The United States Navy has commissioned a warship in Sydney, Australia, marking the first time a US Navy vessel has joined active service at a foreign port.
The commissioning of the Independence-class littoral combat ship took place at an Australian naval base on Sydney Harbor, symbolizing the strengthening military ties between the two allies in response to China’s expanding regional influence.
The warship is named after a Royal Australian Navy cruiser that supported the US Marine landings on Guadalcanal in 1942 and was sunk during the operation.
This historic event represents a significant milestone in the relationship between the United States and Australia, with the vessel being designed in Western Australia by local industry and carrying the name of HMAS Canberra.
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles expressed pride in the ship’s commissioning on Australian soil, emphasizing the shared commitment between the two nations in upholding the rules-based order.
The ceremony coincided with the biennial Talisman Sabre military exercises, a demonstration of force and unity as China asserts its power in the Indo-Pacific region.
During the exercises, which span over two weeks and involve various locations across Australia, mock land and air combat scenarios, as well as amphibious landings, are conducted. Despite the presence of a Chinese spy ship off Australia’s northeast coast, Marles remained unfazed, stating that it is a common occurrence during Talisman Sabre exercises.
The commissioning and military drills signify the deepening cooperation between the US and Australia, aimed at reinforcing stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region amid geopolitical challenges.
