"Australia does the heavy lifting in terms of security assistance, foreign aid, humanitarian relief and economic support"In East Timor, The US Navy saw raw performance and just had to acquire some!
They sure know how to build a modern ship! Our navies work quite well together...
U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Frederick McCahan
These a joint project going on right now between the RAN and the USN to use this design not only as a high speed transport but also as a warship. The working name for the new class of warship is the "Vampire" Class. Phased array radar, SM-2/3, Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile, and a new CIWS system based around the Metal Storm weapons system. A crew of 40 to 50, and range of 6000nm at 55kts.
"I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast, for I intend to go in harm's way."
- John Paul Jones