[SJSAMPLE]

But deploying those tanks is a little logistically tough.
Do the Aussies have LCATs or other ship-to-shore delivery assets capable of deploying the 70+ ton Abrams?

[nralife]

"But deploying those tanks is a little logistically tough.
Do the Aussies have LCATs or other ship-to-shore delivery assets capable of deploying the 70+ ton Abrams?"

While looking for pictures of the actual delivery of the tanks, I found this:

http://www.defence.gov.au/minister/Hilltpl.cfm?CurrentId=3643

"Senator Hill said that the Abrams, with an approximate combat weight of 63 tonnes, was only around 500kg heavier than its competitors. It can be deployed throughout the region using existing naval vessels and infrastructure. The introduction of new amphibious ships from 2010 will give the Army unprecedented mobility and deployability throughout our region and beyond."

Lots of other good info on that website, too.

[naturalman1975]

Do the Aussies have LCATs or other ship-to-shore delivery assets capable of deploying the 70+ ton Abrams?

Currently they could be deployed on the HMAS Kanimbla and the HMAS Manoora - which are ex-US Navy LSTs heavily modified. They could also deploy some on the HMAS Tobruk, but I don't know that that is actually part of any plan.

We are also in the process of selecting designs for at least two new amphibious vessels which among other functions will be capable of deploying the Abrams.

The RAAF is also taking delivery of some C-17s, although obviously you can only deploy tanks in small numbers at a time, that way.