SYDNEY, July 22 - On Saturday, the United States commissioned a warship in Sydney, Australia, marking a historic event as it became the first U.S. Navy vessel to be actively deployed from a foreign port. This move signifies the strengthening of military cooperation between the two close allies in response to China's increasing presence and influence in the region.
The Independence-class littoral combat ship, named after a Royal Australian Navy cruiser that played a significant role in supporting the U.S. Marine landings on Guadalcanal in 1942 but was sunk during the operation, was officially commissioned at a ceremony held at an Australian naval base situated in Sydney Harbour. This commissioning marks its formal inclusion into the active fleet of the U.S. Navy.
"Australians can take pride in the fact that this ship, which was designed in Western Australia by local industry and named after HMAS Canberra, is being commissioned here for the very first time in the history of the United States Navy," stated Australian Defence Minister Marles in a statement.
He further emphasized that the commissioning of the U.S. warship in Australian waters reflects the shared commitment between the two nations in upholding the rules-based international order.
The ceremony takes place amidst the biennial Talisman Sabre military exercises conducted jointly by the U.S. and Australia. These exercises are viewed as a demonstration of strength and unity in response to China's growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
The two-week-long exercises are being held in several locations across Australia and involve simulated land and air combat scenarios, as well as amphibious landings.
Participating in the Talisman Sabre exercises, alongside Australia and the U.S., are military forces from Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of Korea, Tonga, and Britain.
As part of the ongoing war games, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) conducted a significant military exercise on Saturday. They launched a surface-to-ship missile off the east coast of Australia, specifically at Jervis Bay, approximately 195km (121 miles) south of Sydney.
Australia's Defence Department acknowledged that this drill was the inaugural testing of such a capability by the JGSDF on Australian soil.
In another notable development, Germany is participating in these exercises for the first time. They have deployed 210 paratroopers and marines, enhancing their presence in the region as they join the multinational military maneuvers.
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