Australian and U.S. Navy escort ships demonstrated combined fire support in defense of an expeditionary strike group and ground forces ashore during Talisman Saber 2007 (TS07), which was conducted from June 18 through July 3. Two U.S. Navy destroyers, a cruiser, and three Royal Australian Navy frigates completed anti-submarine, surface and air defense exercises followed by simulated fire-support when U.S. Marines and Australian soldiers launched from the ships to the training area to engage a simulated enemy. Talisman Saber 2007 is a joint and combined biennial exercise between Australia and the United States designed to prepare both nations in crisis action planning and the execution of contingency operations, thus improving interoperability and combat readiness.