LCU 1624. ACDIV 11

```html • 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. ```