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Tortuga Arrives "Down Under"

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070606-11
Release Date: 6/6/2007 4:18:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Brandon A. Myrick, USS Tortuga Public Affairs

BRISBANE, Australia (NNS) -- USS Tortuga (LSD 46) Sailors, embarked elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary unit (MEU) and 37 midshipmen on board for their summer cruise, arrived here June 6 for a four-day port visit in preparation for the upcoming bilateral exercise Talisman Saber 2007.

Tortuga Sailors will enjoy the sites and sounds of Brisbane before the ship, and its embarked elements, return to sea to conduct Talisman Saber, which is a month-long opportunity for U.S. and Australian forces to conduct joint operations, test interoperability and refine cooperative procedures.

“It is a blessing and an honor to be able to visit a port such as Brisbane,” said Commanding Officer Cmdr. Todd A. Lewis. “Many people go their entire careers never having the opportunity to experience this country.”

Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, is often regarded as Australia’s most livable city. Its subtropical climate makes Brisbane the perfect venue for a vast array of outdoor activities for Sailors and Marines.

“We are in for a treat. This will be a great opportunity for Tortuga to enjoy the sights and hospitality of this city,” said Lewis.

The Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) representatives for Tortuga have arranged for a variety of planned events for Sailors and Marines such as crocodile tours, a four-wheel drive "ECO" tour, and SCUBA diving trips and surfing tours that will take participants along the coastline in search of Australia’s best beaches.

“I have always wanted to visit Australia for as long as I can remember,” said Fire Controlman 3rd Class Chris M. Searles. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I plan to take full advantage of the tours offered.”

While there are plenty of leisurely activities for the Sailors and Marines to take part in while visiting Brisbane, some crew members are dedicating some of their liberty hours to helping the local community.

Tortuga’s Sailors and Marines will participate in a community service project at the Young Care apartment buildings, assisting in the upkeep of apartments for less fortunate children.

“Participating in community service projects allows Sailors and Marines the chance to see the host country’s culture firsthand,” said Tortuga’s community relations director, Chief Boatswain's Mate (SW/AW) Earnest C. Pippen.

According to Pippen, a total of 35 Sailors and 15 Marines will take part in community relations projects in Brisbane.

Talisman Saber 07 is a U.S.- and Australian-led Joint Task Force operation preparing the militaries for crisis action planning and execution of contingency operations. Talisman Saber is designed to maintain a high level of interoperability between U.S. and Australian forces, demonstrating their commitment to military alliance and regional security.

The exercise also supports increased flexibility and readiness, which are force multipliers in winning the global war on terrorism. Tortuga is forward-deployed out of Sasebo, Japan, and serves Task Force 76, the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious force. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility in Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo.