The American destroyers USS Decatur and USS McCampbell will arrive in Port this Tuesday, 24 January 2006, for a five day stopover.

Launched in 1996, the USS Decatur is an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer and can travel at a speed of 30+ knots. The vessel is 154 metres in length and has a crew of approximately 340.

The USS McCampbell is an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer in the United States Navy and was launched in 2000. It was named for Captain David McCampbell (1910–1996), the Navy's leading ace in World War II. The vessel, which is 155 metres in length, has a crew of approximately 380.

Mr. Barry Holden, Chief Executive Officer of the Townsville Port Authority, said: “We are pleased to be able to facilitate these navy vessels at the Port of Townsville. Special thanks should go to the Port Officers, Port customers and service providers for their co-operation and assistance in juggling commercial shipping around these naval visits - without them it would have been extremely difficult to make it happen.

"I’d also like to welcome our visitors to Townsville and wish them a very enjoyable time in our city."

  TPA-Media Release - uss ships 200106.pdf (38.73 KB)