ROCKHAMPTON, QUEENSLAND, Australia -- Exercise Talisman Saber 2013 began July 14 with a ceremony and static displays at the Rockhampton Show Grounds.
Talisman Saber 2013 is designed to use a realistic scenario to train U.S. Pacific Command units and Australia forces in planning and executing combined and joint military operations on land, air and sea.
Already in its fifth iteration, Talisman Saber is a biennial training activity aimed at improving Australian Defence Forces and U.S. combat readiness and interoperability.
“This exercise is the largest exercise that the U.S. does with any single nation anywhere on earth,” said R. Neils Marquardt, U.S. consul general to Sydney, at the opening ceremony. “We do it in Australia. This is an enormously important exercise, very much reflecting the friendship between our two countries.”
From July to August, more than 28,000 U.S. service members and ADF personnel will participate in the exercise. The focus of the training will be on a combined task force in a mid-intensity conflict scenario, including simulated humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
In her opening remarks, Rockhampton Mayor Margaret Strelow provided a short history of U.S. and Australia military relations, concluding with a warm welcome to the American troops.
“Please enjoy the hospitality of our city,” Strelow said. “Make yourselves at home as old friends should, and from the generation that gets to enjoy the peace that was won in those tumultuous and dark days (of World War II), we thank you for a friendship that has proven its mettle.”
In addition to being the official starting point of the exercise, the day also served as an opportunity for ADF and U.S. service members to reach out to the community with a static display of aircraft and equipment.
One of the highlights of the day was the performance of the ADF Army Band and the U.S. 7th Fleet Navy Band. During one of its musical sets, the U.S. 7th Fleet Navy Band collaborated with Rockhampton-area high school students.
The local community was also able to interact with U.S. and Australia service members who answered questions regarding military life and the use of military assets displayed at the show grounds. Residents of the area had the opportunity to see and interact with the armored vehicle and rotary aircraft crews that will be used during the exercise.
Throughout Talisman Saber 2013, the U.S. and ADF intend to enhance multilateral collaboration in support of future combined operations, humanitarian emergencies and natural disaster response to demonstrate both countries’ dedication to maintaining regional security, peace and stability.