US deploys first ever warship in foreign city part of anti-China AUKUS

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
22 Jul 2023 12:03

The USS Canberra docked in Australia's Sydney holds a 50-personnel crew and can reach up to 40 knots in speed.

The USS Canberra at sea on its way to Australia in May 2023 (US Indo-Pacific Command)

The US deploys a naval vessel in Australia, marking its first warship to join active service at a foreign port, as security cooperation between the AUKUS allies grows with eyes set on China.

The AUKUS pact, which includes Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, is a military bloc with the declared mission of employing collective capabilities to hinder China's growing power in the South China Sea and East Asia region.

After revealing the security bloc, the US announced it will be supplying Australia's nuclear-powered submarines with American and British technology, making the Asian-Pacific country the sixth nation to acquire this type of naval vessel.

A commissioning ceremony was held at Garden Island in the presence of US and Australian Navy chiefs.

The USS Canberra is a littoral combat ship with a crew of 50 personnel. It can reach speeds up to 40 knots while maintaining high maneuvering capabilities, as per the United States. The ship is a successor to another combat ship, also dubbed USS Canberra, that was launched during WW2 in 1943 by then-US President Franklin D Roosevelt.

It is the only time in US history that a naval cruiser was named after a foreign city.

The ship's Commander William Ashley praised the builders who, according to him, produced a “great ship”.

“She handles like a dream and meets every mission she was intended for,” he said, adding that the naming of the maritime vessel further strengthens the ties between the two countries.

“The crew that you just saw bring this ship to life is one of the best I’ve ever served with during my 30 years in the navy,” he said.

“They look out for each other, they love this ship and they pour their blood, and sometimes tears, into her.”

China has constantly warned that AUKUS risked setting off an arms race and held the three countries responsible for setting back nuclear nonproliferation efforts, also accusing the United States of leading a Western effort at "all-round containment, encirclement and suppression of China."

Australia’s Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles, hailed the solid ties between the countries' navies, which reflects the "long-standing friendship and alliance between Australia and the US and our shared commitment to upholding the rules-based order."

“There is only one alliance. [It] has been, and will continue to be, both fundamental and astounding," he said

“It is a privilege to witness our two navies come together at Fleet Base East today for this historic occasion.”

Australian Navy Chief echoed Marles' remarks and considered that this event is a "proud moment" for the Royal Australian Navy.

“The connection between our navies, forged in battle during the Second World War, is reflected in the name USS Canberra.”