The Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) program reached a significant milestone in Adelaide today as the second of three destroyers was formally named and launched into Australian waters for the first time.

Minister Tehan represented the Government as the Brisbane was officially named and launched. Her predecessor, the guided missile destroyer HMAS Brisbane, was fondly known in the fleet as ‘the Steel Cat’, a nickname that alluded to the leopard that tops the crest of the City of Brisbane and which also appears on the ship’s crest.

“Australia is undertaking an unprecedented upgrade of its naval capabilities.”

“Australia is undertaking an unprecedented upgrade of its naval capabilities, and the additional of the Brisbane to our fleet will help ensure our ongoing national security,” Minister Tehan said.

Minister Pyne said many companies came together to get the second AWD in the water.

 “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the shipbuilder ASC, mission systems integrator Raytheon Australia, ship build manager Navantia and the Government’s representative, Defence, on this momentous occasion.

“The construction and integration work occurring here in Adelaide on the AWD program is a vital part of South Australia’s shipbuilding industry.”

Over the coming months, outfitting of Brisbane will continue, as will the loading of combat system equipment. 

Ship 01, Hobart, will sail into waters off the coast of South Australia on sea trials early next year to undertake testing of combat and communications systems and further platform system testing. ADM understands she will be joined by the Spanish Armada’s AWD of matching design, Cristóbal Colón during the trials.

The third destroyer will now move forward into its final position in the shipyard where it will finish being consolidated into a full ship.