GC4V3TW HMAS #19: CHOULES (Traditional Cache) in Australian Capital Territory, Australia created by Cankid

This cache has been archived.

Smittengranny: This series has come to the end of its life. With pine plantations being cleared and new suburbs encroaching on the area, it needs to be archived. Thanks to all who helped with the CITO this morning and to all who have supported the series. Special thanks to Cankid for the research and original placement of the series.

GC4V3TW ▼

A cache by Cankid Message this owner

Hidden : 3/10/2014

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

Information about this Series

The HMAS cache series has been created by Cankid and Delta Response Team to celebrate the 2013 fleet review and this is 19 of 101 caches. The series features 53 ships, 11 bases, 20 knighted seamen, 5 engagements and 1 cache about the RAN. There are also 9 puzzles for each section of the series, with one final cache. There is also one extra for the enthusiasts out there. The series can be done in a day and is best done in order. The best mode of transport in doing this series is bike.

The Location

The series is located just off Coppins Crossing road and continues through an area quite close to the arboretum. Park at the parking coordinates as provided in the first cache and continue from there. Please show caution and do not obscure the gate. This series will take almost all day so plan ahead, take water and snacks for the trip. As said previously, it is best done by bike. Most of the caches are on fire trails but there are some where you will have to go off track to find them.

This cache

HMAS Choules is a Bay Class Landing Ship Dock, based on the Royal Schelde Enforcer design. The ship was originally commissioned with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary service on 28 November 2006 as RFA Largs Bay (L3006). The Bay Class is a proven capability with Largs Bay having provided humanitarian relief as part of the international response to the Haiti earthquake in 2010.

At the end of 2010, Largs Bay was marked as one of the vessels to be removed from service under the UK Strategic Defence and Security Review.

On 17 March 2011, the Department of Defence announced that the Royal Australian Navy would be bidding for Largs Bay. This was followed on 6 April by news that a A$100 million (£65 million) bid had been successful.

ADF Ship Choules was formally handed to the Australian Defence Force in October 2011 following extensive sea trials to confirm the condition of the vessel. The ship also underwent a major refit to make her suitable for RAN service. This work included:

Overhauling the main propulsion system, including diesel generators and azimuths
Repainting the hull and flight deck
Upgrading the tropical cooling system
Upgrading and maintaining the salt water system
Overhauling the stern ramp
Extending the bridge front walkway
Various safety enhancements
Supplying and installing mexeflotes pontoons
Installing temporary aircraft shelter

ADFS Choules arrived in Western Australia in December 2011, and was commissioned as HMAS Choules on 13 December 2011. The ship is named after the late Chief Petty Officer Claude Choules.

HMAS Choules has a large flight deck aft which can accommodate two large helicopters and a docking well in the stern capable of operating a LCM-8 or two LCVP landing craft.

The military lift includes the capacity to load and transport up to 32 Abrams tanks, or 150 light trucks. They can carry a normal load of 356 troops, or overloaded with 700. They are designed to operate over the horizon using helicopters and landing craft, to get men and equipment ashore.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Ybt

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)

This cache has been archived.

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HMAS #19: CHOULES Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

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Geocache Description:

Attributes

Inventory

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