Defence unveils $1.5b NUSHIP Adelaide at Woolloomooloo before commissioning ceremony

AUSTRALIA’S new $1.5 billion warship will be commissioned into service on Friday, and we took a sneak peek inside.

Adelaide's Commanding Officer Captain Paul Mandziy on the flightdeck. Sneak peak on board NUSHIP Adelaide , The Royal Australian Navy's newest helicopter landing ship, before it is commissioned this friday. Picture: John Appleyard

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AUSTRALIA’S new $1.5 billion warship — the HMAS Adelaide — will be commissioned into service at Woolloomooloo before 1200 people on Friday.

Officially known as NUSHIP Adelaide until its inauguration, the 230m long, 20m high helicopter carrier is the identical sister ship to the HMAS Canberrawhich arrived at the Garden Island naval base 12 months ago.

The ship will have around 400 navy and army personnel permanently in its company and can carry an extra 1000 bodies when it is deployed for combat missions or various humanitarian operations.

Petty Officer Nige Butt, Lieutenant Tom Silburn Evans and Navigator Lieutenant Commander Jacqui Kenyon on the bridge. Picture: John Appleyard.

Wentworth Courier was on hand yesterday for the first look inside the extraordinary floating military community.

The ship will go through 156,000 litres of water a day, churn out 6000 meals a day, has more than 1000 bunk beds, a hospital and three internet cafes.

Lieutenant commander Jacqui Kenyon is the ship’s inaugural navigator and said Friday’s commissioning was a huge moment for personnel like her who had prepared for months for the ship’s to come into service.

Spirits are high on the Adelaide ahead of tomorrow’s commissioning ceremony. Picture: John Appleyard

Navigator Lieutenant Commander Jacqui Kenyon on the bridge. Picture: John Appleyard

“It’s really exciting ... there has been a lot to learn but I’ve also navigated the Canberra and I’m feeling very comfortable about it now,” Lt cdr Kenyon said.

On manoeuvres it carries six helicopters and an entire level dedicated to hauling army tanks and trucks.

Lieutenant commander flying Leigh Curac has one of the best views on board from the ship’s flight control tower.

Crew in front of the floodable dock, where heavy machinery like trucks and tanks are loaded on by boat. Picture: John Appleyard

View from the Bridge to the flight deck. Picture: John Appleyard

He said with anything up to six choppers in the sky and 1400 people on board at one time, running the Adelaide can be like “playing a 3D game of chess”, but the Navy had learnt a lot from HMAS Canberra.

“They were the pioneers of this class, you could say we are standing on the shoulders of the Canberra,” he said.

On the flight deck. Picture: John Appleyard

Lieutenant commander David Hellier walks down one of the ships longest corridors. Picture: John Appleyard.

Petty Officer of the Deck, Lee Hunter on the flight deck. Picture: John Appleyard

Friday will be especially moving for the ship’s captain Paul Mandziy.

He saw its construction begin on a factory floor around five years ago while serving as Australia’s defence attache to Spain.

“It’s the culmination of some extraordinary journeys ... to commission a ship is something very special,” Cpt Mandziy said.

Crew gather in the dining area ahead of a meeting. Picture: John Appleyard

NUSHIP Adelaide’s flight deck boasts one of the the best views in town while it’s parked at Woolloomooloo. Picture: John Appleyard

The ship will set off for a training mission to Jervis Bay on Tuesday.