Photo: HMAS Hobart enters service

HMAS Hobart, the first of Royal Australian Navy’s three new guided missile destroyers joined the Royal Australian Navy fleet in a formal ceremony at Garden Island in Sydney on Saturday.

The Prime Minister of Australia, the Honourable Malcolm Turnbull joined with other dignitaries, ship’s company and family and friends to welcome the newest ship to the Australian Fleet.

“In these uncertain times, a strong, well equipped Australian Defence Force is absolutely critical,” Turnbull said.

“The commissioning of HMAS Hobart provides clear evidence of our determination to keep Australians safe and ensure we are ready and able to meet the challenges that come our way in the years ahead.

Commanding Officer, Hobart, Captain John Stavridis said the ship will be the most complex and capable warship ever operated by Australia.

“She is as powerful as she is potent and is every bit a destroyer,” he said.

“Her sensors and weapons are leading edge and she is capable of conducting the full span of maritime security operations.

“However, without the 185 men and women who serve in her, she is just another ship alongside. To be a warship requires a specialist team who are masters in their individual skills and are capable of working collectively to achieve the mission.

The ceremony included the breaking of the commissioning pennant and hoisting of the Australian White Ensign for the first time, at which point, Hobart became the responsibility of Captain Stavridis.

Witnessing the historic occasion were sailors from the former Hobarts which served with distinction in the Second World and Vietnam Wars.