For the first time in the history of the United States, a U.S. Navy ship joined service at a foreign port. The U.S. commissioned warship USS Canberra in Sydney, Australia, on July 22.
The commissioning ceremony of the newest Independence-variant littoral combat ship (LCS), the USS Canberra (LCS 30), was held at an Australian Naval Base on Sydney Harbour.
The U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos del Toro attended the ceremony in Sydney. “This truly is a special occasion for our fleet and our nation to be here with you in Australia, one of our closest allies, to celebrate the commissioning of our Navy’s newest warship that is destined to serve throughout the Indo-Pacific region,” he said.
“I am confident that wherever USS Canberra is sailing, and whatever challenges her crew may face, they are ready, as reinforced by this warship’s motto — ‘Can Do!”
Speaking at the ceremony, Australian Defense Minister Marles said, “Australians can be proud that this ship, designed in Western Australia by local industry and named after HMAS Canberra, is being commissioned here for the first time in the history of the United States Navy.”
USS Canberra
Independence-variant littoral combat (LCS) ships are fast, optimally manned, mission-tailored surface combatants. LCS integrates with joint combined, manned, and unmanned teams to support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe.
USS Canberra is the 16th commissioned Independence-variant LCS. It is the second ship named after Australia’s capital, Canberra. The commissioning of warship in Australia commemorates the more than 100 years of mateship between the U.S. and Australian allies.
The first USS Canberra (CA 70) was named in remembrance of the Australian heavy cruiser HMAS Canberra that sank during the Battle of Savo Island while fighting side-by-side with U.S. naval forces.
We welcomed #USSCanberra to Sydney Harbour yesterday, ahead of the historic commissioning this weekend. 👏 Marking the long and special relationship between Australia and the USA, USS Canberra will become the first @USNavy ship commissioned in Australia. 🇦🇺🇺🇸 #YourADF pic.twitter.com/NlFA3YR13I
— Defence Australia (@DefenceAust) July 19, 2023
“Today marks a proud moment which our Royal Australian Navy is privileged to share alongside our allies and friends in the United States Navy,” Australian Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, said. “The connection between our navies, forged in battle during the Second World War, is reflected in the name USS Canberra.”
U.S. and Australia defense ties
The first commissioning of a U.S. naval vessel in Australia is a significant milestone in the defense ties between Washington and Canberra. This development comes after the two allies decided to strengthen their military relations amidst China’s reach in the Indo-Pacific region.
Under Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States (AUKUS) security partnership finalized in March 2023, the three countries agreed to work in collaboration to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific that is secure and stable. United States and Britain have also agreed to help Australia acquire a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS.
