The Austal-built Littoral Combat Ship, USS Canberra (LCS-30), arrived today into Sydney Harbour ahead of its official commissioning later this week, in a proud moment for the Western Australia-headquartered company.
The vessel, one of 19 Littoral Combat Ships the company’s USA subsidiary is building for the US Navy, arrived in Sydney after transiting across the Pacific.
When officially commissioned this Saturday, it will be the only US Navy vessel ever to be commissioned outside of the United States of America, as Austal claims in its release.
The vessel’s distinct triamaran design is based on a design pioneered at Austal’s Henderson shipyards in Western Australia.
“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 CEO Paddy Gregg said.
“Austal’s Alabama-based shipyard is currently contracted on 11 different vessel programs for the US Navy and US Coast Guard, and it is a source of pride seeing this vessel visiting our home”, Gregg added.
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.
