Sept. 25 (UPI) -- The Royal Australian Navy has commissioned the first of three air warfare destroyers, the HMAS Hobart, into service in a ceremony at Garden Island in Sydney.
"In these uncertain times, a strong, well equipped Australian Defense Force is absolutely critical," Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said at the ceremony. "The commissioning of HMAS Hobart provides clear evidence of our determination to keep Australians safe and ensure we are ready and able to meet the challenges that come our way in the years ahead."