Australian Navy ship due

Press, 7 March 1984, Page 29

Australian Navy ship due

H.M.A.S. Tobruk, an Australian naval amphibious heavy lift ship, will make her first call at the Port of Lyttelton tomorrow. The 6000-ton vessel is visiting New Zealand to take part in Exercise Northern Safari from March 5 to 26. She will be in port for five days and will do loading and unloading work as part of the exercise. The ship was built in Australia four years ago and her roll-on capabilities were designed for joint Navy and Army work. The Tobruk was launched in 1980 and commissioned into the Royal Australian Navy in 1981. She can carry a squadron of Leopard tanks, large numbers of vehicles, and up to 550 troops. The Tobruk's bow and stern ramps allow her to discharge her cargo in any established port. She can also be beached, and have troops unloaded through the bow doors.. Other means of unloading are by the use of landing craft and the ship’s three Wessex 318 helicopters. The ship’s crew has a busy schedule at Lyttelton. The vessels commander, Commander G. A. Morton, will call on the Mayors of Christchurch and Lyttelton and representatives of the Lyttelton Harbour Board tomorrow.

New Zealand soldiers will visit the ship on Friday. The Tobruk will be open to the public on Saturday, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Several sports engagements have been planned for its crew on Sunday Before the ship leaves early on Monday morning. A “Dial-a-sailor, soldier” programme has been arranged during the ship’s visit. Anyone wishing to offer hospitality to the crew of the Tobruk can telephone the ship direct at Lyttelton 8802. The Tobruk has a crew of 130 officers and ratings. ARRIVALS Spirit of Free Enterprise (7 a.m.), 1204, Wellington (Pacifica). Oregon Rainbow (11.30 a.m.), 9649, Wellington (Seatrans). DEPARTURES Union Sydney (8 p.m.), 9330, Wellington (U.M.S.). Spirit of Free Enterprise (4.30 p.m.), 1204,. Wellington. (Pacifica). Moreton Bay (7 p.m.), 26,876, Jeddah (Q.C.L.). Ocean Fresh (9 p.m.), 3572, Auckland (Dalgety). Oregon Rainbow (4 p.m.), 9649, Auckland (Seatrans). EXPECTED ARRIVALS Coastal Trader, Dndn, today (7 a.m.). Ervilla, Singapore, today (7 p.m.). Skulptor Zalkans, Nap, today (3.30 p.m.). Spirit of Free Enterprise, Wgtn, Tomorrow. H.M.A.S. Tobruk, sea, tomorrow. Sincerity, sea, tomorrow. Erne, Auck, tomorrow. Darwin Trader, Wgtn, March 9. Willowbank, sea, March 10. Express, Kurnell, March 10. Spirit of Free Enterprise, Wgtn, March 10. Peruvian Reefer, Auck, March 11.

Union Dunedin, Wgtn, March

Full Moon, Wgtn, March 11. Act 4, Wgtn, March 11. PROJECTED DEPARTURES Tasman Enterprise, Dndn, today (6 p.m.). Coastal Trader, Auck, today (3.30 p.m.). Svet Laya, sea, today (9.30 a.m.). Skulptor Zalkans, Bluff, tomorrow. Erne, Nelson, tomorrow. Spirit of Free Enterprise, Wgtn, tomorrow. Darwin Trader, Dndn, March 9L Sea Grace, Japan, March 10. Act 4, Flush, March 11. Spirit of Free Enterprise, Wgtn, March 11. Coastal Trader, Dndn, March 12. Peruvian Reefer, Nap, March 12. Global Star, Auck, March 14. VESSELS IN PORT Sea Grace, Cashin Quay No. 1. Coastal Trader, Z berth. Svet Laya, Breastwork. Tasman Enterprise, No. 2 East. Samuel P. Lee, No. 4 East. Holmdale, No. 7 West. H.M.N.Z.S. Tui, dry dock. Ervilla, oil wharf.