Prime Minister Tony Abbott christens Royal Australian Navy’s biggest ship HMAS Canberra

WITH all the pomp and ceremony that the Navy can muster, its biggest ever ship — HMAS Canberra — has joined the fleet at Garden Island.

WITH all the pomp and ceremony that the Navy can muster, its biggest ever ship — HMAS Canberra — has joined the fleet at Garden Island.

More than 1500 people attended this morning’s launch in the 27,500 tonne amphibious attack vessel’s helicopter hangar.

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Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove, Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Navy Chief Vice-Admiral Tim Barrett welcomed the ship to the Royal Australian Navy.

News_Image_File: Honour ... Henry Hall, 94, is a former member of the Royal Australian Navy and sailed onboard the former HMAS Canberra. Picture Cameron Richardson

Mr Abbott was given a VIP tour of the ship prior to the ceremony.

The guests included more than 800 family members of the ship’s 400-strong tri-service crew.

News_Image_File: Pomp and ceremony ... the HMAS Canberra crew march past guests. Picture Cameron Richardson

The commissioning ceremony began with a parade of the ship’s company followed by a Bible reading by Navy chaplain Colin Acton and the breaking out of the Australian White ensign and the national flag and speeches from the guests of honour.

News_Image_File: Marvellous backdrop ... the commissioning ceremony for the HMAS Canberra at Garden Island. Picture Cameron Richardson

News_Image_File: The largest ship ever built for the Royal Australian Navy ... the HMAS Canberra passes through Sydney Heads for the first time.

Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove paid tribute to everyone involved in the six year construction of the “mighty ship”.

News_Image_File: Proud day ... Prime Minister Tony Abbott arrives for the ceremony at Garden Island. Picture Cameron Richardson

“Wherever she travels in the world Canberra is all Australian,” he said.

“I know you will serve Australia with pride.”

News_Image_File: Service ... the commissioning ceremony for the HMAS Canberra at Garden Island. Picture Cameron Richardson

News_Image_File: On board the HMAS Canberra ... the flight deck

Prime Minister Tony Abbott said it was a proud day for the Navy and for Australia.

He also issued an ominous warning about the future and the possible roles for the amphibious assault ship.

“You never know what’s over the horizon,” he said.

News_Image_File: Protecting the Australian way of life ... People sunbathe at Andrew ‘Boy’ Charlton pool in front of HMAS Canberra. Picture: AFP PHOTO/Peter Parks

“Our navy not only protects our country but our friends and allies too.

“May the Canberra serve our Queen and country with duty and honour.”

News_Image_File: On board the HMAS Canberra ... the navigation room

Once the flags are hoisted on the aft mast and the 233-metre-long Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD), she will officially become the third HMAS Canberra.

News_Image_File: On board the HMAS Canberra ... the flight deck

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