The landing craft heavy HMAS BALIKPAPAN, (LEUT M. D. Otter, RAN), was commissioned. BALIKPAPAN was laid down in Walker’s Yard, Maryborough, QLD, and completed in 1972. Mrs Peacock, (Wife of the Minister for the Army), performed the launching ceremony for the Army. Although BALIKPAPAN was the first LCH built, she was the last to commission into the RAN. All eight craft under construction in 1972-1973 were originally planned for the Australian Army.