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Boxer, JPJ Visit Townsville

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050620-06
Release Date: 6/20/2005 11:15:00 AM

By Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class James Bartels, USS Boxer Public Affairs

TOWNSVILLE, Australia (NNS) -- USS Boxer (LHD 4), USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) and USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) arrived June 8 in the heart of North Queensland, Australia, for a four-day port visit in the city of Townsville, where the ships made preparations for their involvement in Exercise Talisman Saber 2005.

Boxer’s primary mission in Townsville was to embark more than 700 Australian army, navy and air force personnel, along with the remainder of their equipment, which included Leopard AS1 Main Battle Tanks (MBT), M113A1 Armored Personnel Carriers, Armored Command Vehicles and ambulances. These service members joined their fellow countrymen who embarked Boxer the week prior in Darwin, Australia.

While the crews of the three ships continued the preparations for their upcoming involvement for Talisman Saber, they also took the opportunity to experience the offerings of “the land down under.”

Whitewater rapids tours, a visit to the Billabong Sanctuary and trips to the rainforest were just a few of Morale, Welfare and Recreation's (MWR) discounted offerings.

“My trip to Billabong Sanctuary was a wonderful time. I enjoyed spending time with my friends and seeing the exotic animals,” said Seaman Chris Zeltinger, of Hazen, N.D. “Having MWR subsidize the prices really helps us junior Sailors get out and see the sights.”

Sailors also had the opportunity to contribute to Townsville’s community by donating their time to the Cootharinga Society, an organization that helps people with severe disabilities.

“I used to work as a certified nurse’s assistant, so working in this setting was wonderful,” said Dental Technician 1st Class (SW/AW) Fe Perez, of San Diego. “Nothing is better than making these children smile and seeing laughter light up their faces.”

With the last of the preparations complete, Boxer, John Paul Jones and Fitzgerald sailed toward the Shoalwater Bay Training Area June 12 to begin Exercise Talisman Saber 2005, which is a combination of what were once exercises Tandem Thrust, Kingfisher and Crocodile.

The exercise will be an opportunity for the 16,000 service members from Australia and the United States to conduct amphibious assault training to strengthen interoperability between the two nations.