US Navy christens warship USS Canberra
The US Navy has christened a new warship USS Canberra - the only American naval vessel named after a city outside the US.
Australian ambassador to the US Arthur Sinodinos and his wife Elizabeth Anne Sinodinos attended the christening ceremony of the ship in Alabama.
The USS Canberra - a 125-metre long littoral combat ship (LCS) - is armed with guns and missiles, and is capable of carrying helicopters.
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The USS Canberra is the only US navy vessel named after a non-American city. Twitter
Designed to operate close to shore, the LCS vessels are capable of countering submarines, mines and small enemy craft.
Foreign Minister Marise Payne is the ship's sponsor but was unable to attend the ship's christening ceremony.
The new warship continues a long and unique naval connection between Australia and the US.
The USS Canberra is the second US Navy vessel named after Australia's capital city.
Foreign Minister Marise Payne is the USS Canberra sponsor. Nine
The first USS Canberra, built in 1941, was originally known as the USS Pittsburgh.
It was renamed Canberra on October 15, 1942 in honour of the Australian heavy cruiser HMAS Canberra, which sank during World War II.
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