First LHD NUSHIP Canberra departs Melbourne

Australia’s first Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ship, NUSHIP Canberra has been farewelled from Melbourne as she departs for Sydney.

NUSHIP Canberra departed BAE Systems Williamstown shipyard en route to her Sydney homeport.

Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) Chief Executive Officer Mr Warren King said this milestone represents the excellent collaboration between the DMO and BAE Systems Australia, as preparations now begin for NUSHIP Canberra’s handover to the Royal Australian Navy.

“The voyage from Melbourne to Sydney will mark a milestone for the DMO by delivering the first ship of this kind to the Royal Australian Navy,” Mr King said.

“The hard work and dedication of all involved has been instrumental in this project being successful.”

The DMO accepted NUSHIP Canberra earlier this month and the ship is expected to arrive in Sydney in late October where she will berth at Garden Island before commissioning later this year.

Work continues to progress on the second LHD, NUSHIP Adelaide, and contractor sea trials are expected to commence in second quarter 2015.

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