Exercise TALISMAN SABRE 2011 is a US led Australian supported exercise to improve combat training, readiness and interoperability, across the spectrum of military operations from conventional conflict to peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance efforts. The exercise forms part of the Australia Defence Forces’ (ADF) extensive training program to ensure the ADF is prepared to protect and support Australia and its national interests. The exercise also contributes to the ability of Australian and US military forces to work together efficiently and safely. By working with the US military forces, the exercise strengthens proactive and responsive strategies and enhances measures to defend Australia and its national interests.

Exercise TALISMAN SABRE 2011 is a US led Australian supported exercise to improve combat training, readiness and interoperability, across the spectrum of military operations from conventional conflict to peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance efforts. The exercise forms part of the Australia Defence Forces’ (ADF) extensive training program to ensure the ADF is prepared to protect and support Australia and its national interests. The exercise also contributes to the ability of Australian and US military forces to work together efficiently and safely. By working with the US military forces, the exercise strengthens proactive and responsive strategies and enhances measures to defend Australia and its national interests.

Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011 has been an important exercise for Australian and US forces to demonstrate and practice the interoperability of the two militaries. However, without considered planning and an adept leader, the exercise would not operate smoothly. As the Director of the Combined Exercise Control Group – Forward, Captain Mark Hammond, a Submariner from the Royal Australian Navy, has had the lead in the planning and execution of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011. In this role, he has been responsible for all military activity including safety, force protection, security, environmental protection and public affairs. Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011 is a US led, Australian supported bilateral exercise that is aimed at training US and Australian forces in planning and conducting combined operations and improving US-Australian interoperability.

Naval aviators from Nowra’s 817 Squadron helped to conclude their involvement in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011 by opening up one of their venerable Sea King helicopters to students from Rockhampton Special School. Around 20 special needs students, along with teachers and carers, were hosted by the 817 crew to get a feel for the Sea King, which is being used on what will be its last major exercise after a 35 year career in the Royal Australian Navy.

Air-to-air refueling is essential for any air combat activity, and Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011 is no exception. From RAAF Base Darwin, up to four KC-135 Stratotankers of the United States Air Force have provided an ‘airborne fuel station’ for fighters engaged in the exercise. The KC-135 is equipped with a boom which can refuel aircraft such as the F-15C Eagle, or fitted with a hose-and-drogue to refuel F/A-18 Hornets of the Royal Australian Air Force or United States Navy.

The Royal Australian Navy’s 816 Squadron, which operates the Seahawk helicopter, has been busily working with Australian and US ships during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011. Three Seahawk helicopters have been deployed for the exercise, which has seen them operating against enemy submarines and conducting surface warfare. The crews of the 816 Squadron helicopters have also been able to conduct deck landings on the American ships, in order to receive fuel and exercise the interoperability of the Australian and US Navies. Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011 is a US led, Australian supported bilateral exercise that is aimed at training US and Australian forces in planning and conducting combined operations and improving US-Australian interoperability.

Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011 is a biennial military exercise which combines Australian and US Maritime, land and air, forces. This exercise is a major undertaking which reflects the closeness of the Australian and US alliance and the strength of the military-military relationship. The joint exercise enables US and Australian personnel to exercise expeditionary command and control aspects including handovers between Australian and US aircraft during exercise activities.

Originally formed in Townsville in 1942, No 75 Squadron has been a tenant at RAAF Base Tindal since the base opened in October 1988. Today 75 Squadron it is the largest F/A-18 Hornet unit in the Royal Australian Air Force. The squadron's remote location requires self-sufficiency, including large numbers of maintenance crews to maintain operational readiness. The pilots of No 75 Squadron have few airspace restrictions and, with the Delamere Range only 100km away, they are able to train with a large variety of air-to-ground weapons. The McDonnell-Douglas (now Boeing) F/A-18 Hornet is a supersonic multirole fighter/attack aircraft. It is capable of air interception, air combat, close air support of ground troops, and interdiction of enemy supply lines including shipping.