SYDNEY, July 22 (Reuters) – The United States commissioned a warship in Sydney, Australia, on Saturday, the first time a U.S. Navy vessel joined energetic service at a foreign port, as the 2 shut allies step up their navy ties in response to China’s increasing regional attain.
The Independence-class littoral fight ship – named after a Royal Australian Navy cruiser that was sunk whereas supporting the U.S. Marine landings on Guadalcanal in 1942 – was commissioned at a ceremony at an Australian naval base on Sydney Harbour, formally becoming a member of the U.S. Navy’s energetic fleet.
“Australians can be proud that this ship, designed in Western Australia by local industry and named after HMAS Canberra, is being commissioned here for the first time in the history of the United States Navy,” Australian Defence Minister Marles stated in an announcement.
The commissioning of the U.S. ship in Australian waters mirrored “our shared commitment to upholding the rules-based order”, he added.
The ceremony comes amid the biennial Talisman Sabre navy workout routines between the U.S. and Australia, seen as a present of drive and unity as China more and more asserts energy in the Indo-Pacific.
The workout routines, going down in varied places throughout Australia over two weeks, embody mock land and air fight, in addition to amphibious landings.
In addition to Australia and the U.S., forces from Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of Korea, Tonga and Britain are participating.
As a part of the battle video games, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) on Saturday launched a surface-to-ship missile off Australia’s east coast at Jervis Bay, about 195km (121 miles) south of Sydney.
Australia’s Defence Department stated the drill “marked the first time the JGSDF has tested the capability in Australia”.
Germany is collaborating for the first time with 210 paratroopers and marines participating, because the European nation bolsters its presence in the area.
Under the AUKUS venture introduced in March, the United States and Britain have agreed to assist Australia purchase a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.
Before that, in the early 2030s, the United States is meant to promote Australia three U.S. Virginia class nuclear-powered submarines, with an choice for Australia to purchase two extra.
Reporting by Sam McKeith in Sydney; Editing by Stephen Coates
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