Scott Morrison welcomes newest warship HMAS Sydney

Scott Morrison has welcomed the arrival of Australia’s newest warship the HMAS Sydney, the first ship commissioned at sea since WWII.

HMAS Sydney 'cheer ship' at Jervis Bay, NSW, as the ship was commissioned at sea. Picture: Supplied

Scott Morrison has welcomed the arrival of Australia’s newest warship the HMAS Sydney, the first ship commissioned at sea since World War II.

HMAS Adelaide crew cheer HMAS Sydney off the coast of Sydney. Picture: Supplied

In a video shared to the Australian Navy, Mr Morrison has praised the ship’s long legacy in the navy, which dates back to World War I.

“In November 1914, the first HMAS Sydney joined the convoy escorting ANZAC troops destined for the Middle East,” Mr Morrison said.

Mr Morrison said the ship’s delivery honours a promise by prime minister John Curtin, who said: “There will always be a Sydney.”

Curtin was speaking in 1941 after the navy suffered its greatest loss — when the second HMAS Sydney went down off Western Australia.

Mr Morrison said HMAS Sydney would carry the ship’s motto “thorough and ready” through its service.

HMAS Sydney’s parade guard during the commissioning ceremony.

HMAS Sydney also received a video message from Defence Minister Linda Reynolds.

“The air warfare destroyer is simply in a class of its own. They are now the most capable ships in our navy,” Senator Reynolds said.

“The return of a warship carrying the name Sydney is a cause for celebration and cause for reflection, and I know she will bear that name proudly as she takes the Royal Australian Navy to the future.”

Following the HMAS Sydney’s commission she will undergo testing.

Able Seaman chef Huong Long holds the ceremonial cake for the ship’s welcoming ceremony. Picture: Supplied

Ships of the sister fleet HMAS Hobart and Brisbane were commissioned in 2017 and 2018 respectively and will be docked at Fleet Base East in Sydney’s Port Jackson.

The Prime Minister of Australia, the Honourable Scott Morrison, MP, sent a video message to HMAS Sydney V on our...

Posted by HMAS Sydney V on Thursday, 21 May 2020