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Singapore Sailors Experience LCAC Operations

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050606-09
Release Date: 6/6/2005 2:28:00 PM

By Chief Journalist Melinda Larson, Commander, Destroyer Squadron 1 Public Affairs

SINGAPORE (NNS) -- Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) officers and sailors gained firsthand knowledge of the U.S. Navy’s landing craft, air cushion (LCAC) June 3 when they were hosted underway by Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5 Det. Western Pacific Alfa aboard USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43).

The informational tour was a scheduled event during exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2005. CARAT is a multinational bilateral series of military training exercises with several Southeast Asian nations designed to enhance interoperability of the respective countries' sea services. The Singapore phase, the first phase in the series, began May 31.

“It was very informative working with such a professional force of operators who have lots of knowledge and experience,” said RSN Capt. Rajesh Dhillon of Fast Craft Unit, a landing craft utility (LCU) unit.

During their visit, the RSN visitors asked the ACU 5 crew a variety of questions about the versatile landing craft.

“They were interested in learning about the LCACs' characteristics and capabilities, such as its range, the missions it’s capable of performing, and how many personnel it can carry,” said Senior Chief Boatswain’s Mate Steve Alt, officer in charge of the detachment.

The LCAC is a high-speed, over-the-beach fully amphibious landing craft. It is used to transport the weapons systems, equipment, cargo and personnel of the assault elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force from ship to shore and across the beach.

After touring the two LCACs deployed aboard Fort McHenry, the group was transported by LCAC to Singapore’s military training island of Sudong.

“The LCAC is a very impressive craft because of its mobility,” said 1st Sgt. Ryu Peh of RSN’s 3rd Flotilla Headquarters.

The RSN uses LCUs to transport ground forces, but is interested in exploring LCACs as an option to deliver troops and equipment to shore.

“The Singapore crew wanted to know what they should look for and what questions to ask builders of LCACs,” Alt said. “The U.S. Navy has been using LCACs since the mid-1980s. It’s only natural that we share our knowledge with our allies.”

The U.S. Navy has a fleet of 91 LCACs. The two craft deployed to Fort McHenry took turns landing on Sudong Island, giving the RSN crew a chance to watch operations both from shore and from aboard the craft.

“I would like to be stationed on an LCAC,” said 1st. Sgt. Alvin Lee, a communications specialist for the RSN. “It was very exciting to be able to ride aboard an LCAC. It was very educational to see how the craft lands on the beach.”

The CARAT task group, under the leadership of Commander, Destroyer Squadron 1, is made up of the dock landing ship Fort McHenry, the guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), the frigate USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60), and the rescue and salvage ship USS Safeguard (ARS 50). Other elements, including P-3C Orion and SH-60 Seahawk aircraft, U.S. Navy Seabees, a U.S. Coast Guard training team, U.S. Army veterinarians and a variety of support commands will also take part in CARAT.

Rear Adm. Kevin Quinn, commander of Logistics Group Western Pacific, is responsible for overall CARAT coordination for U.S. participants in his executive agent role as Commander Task Force 712, Capt. Buzz Little, commander of Destroyer Squadron 1, embarked in Fort McHenry, leads the CARAT task group.

Little’s staff is based in San Diego. Paul Hamilton is homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and Rodney M. Davis in Everett, Wash. Fort McHenry and Safeguard are forward-deployed to Sasebo, Japan.