Canberra departed its homeport of Naval Base San Diego to conduct the primary U.S. Navy ceremonial commissioning in Australia on June 13, visiting American Samoa and the Pacific Island Nation of Fiji previous to its arrival in Sydney for commissioning. Canberra commissioned on the Royal Australian Navy’s Fleet Base East in Sydney, July 22.
“Canberra’s transit to and from Sydney afforded the crew time to attach with different Indo-Pacific allies, companions, and pals,” stated Capt. Marc Crawford, commodore of Littoral Fight Ship Squadron ONE. “We’re excited to welcome the ship and her crews again to San Diego, able to help forward-presence, maritime safety, sea management and deterrence missions across the globe.”
Canberra was the primary U.S. warship commissioned in an allied nation, in addition to the primary overseas army entity granted Freedom of Entry to a overseas metropolis in Australia. Granting Freedom of Entry is an honor bestowed by a municipality upon a valued member of the neighborhood, or upon a visiting superstar or dignitary.
After arrival, Sailors from USS Canberra participated in sporting occasions, shared meals, and exchanged ship excursions with the crew of HMAS Canberra. The crew additionally participated in neighborhood relations occasions to incorporate a seashore cleanup with the Taronga Zoo.
“This historic commissioning strengthened the camaraderie between the U.S. and Australia and likewise the crews of HMAS Canberra and USS Canberra as they each took half, facet by facet, within the ceremony,” stated Cmdr. Will Ashley, Canberra Blue’s commanding officer. “The cities of Sydney and Canberra welcomed us with open arms growing the connectedness we share amongst our two nations. It was actually a as soon as in lifetime expertise.”
Whereas underway, Canberra sailed over 14,000 nautical miles with a crew compiled of Canberra’s Blue and Gold crews.
Within the blue/gold idea, two crews of roughly 70 Sailors alternate to man the ship. That is designed to provide the off-hull crew devoted time to relaxation, retrain and recertify earlier than its subsequent on-hull interval. The power to combine Sailors from each crews displays the ship’s professionalism and flexibility to perform the assigned mission.
“I’m extremely humbled to be part of this crew. Each Blue and Gold crews labored seamlessly collectively and embraced our ‘CAN DO!’ spirit,” stated Command Senior Chief Adam Walker, Canberra’s senior enlisted chief. “Their efficiency and onerous work throughout a difficult transit made this a hit. We loved our time in Australia, however we’re very excited to return residence to our household and pals with fond reminiscences of our mates down underneath. “
Canberra is the second U.S. Navy ship named for Australia’s capital. The primary, a Baltimore-class heavy cruiser, was renamed from Pittsburgh to Canberra on October 16, 1942, and was commissioned on October 14, 1943. It was named in honor of the Australian heavy cruiser HMAS Canberra, which was misplaced on the Battle of Savo Island in World Struggle II.
Homeported in San Diego as part of Littoral Fight Ship Squadron ONE, USS Canberra is a quick, optimally-manned, mission-tailored floor combatant that operates in near-shore and open-ocean environments, profitable in opposition to Twenty first-century coastal threats. LCS like USS Canberra combine with joint, mixed, manned and unmanned groups to help ahead presence, maritime safety, sea management, and deterrence missions across the globe.
