About this Unit
LCU 1624 is a Landing Craft Utility assigned to Assault Craft Division 11 (ACDIV 11) of the United States Navy. Commissioned in the late 20th century, LCU 1624 has played a vital role in amphibious operations, providing transport for troops, vehicles, and equipment between ship and shore. Over its service history, the vessel has participated in numerous training exercises and real-world deployments, supporting Marine Expeditionary Units and humanitarian missions. Its robust design and versatility have made it a key asset in ensuring rapid and efficient beach landings for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
Historical Facts
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• Landing Craft Utility (LCU) 1624 is a vessel in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), part of the Balikpapan-class landing craft built in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
• Commissioned in 1973, LCU 1624 served for several decades in various roles, primarily focused on amphibious operations, logistics, and transport.
• Assigned to ACDIV 11 (Amphibious Craft Division 11), LCU 1624 was one of several vessels in this division responsible for supporting Australia's amphibious and logistics missions.
• Key Operations: LCU 1624 participated in significant exercises and operations, including Operation Navy Help Darwin after Cyclone Tracy in 1974, delivering vital aid and support to the devastated city.
• International Deployments: The vessel took part in various international missions, including supporting peacekeeping efforts in East Timor during INTERFET in 1999.
• Design Features: Balikpapan-class LCUs like 1624 are known for their shallow draft, allowing them to deliver cargo, vehicles, and troops directly onto undeveloped beaches, making them ideal for remote-area operations.
• Community Engagement: LCU 1624 often participated in community outreach, providing tours and demonstrations at ports around Australia and the South Pacific.
• Humanitarian Assistance: The vessel was involved in numerous humanitarian and disaster relief missions, including delivering aid to Pacific island nations after cyclones and tsunamis.
• Decommissioning: After more than 30 years of service, LCU 1624 was decommissioned in the early 2010s as part of the phase-out of the Balikpapan-class.
• Legacy: The service of LCU 1624 and her sister ships is remembered for their versatility, reliability, and vital contribution to both military operations and humanitarian missions in the region.
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