Five navies have united off Australia’s eastern coast to sail in formation during Exercise Talisman Sabre (TS21).
Warships from Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea and the US came together off the coast of Queensland to showcase their ability to operate as a single force and put their collective mariner skills to the test.
Among the combined fleet was Australian destroyer HMAS Brisbane.
Commanding Officer Brisbane Commander Aaron Cox said that the formation sail was a display of interoperability, common goals and interests and camaraderie.
“The maritime domain is becoming an increasingly important strategic environment for Australia and its allies, and conducting navy-to-navy training is of significant mutual benefit.
“We are proud to be working with our friends in the region, to develop our core skills, learn from each other, share knowledge and strengthen our long-standing relationships.”
Sister-ship HMAS Parramatta also participated in the multilateral sail and was joined by Canadian frigate HMCS Calgary, Japanese destroyer JS Makinami and South Korean destroyer ROKS Wang Geon.
The United States Navy (USN) sent its Expeditionary Strike Group 7 comprising USS America, USS Germantown and USS New Orleans – a dry cargo, dock landing ship, and cruiser respectively. USN destroyer USS Rafael Peralta, cargo ship USNS Alan Shepard, and oiler USNS Rappahannock, lend their added capability to the fleet.
TS21 is the largest bilateral combined training activity between the Australian Defence Force (ADF), United States (US) military and their allies. Occurring every two years, Talisman Sabre reflects the closeness of the alliance and strength of this enduring military relationship.