USS Canberra Commissioning Strengthens Alliance
22 July 2023
United States (US) Navy ship, the USS Canberra, will be commissioned in Sydney today, becoming the first US vessel to be commissioned in Australia.
Australia is pleased to host representatives from the US Navy active fleet at HMAS Kuttabul in Sydney for this historic event.
The USS Canberra is an Independence-class littoral combat ship, with proud links to Australian industry, having been designed by Australian shipbuilder Austal Limited in Fremantle, Western Australia.
Today’s commissioning reflects the long-standing friendship and alliance between Australia and the US and our shared commitment to upholding the rules-based order.
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 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.
Members of the ship’s company will visit Canberra on 23 July 2023, when the Australian Capital Territory will grant Freedom of Entry. It is the highest accolade a city can bestow and reinforces the strong ties that bind Australia and the US.
Source: Defence Press Release