U.S. – Australia Relations

Kanimbla Begins Central Role in Talisman Saber 09

Canberra — 10 July 2009

MSPA 207/09
Friday, 10 July 2009

With more than five hundred service personnel embarked from Navy, Army and Air Force, as well as United States Marines, HMAS Kanimbla has arrived off Cowley Beach in Queensland ready to begin her central role in Exercise Talisman Saber 09.

The ship has already become a hive of activity as the crew prepares for a number of amphibious activities designed to improve the interoperability of Australian and US forces.

Commander Tim Byles, HMAS Kanimbla's Commanding Officer, said that his crew was looking forward to the challenges the exercise would bring, as they had spent many months preparing for Talisman Saber. This training was promptly put to the test when Kanimbla was asked on day two of the exercise to conduct a stern door marriage with a landing craft from USS Denver.

Commander Byles said that he was proud with the way the crew handled this challenge, as it was the first time Kanimbla had undertaken this manoeuvre with a ship from the US Navy.

"Our successful evolutions demonstrate Kanimbla's ability to work safely and efficiently with members of the US Navy," Commander Byles said.

As a result of this type of exercise, Australian and US forces will be better able to cooperate in a variety of military operations including conventional conflict, peacekeeping and humanitarian aid missions.

"Australian and US Forces have a long and successful track record in assisting each other and I am confident that Talisman Saber will build upon these past achievements," said Commander Byles.

Original document from www.defence.gov.au.

Last update: Tuesday, 15 December 2009 GMT+1100