US 3rd Fleet Participates in Talisman Sabre 2015

From Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet concluded participation in Talisman Sabre 2015, a two-week biennial joint-training exercise let by U.S. Pacific Command and the Australian Defence Force (ADF), July 18.

More than 33,000 U.S. and Australian personnel, 21 ships, three submarines and 200 aircraft participated in the evolution, making it the world's second largest maritime exercise. Military assets from both nations conducted various types of training at sea, ashore and in the air off the Australian coast and in the United States 7th and 3rd Fleet areas of responsibility.

"Talisman Sabre 2015 provided a great opportunity for our 3rd Fleet team to work together with the Royal Australian Navy to train in a high-end, mid-intensity warfighting scenario to improve joint combat training, readiness and interoperability," said Vice Adm. Kenny Floyd, commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet. "This exercise improves both nations' ability to work together, preparing U.S. and Australian service members to work together to provide security in the region and around the world."

U.S. 3rd Fleet served as Combined Force Maritime Component Commander (CFMCC) for the exercise. In the joint task force construct, CFMCC is one of four functional components which include Combined Forces Maritime Component Commander, Combined Forces Air Component Commander, Combined Forces Land Component Commander and Combined Forces Special Operations Component Commander.

U.S. 3rd Fleet staff managed a combined force of geographically dispersed Australian and U.S. ships, demonstrating the fleet's ability to manage multinational assets from 3rd Fleet headquarters in San Diego, which added to the realistic, relevant training that is necessary for an effective global Navy.

Joint interagency and international relationships strengthen U.S. 3rd Fleet's ability to respond to crises and protect the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners.