United States (US) Navy ship, the USS Canberra, became the first US vessel to be commissioned in Australia on Saturday. The HMAS Kuttabul in Sydney hosted representatives from the US Navy active fleet for this historic event.
A commissioning is an official ceremony when a ship enters active service. It is one of the most significant milestones in the life of a ship and has been a US Navy tradition since 1775. The commissioning reflects the long-standing friendship and alliance between Australia and the US and a shared commitment to upholding the rules-based order.
“Today marks a proud moment which our Royal Australian Navy is privileged to share alongside our allies and friends in the United States Navy," said Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO, RAN.
“The connection between our navies, forged in battle during the Second World War, is reflected in the name USS Canberra.”
The commissioning caps a weeklong series of events celebrating the ship and its namesake city. During the ceremony, Canberra’s commanding officer Cmdr. Will Ashley, reported the ship ready, and ship sponsor, Honourable Marise Payne, the former Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs, gave the traditional order to “Man our ship and bring her to life!”
"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," said Secretary of the Navy, the Honourable Carlos Del Toro, delivering the commissioning ceremony's principal address.
"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!'"
The USS Canberra is an Independence-class littoral combat ship (LCS), designed by Australian shipbuilder Austal Limited in Fremantle, Western Australia. Independence-variant LCS are fast, optimally manned, mission-tailored surface combatants that operate in near-shore and open-ocean environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS integrate with joint combined, manned and unmanned teams to support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe.
The first USS Canberra was a Baltimore-class heavy cruiser and the first US Navy ship to be named after a foreign capital. It was named at the request of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in honour of the Australian ship HMAS Canberra, for its courageous actions during the Battle of Savo Island in August 1942.
During the Battle of Savo Island, HMAS Canberra was hit by shellfire 24 times in less than two minutes and 84 of her crew were killed defending landing operations of the US Marines at Guadalcanal.
“The commissioning of the USS Canberra is an opportunity to reflect on the shared history, friendship and cooperation between Australia and the United States," said Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP.
“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. It is a privilege to witness our two navies come together at Fleet Base East today for this historic occasion.”
Members of the ship’s company visited Canberra on 23 July, where the Australian Capital Territory granted Freedom of Entry. It is the highest accolade a city can bestow and reinforces the strong ties that bind Australia and the US.