Australian Navy/Army validate their new amphibious capabilities @ Exercise Sea Explorer (vid)

I still believe that Australia should just get it done and form a couple of Battalions of Marines to handle all amphibious duties but to each his own I guess.  The ship is looking better and better but the unrealized star of their new acquisitions I believe will be those new LCM-1E landing craft.  If they take a note from the Brits then they will have not only a capable landing craft, but also short range patrol boats, raiding craft and even mini-monitors.

For all the detractors in Australia that agonized over the decision to purchase the Juan Carlos Class LHD's, I think they hit a home run.