The first of two new Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ships was officially named Canberra in a traditional Navy ceremony at Williamstown, Victoria on Friday 15 February 2013.
The new LHD was named by Mrs. Vickie Coates, wife of the late Rear Admiral Nigel Coates AM, RAN, who served a distinguished career in the Navy and sadly passed away in June 2010.
This is the third Australian Navy ship to bear the proud name Canberra. Nu Ship Canberra has been proudly assigned the “02” pennant number, the same as Canberra (II). LHDs will deliver the most sophisticated air-land-sea amphibious capability in the world and will greatly strengthen the Australian Navy’s delivery of sea power.
The new platforms will be able to land a force of more than 2000 personnel by helicopter and water craft, along with all their weapons, ammunition, vehicles and stores – this capability is a quantum leap for Navy and the wider Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Nu Ship Canberra is due to be accepted into Navy service in the first quarter of 2014. The second LHD is due to be named this time next year for accepting into Navy service in 2016.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Minister for Defence Stephen Smith attended the naming ceremony.
They were joined by the Chief of the Defence Force, General David Hurley, and the Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Ray Griggs, for this special occasion. The Spanish Minister for Defence, Mr Pedro Morenés Eulate, was also in attendance.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, February 15, 2013; Image: Australian MoD