US commissions navy warship in Sydney

SYDNEY - The United States commissioned a warship in Sydney, Australia, on Saturday, the first time a US Navy vessel has joined active service at a foreign port, as the two close allies step up their military ties in response to China’s expanding regional reach.

The Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Canberra – named after a Royal Australian Navy cruiser that was sunk while supporting US Marine landings on Guadalcanal in 1942 – was commissioned at a ceremony at an Australian naval base at Sydney Harbour, officially joining the US Navy’s active fleet.

“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,” said Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles in a statement.

The commissioning of the US ship in Australian waters reflects “our shared commitment to upholding the rules-based order”, he added.

The ceremony comes amid the biennial Talisman Sabre military exercises between the US and Australia, seen as a show of force and unity as China increasingly asserts power in the Indo-Pacific.

The exercises, taking place in various locations across Australia over two weeks, include mock land and air combat, as well as amphibious landings.

In addition to Australia and the US, forces from Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, South Korea, Tonga and Britain are taking part.

Germany is participating for the first time, with 210 paratroopers and marines taking part, as the European nation bolsters its presence in the region.

Under the Aukus project announced in March, the US and Britain have agreed to help Australia acquire a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.

In the early 2030s, the US is expected to sell to Australia three Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines, with an option for Australia to buy two more. REUTERS