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Talisman Saber Ships Stop in Townsville

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050608-06
Release Date: 6/8/2005 11:07:00 AM

From USS Boxer Public Affairs

TOWNSVILLE, Australia (NNS) -- USS Boxer (LHD 4), commanded by Capt. Thomas J. Culora, USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53), commanded by Cmdr. Andrew F. Cully, and USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), commanded by Cmdr. Brad Smith, arrived in Townsville, Australia, June 8 in order to prepare for their upcoming biennial exercise, Talisman Saber 2005, a joint exercise between U.S. and Australian forces.

While in Townsville, Boxer will embark 700 Australian service members. The group will then proceed to the Shoalwater Bay training area near Rockhampton in the coming week to begin Exercise Talisman Saber.

16,000 Australian and U.S. service members will cooperate during Talisman Saber to complete a command post exercise (CPX), field training exercise (FTX) and a strategic air drop. The event will allow for Australian and American military personnel to build interoperability between units who do not normally work together.

“Talisman Saber is a great opportunity to exercise mutual ability and test our communicational connectivity,” said Master Chief Intelligence Specialist Billy Whitley, of Big Lake, Texas. “This type of exercise shows that forces are capable of cooperation. It also shows our services areas where we can improve.”

While Boxer’s main goals are the embarkation of Australian military assets and the loading of supplies for the exercise, the port visit will also provide Sailors and Marines an opportunity to enjoy liberty in a unique city that is a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

Morale, Welfare and Recreation teams from the ships offered tickets to tours prior to their arrival, including a whitewater rafting trip and a trip to the Billabong Sanctuary. Sailors and Marines are also planning to participate in service projects within the local community.

“The best way to build strong bonds between nations is acts of goodwill, and the best way of showing goodwill to your host country is volunteering your time," said Religious Program Specialist 1st Class Elizabeth Wright, of San Antonio.

While in Townsville, the three ships are expected to bring a little more than $1 million to the local economy.