Why the name Canberra ?
The USS Canberra (CA-70) was named in honor of the HMAS Canberra, an Australian naval ship that was sunk on August 9, 1942 during the Battle of the Savo Islands.
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USS Canberra Reunion Association
Originally named USS Pittsburgh, its keel was laid down Sept. 3, 1941 at the Bethlehem Steel Company’s Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, MA.
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Hull 1496. CA-70. View from bow looking aft. 2/19/43.
USS Canberra Reunion Association
1496 was USS Canberra’s hull number during construction.
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Badge worn by worker at the Fore River Shipyard.
USS Canberra Reunion Association
USS Canberra was sponsored by Lady Alice D. Dixon, wife of Sir Owen Dixon, the Australian Minister to the United States.
It was the first U.S. Naval cruiser named for a foreign capital.
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USS Canberra Reunion Association
USS Canberra awaits her christening and launch.
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USS Canberra Reunion Association
USS Canberra Christening and Launch Ceremony April 19, 1943.
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USS Canberra Reunion Association
USS Canberra sliding down the ways.
April 19, 1943
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USS Canberra Reunion Association
The USS Canberra was commissioned on October 14, 1943 at the Boston Navy Yard.
Captain Alexander R. Early, USN in command.
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Captain Early (right) and his wife at either the Canberra’s christening or commissioning.
Barbara Hill Collection
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CA-70 Commissioning Ceremony Pamphlet
USS Canberra Reunion Association
“The ship was commissioned at 1703.”
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Page from the USS Canberra Ship’s Log.
USS Canberra Reunion Association
