In a rare overseas ceremony, the USS Canberra was officially welcomed into the active U.S. fleet on a blustery winter day in Australia, emphasizing the strong alliance between the two countries.

The USS Canberra, an Independence-class littoral combat ship, was commissioned at a naval base in Sydney Harbor, Australia.

It’s worth noting that the ship’s name pays tribute to the Australian capital, and the original USS Canberra, a cruiser launched in 1943, was named after the HMAS Canberra, which was tragically torpedoed by the Japanese, resulting in the loss of 193 sailors who were supporting U.S. Marine landings in the Solomon Islands.

The commissioning ceremony took place in the midst of military exercises occurring in the region, involving numerous nations participating in mock land and sea combat, as well as amphibious landings.

Australian officials emphasized their plans to enhance their military presence in the northern region, while also acknowledging the increased U.S. military presence in the area. This joint effort is part of a U.S.-Pacific strategy aimed at counterbalancing Chinese influence in the region.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles expressed pride in the fact that the USS Canberra, designed by local industry in Western Australia, was being commissioned on Australian soil for the first time in U.S. Navy history.

Overall, the ceremony served as a symbol of the close relationship and cooperation between Australia and the United States in matters of defense and security.

Source: With Agencies