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good morning . Ladies and gentlemen ,
Commander of Australian Fleet , Rear
Admiral Christopher Smith , Royal
Australian Navy will offer the
acknowledgement of country .
Yes ,
good morning and welcome to Garden on .
I acknowledge the traditional owners of
the lands and watered ways . We are
gathered on the gad people of the
Aurora nation . I pay my respects to
elders past and present and to all
first nations people who have served
and those who continue to serve in the
Australian Defense Force again .
Welcome . Thank you , Admiral Smith .
Welcome to historic Garden Island , New
South Wales Australia and the
commissioning of us S Canberra L CS 30 .
I am Commander Nick Edmonson , the
executive officer . It is my privilege
to welcome you and be your master of
ceremonies . Today , we welcome those
with us in person and our friends and
family here and abroad as they
celebrate today's event via live stream .
Hi guys . It's your buds from the gold
crew . Hoping that you guys have a
wonderful time in Australia . Enjoy the
commissioning . Can't wait to see you .
Congratulations on commissioning the ,
we love you and we miss you . I love
you daddy ? Hey , babe , I just wanted
to congratulate you on your shift being
commissioned in Australia . Um I hope
you guys have a great time out in town
and don't forget to send me pics . I
love you and I miss you so much . Hope
to see you soon . Bye .
We're so excited that you get to be a
part of the commissioning of your ship .
Babe and none other than Australia .
That's so amazing . You get to be a
part of that . We love you and we miss
you so very much and we're so proud of
you . We can't wait for you to come
home .
We are here today to commission the
second US navy warship to proudly bear
the name of Australia's capital city .
The first US Canberra ca 70 was named
in honor of the Australian heavy
Cruiser Hmas , Canberra which sank
after receiving heavy damage during the
battle of Savo Island on 9 August 1942 .
The first US camera was commissioned on
14 October 1943 . She was
decommissioned on 2 February 1970
stricken from the naval vessel register
on 31 July 1978 . During her
distinguished career , she served in
World War II and in the Vietnam War ,
she earned an impressive seven battle
stars . We are honored to have members
of her crew with us today . Gentlemen ,
please stand
active duty and veterans from all
nations . Please stand .
Would all service members , families ,
please stand
Ladies and gentlemen , we thank you for
your service and sacrifice . Our
ceremony today is a time honored
tradition that began with the
commissioning of our first warship , a
captured British schooner , the
Margaretta in 17 75 . Since then ,
thousands of ships have undergone the
transformation from silent holes to
fully alive warships . Our
commissioning crew hereafter known as
plank owners are in formation among you
and ready to bring the ship to life .
in just a few moments . The navy band
will re our honors to his excellency
general , the honorable general David
Hurley . Will the guests please
rise and remain standing for the
arrival of our official party honors
the presentation of colors , the United
States and Australian national anthems
and the invocation . Ladies and
gentlemen , our platform guests ,
Lieutenant Commander Mack Ireland ,
chaplain corps , United States Navy ,
our ceremonial chaplain
chairman , Paul Stewart , Royal
Australian Navy ,
Mr Marty Wallace , crew member of us S
Canberra C two and our long glass
presenter ,
Mr Ward Cook us Canberra commissioning
committee chairman and our long last
presenter ,
Captain Matthew Layman , United States
Navy electoral combat ship program
manager
captain Mark Crawford United States
Navy commander later to combat ship
squadron one ,
Mr Larry Rider , vice president of
business development and external
Affairs , Austra us , a
rear admiral like Kevin Smith , the
United States Navy program , executive
officer , small and unmanned combatants .
Vice admiral Mark Hammond , a royal
Australian Navy chief of Navy Australia ,
Admiral Michael M Gilda . United States
Navy , the 32nd chief of naval
operations
General Angus Campbell A O DS chief of
the Australian Defense Force ,
the honorable Carlos Del Toro , the
78th Secretary of the Navy ,
Mr Greg Moriarty , Secretary of the
Australian Department of Defense ,
his excellency , the honorable doctor
Kevin Australian ambassador to the
United States ,
the honorable Caroline Kennedy United
States ambassador to Australia ,
the honorable Richard Marles MP ,
Deputy Prime Minister of Australia .
Her excellency , the honorable Margaret
Beasley AC KC , Governor of New South
Wales .
Ladies and gentlemen , our ship sponsor ,
Senator , the honorable Marise Payne ,
escorted today by senior chief , Adam
Walker , USS Canberra command , senior
chief ,
ladies and gentlemen , his excellency ,
General , the honorable David Hurley A
CDC , Governor General of the
Commonwealth of Australia , escorted
today by Commander William Ashley
United States Navy us Canberra's
commanding officer .
Ladies and gentlemen , honors to his
excellency , the honorable David Hurley
platform and salute
platform . Ready to
advance the colors ,
park hands .
Yeah ,
retire the colors
platform . Ready to ladies and
gentlemen , senior chaplain Stewart
will now deliver the invocation .
An old Irish Proverb , a favorite of
the late Senator Ted Kennedy reminds us
there are good ships and there are wood
ships , the ships that sail the sea ,
but the best ships are friendships and
may that always be in that spirit of
friendship . We Americans and
Australians assemble in the presence of
God , the creator of the sea in all its
majesty to pray for the commanding
officer and the ship's company of a new
US S Canberra . And indeed for all
Mariners who serve and toil upon the
waves before the Lord , we
pray that the sounding of the ship's
bell that symbolizes the call to duty
to be on watch , to be vigilant will be
answered with vigor and devotion by all
those who sail in her . We pray that
the quarter deck of Canberra that most
sacred space on all warships where
solemn ceremonies take place and where
souls have been committed to their
eternal rest will ever remind us to
honor the sacrifices of our war dead
and our veterans , some of whom alive
today still carry wounds , visible and
invisible . We pray that
the sin of the United States , a symbol
of its nation and people will invoke in
the hearts of all who gaze upon old
glory , a sense of pride and
responsibility . May the noble people
it represents be blessed with peace and
prosperity and most of all as we
Australians also cherish . May they
treasure the gift of freedom which the
late and beloved President Kennedy once
reminded us , does not come for free
but comes at a price . It must be
earned and it must be defended at
Annapolis . President Kennedy inspired
his audience of naval trainees . In
these words , I can imagine no
more rewarding career and any
man who may be asked in this century ,
what he did to make his life worthwhile
can respond with a good deal of pride
and satisfaction . I served in the
United States Navy . So we
turn to the Lord to whom even the
tempest of the sea is calmed by his
command . And we ask that those who
sail in the good ship , Canberra will
always return home safely and soundly
to cheers from loved ones and
sweethearts , knowing their ship ,
steers under God's protection and
forever sails with our prayers and our
good wishes to this . We can all say
amen . Thank
you , senior Chaplain Stewart . We
would like to thank the United States
Navy's seventh Fleet band , the Royal
Australian Navy , the United States
Navy ceremony Guard and Australia's
Federation Guard for their support .
Today , additionally , we would like to
thank and acknowledge the Royal
Australian Navy with without whose
support today's ceremony would not have
been possible . And we are truly
grateful to the USS Canberra
Commissioning Committee for their
generosity and support . Will the
guests please be seated , ship's
company parade , rest ,
ladies and gentlemen , his excellency ,
general , the honorable David Hurley ,
uh good morning . And I too welcome all
our visitors today here to Garden
Island on a very special occasion in
the lives of both Australia and the
United States and our respective navies .
Could I also begin by acknowledging the
traditional owners , the Guigal people
of the nation pay my respects to others
past and present their emerging leaders
and be mindful of our responsibilities
to the younger generation . So I'm
critical to our future today , but I
acknowledge your ecstasy . The
honorable Margaret Beazley , the
governor of New South Wales , the
honorable Richard Marles , our Deputy
Prime Minister and Minister for Defense .
Her Excellency , the honorable Caroline
Kennedy ambassador to the United States
of America . His excellency , the
honorable doctor Kevin Rudd ,
ambassador to the United States ,
Senator , the honorable Marisa Payne ,
the ship's sponsor and former Minister
for Defense General Angus Campbell ,
chief of the Australian Defense Force .
Mr Greg Moriarty , our Secretary of the
Department is Jan Adams , Secretary of
Foreign Affairs and Trade Vice Admiral
Mark Hammond , chief of Navy , the
honorable Carlos , the Toro , the
Secretary of Navy to our diplomatic
corps here , industry , senior
executives , ladies and gentlemen ,
it's an honor to welcome you to the
ceremonial commissioning of us . S
Canberra . Today is a momentous day for
the crew of this ship . It's also a day
of celebration for our Navies , a great
Navy day as they say . And it's a
celebration and a very visible example
of our two nations shared history ,
contemporary partnership and commitment
to the future from the perspective ,
from the Australian perspective . It's
a continuation from John Curtin's
December 1941 call for Australia to
turn towards the US and for Sir Robert
Menzies reaction to Sir Percy's Spender
when he presented the first draft of
the Anzus Treaty . Good work Percy .
Join me for a brandy . Today we join
together for his champagne on a very
important occasion . The first US S
Canberra was named at the direction of
President Roosevelt in honor of H MA S
Canberra which was sunk after receiving
heavy damage during the battle of Sabo
Island on the ninth of August 1942 .
The US ambassador to Australia and a
telegram to the Secretary of State
suggested the act could create a
lasting tie between the two countries .
President Roosevelt potentially short
cutting bureaucracy sent that Telegram
to the Secretary of Navy saying he
thought it was a very good idea . And a
month later , the presidential
direction was finalized and that
lasting tie created . The battle of
Sabo was one battle in one war .
The lives lost on board . Hm Os
Canberra are just a fraction of the
many from both our nations who have
made the ultimate sacrifice . It is a
single yet poignant example drawn from
many from more than a century of our
nation's shared histories , American
and Australian ships and sailors side
by side serving and sacrificing for our
nation's shared commitments , their
sacrifice and our nation's relationship
and friendship are now honored through
the name Canberra . The presence of the
current versions of both H MA s and us .
S Canberra are evidence of the enduring
bond between our two nations and us . S
Canberra is a very tangible side of a
relationship built on trust , shared
values and shared interests . That
relationship will be celebrated in our
national capital tomorrow with a fought
freedom of entry parade , underlining
the connection between the ship and its
namesake city . It's a relationship
that has stood the test of time and
will stand long into the future . I
congratulate all who have made today
possible to the crew of us . S Canberra
and all involved with her . Enjoy
today's celebrations and please take
note of the esteem in which this day is
held . As is your service . It is , as
we all say , a great Navy Day , fair
winds and following seas . Thank you .
Thank you your excellency .
Ladies and gentlemen , Mr Larry Ryder ,
thank you , Commander Emerson . Good
morning and good evening to those
watching in San Diego , looking at the
distinguished speakers here on the
podium . I tell you , I'm incredibly
thankful . I'm going first and not
having to follow many of these speakers .
I'd like to defer to his excellency and
not go through all the names again in
the interest of time . So I just want
to start by saying a very special ,
good morning to the families here with
us today and good evening to those
watching in San Diego at the watch
party . It was great to see the video
at the start of the ceremony . We'd
also honor the sacrifice you made as
your moms , dads , wives , husbands ,
sons , daughters make this historic
deployment to commission the USS
Canberra here in Sydney this morning .
In my time as a marine , I left behind
my family many times and I know I got
the easy end of that equation each time .
I'm Larry Ryder , vice President of
External Affairs at A USA . And I'm
honored to represent the amazing a team
this morning . On behalf of our founder
and chair John Rothwell Patty Gregg ,
our ceo of a limited Rusty Murdoch
president of ATO USA and most
importantly , on behalf of the 5000
dedicated shipbuilders of AUST ,
including 3000 from a USA who built
this great warship . Thank you to the
crew of USS Canberra for allowing the A
team to be part of this special event .
I also want to thank Ward Cook and the
commissioning committee and the navy
team for putting together such an
amazing and memorable event . Finally ,
the A team also wants to send our
thanks to Secretary Del Toro for having
the vision to arrange for this historic
commissioning that ties in so many
important threads including Aus . Our
continued focus on the Indo Pacific
region and the partnership between the
US and Australian shipbuilding
industrial base . The USA
team takes great pride in building
these ships for the navy , our highly
skilled and patriotic workforce along
with our teammates including general
dynamics mission systems . Three Harris
sob and many others who are here today
and our team of over 900 suppliers ,
half of them small businesses across 38
states . Join me in congratulating the
crew having had the honor and privilege
to speak at several events
Commemorating the milestones in the
life of the ships we have built for the
US Navy also has built 30 ships so far
for the navy and counting . I can
honestly say each one is special .
However , I think it's universal for us
at all that the USS Canberra LCS 30 has
had a truly unique history . It started
in February 2018 when the name of the
15th Independence varying LCS was
announced at a White House ceremony .
At that ceremony , Senator Payne was
also announced as the ship's sponsor
when he announced the name with Prime
Minister Turnbull , President Trump
stated that USS Canberra would
symbolize to all her cross her path ,
the enduring friendship between the
United States and Australia . Prime
Minister Turnbull summed it up . Well ,
when he stated the ship will be built
by Ael in Mobile Alabama . So you'll
have an Australian company with
American workers working and operating
in the United States building ships for
the United States Navy . As you heard
already , the name carries on the
legacy of the cruiser Hmas Canberra
that in August 1942 fought valiantly
alongside us navy ships in the battle
of Savo Island where it was damaged and
subsequently sunk . Having had the
honor to serve in the first Marine
Division . Many of those marines rotate
through Darwin these days , the battle
of Savo Island has special significance
as it was fought to defend us marines
fighting ashore on Guadalcanal , a
battlefield that seared into the
history of our corps after Canberra was
named , she began to come to life as we
started construction again , it was a
unique experience as we built her .
While the world struggled with the
global pandemic , we faced a number of
unique challenges . The Navy and a team
and the Navy and the nation's
shipbuilding industrial base . Our team
included , continued to build and
deliver ships . The Christening of
Canberra in June of 2021 again offered
some unique challenges when the
pandemic restrictions prevented our
sponsor , Senator Payne from being able
to make it for the event . And I know
she tried valiantly to schedule things
to allow that . We had a stand in
income for Senator Payne who also was
unable to attend due to travel
restrictions . So we wound up having a
stand in for the stand in break the
bottle of champagne . But that stand in
Mrs Sinodinos eventually made it down
to Mobile later that day and she too
broke a bottle of champagne on the on
the camera . So in fine Australian
tradition , one bottle of champagne
proved not enough . It needed to in one
more interesting twist of timing .
Rusty and I were in Washington at a
reception at the ambassador's residence
as was Secretary Del Toro to present
Christening gifts to Senator Payne . It
turned out the Aus agreement had just
been announced two days prior . So we
were there at the start of this and we
continued to be a part of it . The A
team is proud to be part of the team
growing the US Navy . In addition to
the US Canberra , the Aus team has
delivered 16 sister ships , five of
which are deployed to the Western
Pacific . Today , we've also delivered
13 expeditionary fast transports . We
have seven more ships under
construction and 24 24 more under
contract . And we're also building
submarine modules that hopefully soon
will be part of submarines sailed by
Australian sailors . Not too bad from a
small yard in Australia that moved to
the States in 1999 . And also we are
excited to be part of the developing a
program , one of the benefits of
working downtown in Washington DC . And
I think many on the podium will agree .
There's not many is I get to start most
days with a run that includes the
Vietnam veterans memorial , the Korean
War veterans memorial , and World War
II memorial . And as I make that run ,
you can't help but remember that in
each one of those conflicts and many
more Australian service members fought
and many made the ultimate sacrifice
alongside their us counterparts in the
future . Our team of shipbuilders looks
forward to working closely with the
Australian shipbuilders as well as we
work to jointly operationalize the AUC
agreement and continue that legacy of
shared service and sacrifice . Finally ,
before I wrap up , I can't pass on the
opportunity for the A team to recognize
the great career and tremendous
contributions of Admiral Gilda has made
to our nation and to our navy . Admiral .
Our shipbuilders really enjoyed your
recent visit to Mobile and we thank you
and wish you best of luck in your
future endeavors . Stupid
to the crew of us , Canberra . Thank
you again for allowing the A team to
participate in this special occasion .
The entire A team wishes you fair wins
in the following season . Thank you ,
Mr Rider .
Ladies and gentlemen , Vice Admiral
Mark Hammond .
Uh good morning , your excellent ,
honorable and distinguished guests ,
ladies and gentlemen , veterans ,
shipmates of the Royal Australian Navy ,
the United States Navy , and most
importantly , the families and friends
who enable our service . Good morning .
81 years ago today H MA S Canberra
sailed from the safe port of Wellington
in New Zealand in company with us naval
forces on a mission to to Guadalcanal .
2.5 weeks later , she came to rest
on the sea bed in Iron Bottom Sound .
In 1992 I was a sub lieutenant on board
H MA S to Brook , sailing into Iron
Bottom Sound with a very important
mission to embark national treasure
survivors of H MA S Canberra for a
commemorative service to mark the 50th
anniversary of her loss . We arrived
alongside the wharf in Honiara to be
met by a gentleman in civilian clothes
who asked to speak to the commanding
officer , this gentleman , a retired us
navy officer , Mr Bob Bellard
had just been surveying Iron Bottom
Sound and had located and surveyed the
wreck of H MA S Canberra the week
before he handed the commanding officer
Commander Graham Kennedy a handwritten
note with the coordinates of the , of
the ship . He said if you hobby your
ship in this position , you'll reunite
the survivors with their ship mates for
your commemorative service . I can
assure you there was not a dry eye on
that day . The history between our two
navies forged under fire
in battles across the Indo Pacific has
only strengthened and deepened . And
today is a historic event in that
relationship in
considering how we the royal Australian
Navy might make an indelible mark on
today's ceremony . One that will last
for the duration of the commissioning
of us S Canberra . I was reminded that
every Australian surface combatant
flies the red Kangaroo on the
superstructure . It was originally
designed to distinguish us from the
Royal Navy with whom we spent so much
time . We used to fly the same white an
as our shipmates in the Royal Navy .
Ultimately , in 1967 we commissioned
the Australian white and the tradition
of the red kangaroo has continued .
It's an absolute privilege today to
invite uh a Mike Gilday to join me for
a moment to make a presentation to the
ship's company , but to the men and
women of us S Canberra and more
importantly to the families that enable
your service . My wife Jodie says power
at sea is derived from strength at home .
I congratulate you on the commissioning
of a fine warship . There will always
be an Australian sailor or officer
posted to this ship . There is a royal
Australian navy lieutenant part of the
ship's company today . But all of you ,
when you look to the secret structure
in future , you will see your own
special Australian kangaroo . Mike .
Would you join me please ?
And we have one member of HMS camera
and a member of USS Camera about to
unveil our , our small gift . See when
you're ready
to those who can't see it , which is
pretty much everyone here here on the
stage . It is a SARS spangled kangaroo .
It'll be flown on the superstructure of
us . S Canberra . Uh And I believe
there's already one up there again .
Congratulations to the commanding
officers of the ship's company to the
US , Secretary of the Navy Chief of
Naval Operations uh and all who serve
in H MA S Canberra and US S Canberra .
Uh We are together United . We will uh
always , always welcome this ship in
any Australian port any time any day .
Thank you very much . Thank you ,
man . Ladies and gentlemen ,
the honorable Caroline Kennedy .
Good morning , Governor , Governor
General Hurley , Governor Beasley ,
thank you for welcoming the American
Navy to this beautiful country and this
historic harbor . Deputy Prime Minister ,
MS Premier MS Ambassador General
Campbell , Secretary Moriarty , Vice
Admiral Hammond . It's an honor to
represent President Biden as the United
States ambassador to Australia at this
historic moment , the first
commissioning of a new US navy ship in
another country . I can't think of a
better symbol of the strength of our
alliance . I'm especially honored to be
here with Secretary of the Navy Del
Toro and Chief of Naval Operations .
Admiral Gilda . Their leadership and
commitment to the alliance has made
transformational change possible and
they work every day to keep our sailors
safe and ready . A special . Thank you
to the senator and the honorable Marise
Payne , the ship's sponsor for all you
have done for the ship , her crew and
your country and for all those watching
from home today , we hope you are so
proud . Congratulations . And we wish
you were here too . I know from
experience that these gatherings are
much more than a ceremony . They offer
the chance to reflect on the values
that the ship represents the values of
our alliance , protecting freedom ,
preserving the stability and prosperity
of the rules based order and doing the
daily work of building a more just and
peaceful world . That's what Americans
and Australians have been doing
together for more than 100 years . Our
parents and grandparents forged this
alliance through shared sacrifice and
service . I wouldn't be here today if
not for the Australian coast watcher
who arranged my father's World War II
rescue after a Japanese destroyer sunk
his PT boat a few days after I arrived
in Australia . I met the last two
surviving coast watchers and traveled
to the Solomon Islands to thank the
daughter of the Solomon scout who first
spotted the crew and alerted the
Australian . My father's story became
part of history but there are countless
other Americans and Australians who
have depended on each other , loved
each other sacrificed for one another
and fought together for a better future .
Our lives may be shaped by the
historical forces of our time , but
it's the connections we make to one
another that define us and give our
lives meaning . Now it's our turn to
carry this alliance forward for our own
Children and grandchildren . Tomorrow
marks one year since I arrived in
Australia . In that time , I've already
seen our nations change the future .
The Aus Agreement will foster
innovation and promote regional
stability . The smartest students in
both our countries will collaborate on
advanced technology and manufacturing
is already happening . And the US and
Australia are partnering to combat
climate change and accelerate the
world's clean energy transition . In
May . President Biden and Prime
Minister Albanese announced that
climate and clean energy are the third
pillar of the alliance . I can think of
no better symbol of this shared future
than the US Canberra built by American
workers for an Australian company in
Mobile Alabama . Her crew will always
include a royal Australian navy sailor
and from today forward , she will
proudly display a star spangled
kangaroo closing . I pray that God will
keep the US camera safe and I too wish
for her our fair winds and following
seas . Thank you . Thank you ,
Ambassador Kennedy ,
ladies and gentlemen , the honorable
Richard Marles .
I'd like to acknowledge the traditional
owners of the land on which we meet and
pay my respects to their elders . Past
and present , Governor General ,
Governor Secretary Del Toro ,
ambassadors Kennedy and Rudd , Senator
Marise Payne , my parliamentary
colleagues , senior members of the
Australian and American defense forces
and all those visiting defense forces
who are here with us today .
The alliance is at the center of
Australia's national security . The
alliance is about shared values
as Australia makes common cause
with a nation conceived in liberty and
dedicated to the proposition that all
men are created equal , but the
alliance is also personal . The
alliance is in the story of American
ambassador John Berry , whose father
served in the first division of the
United States Marines here in Australia ,
a division whose song today is waltzing
Matilda . The alliance is in the
story of ambassador Kennedy whose
father was rescued 80 years ago by a
team of Australian coast watchers in
the western province of Solomon Islands .
And the alliance is in the story of the
thousands of the Americans and
Australians who can trace their family
history back to the 800,000 Americans
who served in this country during World
War Two . When Australians talk about
the alliance , we don't even talk about
the name of the partner with whom that
alliance is with . Because there is
only one alliance , which is so much at
the heart of Australia's world view .
But we wonder where Australia sits in
America's vision of the world . And the
answer to that can be found in the
story of the United States ship
Canberra behind us today .
When the original H MA S Canberra was
lost on the night of the ninth of
August in 1942 she was sailing with and
fighting with the American Navy in the
battle of Saba Island in the taking of
Gul Canal and the 83
Australians and one American who lost
their lives on that night . So moved
President Franklin Roosevelt that he
gave the singular honor of naming a
new newly commissioned American ship ,
the US S Canberra , that ship served
out the second World War and went on to
serve in the Vietnam War again
alongside Australian defense Force
personnel . And some time after it was
decommissioned , President George W
Bush thought it was only fitting that
its bell be given to Prime Minister
John Howard . And it lives to this day
at the Australian National Maritime
Museum and is with us here this morning .
And so these two ships , the modern H
MA S Canberra and the US S Canberra are
inextricably linked , inextricably
intertwined . They are genuinely
siblings and in all that they do ,
they carry with them , the souls of the
84 people who were lost on that night .
And as we sit here today before the
US S Canberra , a ship which was
designed in Fremantle built by the
Great Australian Company . A we do so
in the knowledge that there will always
be an officer of the Royal Australian
Navy who will serve on its crew . We
will always know that its sponsor will
be an Australian Senator Marise Payne ,
a former defense minister who is with
us today . We will know that its crest
bears the southern cross and a kangaroo
and that it was commissioned on this
day in this most unique unprecedented
and historic event where for the first
time , a new American warship is being
commissioned outside of the United
States . And in all of that , what we
hear is that to America Australia
matters . Next week , I will be
hosting the United States Secretary of
Defense Lloyd Austin . And together we
will visit exercise Talisman Saber and
we will watch the men and women of our
respective defense forces exercise
together . And as we do so , we will
feel the pride of their service and we
will undoubtedly reflect that the
alliance , the more than a century of
mateship as Australians and Americans
have fought alongside each other in
every conflict during that period of
time has been and will continue to be
both fundamental and astounding .
Thank you , Deputy Prime Minister Mars ,
ladies and gentlemen , Admiral Michael
Gilda
Sydney Harbor , two of the world's
premier navies and the commissioning
of a new warship . Ladies and gentlemen ,
shipmates . It just doesn't get any
better than this . It's an honor and
I'm humbled to join you this morning to
welcome this ship to the fleet . Today ,
we carry on an important navy tradition
as we hoist the commissioning pennant
and announce to the world that this
fine warship and that this superb crew
are ready , that they are ready for
duty , that they're ready to operate at
sea and that they're ready to join the
Royal Australian Navy in providing
peace and security across the maritime
commons . Today , we commissioned USS
Camera into service , not just part of
a to combat ship , squadron one , not
just part of the United States Pacific
fleet . Today we commission this ship
into service as a combat unit that will
integrate with the Australian fleet and
with a combined maritime force of
allies and partners who stand united
across the entire Indo Pacific
and wherever the US camera operates ,
she will proudly bear the name of the
Australian capital , honoring the sons
and daughters of this great nation who
guide us with their example , who
strengthen us with their courage and
inspire us with their valor . This
image of resilience and optimism will
forever be etched in the memories of
these sailors and inscribed in their
hearts to the crew of USS Canberra and
to your families who support you and
serve alongside you . You are the man
and the woman who underwrite our Navy's
commitments to safeguard our country ,
to defend our allies and partners and
to honor the nation of Australia who
has embarked with us on a voyage to the
seas of history to defend the freedom
and democracy across the world . May
God bless you may God bless Australia
and may God bless our great alliance .
Now , it is my distinct privilege to
introduce our 78 Secretary of the Navy .
He is a man who has demonstrated
inspiring and successful leadership ,
time and time again , both in public
service and in private business . He is
a devoted patriot . He is a sailor ,
sailor and he is a champion of the
mateship between the United States and
Australia . Ladies and gentlemen ,
please join me in welcoming our 78
Secretary of the Navy , the Honorable
Carlos .
Good morning Australia . Oh , come on ,
you can do better than that . Good
morning Australia . Excellent ,
excellent . First , I always like to
extend my respects to the Australian
elders past , present and future as
well too . A good day . Thank you for
that introduction . And thank you to
your wife Linda for your exceptional
leadership of our navy . And as the
first lady of our Navy , before I begin
my formal remarks , I want to take just
one brief moment and thank the chaplain
because a couple of days ago , I pulled
the chaplain . I said , chaplain , we
need good weather here in Sydney . I
said , and I think he's come through .
Now , some of you Australians may
disagree slightly and think that it's a
bit cold but to the ambassador , her
son Jack . And to me , this is just
another warm day in Boston .
I want to express my special thanks to
his Majesty , the King's
representatives , his excellency , the
honorable David Hurley , Governor
General of the Commonwealth of
Australia , and her excellency , the
honorable Margaret Beasley , Governor
of New South Wales as well for joining
us for this morning's historic ceremony
to commission the United States ship
Canberra L CS 30 . It is an honor to
share this moment with all of you . I
want to express my heartfelt gratitude
to Prime Minister Albanese Premier Mins ,
Deputy Prime Minister Mars General
Campbell , Vice Admiral Hammond the
cities of Australia of Sydney and
Canberra and the citizens of Australia .
And again , particularly the indigenous
people , the traditional custodians of
the land and of the sea for the warm
welcome that you have extended to us
Canberra for USS blue and gold
crew . I also want to take a very
special moment if you would just
indulge me to express my thanks to a
personal friend of mine . We first met
30 years ago when I was a young
lieutenant commander sailing back from
Desert Storm on one of our destroyers .
The USS Prebel , we were off the coast
of Palma Majorca and we received the
maidens call and her sail ship
Joan Newman . Her ship was the Merman
was sinking off the coast of Palma
Majorca . There was a slight Australian
accent to her voice . That day , the US
S prevo came to the rescue and we
sailed her sail ship and we have been
friends for the past 30 years . And as
the chaplain said earlier , there is no
greater and friendship and
Joan is here with us today . She is an
Australian pioneer . She has been her
entire 95 years young and
Joan , would you please stand up and be
recognized ?
She asked me if she could actually join
the crew of the Canberra .
I can think of no more appropriate
venue for our navy to conduct our
fleet's first ever initial
international commissioning ceremony
than here in Australia , the home of
her ship's namesake . I would also want
to extend my thanks to Senator of the
honorable Marise Payne for serving as
our ship sponsor . According to naval
tradition , your spirit and presence
will guide the USS Canberra and her
crew throughout her time in service .
We are grateful that you are with us
here today and it is my hope that you
will continue to serve as the enduring
connection between this ship , her crew
and the people of Australia .
Additionally , I want to recognize
again us ambassador Kennedy for her
lifelong leadership and her team for
her guidance and support to help this
make this day possible . And finally ,
thanks to the US S Canberra
Commissioning committee , chaired by Mr
Ward Cook for all your hard work that
has brought this day to its fruition .
Ladies and gentlemen , this truly is a
special occasion for our fleet as our c
stated in our nation to be here with
you in Australia , one of our nation's
closest allies to celebrate the
commissioning of our navy's newest
warship that is destined to serve
throughout the Indo Pacific region .
And when the crews of USS Canberra
execute their first mission alongside
the Royal Australian Navy here in the
Indo Pacific , they will carry on the
proud tradition of naval cooperation
between the United States of America
and Australia that dates back over a
century . Since the founding of your
navy . In 1911 , our two navies have
enjoyed a strong and enduring
relationship that has stood the test of
time throughout numerous global
conflicts . From World War II , Korea
Vietnam to the Gulf War and most
recently the global counterterrorism
campaigns of the last 22 years as some
of the earlier speakers touched on this
warning . There is no more prominent
example in our shared naval heritage of
a willingness to give all for each
other and the sacrifice of his
Majesty's Australian ship camera and
her crew who ensured that our United
States Marines were able to
successfully gain a foothold on
Guadalcanal during World War II to
honor those sacrifices us Canberra .
In October of 1943 the first United
States Navy cruiser to bear the name of
a foreign capital . I mentioned this
again to highlight the long legacy of
partnership of mateship between our two
nations to the commanding officers ,
Commander Ashley and Commander Barber ,
as well as the officers and sailors of
USS , cameras , blue and gold teams . I
know the sense of pride that you are
filled with today as well as your
eagerness to get under way for your
first deployment after commissioning ,
having been in your shoes over 20 years
ago when I served as the commission and
commanding officer , then the US Boley ,
I will note that my former ship's
namesake , Vice Admiral John Boley was
responsible for evacuating General
Douglas macarthur via patrol boats from
the Philippines during World War II to
prevent his capture by Japanese forces ,
enabling him to re establish his
command here in Australia . And while
the world today is much different than
the one that Vice Admiral Boley sailed
through during his time in service ,
the US S camera is entering the fleet
during a period of global uncertainty .
We along with our allies and partners
around the world are facing significant
challenges in every environment that we
operate in from the sea bed to the SARS
as well as the cyber domain across the .
It is apparent that the rules based
international order that for decades
has fostered economic growth and
underpinned a period of relative global
stability is being again challenged in
Europe , Russia continues its
unprovoked and illegal campaign against
Ukraine violating its territorial
national sovereignty as President Biden
reaffirmed last week at the NATO
conference in Vili Lithuania . Our
commitment to Ukraine will not weaken .
We will stand for liberty and freedom
today tomorrow . And as long as it
takes in the Middle East , Iran
continues to be a destabilizing
regional force interfering with the
free flow of maritime commerce via the
campaign of harassment of commercial
vessels sailing in international waters .
A recent example of Iran's troubles
occurred earlier this month when
Iranian forces attempted to seize two
merchant ships in international waters ,
seizures that were unsuccessful due to
the actions of the US mcfall . And
right here in the Indo Pacific , there
is no shortage of challenges faced by
our two nations along with our allies
and partners , North Korea remains
committed to antagonizing its
neighboring countries as evidenced by
its launch of yet another
intercontinental ballistic just last
week , resulting in condemnations from
around the globe . Additionally , and
impossible to ignore . The People's
Republic of China continues the rapid
expansion of its navy leveraging its
maritime organizational strength to
coerce and intimidate its neighbors
into accepting illegitimate maritime
claims . The People's Republic of China
also continues to engage in illegal
unreported and unregulated fishing
activities around the globe . The
existent water fishing fleet causing
ecological and economic harm to the
countries whose exclusive economic
zones they infringe upon . It is
imperative that we the United States of
America and Australia continue to stand
shoulder to shoulder , ready to support
our partners and allies as we confront
these common challenges that endanger
the freedom of millions as well as
disrupt the flow of commerce around the
globe . And as I've said before ,
economic security is indeed national
security and national security is
economic security . As maritime nations ,
we cannot achieve security without the
guarantee of unrestricted access to the
maritime commons that serves as the
lifeblood of our respective economies .
The 19 th century American naval
scholar , Alfred Thir Mahan wrote in
his seminal treaties , the influence of
sea power upon history , the profound
influence of sea commerce upon the
wealth and strength of countries was
clearly seen long before the true
principles which governed its growth
and prosperity were detected . This
ship before us along with his Majesty's
Australian ship , Canberra and our
combined naval fleets play a crucial
role in securing our ability to conduct
unencumbered maritime trade across the
globe , promoting the wealth and
strength of our two nations , along
with those of our allies and partners ,
we can never forget that and that is
why it is so crucial that we continue
to strengthen the bonds and the trust
between our armed forces commissioning
Canberra here in the country of its
namesake city is a prime example of the
deep bonds that underpin our
relationship as is the ongoing Talisman
Saber 23 exercise . However , at this
moment , there is no greater testament
to our enduring relationship than the
Aus agreement announced almost two
years ago . Now , this generational
Accord came into being after a
century's worth of cooperation ,
treaties , consultations and trust
building between the United States of
America , the United Kingdom and
Australia . And we the nearly 1 million
sailors , marines and civilians in the
Department of the Navy are proud to
play an important role in supporting
our partners throughout the Royal
Australian Navy and the Australian
shipbuilding industrial base on your
journey to fielding a fleet of nuclear
powered conventionally armed attack
submarines . Two weeks ago yesterday ,
we celebrated the of the first cadre of
Royal Australian naval officers from
our navy nuclear Power school .
Lieutenant Commander Klein , Lieutenant
Commander Hayden and Lieutenant Hall
are the first of many more Australian
naval personnel that we look forward to
training in support of realizing Aus
and our team at the Navy nuclear Power
training facility in Charleston , South
Carolina . And while the delivery of
successful operation of nuclear powered
attack submarines by the Royal
Australian Navy , including SSN Aus and
potentially up to five us . Virginia
class submarines is critical to
addressing security concerns here in
the Indo Pacific region . Advancing our
cooperation and research technology
development is equally important by
cooperating with one another on
critical technologies including cyber
and artificial intelligence to making
advancements in undersea capabilities ,
as well as hypersonic and counter
hypersonic technology . We will
continue to innovate and field new
systems and platforms that will enhance
our ability to protect our sovereignty
and project maritime power across the
region , ensuring the stability as I
close . I know , I cannot promise the
crews of the US Canberra calm seas on
every voyage that they make in the Indo
Pacific . However , I am confident that
wherever us camera is sailing and
whatever challenges her crew may face ,
they are ready as reinforced by this
warship's motto . And what is that ?
Thank you again for joining us this
morning for this truly special and
historic occasion for our fleet and our
two nations May God bless Australia ,
the United States of America , the blue
and gold crews of the US , Canberra and
especially their families . Thank you .
Thank you , Secretary Del Toro , sir .
It would be an honor if you place
Canberra in commission , you have my
permission to place . And I said
on behalf of the president and the
Secretary of the Navy , United States ,
I hereby police , United States ship
Canberra and Commission . May God bless
and guide this worship and all who
shall sell in her executive officer .
Voice of colors and the commission pen .
All right , sir . Ship's
company A 10 ,
the commission pennant and professional
national navies began to take form late
in the 17th century . All ships at that
time were sailing ships and it was
often difficult to tell a naval ship
from a merchantman . Navies began to
adopt long narrow pennants to be flown
by their ships at the main mast head to
distinguish themselves from merchant
ships . The commission's pennant will
fly continuously until the ship is
decommissioned . Ladies and gentlemen ,
please rise . I direct your
attention to the ship's mast as we
hoist the colors and commission pennant
corner master hoist the colors and
commission Penne
captain , the colors and commission pin
are proudly flying over us . S Canberra .
Me , ladies and gentlemen , please be
seated .
Mhm .
I will now read my orders from
commander , naval military personnel
command to commander William Ashley .
United States Navy subject Cooper's
orders number 0538 of 27
February 2023 when directed by
reportings detached from present duty
and report to pre commissioning unit .
Canberra as commanding officer upon
commissioning of USS camera report for
duty as commanding officer ,
United States shift camera is in
commission and I am in command .
Thank you , sir .
Set to watch . All right , sir , for
more
the day is that the first watch .
The officer of the deck is the
commanding officer's direct
representative and while on watch is
responsible for the safe operation of
the ship and crew . The long glass is
the traditional symbol of an officer of
the deck's authority of a ship with a
line . We are honored to have Mr Marty
Wallens , former US Canberra C two crew
member and Mr Ward Cook , chairman of
the US S Canberra Commissioning
Committee with us today . Together they
will pass the long glass to our first
officer of the deck . Lieutenant Shay
Barson from Dunedin Florida .
The petty officer of the watch is a of
first mate , first class Antonio V Bank
from Beaumont , California . The
messenger of the watch is mine and
third class Gilberto Polito Gonzalez
from Los Angeles , California . And the
post maid of the watch is chief post
mate Robert Brown from Detroit ,
Michigan .
Set the watch on deck section . One ,
the watch is set very well detailed for
Mars
captain . The watch is set very well .
The spirit of a US navy warship is the
embodiment of her sponsor , Senator
Marise Payne authenticated the keel of
this ship in Mobile Alabama on March 10 ,
2020 where she imbued this ship with
her unshakeable sense of public service .
Senator , I would be honored if you
would give the order to man our ship
and bring her to life .
Thank you , Commander Ashley , let me
begin by acknowledging the traditional
owners of the lands and waters on which
we meet here today . The Gaal people of
the nation . I want to acknowledge our
many distinguished guests ,
particularly their excellence is the
Governor General and the governor of
New South Wales . My family and friends
who are here with me today . But my
primary acknowledgement this morning as
ship's sponsor is to the women and
men of the blue and gold crews of the
US S Canberra and their captains .
Commander Will Ashley , Commander Bobby
Barber , ladies and gentlemen , there
is an extraordinary atmosphere here
today . It's palpable . It's
rich , it's warm . It's
emblematic of the United States and
Australian relationship . And
many of you come here today to this
once in a lifetime event with your own
stories about the United States
Australian relationship , the
crews of this ship , however , will now
start a whole new book of their
experience and indeed their
mateship of the Australian and United
States navies together , I could not
be more honored and proud to be your
ship's sponsor . I walked through the
ship yesterday , I spotted the odd red
kangaroo there that it was good to see .
And I want to particularly thank the
ship's company for the warm welcome
that you have given me to the
crews of the US S Canberra .
There is a lot of history , powerful ,
intense history wound up in the naming
of your ship and her commissioning
today . I know that you
will appreciate that as you go about
the service of your nation and for that
service . I thank you all .
I think your families uh acknowledge
them the service . They give
so often across the seas and to those
who I have met here in Sydney this week ,
what an extraordinary honor for me to
have had that opportunity . Thank you
for making the trip to Australia .
Thank you for being part of this
extraordinary event . Finally ,
can I thank again ,
Secretary of Navy , Carlos Del Toro and
his distinguished predecessor , Richard
Spencer for the honor of being our
ship's sponsor and to the crew ,
the blue and the gold crew . Thank you
for bringing can do to the US S
Canberra . It is finally left for me
to say officers and crew of
the US S Canberra man our ship and
bring her to life .
Ladies and gentlemen , the crews of
both Canberra salute you .
We are proud to serve in our nation's
navies . Canberra is ready to
will the guest please be seated .
Captain . You can is man and ready ,
sir .
Commodore Crawford United States ship
camera , ready and report for duty .
Sir ,
permission to break your flag , sir .
Executive officer break the flag of the
Secretary of the Navy , sir .
Quartermaster break the flag of the
Secretary of the Navy
captain , the flag of the Secretary of
the Navy is proudly flying over us .
Very well .
Ladies and gentlemen , Commander
William Ashley , United States Navy
commanding officer us Canberra
Camera . Good morning .
Normally I would begin the speech by
recognizing the distinguished visitors ,
high ranking officials . There are so
many here today would take my entire
speech , but I'm truly among giants up
here . So I'll simply start with .
Thank you all for being here both in
person and virtually . Thank you to
Dave Anderson , Lisa Anderson and the
entire commissioning support team for
preparing us for the last few days for
this momentous occasion . Ward Cook Ron
Spence and the commissioning committee .
Thank you for your tremendous support .
I know it wasn't easy with the time
frame that you had wonderful families
here and back home , including my wife
Kelly daughter , Kira . Thank you .
Thank you for your daily sacrifices and
your unwavering support . Without that ,
we are combat ineffective . We're lucky
to have two outstanding ombudsmen who
serve voluntarily as communication
paths between myself and the families .
Mrs Kelly Meyer , Mr Katrina Lacroy .
Thank you for your commitment to
captain layman and the PS 51 team
together with also USA . You gave us a
great chip . She handles like a dream
that meets every mission she was
intended for your continued support was
crucial in our voyage . And I know that
we would not be here . But for you ,
I've had the honor and pleasure of
getting to know our ship sponsor ,
Senator of the honorable Marise Payne ,
who just gave the order to bring our
ship to life . Her accomplishments and
service lend themselves quite well to
our can do family . Welcome aboard .
We brought the ship here earlier this
week . The sheer magnitude of the
occasion hadn't quite hit us yet . We
started to notice it some months ago
when the Australian clearance dive team
visited us in San Diego . It was our
first Australian military visit . And
then again , when Vice Admiral Hammond
came for a visit last spring . Thank
you sir , for the funnel kangaroos .
They look amazing . And as you saw , I
couldn't wait to put them up .
And most recently , we welcomed our
newest crew member , Lieutenant Eamon
o'shea , our permanently assigned Royal
Australian Navy exchange officer . And
then finally , we arrived here . They
open arms and welcomed by fleet based
skies cut and the people of Sydney and
all of Australia as a whole . It really
opened our eyes and our hearts to this
event . As a ship captain , having
something for the crew to rally behind
is important to build on the unit ,
cohesiveness and camaraderie . Our
ship's namesake makes that easy . We
are honored to share the same name as
the First US Camera , a heroic ship in
her own right . But it's much deeper
than that . We continue to recognize
the sacrifice of the firsts Camera
whose fight helped protect the US
Marines of Guadalcanal naming the
Second US Camera renews the mateship of
our two nations just as it did . Back
in 1943 . This week , we have
established our connectedness with MS
Camera Three . We sailed behind
Catherine o'hara . Great ship on the
way into Sydney Harbor . We've enjoyed
multiple events between the two crews .
Just they are amongst the ranks on the
ship behind me . Their support and
hospitality have been amazing and
heartwarming . Captain o'hara . I would
gladly sail into harm's way alongside
you , your ship and your crew .
Tomorrow , we will strengthen our
relationship with the city of Canberra
as we visit our namesake city and take
part in time honored traditions and
ceremonies . We are humbled by the
invitation . So you can see the
connections with our countries are much
deeper than just a ship . Naming . Our
friendship is much more strengthened
because of it . The crew that you just
saw bring this ship to life is one of
the best I've ever served with in my 30
years in the navy . They look out for
each other . They love this ship and
they pour their blood , sometimes tears
into her . I'm humbled every day to see
them . Embody our can do spirit . Our
first commanding officer commander Mike
Tyree instilled a sense of that culture
that will last for many times to come .
I also heard that all good things come
in pairs . We're lucky to have two
amazing crews . I've been with blue
crews since the beginning and I'm
fortunate to have both blue and gold
crews on board . Gold crews led by
Commander Barber , an excellent ship
captain . Thank you Bobby for letting
me borrow your crew . Secretary de Toro ,
Admiral Gilda Commodore Crawford . You
can count on us . We are ready for our
nation's tasking . Thank you .
Ship company . A 10 . Huh ? Will the
guests please rise and remain standing
for the benediction that will be
offered by Lieutenant Commander Island ?
Let us pray . Lord . Thank
you for those who have walked so
diligently worked so diligently to
create a ship that will serve our
sailors and country may be used as an
instrument of protection for those who
cannot protect themselves . We ask that
you hold fast to those who sail this
ship . We put our trust in you that you
will preserve our sailors from the
dangers of the sea and from those who
would seek to cause harm to others and
return our sailors safely home . Lord ,
just as you pull us towards the safety
of your shores . When we are adrift ,
may this ship and the sailors who man
her safeguard life and freedom so that
those who are afraid and in distress
may take heart when they see the cave
on the horizon . May those who sail
this ship go forth courageously
to what is good ? True and right ?
And should storms come ? May they find
shelter in your outstretched arms ?
Amen .
Thank you , Chairman Ireland Canberra .
Cheers si .
Hi . Hey back ,
Canberra on
cap . Ladies and
gentlemen , please be seated and remain
seated for the departure of our
platform guests .
Ladies and gentlemen , this concludes
our ceremony . Thank you for joining us .
Today . Ship's tours will commence in
20 minutes . Please line up with the
brow to your left . If you wish to tour
the ship , the last tour will be at
2:30 p.m. and buses will run
continuously to the cable gate until
3:30 p.m. The ferry will depart at 12
31 32 30 pm . And you are welcome to
enjoy refreshments provided by the
Canberra Commission Committee under the
large tent to your right ship company
dismissed .
I Yeah .