A COMBAT ship built by Austal sailed into Sydney Harbour this week ahead of its commissioning on Saturday.
USS Canberra, a littoral combat ship built for the US Navy, arrived on Tuesday 18 July after a voyage across the Pacific.
According to Austal, Canberra will be the first US Navy vessel ever to be commissioned outside of the United States.
It is one of 19 littoral combat ships the Australian shipbuilder’s US subsidiary is building for the navy.
The vessel’s trimaran design, which gives it a shallow draught and stability to operate in inshore waters, is based on a design pioneered at the Austal’s Henderson shipyards in Western Australia.
Austal CEO Paddy Gregg said the arrival of the vessel was a proud moment for the company.
“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,” Mr Gregg said.
“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.”
At its Henderson shipyard, Austal is also constructing Evolved Cape Class patrol boats for the Royal Australian Navy and Guardian Class patrol boats for Pacific Island nations.
