Singapore Sailors Experience LCAC Operations
June 4, 2005
By Chief Journalist Melinda Larson, Commander Destroyer Squadron
One Public Affairs
SINGAPORE Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) officers and sailors
gained first-hand knowledge of the U.S. Navys landing craft
air-cushion (LCAC) June 3 when they were hosted underway by Assault
Craft Unit (ACU) 5 Detachment Western Pacific Alfa aboard USS Fort
McHenry (LSD 43).
It was very informative working with such a professional force of
operators who have lots of knowledge and experience, said RSN Cpt.
Rajesh Dhillon of Fast Craft Unit, a land craft utility (LCU)
unit.
The informational tour was a scheduled event of 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 sea services. The Singapore
phase, the first phase in the series, began May 31.
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 its capable of
performing, and how many personnel it can carry, said Senior Chief
Boatswains 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 RSNs 3rd Flotilla Headquarters.
The RSN uses LCUs to transport ground forces but are 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. Its only natural that
we share our knowledge with our allies.
The U.S. Navy has a fleet of 91 LCACs. The 2 craft deployed to the
Fort McHenry took turns landing on Sudong Island , giving the RSN
crew a chance to watch operations both from shore and from onboard
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.
