Read a story that the Canadian Forces are borrowing the USS Gunston Hall LSD-44 from the U.S navy to conduct some proof of concept exercises involving amphib assualt. Infantry with LAV's and G-wagons backed by Sea King helicopters will operate from the ship in two exercises. One will be in Nova Scotia and the other will take place next month in Camp Lejeune North Carolina.The destroyer HMCS Athabaskan, the frigate HMCS Halifax, the submarine HMCS Windsor, the supply ship HMCS Preserver and several coastal defence vessels will be involved in the exercise. An American destroyer will also take part in the war games.
This is the first step towards Canada reaquiring this capability. If I was a betting person I would suggest Gen. Hillier's Big Honkin Ship will be an American ship, possibly one of the type represented by USS Gunston Hall. With a crew of only 350 people it would fit into Canada's capability.
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