USS Canberra Arrives in Bahrain, Boosts U.S. Mine Warfare
Modern Vessel to Replace Aging Minehunters in Middle East
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.
Also read: Bahrain To Roll Out Diverse Scholarship Opportunities For Top Students Following June 2 Exam Results
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Insider
4 days ago
- Gulf Insider
USS Canberra Arrives in Bahrain, Boosts U.S. Mine Warfare
Modern Vessel to Replace Aging Minehunters in Middle East 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. Also read: Bahrain To Roll Out Diverse Scholarship Opportunities For Top Students Following June 2 Exam Results
Gulf Insider
14-02-2025
- Gulf Insider
US Aircraft Carrier Collides With Merchant Ship Off Egypt
In a highly unusual and embarrassing incident, a US Navy aircraft carrier has collided with a merchant ship off the coast of Egypt in the Mediterranean Sea, a US Sixth Fleet spokesman revealed Thursday. The collision involved the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman and the merchant vessel Besiktas-M at around noon local time on Wednesday. The vessels collided near Port Said, but there were no injuries reported on either ship. No injuries or flooding on the aircraft carrier were reported, and its propulsion plants 'are unaffected and in a safe and stable condition,' the Navy's 6th Fleet said. However, the Truman did sustain some damage, statements indicate: The Truman was approaching the Suez Canal to go from the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, a Navy official told CBS News. There's no assessment at this time which vessel was at fault, the official said. The Truman sustained some damage above the waterline, the official said. It wasn't clear if it will be going in for repairs. The ship remained in the Mediterranean. The Navy is conducting an investigation and has released few other details, including which vessel was at fault. The Besiktas-M also sustained damage – likely more significant than that of the carrier. Read More Also Read: Houthis Vow to Unleash Hell on Red Sea Shipping Again as Gaza Truce Teeters
Daily Tribune
13-02-2025
- Daily Tribune
New Footage Shows U.S. Military Jet Crashing into San Diego Bay, California
Newly released footage captures the dramatic moment a U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler jet crashed into the San Diego Bay this morning. The two pilots onboard successfully ejected just before impact, landing in the water before being rescued by a nearby fishing boat. Eyewitnesses reported that the crash created an enormous 80-foot plume of water and mud. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, the jet was performing a "go-around maneuver" when the incident occurred. The pilots, who were retrieved by the crew of the fishing boat Premier, were transported to a hospital and are now in stable condition. 'Captain Brandon Viets and the crew of the Premier acted swiftly, and thanks to their professionalism, were able to bring these pilots to safety,' said the manager of the company that books the fishing boats. Authorities in the United States are currently investigating the cause of the crash, and officials have urged the public to avoid the area as cleanup efforts continue.
