USS Sampson set to depart Brisbane after sailors let their hair down

The US Navy’s missile destroyer USS Sampson and its 300 crew members are set to depart Brisbane waters on Saturday after its inaugural visit to the River City that cements Australia’s “most important defence relationship”.

The USS Sampson and its 300 crew members are set to depart Brisbane waters today after its inaugural visit to the River City.

The U.S. Navy’s 52nd Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer docked in Brisbane on Wednesday and is scheduled to leave today.

More than 300 American soldiers enjoyed a sunny few days in Brisbane, enjoying some well-earned shore leave after many days at sea.

Sampson had just come from a disaster relief trip to Tonga in the aftermath of the volcano eruption and subsequent tsunami.

Minister Peter Dutton stepped aboard the vessel this week, citing Australia’s longstanding alliance with the US is “our most important defence relationship”.

He said that Sampson presented a local economic booster for Brisbane.

Minister for Defence Peter Dutton on board US Navy destroyer USS Sampson docked in Brisbane. Picture: Richard Walker

“The visit by Sampson has provided a significant cash injection to Brisbane, not only in hospitality and tourism activities enjoyed by the crew, but also in provision of logistics support requirements, benefiting local service providers, ensuring Sampson is stored, fuelled and ready to head back to sea,” he said.

He said that the Morrison Government had flagged their intention to welcome increased visits from the Americans.

“(Our relationship) stands as a pillar of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific and it’s a testament to our shared values and our commitment to a secure, prosperous, and resilient Indo-Pacific,” he said.

“This is just one example of such activity we will see more of into the future.”