=Canberra's size and power tested at sea trials |last=Kennedy |first=Emily |date=4 March 2014 |work=Navy Daily |publisher=Royal Australian Navy |access-date=4 March 2014 |archive-date=7 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707071436/http://news.navy.gov.au/en/Mar2014/Fleet/889 |url-status=dead }}
* {{cite news |last=Kennedy |first=Emily |title=Canberra sea trials a success |url=http://navynews.realviewdigital.com/#folio=4 |work=Navy News |publisher=Directorate of Defence News, Department of Defence |date=11 September 2014 |access-date=14 September 2014 |page=5 }}
* {{cite news |url = http://news.navy.gov.au/en/Aug2014/Fleet/1274/Canberra%E2%80%99s-landing-craft-coxswains-demonstrate-new-skills.htm |title = Canberra's landing craft coxswains demonstrate new skills |last = Kennedy |first = Emily |date = 1 August 2014 |work = Navy Daily |publisher = Royal Australian Navy |access-date = 25 September 2014 |archive-date = 18 October 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141018061126/http://news.navy.gov.au/en/Aug2014/Fleet/1274/Canberra%E2%80%99s-landing-craft-coxswains-demonstrate-new-skills.htm |url-status = dead }}
* {{cite news |last = Kerin |first = John |title = PM's floating fighter jet plan quietly sunk by Defence |url = http://www.afr.com/news/politics/pms-floating-fighter-jet-plan-quietly-sunk-by-defence-20150707-gi6qxj?stb=twt |access-date = 7 July 2015 |newspaper = [[Australian Financial Review]] |date = 7 July 2015 }}
* {{cite news |url = http://www.news.com.au/technology/exclusive-report-inside-hmas-canberra/story-e6frfro0-1226639639652 |title = Inside HMAS Canberra |last = McPhedran |first = Ian |author-link = Ian McPhedran |date = 11 May 2013 |website = News.com.au |publisher = News Corp Australia |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150222151341/http://www.news.com.au/technology/exclusive-report-inside-hmas-canberra/story-e6frfro0-1226639639652 |archive-date = 22 February 2015 |access-date = 19 March 2014 }}
* {{cite news |url = http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/national/formal-apology-long-overdue-for-navy-hero-captain-john-robertson/story-fni6ulvf-1227632910033 |title = Formal apology long overdue for navy hero Captain John Robertson |last = McPhedran |first = Ian |date = 3 December 2014 |newspaper = [[The Advertiser (Adelaide)|The Advertiser]] |publisher = [[News Corp Australia]] |access-date = 7 December 2015 }}
* {{cite news |url = http://www.farodevigo.es/gran-vigo/2013/12/11/esteban-garcia-director-industrial-navantia/930476.html |title = Perfecto embarque de un coloso del mar |date = 11 December 2013 |work = Faro de Vigo |last = Otero |first = A. |language = es |access-date = 11 December 2013 }}
* {{cite news |last=Raggatt |first=Tony |url=http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/business/townsville-ports-cruise-terminal-one-of-its-busiest-wharves/story-fnjfzyqo-1227237420493 |title=Townsville port's cruise terminal one of its busiest wharves |date=24 February 2015 |newspaper=Townsville Bulletin |access-date=24 December 2015 }}
* {{cite journal |date=30 August 2012 |title=On the way to Australia |journal = Navy News |publisher = Royal Australian Navy (Directorate of Defence News) |volume=55 |issue=16 |page = 5 }}
* {{cite news |url=http://www.navy.gov.au/news/launch-second-amphibious-ship-landing-helicopter-dock |title=Launch of second Amphibious Ship Landing Helicopter Dock |date=5 July 2012 |publisher=Royal Australian Navy |access-date=5 October 2012 }}
* {{cite web |url = http://www.laopinioncoruna.es/coruna/2012/08/04/navantia-efectua-exito-encaje-canberra/633833.html |title = Navantia efectúa con éxito el 'encaje' del 'Canberra' |work = Laopinióncoruña |date = 4 August 2012 |access-date = 6 September 2012 |language = es }}
* {{cite web |url = http://www.lavozdegalicia.es/video/coruna/2012/08/17/blue-marlin-abandonando-puerto-exterior-coruna/00311345219363877566852.htm |work = La voz de Galicia |title = El "Blue Marlin", abandonando el puerto exterior de A Coruña |date = 17 August 2012 |access-date = 20 August 2012 |language = es }}
* {{cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/national/australian-strategic-policy-institute-raises-doubts-over-abbott-government-plan-to-rebuild-newest-warships/story-fncynjr2-1227128250588 |title=Australian Strategic Policy Institute raises doubts over Abbott Government plan to rebuild newest warships |last=Seidel |first=Jamie |date=19 November 2014 |website=News.com.au |access-date=28 November 2014 |archive-date=21 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141121225006/http://www.news.com.au/national/australian-strategic-policy-institute-raises-doubts-over-abbott-government-plan-to-rebuild-newest-warships/story-fncynjr2-1227128250588 |url-status=dead }}
* {{cite news |url=http://news.navy.gov.au/en/Dec2015/Fleet/2545/HMAS-Adelaide-enters-service.htm |title=HMAS Adelaide enters service |last=Staples |first=Natalie |date=4 December 2015 |work=Navy Daily |publisher=Royal Australian Navy |access-date=7 December 2015 |archive-date=14 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214151736/https://news.navy.gov.au/en/Dec2015/Fleet/2545/HMAS-Adelaide-enters-service.htm |url-status=dead }}
* {{cite news |last=Welfare |first=John |title=Beersheba's Battle Plan |url=http://www.defence.gov.au/Publications/NewsPapers/Army/editions/1274/1274.pdf |access-date=6 January 2017 |newspaper=Army: The Soldiers' Newspaper |issue=1274 |date=2 February 2012 |page=18 |publisher=Department of Defence |location=Canberra, ACT |issn=0729-5685 }}
{{refend}}

===Press releases===
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite press release |title=Next generation of naval ships to reflect a rich history of service |publisher=Department of Defence (Australia) |date=20 January 2006 |url = http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/Hilltpl.cfm?CurrentId=5368 |access-date=22 February 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110315111129/http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/Hilltpl.cfm?CurrentId=5368 |archive-date=15 March 2011 |url-status=dead}}
* {{cite press release |title=Projects of concern – Update |url = http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/2010/10/15/projects-of-concern-update-2/ |publisher=Office of Stephen Smith MP, Minister for Defence |date=15 October 2010 |access-date=5 October 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120327072918/http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/2010/10/15/projects-of-concern-update-2/ |archive-date=27 March 2012 |url-status=dead }}
* {{cite press release |title=Ocean Shield the Navy's newest humanitarian and disaster relief vessel |publisher=Offices of the Minister for Defence and Minister for Defence Materiel |date=3 June 2012 |url = http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/2012/06/03/minister-for-defence-stephen-smith-and-minister-for-defence-materiel-jason-clare-joint-media-release-ocean-shield-the-navys-newest-humanitarian-and-disaster-relief-vessel/ |access-date=3 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151102212348/http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/2012/06/03/minister-for-defence-stephen-smith-and-minister-for-defence-materiel-jason-clare-joint-media-release-ocean-shield-the-navys-newest-humanitarian-and-disaster-relief-vessel/ |archive-date=2 November 2015}}
* {{cite press release |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title = Minister for Defence – Port of Townsville Berth 10 upgrade opening |url = http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/2013/10/18/minister-for-defence-port-of-townsville-berth-10-upgrade-opening/ |publisher=Department of Defence Ministers |date=18 October 2013 |access-date=24 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105025642/http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/2013/10/18/minister-for-defence-port-of-townsville-berth-10-upgrade-opening/ |archive-date=5 January 2016 |url-status=dead }}
{{refend}}

===Websites===
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite web |url = http://www.aspistrategist.org.au/lhd-and-stovl-an-engineers-view/ |title = LHD and STOVL: an engineer's view |last=George |first=Steve |date=20 June 2014 |website = The Strategist – The Australian Strategic Policy Institute Blog |publisher = Australian Strategic Policy Institute |access-date=28 November 2014 }}
* {{cite web |url = http://www.navy.gov.au/fleet/ships-boats-craft/lhd |title = Amphibious Assault Ship (LHD) |publisher=Royal Australian Navy |access-date=23 January 2013 }}
{{refend}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Canberra class landing helicopter dock}}
* Defence Materiel Organisation [http://www.defence.gov.au/dmo/adas/jp2048ph4/index.cfm Amphibious Deployment and Sustainment – JP 2048 Phase 4A/B]

{{Portal bar|Australia|Royal Australian Navy|Engineering}}
{{Royal Australian Navy}}
{{Canberra-class LHD}}
{{RAN aircraft carriers}}
{{RAN amphibious warfare ships}}
{{Navantia|state=autocollapse}}

[[Category:Canberra-class landing helicopter docks| ]]
[[Category:Amphibious warfare vessel classes]]