Up close, warships look enormous. As we approached Woolloomooloo Wharf in Sydney for the commissioning ceremony, HMAS Canberra, Australia’s newest – and largest ever – naval vessel loomed over the invited guests.
Navies do these things in style. The Governor General, Prime Minister and senior naval officers all spoke, Padres blessed the ship, the band played. Best of all was when the new ship’s crew marched on, looking very proud to be taking possession of such an impressive new ship. Their families looked on, rightly swelling with vicarious pride.
HMAS Canberra, an LHD (Landing Helicopter Dock), brings a step change in the RAN’s ability to project amphibious force. In addition to the 400 crew, it can carry some 1,000 troops, who can be transported ashore by helicopters or specialised landing craft which launch from a flooded lower deck well. Its medical facilities rival those of most small city hospitals. It will also be able to play a vital role in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief around the region.
The ship is a truly international collaboration. The hulls were built in Spain by Navantia, and the superstructure was added in Australia at BAE Systems shipyard in Williamstown, Melbourne, together with the complex combat and communications systems. I was interested to note that the ship’s commanding officer is a joint Australian/Canadian citizen, born in the English county of Lancashire.
As a close military partner of Australia, we are delighted to see this impressive addition to its military capabilities.