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m Llammakey moved page BRP Batak (LC-299) to BRP Batak over redirect: per WP:NC-SHIPS, no other ship of name, no need for disambiguation
 
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{{other ships|HMAS Tarakan}}
{{other ships|HMAS Tarakan}}
{{Use Australian English|date=April 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2018}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image
{{Infobox ship image
|Ship image=[[File:BRP_Batak_and_BRP_Ivatan.jpg|300px]]
|Ship image=File:BRP_Batak_(LC-299)_1.jpg
|Ship caption=BRP ''Batak'' (right) and BRP ''Ivatan'' berthed at Naval Base Cavite in August 2015}}
|Ship caption=BRP ''Batak'' with other Philippine Navy boats during Exercise Pagsasama 2021
}}
{{Infobox ship career
{{Infobox ship career
|Ship country=Australia
|Ship country=Australia
|Ship flag={{shipboxflag|Australia|naval}}
|Ship flag={{shipboxflag|Australia|naval}}
|Ship name=HMAS ''Tarakan''
|Ship name=
|Ship namesake=
|Ship namesake=The [[Battle of Tarakan (1945)|Allied recapture of Tarakan]]
|Ship builder=[[Walkers Limited]] ([[Maryborough, Queensland]])
|Ship builder=
|Ship laid down=12 December 1971
|Ship laid down=
|Ship launched=16 March 1972
|Ship launched=
|Ship commissioned=15 June 1973
|Ship commissioned=
|Ship decommissioned=20 November 2014
|Ship decommissioned=20 November 2014
|Ship homeport=
|Ship homeport=
|Ship motto="Nothing Daunts"
|Ship motto=
|Ship nickname=
|Ship nickname='Trash Can'<ref name=Swinden22>Swinden, ''Heavy Lifting for Four Decades'', p. 22</ref>
|Ship honours=*'''Battle honours:'''
|Ship honours=
*[[International Force for East Timor|East Timor]] 1999–2000
|Ship fate=Transferred to the Philippine Navy, 23 July 2015
|Ship fate=Transferred to the Philippine Navy, 23 July 2015
|Ship notes=
|Ship notes=
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}}
}}
|}
|}
'''BRP ''Batak'' (AT-299)''' is a [[Balikpapan-class landing craft heavy|''Balikpapan''-class]] heavy [[landing craft]] operated by the [[Philippine Navy]]. One of eight vessels built by [[Walkers Limited]] for the [[Royal Australian Navy]] (RAN), the ship was commissioned into Australian service in 1973 as '''HMAS ''Tarakan'' (L 129)''' . During her RAN career, ''Tarakan'' (named after the Australian [[Battle of Tarakan (1945)|landing at Tarakan]] during World War II) was deployed post-[[Cyclone Tracy]] as part of [[Operation Navy Help Darwin]], undertook various [[hydrographic survey|surveying]] operations, was placed in reserve between 1985 and 1988, relocated an overpopulation of ''[[Tridacna gigas]]'' clams, was part of the [[INTERFET]] peacekeeping taskforce, and participated in a [[Pacific Partnership]] humanitarian deployment.
'''BRP ''Batak'' (LC-299)''' is a [[Balikpapan-class landing craft heavy|''Balikpapan''-class]] heavy [[landing craft]] operated by the [[Philippine Navy]]. One of eight vessels built by [[Walkers Limited]] for the [[Royal Australian Navy]] (RAN), the ship was commissioned into Australian service in 1973 as '''HMAS ''Tarakan'' (L 129)''' . During her RAN career, ''Tarakan'' (named after the Australian [[Battle of Tarakan (1945)|landing at Tarakan]] during World War II) was deployed post-[[Cyclone Tracy]] as part of [[Operation Navy Help Darwin]], undertook various [[hydrographic survey|surveying]] operations, was placed in reserve between 1985 and 1988, relocated an overpopulation of ''[[Tridacna gigas]]'' clams, was part of the [[INTERFET]] peacekeeping taskforce, and participated in a [[Pacific Partnership]] humanitarian deployment.


''Tarakan'' was decommissioned from Australian service in 2014. The ship was refurbished and donated to the Philippine Navy, commissioning as BRP ''Batak'' (named after the [[Batak people (Philippines)|ethnic group]] of the same name) in 2015.
''Tarakan'' was decommissioned from Australian service in 2014. The ship was refurbished and donated to the Philippine Navy, commissioning as BRP ''Batak'' (AT-299) (named after the [[Batak people (Philippines)|ethnic group]] of the same name) in 2015. The hull number was changed to LC-299 in April 2016 as the Philippine Navy started using a new ship classification standard.


==Design and construction==
==Design and construction==
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The eight-vessel ''Balikpapan'' class was ordered as a locally manufactured replacement for the [[Australian Army]]'s [[LSM-1-class landing ship medium]] and [[ALC 50]] landing craft.<ref>Gillett, ''Australian and New Zealand Warships since 1946'', pgs 79, 125</ref> They are {{convert|44.5|m}} long, with a beam of {{convert|10.1|m}}, and a draught of {{convert|1.9|m}}.<ref name=Wertheim26>Wertheim (ed.), ''The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World'', p. 26</ref> The [[landing craft]] have a standard displacement of 316 tons, with a full load displacement of 503 tons.<ref name=Wertheim26/> They were propelled by two G.M. Detroit 6–71 diesel motors, providing 675 brake horsepower to the two propeller shafts, allowing the vessels to reach {{convert|9|kn}}.<ref name=Wertheim26/> The standard ship's company is 17-strong.<ref name=Wertheim26/> The ''Balikpapan''s are equipped with a Decca RM 916 navigational radar, and fitted with two {{convert|12.7|mm}} machine guns for self-defence.<ref name=Wertheim26/>
The eight-vessel ''Balikpapan'' class was ordered as a locally manufactured replacement for the [[Australian Army]]'s [[LSM-1-class landing ship medium]] and [[ALC 50]] landing craft.<ref>Gillett, ''Australian and New Zealand Warships since 1946'', pgs 79, 125</ref> They are {{convert|44.5|m}} long, with a beam of {{convert|10.1|m}}, and a draught of {{convert|1.9|m}}.<ref name=Wertheim26>Wertheim (ed.), ''The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World'', p. 26</ref> The [[landing craft]] have a standard displacement of 316 tons, with a full load displacement of 503 tons.<ref name=Wertheim26/> They were propelled by two G.M. Detroit 6–71 diesel motors, providing 675 brake horsepower to the two propeller shafts, allowing the vessels to reach {{convert|9|kn}}.<ref name=Wertheim26/> The standard ship's company is 17-strong.<ref name=Wertheim26/> The ''Balikpapan''s are equipped with a Decca RM 916 navigational radar, and fitted with two {{convert|12.7|mm}} machine guns for self-defence.<ref name=Wertheim26/>


The LCHs have a maximum payload of 180 tons; equivalent to 3 [[Leopard 1]] tanks, 13 [[M113 armoured personnel carrier]]s 23 quarter-tonne trucks, or four [[LARC-V]] amphibious cargo vehicles.<ref name=Wertheim26/><ref name=Gillett79>Gillett, ''Australian and New Zealand Warships since 1946'', p. 79</ref> As a troop transport, a ''Balikpapan''-class vessel can transport up to 400 soldiers between a larger amphibious ship and the shore, or embark 60 soldiers in six-berth caravans for longer voyages.<ref name=Gillett79/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/balikpapanclasslch/|title=Balikpapan Class Heavy Landing Craft (LCH), Australia|date=2014|website=Naval Technology|publisher=|accessdate=27 September 2014}}</ref> The vessel's payload affects the range: at 175 tons of cargo, each vessel has a range of {{convert|1300|nmi}}, which increases to {{convert|2280|nmi}} with a 150-ton payload, and {{convert|3000|nmi}} when unladen.<ref name=Wertheim26/> The flat, box-like keel causes the ships to roll considerably in other-than-calm conditions, limiting their ability to make long voyages.<ref name=Gillett79/>
The LCHs have a maximum payload of 180 tons; equivalent to 3 [[Leopard 1]] tanks, 13 [[M113 armoured personnel carrier]]s, 23 quarter-tonne trucks, or four [[LARC-V]] amphibious cargo vehicles.<ref name=Wertheim26/><ref name=Gillett79>Gillett, ''Australian and New Zealand Warships since 1946'', p. 79</ref> As a troop transport, a ''Balikpapan''-class vessel can transport up to 400 soldiers between a larger amphibious ship and the shore, or embark 60 soldiers in six-berth caravans for longer voyages.<ref name=Gillett79/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/balikpapanclasslch/|title=Balikpapan Class Heavy Landing Craft (LCH), Australia|date=2014|website=Naval Technology|access-date=27 September 2014}}</ref> The vessel's payload affects the range: at 175 tons of cargo, each vessel has a range of {{convert|1300|nmi}}, which increases to {{convert|2280|nmi}} with a 150-ton payload, and {{convert|3000|nmi}} when unladen.<ref name=Wertheim26/> The flat, box-like keel causes the ships to roll considerably in other-than-calm conditions, limiting their ability to make long voyages.<ref name=Gillett79/>


The ship was laid down by [[Walkers Limited]] at [[Maryborough, Queensland]] on 12 December 1971, launched on 16 March 1972 and commissioned into the RAN as HMAS ''Tarakan'' on 15 June 1973.<ref name=Swinden20>Swinden, ''Heavy Lifting for Four Decades'', p. 20</ref>
The ship was laid down by [[Walkers Limited]] at [[Maryborough, Queensland]] on 12 December 1971, launched on 16 March 1972 and commissioned into the RAN as HMAS ''Tarakan'' on 15 June 1973.<ref name=Swinden20>Swinden, ''Heavy Lifting for Four Decades'', p. 20</ref>
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Following the destruction of [[Darwin, Northern Territory|Darwin]] by [[Cyclone Tracy]] during the night of 24/25 December 1974, ''Tarakan'' was deployed as part of the relief effort; [[Operation Navy Help Darwin]].<ref name=NavyHelp>Sea Power Centre, ''Disaster Relief''</ref> The ship sailed from Brisbane on 27 December, and arrived on 13 January.<ref name=NavyHelp/>
Following the destruction of [[Darwin, Northern Territory|Darwin]] by [[Cyclone Tracy]] during the night of 24/25 December 1974, ''Tarakan'' was deployed as part of the relief effort; [[Operation Navy Help Darwin]].<ref name=NavyHelp>Sea Power Centre, ''Disaster Relief''</ref> The ship sailed from Brisbane on 27 December, and arrived on 13 January.<ref name=NavyHelp/>


In 1978, the LCH performed hydrographic surveys of [[Port Clinton, Queensland]].<ref name=Swinden22/>
In 1978, the LCH performed hydrographic surveys of [[Port Clinton, Queensland]].<ref name=Swinden22>Swinden, ''Heavy Lifting for Four Decades'', p. 22</ref>


''Tarakan'' was placed in reserve on 6 September 1985, one of three landing craft decommissioned for economic reasons.<ref name=Swinden22/><ref name=Gillett79/> She was reactivated in 1988.<ref name=Wertheim26/><ref name=Gillett79/>
''Tarakan'' was placed in reserve on 6 September 1985, one of three landing craft decommissioned for economic reasons.<ref name=Swinden22/><ref name=Gillett79/> She was reactivated in 1988.<ref name=Wertheim26/><ref name=Gillett79/>
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In November 1997, ''Tarakan'' and ''Labuan'' delivered humanitarian supplies to drought-stricken areas in northern Papua New Guinea.<ref name="Swinden23"/>
In November 1997, ''Tarakan'' and ''Labuan'' delivered humanitarian supplies to drought-stricken areas in northern Papua New Guinea.<ref name="Swinden23"/>


''Tarakan'' was deployed to [[East Timor]] as part of the Australian-led [[INTERFET]] peacekeeping taskforce during 1999 and 2000.<ref name=StevensStrength>Stevens, ''Strength Through Diversity'', p. 15</ref> She was attached to INTERFET on two occasions; 30 October to 8 December 1999, and 13 January to 16 February 2000.<ref name=StevensStrength/> Following an overhaul of the RAN [[battle honour]]s system, concluded in March 2010, ''Tarakan'' was awarded the honour "East Timor 1999–2000" for these deployments.<ref name=newhonours>{{cite news |url=http://www.navy.gov.au/Navy_Marks_109th_Birthday_With_Historic_Changes_To_Battle_Honours |title=Navy Marks 109th Birthday With Historic Changes To Battle Honours |date=1 March 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613184920/http://www.navy.gov.au/Navy_Marks_109th_Birthday_With_Historic_Changes_To_Battle_Honours |archivedate=13 June 2011 |publisher=Royal Australian Navy |accessdate=23 December 2012}}</ref><ref name=honourslist>{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.gov.au/w/images/Units_entitlement_list.pdf |title=Royal Australian Navy Ship/Unit Battle Honours |date=1 March 2010 |publisher=Royal Australian Navy |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614064156/http://www.navy.gov.au/w/images/Units_entitlement_list.pdf |archivedate=14 June 2011 |accessdate=23 December 2012}}</ref> ''Tarakan'' and sister ship ''Balikpapan'' returned to East Timor in May 2006 as part of [[Operation Astute]].<ref name=Swinden24/> Tarakan also deployed numerous times in support of Operation Bel Isi II (Peace Monitoring Group on Bougainville) and Operation Anode (Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands).
''Tarakan'' was deployed to [[East Timor]] as part of the Australian-led [[INTERFET]] peacekeeping taskforce during 1999 and 2000.<ref name=StevensStrength>Stevens, ''Strength Through Diversity'', p. 15</ref> She was attached to INTERFET on two occasions; 30 October to 8 December 1999, and 13 January to 16 February 2000.<ref name=StevensStrength/> Following an overhaul of the RAN [[battle honour]]s system, concluded in March 2010, ''Tarakan'' was awarded the honour "East Timor 1999–2000" for these deployments.<ref name=newhonours>{{cite news |url=http://www.navy.gov.au/Navy_Marks_109th_Birthday_With_Historic_Changes_To_Battle_Honours |title=Navy Marks 109th Birthday With Historic Changes To Battle Honours |date=1 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613184920/http://www.navy.gov.au/Navy_Marks_109th_Birthday_With_Historic_Changes_To_Battle_Honours |archive-date=13 June 2011 |publisher=Royal Australian Navy |access-date=23 December 2012}}</ref><ref name=honourslist>{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.gov.au/w/images/Units_entitlement_list.pdf |title=Royal Australian Navy Ship/Unit Battle Honours |date=1 March 2010 |publisher=Royal Australian Navy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614064156/http://www.navy.gov.au/w/images/Units_entitlement_list.pdf |archive-date=14 June 2011 |access-date=23 December 2012}}</ref> ''Tarakan'' and sister ship ''Balikpapan'' returned to East Timor in May 2006 as part of [[Operation Astute]].<ref name=Swinden24/> Tarakan also deployed numerous times in support of Operation Bel Isi II (Peace Monitoring Group on Bougainville) and Operation Anode (Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands).


In 2010, ''Tarakan'' and ''Labuan'' participated in the [[Pacific Partnership]] humanitarian deployment.<ref name=Swinden24/> During June and July 2012, ''Tarakan'' was used to move personnel and stores to remote communities to facilitate the [[Papua New Guinean general election, 2012|2012 Papua New Guinea election]].<ref name=Swinden24>Swinden, ''Heavy Lifting for Four Decades'', p. 24</ref>
In 2010, ''Tarakan'' and ''Labuan'' participated in the [[Pacific Partnership]] humanitarian deployment.<ref name=Swinden24/> During June and July 2012, ''Tarakan'' was used to move personnel and stores to remote communities to facilitate the [[2012 Papua New Guinean general election|2012 Papua New Guinea election]].<ref name=Swinden24>Swinden, ''Heavy Lifting for Four Decades'', p. 24</ref>


[[File:HMAS Tarakan (L 129).jpg|thumb|left|HMAS ''Tarakan'' during the 2013 International Fleet Review]]
[[File:HMAS Tarakan (L 129).jpg|thumb|left|HMAS ''Tarakan'' during the 2013 International Fleet Review]]
In October 2013, ''Tarakan'' participated in the [[International Fleet Review 2013]] in Sydney.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.gov.au/ifr/participants/warships |title=Participating Warships |date=2013 |work=International Fleet Review 2013 website |publisher=Royal Australian Navy |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131210092404/http://www.navy.gov.au/ifr/participants/warships |archivedate=10 December 2013 |accessdate=14 December 2015 |deadurl=yes}}</ref>
In October 2013, ''Tarakan'' participated in the [[International Fleet Review 2013]] in Sydney.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.gov.au/ifr/participants/warships |title=Participating Warships |date=2013 |work=International Fleet Review 2013 website |publisher=Royal Australian Navy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131210092404/http://www.navy.gov.au/ifr/participants/warships |archive-date=10 December 2013 |access-date=14 December 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>


After participating in Exercise Croix Du Sud off New Caledonia, ''Labuan'' and ''Tarakan'' delivered humanitarian supplies to remote coastal settlements in the Solomon Islands in September 2014 as part of Australian support efforts in the region.<ref>{{cite news|date=18 September 2014|title=Australian Navy Delivers Supplies to Solomon Islands|url=http://navaltoday.com/2014/09/18/australian-navy-delivers-supplies-to-solomon-islands/|newspaper=Naval Today|location= |accessdate=27 September 2014}}</ref>
After participating in Exercise Croix Du Sud off New Caledonia, ''Labuan'' and ''Tarakan'' delivered humanitarian supplies to remote coastal settlements in the Solomon Islands in September 2014 as part of Australian support efforts in the region.<ref>{{cite news|date=18 September 2014|title=Australian Navy Delivers Supplies to Solomon Islands|url=http://navaltoday.com/2014/09/18/australian-navy-delivers-supplies-to-solomon-islands/|newspaper=Naval Today|access-date=27 September 2014}}</ref>


L129 made an appearance in the movie The Thin Red Line.
L129 made an appearance in the movie The Thin Red Line.


==Decommissioning==
==Decommissioning==
''Tarakan'', along with ''Labuan'' and ''Brunei'', were decommissioned on 20 November 2014.<ref name=Staples>{{cite news |url=http://news.navy.gov.au/en/Nov2014/Fleet/1616 |title=Final farewell for landing craft |last=Staples |first=Natalie |date=20 November 2014 |work=Navy Daily |publisher=Royal Australian Navy |accessdate=20 November 2014}}</ref>
''Tarakan'', along with ''Labuan'' and ''Brunei'', were decommissioned on 20 November 2014.<ref name=Staples>{{cite news |url=http://news.navy.gov.au/en/Nov2014/Fleet/1616 |title=Final farewell for landing craft |last=Staples |first=Natalie |date=20 November 2014 |work=Navy Daily |publisher=Royal Australian Navy |access-date=20 November 2014}}</ref>


''Tarakan'' and sister ship {{HMAS|Brunei|L 127|2}} were selected for donation to the Philippine Navy in January 2015.<ref name=Fobuena>{{cite news |url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/82331-australia-gift-philippine-navy-ships |title=Australia's gift to PH Navy: 2 supply ships |last=Fonbuena |first=Carmela |publisher=Rapller |date=29 January 2015 |accessdate=30 January 2015}}</ref> The intention was to improve the Philippines' sealift capability, which was found lacking following [[Typhoon Yolanda]] in 2013.<ref name=Fobuena/><ref name=Dalton/> The two landing craft were refurbished and fitted with new navigation and safety equipment, at a total cost of A$4 million.<ref name=Fobuena/><ref name=Dalton>{{cite news |last=Dalton |first=Nick |url=http://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/cairns/gifted-ships-to-philippines-refitted-in-cairns-for-4m/story-fnjpusyw-1227454522132 |title=Gifted ships to Philippines refitted in Cairns for $4m |publisher=The Cairns Post |date=2015-07-24 |accessdate=2015-07-24}}</ref> Hand-over of the vessel was originally planned for 17 May 2015,<ref name=CohenHardy>{{cite news|url=http://www.janes.com/article/50306/ex-ran-heavy-landing-craft-to-arrive-in-philippines-by-mid-may |title=Ex-RAN heavy landing craft to arrive in Philippines by mid-May |last=Cohen |first=Michael |last2=Hardy |first2=James |date=29 May 2015 |work=IHS Jane's Defence Weekly |accessdate=16 June 2015}}</ref> but this did not occur. Instead, the Philippine Navy took possession of the vessels at {{HMAS|Cairns|naval base|6}} on 23 July, with ''Tarakan'' commissioning into the Philippine Navy as BRP ''Batak''.<ref name=romero27July>{{cite news |last1=Romero |first1=Alexis |url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/07/23/1480143/navy-commissions-2-landing-craft-heavy-ships-australia |title=Navy commissions 2 landing craft heavy ships from Australia |publisher=philstar.com (The Philippine Star) |date=2015-07-23 |accessdate=2015-07-24}}</ref> The two landing craft sailed that day for the Philippines, with a formal christening ceremony to be held following their arrival in early August.<ref name=Romero13July>{{cite news |last1=Romero |first1=Alexis |title=Navy to commission 2 landing craft heavy ships from Australia |url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/07/12/1476279/navy-commission-2-landing-craft-heavy-ships-australia |accessdate=13 July 2015 |work=philstar.com (The Philippine Star)}}</ref>
''Tarakan'' and sister ship {{HMAS|Brunei|L 127|2}} were selected for donation to the Philippine Navy in January 2015.<ref name=Fobuena>{{cite news |url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/82331-australia-gift-philippine-navy-ships |title=Australia's gift to PH Navy: 2 supply ships |last=Fonbuena |first=Carmela |publisher=Rapller |date=29 January 2015 |access-date=30 January 2015}}</ref> The intention was to improve the Philippines' sealift capability, which was found lacking following [[Typhoon Yolanda]] in 2013.<ref name=Fobuena/><ref name=Dalton/> The two landing craft were refurbished and fitted with new navigation and safety equipment, at a total cost of A$4 million.<ref name=Fobuena/><ref name=Dalton>{{cite news |last=Dalton |first=Nick |url=http://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/cairns/gifted-ships-to-philippines-refitted-in-cairns-for-4m/story-fnjpusyw-1227454522132 |title=Gifted ships to Philippines refitted in Cairns for $4m |publisher=The Cairns Post |date=2015-07-24 |access-date=2015-07-24}}</ref> Hand-over of the vessel was originally planned for 17 May 2015,<ref name=CohenHardy>{{cite news|url=http://www.janes.com/article/50306/ex-ran-heavy-landing-craft-to-arrive-in-philippines-by-mid-may |title=Ex-RAN heavy landing craft to arrive in Philippines by mid-May |last1=Cohen |first1=Michael |last2=Hardy |first2=James |date=29 May 2015 |work=IHS Jane's Defence Weekly |access-date=16 June 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713172142/http://www.janes.com/article/50306/ex-ran-heavy-landing-craft-to-arrive-in-philippines-by-mid-may|archivedate=2015-07-13}}</ref> but this did not occur.
Instead, the Philippine Navy took possession of the vessels at {{HMAS|Cairns|naval base|6}} on 23 July, with ''Tarakan'' commissioning into the Philippine Navy as BRP ''Batak'' (AT-299).<ref name=romero27July>{{cite news |last1=Romero |first1=Alexis |url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/07/23/1480143/navy-commissions-2-landing-craft-heavy-ships-australia |title=Navy commissions 2 landing craft heavy ships from Australia |publisher=philstar.com (The Philippine Star) |date=2015-07-23 |access-date=2015-07-24}}</ref> The two landing craft sailed that day for the Philippines, with a formal christening ceremony to be held following their arrival in early August.<ref name=Romero13July>{{cite news |last1=Romero |first1=Alexis |title=Navy to commission 2 landing craft heavy ships from Australia |url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/07/12/1476279/navy-commission-2-landing-craft-heavy-ships-australia |access-date=13 July 2015 |work=philstar.com (The Philippine Star)}}</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:BRP_Batak_Sinulog2019.jpg|BRP ''Batak'' at the Cebu Sinulog fluvial festival 2019
</gallery>


==See also==
==See also==
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;Books
;Books
*{{cite book |last=Gillett |first=Ross |title=Australian and New Zealand Warships since 1946 |year=1988 |publisher=Child & Associates |location=Brookvale, NSW |isbn=0-86777-219-0 |oclc=23470364}}
*{{cite book |last=Gillett |first=Ross |title=Australian and New Zealand Warships since 1946 |year=1988 |publisher=Child & Associates |location=Brookvale, NSW |isbn=0-86777-219-0 |oclc=23470364}}
*{{cite book |last=Stevens |first=David |title=Strength Through Diversity: The combined naval role in Operation Stabilise |series=Working Papers |volume=20 |date=2007 |publisher=Sea Power Centre – Australia |location=Canberra |isbn=978-0-642-29676-4 |issn=1834-7231 |url=http://www.navy.gov.au/w/images/Working_Paper_20.pdf |accessdate=6 September 2010}}
*{{cite book |last=Stevens |first=David |title=Strength Through Diversity: The combined naval role in Operation Stabilise |series=Working Papers |volume=20 |date=2007 |publisher=Sea Power Centre – Australia |location=Canberra |isbn=978-0-642-29676-4 |issn=1834-7231 |url=http://www.navy.gov.au/w/images/Working_Paper_20.pdf |access-date=6 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910150114/http://www.navy.gov.au/w/images/Working_Paper_20.pdf |archive-date=10 September 2012 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}
*{{cite book |title=The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World: Their Ships, Aircraft, and Systems |editor=Wertheim, Eric |publisher=Naval Institute Press |location=Annapolis, MD |date=2007 |edition=15th |isbn=978-1-59114-955-2 |oclc=140283156 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TJunjRvplU4C |page=26}}
*{{cite book |title=The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World: Their Ships, Aircraft, and Systems |editor=Wertheim, Eric |publisher=Naval Institute Press |location=Annapolis, MD |date=2007 |edition=15th |isbn=978-1-59114-955-2 |oclc=140283156 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TJunjRvplU4C |page=26}}


;Journal articles
;Journal articles
*{{cite journal|url=http://www.navy.gov.au/w/index.php/Publication:Semaphore_-_Issue_14%2C_2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213160636/http://www.navy.gov.au/w/index.php/Publication:Semaphore_-_Issue_14%2C_2004 |dead-url=yes |archive-date=2009-02-13 |title=Disaster Relief&nbsp;— Cyclone Tracy and Tasman Bridge |publisher=Sea Power Centre |work=Semaphore |date=December 2004 |volume=2004 |issue=14 |accessdate=18 December 2011 }}
*{{cite journal|url=http://www.navy.gov.au/w/index.php/Publication:Semaphore_-_Issue_14%2C_2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213160636/http://www.navy.gov.au/w/index.php/Publication:Semaphore_-_Issue_14%2C_2004 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2009-02-13 |title=Disaster Relief&nbsp;— Cyclone Tracy and Tasman Bridge |publisher=Sea Power Centre |journal=Semaphore |date=December 2004 |volume=2004 |issue=14 |access-date=18 December 2011 }}
*{{cite journal|last=Swinden |first=Greg |date=April 2013 |title=Heavy Lifting for Four Decades: The Navy's Landing Craft Heavy |journal=The Navy |publisher=Navy League of Australia |volume=75 |issue=2 |page=22 |issn=1322-6231}}
*{{cite journal|last=Swinden |first=Greg |date=April 2013 |title=Heavy Lifting for Four Decades: The Navy's Landing Craft Heavy |journal=The Navy |publisher=Navy League of Australia |volume=75 |issue=2 |page=22 |issn=1322-6231}}


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.navy.mil.ph Philippine Navy Official website]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080403021636/http://www.navy.mil.ph/ Philippine Navy Official website]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110928112219/http://www.dlsu.edu.ph/offices/sps/rotc/pdf/ms2/namingPNships.pdf Naming and Code Designation of PN Ships]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110928112219/http://www.dlsu.edu.ph/offices/sps/rotc/pdf/ms2/namingPNships.pdf Naming and Code Designation of PN Ships]


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{{Philippine Navy ships}}
{{Philippine Navy ships}}
{{RAN amphibious warfare ships}}
{{RAN amphibious warfare ships}}

{{DISPLAYTITLE:BRP ''Batak'' (AT-299)}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Batak (AT-299)}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Batak (AT-299)}}

Latest revision as of 15:39, 8 November 2024

For other ships with the same name, see HMAS Tarakan.

BRP Batak with other Philippine Navy boats during Exercise Pagsasama 2021
History
Australia
Decommissioned20 November 2014
FateTransferred to the Philippine Navy, 23 July 2015
History
Philippines
NameBRP Batak
NamesakeBatak people, a Filipino ethnic group located on Palawan
Acquired23 July 2015
Commissioned23 July 2015
StatusActive as of 2015
General characteristics
Class and typeBalikpapan-class landing craft heavy
Displacement316 tons
Length44.5 m (146 ft)
Beam10.1 m (33 ft)
PropulsionTwo GE diesels
Speed9 knots (17 km/h; 10 mph)
Capacity180 tons of vehicle cargo or 400 soldiers
Complement13
Armament2 × 0.50 inch machine guns

BRP Batak (LC-299) is a Balikpapan-class heavy landing craft operated by the Philippine Navy. One of eight vessels built by Walkers Limited for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), the ship was commissioned into Australian service in 1973 as HMAS Tarakan (L 129) . During her RAN career, Tarakan (named after the Australian landing at Tarakan during World War II) was deployed post-Cyclone Tracy as part of Operation Navy Help Darwin, undertook various surveying operations, was placed in reserve between 1985 and 1988, relocated an overpopulation of Tridacna gigas clams, was part of the INTERFET peacekeeping taskforce, and participated in a Pacific Partnership humanitarian deployment.

Tarakan was decommissioned from Australian service in 2014. The ship was refurbished and donated to the Philippine Navy, commissioning as BRP Batak (AT-299) (named after the ethnic group of the same name) in 2015. The hull number was changed to LC-299 in April 2016 as the Philippine Navy started using a new ship classification standard.

Design and construction

[edit]
Main article: Balikpapan-class landing craft heavy

The eight-vessel Balikpapan class was ordered as a locally manufactured replacement for the Australian Army's LSM-1-class landing ship medium and ALC 50 landing craft.[1] They are 44.5 metres (146 ft) long, with a beam of 10.1 metres (33 ft), and a draught of 1.9 metres (6 ft 3 in).[2] The landing craft have a standard displacement of 316 tons, with a full load displacement of 503 tons.[2] They were propelled by two G.M. Detroit 6–71 diesel motors, providing 675 brake horsepower to the two propeller shafts, allowing the vessels to reach 9 knots (17 km/h; 10 mph).[2] The standard ship's company is 17-strong.[2] The Balikpapans are equipped with a Decca RM 916 navigational radar, and fitted with two 12.7 millimetres (0.50 in) machine guns for self-defence.[2]

The LCHs have a maximum payload of 180 tons; equivalent to 3 Leopard 1 tanks, 13 M113 armoured personnel carriers, 23 quarter-tonne trucks, or four LARC-V amphibious cargo vehicles.[2][3] As a troop transport, a Balikpapan-class vessel can transport up to 400 soldiers between a larger amphibious ship and the shore, or embark 60 soldiers in six-berth caravans for longer voyages.[3][4] The vessel's payload affects the range: at 175 tons of cargo, each vessel has a range of 1,300 nautical miles (2,400 km; 1,500 mi), which increases to 2,280 nautical miles (4,220 km; 2,620 mi) with a 150-ton payload, and 3,000 nautical miles (5,600 km; 3,500 mi) when unladen.[2] The flat, box-like keel causes the ships to roll considerably in other-than-calm conditions, limiting their ability to make long voyages.[3]

The ship was laid down by Walkers Limited at Maryborough, Queensland on 12 December 1971, launched on 16 March 1972 and commissioned into the RAN as HMAS Tarakan on 15 June 1973.[5]

Operational history

[edit]

Following the destruction of Darwin by Cyclone Tracy during the night of 24/25 December 1974, Tarakan was deployed as part of the relief effort; Operation Navy Help Darwin.[6] The ship sailed from Brisbane on 27 December, and arrived on 13 January.[6]

In 1978, the LCH performed hydrographic surveys of Port Clinton, Queensland.[7]

Tarakan was placed in reserve on 6 September 1985, one of three landing craft decommissioned for economic reasons.[7][3] She was reactivated in 1988.[2][3]

From May 1992 to April 1993, Tarakan was used by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to relocate an overpopulation of Tridacna gigas clams from Orpheus Island to Grub Reef.[8] Tarakan was seconded to Operation Beachcomber on several occasions between 1991 and 1995 for hydrographic duties.[7]

In November 1997, Tarakan and Labuan delivered humanitarian supplies to drought-stricken areas in northern Papua New Guinea.[8]

Tarakan was deployed to East Timor as part of the Australian-led INTERFET peacekeeping taskforce during 1999 and 2000.[9] She was attached to INTERFET on two occasions; 30 October to 8 December 1999, and 13 January to 16 February 2000.[9] Following an overhaul of the RAN battle honours system, concluded in March 2010, Tarakan was awarded the honour "East Timor 1999–2000" for these deployments.[10][11] Tarakan and sister ship Balikpapan returned to East Timor in May 2006 as part of Operation Astute.[12] Tarakan also deployed numerous times in support of Operation Bel Isi II (Peace Monitoring Group on Bougainville) and Operation Anode (Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands).

In 2010, Tarakan and Labuan participated in the Pacific Partnership humanitarian deployment.[12] During June and July 2012, Tarakan was used to move personnel and stores to remote communities to facilitate the 2012 Papua New Guinea election.[12]

HMAS Tarakan during the 2013 International Fleet Review

In October 2013, Tarakan participated in the International Fleet Review 2013 in Sydney.[13]

After participating in Exercise Croix Du Sud off New Caledonia, Labuan and Tarakan delivered humanitarian supplies to remote coastal settlements in the Solomon Islands in September 2014 as part of Australian support efforts in the region.[14]

L129 made an appearance in the movie The Thin Red Line.

Decommissioning

[edit]

Tarakan, along with Labuan and Brunei, were decommissioned on 20 November 2014.[15]

Tarakan and sister ship Brunei were selected for donation to the Philippine Navy in January 2015.[16] The intention was to improve the Philippines' sealift capability, which was found lacking following Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.[16][17] The two landing craft were refurbished and fitted with new navigation and safety equipment, at a total cost of A$4 million.[16][17] Hand-over of the vessel was originally planned for 17 May 2015,[18] but this did not occur.

Instead, the Philippine Navy took possession of the vessels at HMAS Cairns on 23 July, with Tarakan commissioning into the Philippine Navy as BRP Batak (AT-299).[19] The two landing craft sailed that day for the Philippines, with a formal christening ceremony to be held following their arrival in early August.[20]

[edit]
  • BRP Batak at the Cebu Sinulog fluvial festival 2019
    BRP Batak at the Cebu Sinulog fluvial festival 2019

See also

[edit]

Citations

[edit]
  1. ^ Gillett, Australian and New Zealand Warships since 1946, pgs 79, 125
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Wertheim (ed.), The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World, p. 26
  3. ^ a b c d e Gillett, Australian and New Zealand Warships since 1946, p. 79
  4. ^ "Balikpapan Class Heavy Landing Craft (LCH), Australia". Naval Technology. 2014. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  5. ^ Swinden, Heavy Lifting for Four Decades, p. 20
  6. ^ a b Sea Power Centre, Disaster Relief
  7. ^ a b c Swinden, Heavy Lifting for Four Decades, p. 22
  8. ^ a b Swinden, Heavy Lifting for Four Decades, p. 23
  9. ^ a b Stevens, Strength Through Diversity, p. 15
  10. ^ "Navy Marks 109th Birthday With Historic Changes To Battle Honours". Royal Australian Navy. 1 March 2010. Archived from the original on 13 June 2011. Retrieved 23 December 2012.
  11. ^ "Royal Australian Navy Ship/Unit Battle Honours" (PDF). Royal Australian Navy. 1 March 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 June 2011. Retrieved 23 December 2012.
  12. ^ a b c Swinden, Heavy Lifting for Four Decades, p. 24
  13. ^ "Participating Warships". International Fleet Review 2013 website. Royal Australian Navy. 2013. Archived from the original on 10 December 2013. Retrieved 14 December 2015.
  14. ^ "Australian Navy Delivers Supplies to Solomon Islands". Naval Today. 18 September 2014. Retrieved 27 September 2014.
  15. ^ Staples, Natalie (20 November 2014). "Final farewell for landing craft". Navy Daily. Royal Australian Navy. Retrieved 20 November 2014.
  16. ^ a b c Fonbuena, Carmela (29 January 2015). "Australia's gift to PH Navy: 2 supply ships". Rapller. Retrieved 30 January 2015.
  17. ^ a b Dalton, Nick (24 July 2015). "Gifted ships to Philippines refitted in Cairns for $4m". The Cairns Post. Retrieved 24 July 2015.
  18. ^ Cohen, Michael; Hardy, James (29 May 2015). "Ex-RAN heavy landing craft to arrive in Philippines by mid-May". IHS Jane's Defence Weekly. Archived from the original on 13 July 2015. Retrieved 16 June 2015.
  19. ^ Romero, Alexis (23 July 2015). "Navy commissions 2 landing craft heavy ships from Australia". philstar.com (The Philippine Star). Retrieved 24 July 2015.
  20. ^ Romero, Alexis. "Navy to commission 2 landing craft heavy ships from Australia". philstar.com (The Philippine Star). Retrieved 13 July 2015.

References

[edit]
Books
Journal articles
[edit]
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