The USS Canberra (LCS 30), 16th independence-variant littoral combat ship, arrived in Sydney, Australia on July 18, in preparation for its ceremonial commissioning.
The USS Canberra, named after Australia’s capital and in honor of the original HMAS Canberra that was lost during World War II’s Battle of Savo Island while fighting alongside the United States, arrived in Sydney Harbour.
The ship entered in formation with the Canberra-class landing helicopter dock HMAS Canberra before mooring pierside at the Royal Australian Navy’s Fleet Base East. The LCS 30 will be officially commissioned in a ceremonial event on July 22.
On July 23, 2023, the crew of the USS Canberra will embark on a namesake visit to the Australian Capital Territory of Canberra, as part of their commitment to enhancing bilateral defense cooperation and fostering collaboration with regional partners. This endeavor aligns with a shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
“To sail last night and rendezvous with USS Canberra was an absolute privilege, not just for myself but for the Army, Navy and Air Force crew members on HMAS Canberra,” said. Capt. Brendan O’Hara, commanding officer of HMAS Canberra.
“Having another ship named Canberra, there is an automatic bond as mariners between those ships straight away. We look forward to supporting their ship’s company throughout the course of this week, particularly for the commissioning ceremony this Saturday,” he added.
Constructed by Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama, the USS Canberra was christened on 5 June 2021, with the ship’s sponsor being Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marise Payne.
Austal USA’s facilities in Mobile witnessed the delivery of the vessel to the US Navy on December 21, 2021, with the commissioning initially planned for mid-2022; subsequently, on June 22, 2022, the USS Canberra reached its designated home port at San Diego Naval Base.
In May of this year, the Navy announced that the future USS Canberra will be commissioned on 22 July 2023 in Australia, marking the first-ever international commissioning ceremony of a US Navy ship in an allied country.
