Sydney Hosts USS Kid for the First Time

USS Kid (DDG-100), an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer in the United States Navy, docked in Sydney Harbour for a three-day visit.

This is an inaugural visit for the Aegis destroyer and it comes in anticipation of the arrival of Australian Navy Air Warfare Destroyers (AWD), which will be armed with Aegis Combat System as well.

To that end, USS Kid will hold training with HMAS Sydney in order for the Australian Navy sialors to get better acquainted with the combat system, align combat tactics and share practices.

“The crew of USS Kidd is greatly looking forward to working with the Australian Navy and more specifically, to share common tactical knowledge and work jointly with our Combat Systems teams to advance joint tactics, techniques, and procedures between our two nations,” said Commanding Officer of USS Kidd, Commander Gabe Varela.

The first AWD, HMAS Hobart, is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2016. The keel of second of the three, HMAS Brisbane, has been laid at a ceremony held in Adelaide earlier this week.

USS Kidd was busy last month taking part in an Oceania Maritime Security Initiative with U.S. Coast Guard’s 14th District, in the Western Pacific Ocean curbing illegal activities.

The destroyer has spent the last year preparing for the deployment to the Seventh Fleet area of responsibility, where she will engage with regional allies in various types of training.

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Naval Today Staff, February 6, 2014; Image: RAN