By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paolo Bayas
BRISBANE, Australia (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) hosted a reception in Brisbane, Australia, July 30, after conducting a successful 2013 Talisman Saber (TS 13) exercise.
The evening gala was also a celebration of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier's first visit to Brisbane.
"This event was amazing," said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brian Ware, food service officer aboard George Washington. "Some Australian sailors and officials have already been on board and sampled the food we offer regularly while underway. This ceremony allowed us to show our Australian allies how we can organize and host a special event for them in port."
The reception welcomed distinguished visitors, including the Honorable Jeffrey Bleich, U.S. ambassador to Australia; the Honorable Jeff Seeney, Queensland deputy premier; and Maj. Gen. Stuart Smith, commander, 1st Division, Australian Army.
George Washington's hangar bay set the stage for allied friendships and interoperability between the U.S. Navy and Australian Defence Forces (ADF). Gigantic draped flags from both nations served as backdrops along with two static F/A-18 Super Hornets that symbolized a longstanding alliance and a commitment to security in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
"It [the reception] was a great opportunity for the people of Brisbane to enjoy the hospitality of the U.S. Navy and to build bonds and relationships that have existed for more than 50 years," said Seeney.
George Washington, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, Battle Force 7th Fleet and ADF recently completed a biennial Talisman Saber exercise, which was aimed at improving ADF and U.S. combat readiness and interoperability as a Combined Joint Task Force.
"It is a spectacular exercise series," said Smith. "It demonstrates interoperability and the building relationship between the U.S. and Australian forces. This enables us to work together at the high end of warfare."
Smith also said that TS 13 was a stellar achievement for both forces to bring those friendships together and inter-operate again.
"I want to thank the U.S. Armed Forces for their generosity in delivering this exercise in our part of the world," said Smith. "I hope that their experience was similar to ours so that if we have to operate together in the future, we are already skilled in doing so."
The post Talisman Saber reception was also attended by more that 400 Australian host nationals and George Washington Sailors.
George Washington and its embarked air wing, CVW 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its partners and allies in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.