Battleship USS Canberra arrives in Sydney for commissioning

The USS Canberra (LCS 30), the sixteenth independence-class littoral combat vessel, arrived in Sydney, Australia, on 18 July to get ready for the ceremonial commissioning. The USS Canberra, named after Australia’s capital and to pay tribute to the first HMAS Canberra that had been lost during WW II’s Skirmish of Savo Island while battling close by the US, arrived at Sydney Harbour. 

For over 100 years, the countries have been standing one next to the other.

The vessel’s trimaran plan, which gives it a shallow draft and strength to work in inshore waters, depends on a plan pioneered at the Austal’s Henderson shipyards in Western Australia. 

Austal CEO Paddy Gregg said the appearance of the vessel was a pleasing moment for the organisation.

“Watching an Austal-built US Navy warship sail into Sydney Harbour, with the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House in the background, was an absolutely special moment for our Company,” said Gregg. 

At its Henderson shipyard, Austal is likewise building Evolved Cape Class watch boats for the Royal Australian Naval force and Guardian Class watch boats for Pacific Island countries.

Home ported in San Diego as a piece of the Littoral Combat Ship Squadron ONE, the USS Canberra is an ideally monitored, quick, and mission-situated surface warrior which works in the untamed sea and close shore conditions, winning against beachfront dangers of the 21st hundred years.  

LCS, like the USS Canberra, is able to work with teams that are combined, joint, manned, and unmanned to support global forward presence, sea control, maritime security, and deterrence missions. 

“Austal’s Alabama-based shipyard is currently contracted on 11 different vessel programs for the US Navy and Coast Guard, and it is a source of pride seeing this vessel visiting our home. Plus, its Australian and historical heritage makes it all the more special,” said Gregg.