Combined Task Force 76 and Royal Australian Navy Embark for Talisman Saber 2013

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Edward Guttierrez III | Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class David Hough, assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), assists in hoisting the brow ramp in preparation for departing Brisbane, Australia, July 13 after a scheduled port visit. Bonhomme Richard is the flagship of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), is currently conducting routine joint-force operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Edward Guttierrez III)  

BRISBANE, QLD, AUSTRALIA

07.14.2013

Courtesy Story

USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6)

Story by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Edward Guttierrez III
Amphibious Squadron 11 Public Affairs

BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND, Australia – Rear Adm. Jeffrey A. Harley, commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, along with members of the Royal Australian Navy, embarked July 13 on the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), the forward-deployed flagship of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group, for the bilateral training exercise Talisman Saber 2013.

Talisman Saber is a biennial exercise aimed at improving the combat training, readiness, and interoperability of a combined U.S.-Australian task force.

In addition to RAN ships participating in the exercise, Australian naval officers are also embarked on Bonhomme Richard, allowing key staff members to work side by side with U.S. forces and synchronize their planning and operational procedures as a combined task force.

“Talisman Saber 2013 is designed to enhance our interoperability with the Australian Defence Force, our long-standing partner in this region," said Harley. "The embark of Australian naval officers aboard Bonhomme Richard will allow us to more closely integrate our staffs during this complex bilateral, combined and joint exercise."

As commander of the amphibious force, Harley is responsible for five subordinate commands while embarked on Bonhomme Richard for Talisman Saber 2013: Amphibious Squadron 11, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, the Australian Amphibious Task Group, the 2nd Royal Australian Regiment, and the Sea Combat Commander. Together, these commands will train to ensure Australian and U.S. forces are fully capable, deployable on short notice and combat ready.

The Bonhomme Richard ARG is commanded by Capt. Cathal O'Connor, commodore, PHIBRON 11, and reports to the Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. Jeffrey A. Harley, headquartered in White Beach, Okinawa, Japan.

• Date Taken: 07.14.2013
• Date Posted: 07.15.2013 00:54
• Story ID: 110184
• Location: BRISBANE, QLD, AU