Fall 1999 Photos

U.S Pacific Command
and the
Asia-Pacific Defense FORUM

Adm. Dennis C. Blair, USN, is the 19th Commander in Chief of the U.S. Pacific Command, responsible for all U.S. Forces in the Pacific and Indian Ocean areas. He is shown above greeting President Clinton during his brief stop in Hawaii.

TANDEM THRUST 99

1. An EC-C Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft launches from the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) during TANDEM THRUST 99.

2. U.S. Marines storm ashore from an LCAC to retake "enemy-held" territory.

3. The well deck of the USS Fort McHenry (LSD-43) is loaded with an air-cushion landing craft (LCAC), in turn loaded with U.S. Marine gear for amphibious operations.

4. Canadian naval and air forces played the role of opposition forces for TANDEM THRUST 99. HMCS Calgary (FFH-335) steams to exercise position.

5. HMAS Sydney (F-O3), one of four Australian warships, three aircraft, and 1,000 air and naval personnel which formed a combined task force with U.S. forces.

6. A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle from Elmendorf Air Force Base (AFB), Alaska, arrives at Andersen AFB, Guam for exercise air operations.

7. USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) personnel finish refueling an anti-submarine SH-60 Seahawk helicopter for operations in TANDEM THRUST 99.

8. The Australian warships HMAS Success (AOR-304) and HMAS Perth (DDG-38) conduct a dual-rig refueling at sunset off the coast of Guam.

9. A U.S. Air Force Reserve B-52 is uploaded with bombs for exercise operations.

10. The cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG-53) launches an SM-2 Standard Missile during exercise operations.

11. One of the Canadian naval rigid hull inflatable boats plays opposition force during TANDEM THRUST 99.

12. Australian Able Seaman Oliver Kaese stands watch at the helm of HMAS Perth (DDG-38) during TANDEM THRUST 99.

13. The Combined Task Force Commander, Vice Adm. Walter F. Doran, USN, commands exercise operations from his flagship, the USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19). Australian Army Maj. Gen. J. M. Connolly (to his right) attends the ongoing teleconference.

14. A Canadian Defense Forces helicopter plays exercise "enemy" for realistic training.

15. The USS Kitty Hawk launches U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornets for exercise air strikes.

16. An Australian naval boarding party is lowered from HMAS Perth (DDG-38).

17. U.S. Army infantrymen from Alaska patrol a safe area during a Noncombatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) exercise.

18. U.S. Marines mounted on Light Armored Vehicles arrive on Tinian from a landing craft.

20. A U.S. Navy MK-V special warfare craft participates in TANDEM THRUST special operations.

21. TANDEM THRUST 99 is the latest event in a long historical military partnership between the U.S. and Australia. Australian Able Seaman Eddie Stanley talks with U.S. Navy Petty Officers Alicia Zehring and Tammy Smith.

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