USS Canberra Arrives in Bahrain, Marking New Era in U.S. Navy Mine Warfare Operations
The littoral combat ship USS Canberra has arrived at the U.S. naval base in Bahrain, ushering in a new chapter for U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) as it prepares to phase out its aging fleet of mine countermeasure ships in the region. The vessel is the first of four advanced ships set to permanently operate out of Bahrain, replacing the decades-old Avenger-class ships.
Upgrading Fleet Capabilities
The USS Canberra is part of a broader U.S. Navy strategy to modernize its presence in the Middle East. The Avenger-class ships, built in the late 1980s and early 1990s, feature fiberglass-covered wooden hulls—a design once considered ideal for minimizing magnetic signatures during mine-clearing missions. However, maintenance costs and operational limitations have made these vessels increasingly obsolete.
In contrast, the Independence-class Canberra boasts cutting-edge technology, including unmanned maritime sensors and improved minehunting capabilities that allow it to detect and neutralize threats at greater distances. It also supports a top speed of about 46 mph (40 knots), far outpacing the Avenger-class ships' 16 mph.
A First for the Region
The Canberra is the first Independence-class littoral combat ship (LCS) to deploy to the region. Its arrival was marked by a welcoming ceremony on Monday attended by Bahraini defense officials, U.S. Ambassador to Bahrain Steven Bondy, and NAVCENT commander Vice Adm. George Wikoff.
Unlike its single-hulled Freedom-class counterpart, the Independence-class is a trimaran, offering a larger flight deck, room for two helicopters or multiple drones, and increased operational flexibility. According to the ship's manufacturer, Austal USA, these design features enhance the vessel's ability to operate in shallow coastal waters—an essential trait for mine countermeasure missions in the Gulf.
Command Perspective
Cmdr. Bill Golden, commander of the Canberra's blue crew, previously served aboard a mine countermeasures ship stationed in Bahrain. Reflecting on the shift in capability, he remarked, 'To see the differences between that platform and what Canberra offers is incredible.'
The Canberra began its maiden deployment from San Diego in March and is currently conducting routine operations as part of its scheduled mission. It is expected to be joined by three additional LCS vessels over the coming months, further cementing Bahrain's role as a key hub in U.S. naval strategy.
LCS Program Continues Expansion
Since the launch of the Littoral Combat Ship program in 2002, the U.S. Navy has taken delivery of 35 LCS vessels. Two more—USS Cleveland (Freedom variant) and USS Pierre (Independence variant)—are currently under construction and are expected to be commissioned later this year.
The deployment of the Canberra marks a significant milestone in the U.S. Navy's transition toward faster, more versatile, and technologically advanced warships—reaffirming its commitment to maintaining security and stability across the region's vital waterways.
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