Australia Twilight War & After...

[Targan]

Originally Posted by RN7

Maybe not so, have a look at the two new planned Canberra Class LHDs.

But they aren't due to be in service until 2013. In the T2K timeline this suggested HMAS Perth (ex-USS Peleliu) would have to be purchased, modified/refitted and commissioned by the RAN all during the early to mid 1990s (20 years before 2013). Add to that the need to select and purchase the aircraft it carries and train all the required personnel.

Also, of the five Tarawa class vessels why would the USN decommission and sell off the Peleliu (unless in Millenium's End the USN decommissioned all five). IRL the USS Tarawa, USS Saipan and USS Belleau Wood were decommissioned in 2009, 2007 and 2005 respectively. USS Tarawa and USS Saipan are part of the inactive fleet but could be returned to service. USS Belleau Wood was sunk as part of the 2006 RIMPAC exercise but could easily have been sold off instead. IRL USS Nassau and USS Peleliu are still in service with the USN.

Originally Posted by RN7

From Millennium’s End:
The Australian Army
[snip]There is a... Marine Assault Regiment based around the Navy’s HMAS Perth (a former Tawara class amphibious assault ship).[snip]

Perhaps this "Marine Assault Regiment" would be a third Commando Regiment, specialising in amphibious assault? This third Commando Regiment would be all-regular the amphibious assault role could cycle between 2 Cdo Regt and 3 Cdo Regt (with a two or three year rotation instead of the 12 month rotation followed by the SASR's Sabre Squadrons).