Saudi Defense Minister Visits Theodore Roosevelt

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Taylor L. Jackson, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Public Affairs

ARABIAN GULF (NNS) -- The Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, flew aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) July 7 to observe carrier operations at sea.

The arrival of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Second Deputy Premier, Deputy Crown Prince, Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, was marked by eight bells and salutes from sideboys as Rear Adm. Andrew Lewis, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12, greeted Al Saud upon his arrival.

After being welcomed onboard, Al Saud observed flight operations as aircraft launched from and landed aboard Theodore Roosevelt's flight deck. Lewis and Al Saud then discussed the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group's (TRCSG) goals and strategies while operating in the Arabian Gulf.

"We have a long-standing relationship with Saudi Arabia that is absolutely necessary for us to be successful in support of the objectives of our greater coalition," said Lewis.

The tour took guests to the ship's Flag Bridge, Tactical Flag Command Center, and Combat Direction Center.

Following the tour Al Saud expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to visit Theodore Roosevelt before departing the ship on a C-2A Greyhound assigned to the Rawhides of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40.

"I am happy to have been here with you today," said Al Saud. "I admire American professionalism and American capabilities. America has a heavy responsibility, and throughout the Saudi-American history we have not let down our allies. It will remain this way, and this visit encourages me to strengthen the relationship to a new level."

Miller also reflected on the importance of maintaining strong relations with Saudi Arabia and other nations within the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

"Anytime we have a chance to meet with the Saudis is time extremely well spent," said Vice Adm. John Miller, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. "It's an opportunity for the Saudi government to see the professionalism of our Sailors and Marines and their capability of accomplishing our mission."

Theodore Roosevelt is the flagship of the TRCSG, which is composed of Carrier Strike Group 12, Carrier Air Wing 1, Destroyer Squadron 2 staff, the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) and the guided-missile destroyers USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), USS Farragut (DDG 90) and USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98).

Roosevelt is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, strike operations in Iraq and Syria as directed, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the region.

ASWEX Promotes Stability, Security During Talisman Sabre

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Shayla D. Hamilton, USS George Washington Public Affairs

TIMOR SEA (NNS) -- The George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWCSG) participated in a multi-unit anti-submarine warfare exercise (ASWEX) as part of Talisman Sabre 2015 (TS15), July 7-8.

During the exercise the strike group executed ASW search and tracking tactics against live submarine targets.

"The ultimate goal of the exercise is to train our units to plan for and execute an ASW plan in defense of George Washington from a submarine threat," said Lt. James Petersen, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 submarine operations officer. "These exercises allow us to ensure combat-readiness in our area of responsibility."

Petersen added that the ASW exercise is a building block toward acquiring the ability to seamlessly integrate common initiatives to promote security and stability.

"Not only will we improve our individual tactical proficiency through the exercise, we will also gain an increased understanding of how each of us achieves success in difficult tactical situations through the particular skills each ally brings to the table," said Petersen.

Participants from the GWCSG included the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, DESRON 15, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54), and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Chafee (DDG 90), USS Mustin (DDG 89) and USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62).

According to Petersen, the exercise gave both nations an opportunity to flex their capabilities while improving their ability to work bilaterally in providing security in the region and around the world.

TS15 is a biennial land, sea and air military training exercise between U.S. and Australian forces that features more than 33,000 personnel, 21 ships, 200 aircraft and three submarines, which increases U.S.-Australian interoperability to respond to a wide variety of contingencies and maintain security, peace, and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

US, Australian Forces 'On Board' for Talisman Sabre Exercise 2015

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Indra Bosko, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

SYDNEY, Australia (NNS) -- More than 260 military and civilian augmentees from Australia and the U.S. arrived aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), July 6, bringing additional manpower and competencies to the U.S. 7th Fleet staff prior to the start of exercise Talisman Sabre 2015.

"The augmentees bring in the additional capability and capacity to our current 7th Fleet staff," said Cmdr. Mike Bisbee, the exercise's co-lead. He also emphasized the augmentees' abilities "to command and control" a large force with multiple services and communities represented.

Military leaders from each nation stressed to troops the importance of involvement in the exercise.

"Get involved, get active, be absolutely absorbed in the scenarios and be a part of the exercise," said Air Commodore Chris Westwood, of the Royal Australian Air Force, to the augmentees during indoctrination.

According to augmentees from both nations' militaries, the exercise is a great way to not only sharpen military strategic skills, but also to form strong bonds among service members.

"The hospitality and friendship that has been extended aboard the 7th Fleet flagship strengthens the relationship between the Australian and U.S. defense forces," said Lt. Col. Nick Bolton, an augmentee from Australia's 1st Division Army.

"I'm here to not only use my skills, but to also maintain a good relationship with my allies," addded Capt. Kevin Jolley, from Australia's 1st Division Army. "As a junior officer, Talisman Sabre gives me the opportunity to work at a high level command."

Talisman Sabre is the largest Australia-U.S. bilateral exercise, and provides a realistic and challenging training environment to practice readiness and interoperability between the two nations, while enhancing contributions to security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. More than 30,000 personnel will participate in this iteration of the biennial training, at various locations throughout Australia, with the goals of improving Australian and U.S. combat readiness and interoperability; maximizing combined training opportunities; and demonstrating U.S. resolve to support the security operations of a key ally.