“Operating as one lethal and cohesive team is the goal,” according to Rear Admiral Karl Thomas, as 17 ships from the United States, Australia, and Japan joined together earlier this week to begin Exercise Talisman Sabre 2019 in the Coral Sea.
During World War II, a pivotal naval battle was fought in the Coral Sea, located off the northeast coast of Australia.
“Interoperability and working alongside allies and partners really is the future, particularly in the Pacific. It’s just too important, too large of a region, for us not to reach out and work together with our allies and partners in the region,” said Rear Admiral Fred Kacher, commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 7.
The Navy’s aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, amphibious assault ship USS Wasp, guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville, guided-missile destroyers USS William P. Lawrence and USS McCampbell, submarine USS Key West, and Coast Guard cutter USCGC Stratton are the ships participating in the exercise.
Two Australian helicopter dock-landing ships, Japan’s amphibious transport dock ship, and a helicopter destroyer are participating, as well as Canada’s frigate HMCS Regina auxiliary oiler.
“Talisman Sabre ‘19 is a tremendous opportunity for the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group to train in a joint and combined environment, improve our sailors’ proficiency and sharper out war-fighting skills,” said Rear Admiral Karl Thomas.
Photo by Perry Grone
