US 3rd Fleet Wraps Up Participation in Talisman Saber 2013

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet completed biennial joint-training exercise Talisman Saber 2013 (TS13) July 28.

The two-week exercise is the second largest maritime exercise in the world jointly led by U.S. Pacific Command and the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Military assets from both nations conducted various types of training at sea, ashore and in the air off the Australian coast and in the United States 7th and 3rd Fleet areas of responsibility based on a simulated mid-intensity war environment.

Third Fleet served as Combined Force Maritime Component Commander (CFMCC) for the exercise. In the joint-task force construct, CFMCC is one of four functional components: Combined Forces Maritime Component Commander, Combined Forces Air Component Commander, Combined Forces Land Component Commander and Combined Forces Special Operations Component Commander.

"Talisman Saber 2013 provided a great training experience for our team here at Third Fleet, which included a contingent of outstanding professionals from the Royal Australian Navy led by Cdre. Greg Sammut," said Vice Adm. Kenneth Floyd, Commander U.S. 3rd Fleet. "We had the chance to exercise command and control with U.S. and Australian ships halfway around the world in realistic and relevant scenarios. Just as importantly, we strengthened key joint and international partnerships that we rely on every day."

All component commanders reported to 7th Fleet, who served as Commander of the Combined Task Force (CCTF). The exercise served as 7th Fleet's Joint Task Force (JTF) certification.

"TS13 is a bilateral exercise between the Australian navy and the U.S. Navy, and this year it's grown to include U.S. Army First Corps and some U.S. Air Force components," said Capt. Jay Mills, deputy director Maritime Operations Center for CFMCC during TS13. "CFMCC is in command of all maritime forces that may be used to respond in the event of a crisis. Practicing our role of CFMCC allows us to utilize the tactics, techniques and procedures we would use as a combined force."

U.S. 3rd Fleet staff managed a combined force of geographically dispersed Australian and U.S. ships that showed the fleet's ability to manage multinational assets from 3rd Fleet headquarters in San Diego, which added to the realistic, relevant training that is necessary for an effective global Navy.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for the staff in terms of operating as a maritime operations center and exercising those cross-functional teams that make it possible," said Mills. "When we go to a contingency operation or major combat operations as we simulate this exercise, we stand up a maritime operations center, which has a different construct, and we have what are called bureaus, boards, cells and working groups."

Joint interagency and international relationships strengthen U.S. 3rd Fleet's ability to respond to crises and protect the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners.

Talisman Saber 2013 Wraps Up Aboard USS Blue Ridge

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Joshua Karsten, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

CAIRNS, Australia (NNS) -- The biennial joint U.S.-Australian exercise Talisman Saber 2013 concluded with a ceremony hosted by the commander of U.S. Pacific Command, aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) in Cairns, Australia, July 29.

Talisman Saber is a joint exercise sponsored by U.S. Pacific Command and Australian Defence Force (ADF) Headquarters Joint Operations Command that incorporates components of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force, the Australian Defence Force and other government agencies from each country.

U.S. non-government organizations (NGO) included USAID, Red Cross and Departments of State, Justice and Agriculture and Australian NGOs included the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian Civil Corps and the Asia-Pacific Civil-Military Centre of Excellence.

"TS-13 has been a great demonstration of the alliance between the U.S. and Australia," said Adm. Samuel J. Locklear, III, commander, U.S. Pacific Command. "I want to thank each and every one of you for your great performance during this important operation."

Talisman Saber is a realistic and challenging exercise that improves both nations' ability to work multilaterally and prepares them to be poised to provide security regionally and globally. More than 70 different major training events were thrown at the combined team of watchstanders, analysts, planners, and managers, with a team of training observers watching closely.

"The most important thing I do as 7th Fleet commander is build relationships with allies, partners, and friends; with various naval peers in the region; with other service peers, Army and Air Force," said Vice Adm. Scott H. Swift, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet and TS13 commander. "That's Talisman Saber."

Providing command and control of the exercise from Blue Ridge, the combined task force supported each component of land, air, sea and special operations in the area surrounding Australia. Based on fictional scenarios, the exercise included combined Special Forces operations, parachute drops, amphibious landings, land force maneuvers, urban and air operations and the coordinated firing of live ammunition from a range of in-service weapons systems used by exercise participants. The fictional scenarios were designed to bring the different branches of the Australian and U.S. military together in a combined environment.

"For Australia it's been very valuable; the U.S. bringing to the activity and scale that we are not used to but we're comfortable working. So the layout of integration was high," said Australian Brig. Gen. David Coghlan, TS13 deputy commander. "Aboard the Blue Ridge, I had about a hundred Australian defense personnel who have integrated very well and throughout the fleet."

The closing ceremony took place aboard Blue Ridge and was a chance for Locklear to speak to both 7th Fleet and ADF members. The ceremony also included distinguished guests ble James Choi, crisis response control group lead for Talisman Saber, Niels Marquardt, U.S. consul general, and Australian Army Gen. David Hurley, chief of Australian Defence Force.

Talisman Saber included more than 27,000 U.S. and Australian personnel, was aimed at improving ADF and U.S. combat readiness and interoperability as a Combined Joint Task Force. The exercise was designed to enhance multilateral collaboration in support of future combined operations, humanitarian emergencies and natural disasters. This exercise was a major undertaking and illustrated the closeness of the US and Australian alliance and the strength of the military-to-military relationship.

GWCSG Kicks Off Talisman Saber 13

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- U.S. and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Sailors from the George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWCSG) began their portion of Talisman Saber 2013 off the northeast coast of Australia, July 15.

Exercise Talisman Saber 2013 is a biennial training activity aimed at improving Australian and U.S. combat readiness and interoperability.

"Talisman Saber 2013 demonstrates the U.S. and Australian commitment to enhancing security, peace and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region," said Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery, the commander of GWCSG. "Our alliance with Australia is solidly grounded in our shared values and common security concerns and approaches. We coordinate closely with our Australian partners to promote security throughout the region."

Over the next two weeks the GWCSG will participate in various events with their RAN partners including air-defense warfare, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, visit, board, search and seizure, air-to-air training, and close-air support to amphibious forces.

"This exercise provides effective and intense training to ensure our forces are capable, interoperable, and deployable on short notice" said Montgomery. "It increases the ability of all participants to plan, coordinate and execute complex operations."

Participants from the GWCSG include Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) with embarked Carrier Air Wing 5, embarked Commander Destroyer Squadron 15, Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54), Arleigh-burke class guided-missile destroyers USS Lassen (DDG 82), USS Preble (DDG 88), USS Momsen (DDG 92), USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93), and the RAN guided-missile frigate HMAS Sydney (FFG 03).

Combined Task Force 76 and Royal Australian Navy Embark for Talisman Saber 2013

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Edward Guttierrez III

BRISBANE, Australia (NNS) -- Rear Adm. Jeffrey A. Harley, commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, along with members of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), embarked the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), the flagship of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), for the joint-force exercise Talisman Saber 2013 (TS13) July 13.

Talisman Saber is a biennial training exercise aimed at improving the combat training, readiness, and interoperability of a combined U.S.-Australian task force.

Embarking members of the RAN on Bonhomme Richard, in addition to the RAN ships participating in the exercise, allows key staff members to work side by side with U.S. forces and synchronize their planning and operational procedures as a combined task force.

"Talisman Saber 2013 is designed to enhance our interoperability with the Australian Defense Forces, our long standing partners in this region," said Harley. "The embark of Australian Naval officers aboard Bonhomme Richard will allow us to more closely integrate our staffs during this complex bi-lateral, combined and joint exercise."

While embarked on Bonhomme Richard for TS13, Harley, as Commander of the Amphibious Force, is responsible for five subordinate commands: Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), the Australian Amphibious Task Group, the 2nd Royal Australian Regiment, and the Sea Combat Commander.

Together, these commands will train to ensure Australian and U.S. forces are capable, deployable on short notice, and combat-ready.

The Bonhomme Richard ARG is commanded by Capt. Cathal O'Connor, commodore, PHIBRON 11 and reports to the Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. Jeffrey A. Harley, headquartered in White Beach, Okinawa, Japan.

Essex Begins Talisman Saber

Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) fast-rope onto the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) from a CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 262. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gabriel S. Weber/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Greg Johnson, USS Essex Public Affairs

USS ESSEX, At Sea (NNS) -- The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) began exercise Talisman Saber 2009 (TS09) July 6 off the coast of Australia.

The exercise is designed to enhance bilateral interoperability between U.S. and Australian forces and will include participation from more than 20,000 U.S. and 10,000 Australian personnel.

"The military alliance we've shared with Australia has set a great example in the Asia-Pacific region," said Capt. Brent Canady, Essex's commanding officer. "Our efforts throughout TS09 will help to further that alliance by enhancing our interoperability, readiness and flexibility."

The exercise, concentrated in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area near Rockhampton in central Queensland, will focus on crisis action planning and execution of contingency response operations. TS09 will provide an opportunity to work in a joint environment and refine procedures and doctrine.

Essex Sailors will be instrumental in accomplishing the primary goal of the exercise, which is to train Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and the Australian Deployable Joint Force Headquarters as a designated, combined task force.

With the 31st MEU Aviation Combat Element (ACE) and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 embarked, Essex's aircraft include the CH-53E Sea Stallions, CH-46E Sea Knights, MH-60S Sea Hawks, AH-1Z Super Cobras and UH-1N Huey helicopters, as well as AV-8B Harrier jet aircraft, but without Essex's air department, the aircraft wouldn't be able to leave the flight deck.

"We're out there from morning to night," said Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) (AW) Kevin Johnson. "This exercise is definitely going to be demanding, but being forward-deployed, we train like this all the time, and our personnel are ready for the challenge."

Essex's schedule typically includes 10-hour flight operations per day while underway, a routine that will most likely intensify during TS09. Flight deck personnel will have to rely on each other to successfully complete the demanding exercise, said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class (AW/SW) Lois Braxton.

"It's an amazing group of Sailors here," said Braxton. "We really try to look out for each other and keep each other on our toes. As long as we're working together, we're going to be on top of anything that happens out on the flight deck."

Essex's air department isn't the only group of Sailors who will play a pivotal role throughout the exercise. The ship's deck department will also be hard at work launching Marines from the well deck via landing craft air cushion (LCAC) vehicles.

"This kind of experience is vital to the progression of our younger Sailors," said Chief Boatswain's Mate (SW/AW) Christopher White. "We've got a lot of Sailors who don't have experience doing the kind of things we do during a full-scale exercise, and Talisman Saber provides a great opportunity for them to get that experience."

The Sailors who do have the experience will look to use TS09 as an opportunity to mentor some of the deck department's more junior Sailors, said Seaman Fredrick Smith, who has been aboard Essex for a little more than a year.

"I've done a lot of well deck operations, like launching LCACs and LCUs (landing craft utility), but this will be my first time participating in Talisman Saber," said Smith. "I think it should be a good learning experience for a lot of the guys here."

For TS09, Essex has been assigned three LCACs from Assault Craft Unit 5. LCACs are high-speed, over-the-beach fully amphibious landing craft, capable of carrying a 60-75-ton payload. They are used to transport weapons systems, equipment, cargo and personnel from ship to shore and across the beach.

Throughout the exercise, Essex's crew will operate with a heightened awareness regarding the diverse marine life off the coast of Australia. Sailors have received training on how to identify marine mammals and respond appropriately to avoid collisions with sea life.

"We're very aware of the great number of diverse species in the ocean, especially the unique marine life near the Great Barrier Reef," said Canady. "We're doing everything we can to prevent any mishaps that would cause harm to any of these animals or damage the environment where they live."

Essex departed its homeport of Sasebo, Japan, June 12 for TS09. Essex was commissioned October 17, 1992, and is capable of carrying 1,200 Sailors and 1,800 Marines. It is 844 feet long, can travel at 24+ knots and displaces 40,650 tons.

Essex is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. amphibious ready group (ARG) and serves as the flagship for Combined Task Force 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force commander. CTF 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with a detachment in Sasebo, Japan.

Essex Embarks 31st MEU, Prepares for Talisman Saber

USS Essex (LHD 2), USS Denver (LPD 9) and USS Tortuga (LSD 46) wait pierside at White Beach Naval Facility in Okinawa, Japan while the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit loads gear and personnel before deploying for Talisman Sabre 2009. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Denver Applehans/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew Ebarb

OKINAWA, Japan (NNS) -- The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) completed on loading more than 1,400 Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) June 15 in preparation for exercise Talisman Saber 2009 (TS09).

TS09 is a bilateral command post and field training exercise designed to maintain a high level of interoperability between U.S. and Australian forces. The exercise also supports increased flexibility and readiness for maintaining regional security.

"As always, we're looking forward to having the 31st MEU on board again," said Capt. Brent Canady, Essex' commanding officer. "We've had an excellent operational record with them in the past, and we look forward to continuing that success."

The 31st MEU consists of ground, command, air and combat support elements that allow the Essex Amphibious Ready Group to conduct amphibious operations from the sea and project power ashore.

Essex' combat cargo department moved approximately 90 vehicles and 250 pieces of MEU cargo. Additionally, they helped move elements of the battalion landing team, the ground combat element, aviation combat element and combat logistics battalion. The arsenal includes CH-53E Sea Stallion, CH-46E Sea Hawk, AH-1W Super Cobra and UH-1N Huey helicopters, as well as AV-8B Harrier jet aircrafts.

"We're looking forward to the experience of working with the Australian military," said Gunnery Sgt. Jorge Jerez, well deck combat cargo assistant. "We have put a lot of work into getting the equipment on board and making sure that it's ready for the upcoming Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) evaluation."

AQIS is the Australian government agency responsible for enforcing Australian quarantine laws. Essex will coordinate with AQIS to ensure the safety of Essex' crew, Australian exercise participants and Australian citizens.

"Working with the Australian's offers something new for us," said Pfc. Marcus Clark, from Spokane, Wash. "This isn't something we get to do every day, and I think the experience will allow us to learn from one another and grow."

Essex is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. amphibious ready group and serves as the flagship for CTF 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force commander. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with a detachment in Sasebo, Japan.

Essex Departs For Talisman Saber

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Greg Johnson

USS ESSEX, At Sea (NNS) -- The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) departed Sasebo, Japan, for exercise Talisman Saber 2009 (TS09) June 12.

The exercise is designed to enhance bilateral interoperability between U.S. and Australian forces and will feature more than 20,000 U.S. and 10,000 Australian personnel.

"This is the third time exercise Talisman Saber has been conducted since exercises Tandem Thrust and Crocodile were combined into a biennial, joint combined exercise with Australian and U. S. forces," said Capt. Brent Canady, Essex' commanding officer. "Essex Sailors are looking forward to the opportunity to work with our Australian counterparts to enhance our warfighting skills."

The exercise will focus on crisis action planning and execution of contingency response operations and is concentrated in the Shoalwater Bay training area near Rockhampton in central Queensland as well as the Townsville field training area. TS09 will provide an opportunity to work in a combined, joint environment and refine procedures and doctrine.

Essex Sailors will be instrumental in accomplishing the primary goal of the exercise, which is to train Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and the Australian Deployable Joint Force Headquarters as a designated, combined task force.

"Talisman Saber is a great opportunity for us to enhance our interoperability," said Lt. Cmdr. Ben Sigurdson, Essex' aircraft handler. "It's especially important to what we do on the flight deck. Being familiar and comfortable with the way each other operates is essential to conducting safe, effective operations."

The deployment will also serve as a first opportunity for many Essex Sailors to visit Australia.

"Everyone has heard stories about what a great time it is to visit Australia," said Information Systems Technician Seaman Brett Scott, of Baltimore. "This is going to be my first visit, and I'm definitely excited to check it out for myself. One of the great advantages of being in the forward-deployed Navy is the chance to see great ports like the ones we'll hit on this deployment. It should be pretty cool."

Essex is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. ARG and serves as the flagship for CTF 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force commander. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with a detachment in Sasebo, Japan.