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Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Visits Boxer During Talisman Saber

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050621-07
Release Date: 6/21/2005 12:28:00 PM

By Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class (AW) D. Arthur Jones, USS Boxer Public Affairs

ABOARD USS BOXER (NNS) -- Vice Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet and commander, Combined Task Force for Talisman Saber, visited USS Boxer (LHD 4) June 19 to tour the ship and observe amphibious operations.

Arriving via landing craft, air cushion, Greenert and Australian Maj. Gen. Mark A. Kelly, deputy commander, Combined Task Force, also took the opportunity to speak with several Sailors and Soldiers.

Greenert remarked that though the ship was brought into the exercise late in the planning effort due to operational requirements, it has done a remarkable job.

“Boxer, in conjunction with the great Australian Defense Force professionals, is executing amphibious operations with the Royal Australian Army, a first,” Greenert said of the Boxer crew. “Talisman Saber is a complex and diverse coalition operation. These fine Sailors were asked to ‘pinch hit’ late in the planning process, and they’ve hit a home run."

Greenert said that a highlight of Boxer’s participation was what he called the “innovative concept” of certifying Australian Army Blackhawks to land on Boxer’s flight deck, and operating Blackhawks from Boxer throughout the exercise.

“They’re demonstrating airborne assault capabilities, which truly shows the interoperability of our forces,” he said.

Sailors and embarkees alike were proud to show off their abilities for the commanders.

“This was a great visit for the ship and the people on board,” said Cryptologic Technician Seaman Carly Story. “It was important for the exercise leaders from both countries to see how we are doing.”

“We were able to show them the assets they had to work with,” said Australian Lt. Cmdr. Duncan Heilbronn. “It was also good for them to meet the Australians and U.S. service members on board. It is impressive to see this level of teamwork between our two countries.”

Talisman Saber is a four-week biennial exercise to conduct collective training and practice interoperability between U.S. and Australian forces while further developing the capability to undertake joint and combined operations and helping to build regional security. More than 17,000 personnel from Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine and Special Forces units are participating in Talisman Saber, a merger of the Tandem Thrust, Crocodile and Kingfisher series of exercises.

Challenges faced by Australian and American military personnel will strengthen ties as participating units share the skills and understanding necessary to prepare for real-world events in requiring joint operations on land and at sea.