US Navy’s USS Canberra arrives in Sydney for official commissioning

The littoral combat ship USS Canberra (LCS-30) built by Austal has arrived at Sydney Harbour ahead of its official commissioning on 22 July.

The vessel is one of 19 littoral combat ships Austal’s USA subsidiary is building for the US Navy. When officially commissioned, it will be the only US Navy vessel ever to be commissioned outside of the USA.

The vessel’s distinct triamaran design, which gives it a shallow draught and stability to operate in inshore (littoral) waters, is based on a design pioneered at the company’s Henderson shipyards in Western Australia.

Austal CEO Paddy Gregg said: “Watching an Austal-built US Navy warship sail into Sydney Harbour, with the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House in the background, was an absolutely special moment for our company.”

“Austal’s Alabama-based shipyard is currently contracted on 11 different vessel programs for the US Navy and Coast Guard, and it is a source of pride seeing this vessel visiting our home. Plus, its Australian and historical heritage makes it all the more special.”

In addition to its US orderbook, Austal is also constructing two vessel classes for the Commonwealth of Australia at its WA shipyards, the Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boat for the Royal Australian Navy and the Guardian Class Patrol Boats for the Commonwealth of Australia to be gifted to Pacific Island nations.