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Foreword

Australian and
U.S. Forces
Strengthening
Regional Security

Philippine and U.S. Forces Provide Disaster Relief for Typhoon Victims

International HIV/Aids Conference

Building Global Networks to Combat Security Threats

Exercise Preparation
Several Australian Army and Navy officers embarked USS Boxer in late May 2005 to assist in preparations for the June 2005 exercise. The Australian officers reviewed the ship’s capabilities and equipment to ensure smooth integration of Australian and U.S. systems and personnel during TALISMAN SABER. “Boxer is big and fantastic. The ship is in great condition and has some amazing facilities on board,” said Australian Army Capt. Dave Marco. “The crew is outstanding and very friendly. I enjoy interacting and learning all about U.S. armed forces.”

In Darwin, Australia, USS Boxer and USS John Paul Jones embarked more than 80 Australian service members and their equipment, which included Leopard AS1 Main Battle Tanks, M113A1 Armored Personnel Carriers, armored command vehicles, ambulances, more than 10 pallets of food, and 30 crates of assorted weapons to support the land-based portion of the exercise. “Setting up was pretty quick. We just dumped out and set up our gear and got settled into our berthings,” said 1st Royal Australian Regiment Cpl. Brendan Brady. “All of the American personnel have been extremely helpful with directing us around this massive ship.”

The embarked Australians exchanged ideas on work practices with their U.S. counterparts working in similar fields of expertise. For example, mess specialists, hospital corpsman, and operations specialists were a few of the individuals who received a helping hand from the embarked Australians. “This is a great new experience…a chance for both the Australian and American personnel to learn new things about our jobs,” said U.S. Navy Culinary Specialist Seaman Genevieve Brennick. “I believe that working in cooperation like this will bring greater understanding between our two nations.”

More than 700 additional Australian service members embarked the USS Boxer in Townsville, Australia, to join the rest of the combined forces in the Shoalwater Bay training area. They assisted in the maintenance and operation of the loaded vehicles. “We will be transferring Australian vehicles to and from the ship and dropping the [Australian] soldiers off at the Shoalwater Bay training area,” said U.S. Navy Chief Operations Specialist Scott Wilson.

Combined Force Maritime Component Command
In Townsville, a joint task force of nearly 50 Australian and U.S. service members formed the Combined Forces Maritime Component Command (CFMCC) aboard the USS Boxer. Headed by Rear Adm. Davyd Thomas, Maritime Commander Australia, the CFMCC performed command and control of maritime operations during the command post exercise and field events. Key leaders supporting Rear Adm. Thomas included U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Victor G. Guillory, Commander, Amphibious Force Seventh Fleet, and Australian Army Brig. John Cantwell, Commander 1st Brigade, who led the landing forces during the field training exercise.

“Boxer has been one of the best ships I have been on, and the ship’s company is really professional and enjoyable to work with,” said Australian Navy Lt. Cmdr. Dave Graham. “Members of Combined Forces Maritime Component Command … provide [Rear Adm. Thomas] with the best possible information so that he can make decisions in regards to this exercise.” he added.

Deployable Royal Australian Air Force Hospital
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) deployed a highly mobile and rapidly deployable health facility known as the Expeditionary Health Facility Level 3 (EHF3) to Shoalwater Bay during the exercise. The EHF3, which can accommodate 28 beds, an operating area, and an intensive care unit, can provide emergency medical support within four hours of arrival in a location, limited medical facilities within 24 hours, and be operational in 72 hours. The facility also provides pathology, imaging (including ultrasound) dental, physiotherapy, and environmental health services.

Exercise Planning
Exercise planning for TALISMAN SABER 2005 began in early 2003 and proved very helpful following the devastating December 2004 tsunami that struck Indian Ocean nations. The same personnel working on TALISMAN SABER planning set up the Combined Joint Task Force on Sumatra that responded to the tragedy. “We responded very quickly. It was very effective,” said Australian Army Lt.-Col. Michael Prictor, deputy planner for TALISMAN SABER, who was the chief planner for Australia’s tsunami relief effort.