SYDNEY, Australia: The United States commissioned the warship USS Canberra in Sydney, Australia, on July 22.
This was the primary time in US historical past {that a} US Navy vessel was positioned into lively service whereas in a international port.
It was additionally seen as a message to China, restating the shut alliance between Australia and the US.
The USS Canberra, categorized as an Independence-class fight ship – has been named after a Royal Australian Navy cruiser which was broken in fight and later sunk whereas taking part within the U.S. Marine landings on Guadalcanal in 1942.
This week’s commissioning was held at an Australian naval base in Sydney Harbour.
“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,” Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles mentioned in an announcement.
That the commissioning ceremony came about in Australian waters mirrored, “our shared commitment to upholding the rules-based order,” he added.
The ceremony occurred in the course of the ongoing Talisman Sabre navy workout routines between the U.S. and Australia. This yr’s navy train is supposed to strengthen the thought of countering an more and more belligerent Chinese navy.
The two week navy train in Australia contains mock land and air fight, together with amphibious landings.
Besides Australia and the U.S., forces from Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of Korea, Tonga and Britain are collaborating.
Of notice, in the course of the train the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) scheduled the launch of a surface-to-ship missile off Australia’s east coast at Jervis Bay, about 195km south of Sydney.
Marles mentioned the train “marked the first time the JGSDF has tested the capability in Australia.”
Also for the primary time, Germany is taking part, having despatched 210 paratroopers and marines.
Last March, the US and Britain agreed to help Australia in constructing a fleet of nuclear submarines.
Additionally, the US has dedicated to promoting Australia three U.S. Virginia class nuclear-powered submarines, with an possibility for Australia to buy two extra.