American Warship Arrives in Darwin, Australia

The Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Kidd (DDG 100) arrived in Darwin, Australia for a port visit, Feb. 15.

“Our visit to Darwin is just a small part of the strong enduring relationship between the U.S. and Australia,” said Cmdr. T.J. Zerr, Kidd’s executive officer. “For nearly three-quarters of a century our countries have maintained close military and diplomatic ties, which established and maintained a stable security environment in the Indo-Asia-Pacific Region.”

While in port, Kidd will participate in several events to commemorate the 72nd Bombing of Darwin Day including the Lord Mayor’s Veteran’s Dinner, laying wreathes at the Bombing of Darwin Commemorative Service and at the USS Peary Memorial, and attending the Parliament House Bombing of Darwin Reception.

Kidd hosted public tours to nearly 600 visitors and will also provide tours to 20 Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Cadets to discuss seamanship skills, leadership, and shipboard life. Kidd will also host a reception for Ambassador Berry and Consul General Warlick with numerous Australian military and civilian dignitaries attending.

“Aside from the significant strategic aspects of our relationship, there is also an important personal and cultural connection that Americans and Australians share,” said Cmdr. Gabe Varela, Kidd’s commanding officer. “This mutual respect and admiration was evidenced in Kidd’s passageways as our crew had the chance to interact with nearly 600 civilian Darwin residents.”

The crew of Kidd will also participate in several community relation events including a basketball game with the Darwin Basketball Association. Earlier in the week the crew attended the RAN Cadet’s Weekly Parade at the Defense Establish Berrimah.

The crew of Kidd is enthusiastic to meet the locals, immerse themselves in the Australian culture, and continue to strengthen the diplomatic and military ties between the United States and Australia.

Kidd is deployed to the 7th Fleet area of operations supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

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Press Release, February 20, 2014, 2014; Image: US Navy