US Navy Commissions Warship in Foreign Port for the First Time
The United States Navy has commissioned the USS Canberra, a warship belonging to the Independence-class littoral combat ship, in a foreign port for the first time in its history. The commissioning ceremony took place at an Australian naval base on Sydney Harbor, symbolizing the deepening defense cooperation between the US and Australia.
Named after a Royal Australian Navy cruiser that supported US Marine landings on Guadalcanal in 1942, the USS Canberra’s commissioning represents a significant milestone in the shared history, friendship, and cooperation between the two nations. Australian Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles expressed pride in the fact that the ship was designed in Western Australia by the local industry and named after the HMAS Canberra.
The commissioning ceremony comes at a time of global uncertainty caused by various challenges posed by countries such as Russia, Iran, China, and North Korea, which challenge the laws governing the international order. Carlos Del Toro, the US Navy Secretary, highlighted this in his remarks, emphasizing the importance of the USS Canberra joining the active fleet of the US Navy.
The commissioning coincided with the start of the Talisman Sabre military exercises, a biennial event involving the US and Australian forces. More than 30,000 troops from 11 countries are participating in these exercises, including Germany, France, and Japan. They encompass ground force maneuvers, air combat, and maritime operations at various locations across Australia, fostering cooperation and unity among Western countries.
These joint military exercises demonstrate the collective response of several nations to China’s aggressive expansion in the strategically important Indo-Pacific region, traditionally aligned with the US and Australia. In anticipation of the exercises, the Australian navy confirmed that it was preparing for the arrival of two Chinese spy ships monitoring the activities from international waters.
Furthermore, the AUKUS security pact, established by Australia, the United States, and their ally the United Kingdom in September 2021, reflects their commitment to sharing advanced defense technology. The pact aims to counter China’s influence and enable Australia to acquire a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.
In conclusion, the commissioning of the USS Canberra in a foreign port signifies the strengthening of defense cooperation between the US and Australia. This historic milestone, combined with the ongoing Talisman Sabre military exercises, showcases the unity and collaborative efforts of Western countries in the face of emerging challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
