Australian Navy Begins Talisman Saber

Minister for Urban Development, the Honourable Paul Fletcher MP, representing the Minister for Defence, and the US Charge d'Affaires, Mr James Carouso, officially announced the start of the combined military exercise taking place thorought July. Field training will occur in Shoalwater Bay Training Area, near Rockhampton and Mount Bundy Training Area, south of Darwin.

The Minister was joined by the US Pacific Forces Commander, Admiral Harry Harris, Jr and Officer Conducting the Exercise, Australia's Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral David Johnston along with other senior Australian Defence Force leaders.

Vice Admiral Johnston said the exercise was important to highlight and certify the interoperability between the forces.

“Talisman Saber is the premier Australia‑United States bilateral exercise,” Vice Admiral Johnston said.

“This year, we are pleased to see personnel from New Zealand, Japan and Canada embedded within Australian and United States units.”

Over 33,000 military personnel will participate.

“The exercise provides invaluable experience to improve combat training, readiness and interoperability, exposing participants to a wide spectrum of military capabilities and training experiences,” Vice Admiral Johnston said.

Focused on mid-intensity, high-end warfighting, Talisman Saber 2017 will incorporate force preparation activities, special forces activities, amphibious landings, parachuting, land force manoeuvre, urban operations, air operations, maritime operations and a number of live fire components.

“Regular training and exercising between our military forces serves to enhance our combat readiness and interoperability,” Vice Admiral Johnston said.

“This enables our military forces to be prepared and capable of meeting future security challenges in our region and globally.”

Personnel will also participate from Darwin, Townsville, Brisbane, Newcastle and Canberra; and from Hawaii, Indiana, Virginia, Colorado and Washington.