Preble, Fitzgerald Enjoy Australian Culture In Darwin

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alonzo M. Archer, USS Preble Public Affairs

DARWIN, Australia (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Preble (DDG 88) and USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) arrived in Darwin, Australia, for a port visit, July 20 after successfully completing Talisman Sabre 2015 (TS15).

Sailors on both ships stood at parade rest in their dress white uniforms along the edges of the ship as they entered the port, as a gesture symbolizing respect and friendship otherwise known as "manning the rails."

This port visit follows both ships' participation in TS15, in which Preble and Fitzgerald were among the 21 ships from the U.S., Australian and New Zealand navies that participated in the exercise that trained more than 30,000 U.S. and Australian Defence Force in planning and conducting combined task force operations.

"Talisman Sabre was a very challenging exercise for us, but we emerged more capable than we were before we went into it," said Cmdr. Jeffrey Heames, commanding officer of Preble. "We've learned a lot and we've reinforced the strong relationship we have with our Australian partners. We're ready for the next challenge, and the next contribution for us in terms of promoting regional stability in the area."

Moored alongside Preble, is Fitzgerald. Having also played a large role in the rigorous TS15, they look forward to some time off and exploring Australia.

"Talisman Sabre provided a great opportunity to improve individual ship and strike group readiness in a complex multi-warfare environment with our Australian counterparts and serves to strengthen ties and improve our overall ability to work together," said Cmdr. Christopher England, Fitzgerald's commanding officer. Pulling into Darwin after the exercise provides a chance for the crew to unwind and enjoy the local Australian culture."

Preble and Fitzgerald are currently deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia Pacific region.

Arlington Begins COMPTUEX

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stevie Tate, USS Arlington Public Affairs

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) departed Norfolk to begin composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) July 15 as part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG).

COMPTUEX is the final in a series of training exercises designed to certify the ARG deployment-ready by testing its ability to react to real-world scenarios and perform as an integrated unit. Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 4 will evaluate Kearsarge ARG on how they perform during simulated surface and sub-surface threats and ship movements such as transiting a strait in hostile waters.

"What Arlington began with PHIBRON-MEU Integrated Training (PMINT) and continued with the ARG/Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Exercise will be finished at the end of COMPTUEX," said Executive Officer Lt. Cmdr. Emily Bassett. "During this assessment, CGS-4 will evaluate our ability to perform various different mission sets, including everything from counter-piracy to maritime interdiction operations and strike warfare."

Throughout COMPTUEX, fictitious geopolitical scenarios are used to replicate real-world circumstances that could be encountered during deployment.

"This assessment will essentially be the ARG's pinnacle training event from the integrated phase, and should demonstrate that we are ready for our upcoming deployment," said Capt. Sean Bailey, commanding officer of Arlington. "The big focus here is teamwork. From within the departments of Arlington to working with the ARG and 26th MEU, teamwork is the key to success both during this exercise and during deployment. Teamwork will be the key to our ability to excel during COMPTUEX."

Kearsarge ARG is composed of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 4 staff, USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), USS Arlington (LPD 24), USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

George Washington Carrier Strike Group Strengthens Alliance with Australia, New Zealand 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) concluded its participation in exercise Talisman Sabre 2015 (TS15), July 18.

"During TS15 we demonstrated our pacific partnership with the Australians and Kiwis," said Cmdr. Michael Posey, lead TS15 planner, Commander Task Force 70. "The first level of TS15 validated our long-standing relationship with the Australians and it was a reminder that our two nations have fought together in every major conflict since World War II."

While Talisman Sabre has been a bilateral exercise, members of the New Zealand Defense Forces participated as embedded units within the Australian Defence Force, and members of the Japan Self-Defense Force participated, for the first time, as embedded personnel within U.S. military units.

During TS15, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 F/A-18 Super Hornets executed an in-flight tank refueling from a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) KC-30A.

According to Posey, this symbolizes the ever-growing partnership between the U.S. and Australia. The strategic partnerships and tactical interoperability were two of the important elements incorporated to achieve success in TS15.

"This exercise was planned for almost two years," said Posey. "I really enjoyed working with members from other nations and services. It has been a reminder of why we fight. To realize and see firsthand that U.S. and Australian forces share those same values has been very valuable."

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.