USA: USS Bonhomme Richard returns to Sasebo after 4-month patrol

By MC2 Diana Quinlan, USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs

USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) passes Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer JS Kirisame (DD 104) upon its return to Sasebo, Sept. 25. (U.S. Navy/MC1 David R. Krigbaum) >>

SASEBO, Japan - The amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) returned to Sasebo, Japan, after completing a four-month deployment in the 7th Fleet area of operations, Sept. 25.

While deployed to the South Pacific, Bonhomme Richard, with the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), participated in the bilateral, biennial U.S.-Australia exercise Talisman Saber 2017, completed amphibious integration training (AIT), successfully certified during the 31st MEU's certification exercise (CERTEX) and completed an amphibious maritime warfare (AMW) evaluation.

Additionally, Bonhomme Richard conducted port visits to Australia's cities of Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, during which many Sailors and Marines participated in community service projects, including visits to children's hospitals and care centers for underprivileged and disabled members of the local communities. Alongside the multiple COMREL events, the crew also hosted several ship tours to allow Australian allies a look into life aboard a U.S. naval amphibious vessel.

AUS: Australia-United States Alliance stronger than ever before

Minister for Defence
Marise Payne

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, said the Australia-US Alliance continues to go from strength to strength, following a successful visit to the United States.

Minister Payne travelled to Honolulu and Washington DC from 18-22 September, where she met with senior members of the Trump Administration, including US Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis.

At their 20 September meeting in Washington DC, Minister Payne and Secretary Mattis discussed global security threats and challenges, as well as priorities for the Alliance.

“Australia and the US will continue to work together on the security challenges in the Indo-Pacific, including countering the threat posed by Daesh in the Philippines," Minister Payne said.

USA: Mattis, Australian Counterpart Discuss Defense Relationship, Challenges

Australian and US military personal (File Photo)

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Sept. 21, 2017 — Defense Secretary Jim Mattis hosted Australian Defense Minister Marise Payne for a bilateral meeting at the Pentagon yesterday to discuss the defense relationship between their nations and the regional security challenges they continue to face, chief Pentagon spokesperson Dana W. White said.

In a statement summarizing the meeting, White said Mattis expressed his sincere and deep appreciation to Payne for Australia's assistance in the search, rescue and recovery efforts following the early August MV-22 Osprey incident that took the lives of three Marines off the Australian coast.

100 Years of 'Mateship'

"Secretary Mattis also highlighted the upcoming celebration of the first hundred years of 'Mateship' that underpins the ironclad Australia-U.S. alliance," White said, referring to the close bond formed between the United States and Australia when their troops fought side by side during World War I. "The relationship is built from tight bonds of trust, respect and friendship."

The two leaders also discussed concerns about destabilizing actions in the South China Sea and the threat posed by North Korea, White said. "They emphasized the importance of the international community coming together to hold Kim Jong-Un's regime accountable and pressuring North Korea to give up their illegal nuclear weapons program," she added.

Mattis and Payne also reaffirmed their continued commitment and support to address the growing threat from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria and other extremist groups, particularly in Southeast Asia, she said.

US DoD

USA: Bonhomme Richard ESG completes deployment with 31st MEU

By MC2 Sarah Villegas, ESG 7 Public Affairs

In this file photo, ships of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group form up with ships from the Royal Australian Navy and Royal New Zealand Navy during exercise Talisman Saber in July. (Royal Australian Navy/LSIS Helen Frank) >>

OKINAWA, Japan - The amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) and dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) arrived in Okinawa, Japan, to offload the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Sept. 19, capping a multi-month deployment in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

The Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group and 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, deployed together since early June, successfully completed multiple certifications, participated in Talisman Saber 17, and conducted port visits throughout Australia.

The Blue-Green Team participated in the biennial exercise Talisman Saber off the coast of Australia to achieve interoperability and strengthen the U.S.-Australia alliance. The bilateral training tested watchstanders in nearly every domain—surface, air, undersea—and increased proficiencies in the ESG’s primary mission of landing forces ashore.

AUS: Minister for Defence - Visit to the United States

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, will travel to Honolulu and Washington DC from 18 to 21 September.

In Honolulu, Minister Payne will meet with the leadership of United States Pacific Command, including Commander US Pacific Command, Admiral Harry Harris.

“Australia’s Alliance with the United States remains central to Australia’s strategic security arrangements. The Australian Defence Force’s close relationship with Pacific Command is a vital part of that,” Minister Payne said.

“My visit to Honolulu will be an opportunity to discuss joint approaches to the key strategic challenges in the Indo-Pacific and reinforce the strength of the Australia-United States Alliance.”

USA: Bonhomme Richard Departs Melbourne, Australia

USS Bonhomme Richard (Image: Wiki Commons)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Cameron McCulloch, USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) Public Affairs

MELBOURNE, Australia (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) departed Melbourne, Australia, Sept. 3, concluding a scheduled six-day port visit. 

Melbourne is Bonhomme Richard's third Australian port visit during the current routine deployment as part of the U.S. - Australian biennial, bilateral exercise Talisman Saber 2017 (TS17), following visits to Sydney and Brisbane.

"The people of Australia, military and civilian, have made us feel welcome throughout the entirety of this deployment in every port we entered", said Capt. Larry McCullen, commanding officer of Bonhomme Richard. "We will always cherish the relationships that we have established and the bonds that have been strengthened during our time here in Australia. It has been a truly positive experience working with one of our greatest and long-standing allies."

News Report: Top US Admiral in Pacific Seen as Ambassador to Australia

Admiral Harry Harris (Image: Wiki Commons)

Natalie Liu

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump appears to be looking to the military to fill yet another senior post in his administration, according to reports published Wednesday.

Citing three unnamed officials, The Washington Post said Admiral Harry Harris, commander of the U.S. Pacific Command, is being considered for appointment as the next U.S. ambassador to Australia.

Nominating the Pacific Command's top flag officer to be U.S. ambassador in Canberra would mean another high-profile Trump administration position likely would be held by a member of the U.S. military's most senior cadre, known as general and flag officers. Active-duty or or retired generals already serve the president as defense secretary, national security adviser and White House chief of staff.

News Report: North Korea Warns Australia That Aiding US Would Be ‘Suicidal Act’

North Korea has warned Australia against committing a “suicidal act” by supporting the US and South Korea should those countries attack Pyongyang.

This threat follows comments made by Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull condemning the North’s weapons development, saying in a statement to ABC, "North Korea has shown it has no regard for the welfare of its own population, no regard for the security and good relations with its neighbours and no regard for international law."

He added, "We call on all countries to redouble their efforts, including through implementation of agreed UN Security Council resolutions, to bring North Korea to its senses and end its reckless and dangerous threats to the peace of our region and the world."

Last week Turnbull told a Melbourne radio station that "if there is an attack" on the US, Canberra would send troops by invoking the Australia, New Zealand, United States Security (ANZUS) Treaty. 

The Prime Minister said, "In terms of defence, we are joined at the hip," according to News AU.

News Report: Australia to Come to US Aid if North Korea Attacks – Prime Minister

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull promised Friday his nation would help defend the United States if North Korea hit its territory.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The 1951 Australia, New Zealand and United States Security Treaty compels the three parties to respond to an armed attack on any of them. The manner of action depends on the circumstances, Turnbull added.

"The US has no stronger ally than Australia… If there is an attack on the US by North Korea then the ANZUS treaty will be invoked and Australia will come to the aid of the US," he told 3AW Radio Melbourne.

The minister said he remained confident that increasing diplomatic pressure and economic sanctions backed by Pyongyang’s key ally China would bring North Korea to its senses "in a peaceful manner."

North Korea’s military said Wednesday it was considering a missile attack near the US island of Guam after President Donald Trump threatened Pyongyang with "fire and fury." Guam hosts several US military bases.

This story first appeared on Sputnik & is reposted here with permission.

News Story: Australia will join the conflict if North Korea attacks the US - Malcolm Turnbull

Fergus Hunter

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has declared Australia would invoke the ANZUS security treaty for only the second time in its history in response to any attack by North Korea against the United States.

Mr Turnbull also pushed back against calls - including from former prime ministers Tony Abbott and Kevin Rudd - for Australia to develop a missile defence shield to protect the mainland from the threat of North Korea's nuclear weapons and long-range missile program.

The Prime Minister's commitment to assist the US caps off days of escalating tensions, with US President Donald Trump threatening to unleash "fire and fury" on the rogue state and the North Korean regime warning it would attack the US Pacific territory of Guam.

"The United States has no stronger ally than Australia. We have an ANZUS agreement and if there is an attack on Australia or the United States...each of us will come to the other's aid," Mr Turnbull told Melbourne radio station 3AW.

Read the full story at SMH

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PacificSentinel: I don't know who's giving the PM missile defense advice, but he/she needs to do some more work on the subject, no Australia doesn't need THAAD, we should however deploy Aegis Ashore, at least to protect the 3 state capitals on the east coast, as they are the biggest cities, they are the most likely targets in the country.

Industry: Cubic Aids in Success of Talisman Sabre 2017

Cubic Global Defense provided planning, execution and field training support for biennial training exercise 

SAN DIEGO – Aug. 2, 2017 – Cubic Global Defense (CGD), a business unit of Cubic Corporation (NYSE:CUB), today announced its successful participation in the Talisman Sabre 2017 (TS17). TS17 is a biennial Australian and U.S. combined training activity designed to improve combat readiness and interoperability for military forces on a variety of missions ranging from conventional conflict to peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance. Involving over 30,000 Australian and U.S. defense personnel, TS17 is one of the largest exercises in the world and illustrates the importance of the Australian and U.S. alliance.

During the exercise, Cubic provided specialist exercise planning, management and technical simulation support throughout Australia as well as participating countries. Cubic staff was also involved in scenario design and management, in addition to building, testing and operating the complex interconnected simulation networks. Additionally, Cubic Defence Australia was selected to be the Simulation Interactor as part of the theatre-level, bilateral and constructive simulation exercise, led by CGD’s Korea Battle Simulation Center.

USA: Talisman Saber a success, 31st MEU re-embarks Bonhomme Richard ARG

By Staff Sgt. T. T. Parish, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit

A landing craft air cushion from Naval Beach Unit 7 approaches USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), July 23, as Marines return from training during Talisman Saber. (U.S. Navy/MC3 William Sykes) >>

BRISBANE, Australia - Marines and Sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit completed the biennial Exercise Talisman Saber, re-embarking aboard the U.S. Navy ships of the USS Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group off the coast of Queensland, Australia, July 23-25.

The Marines and Sailors, along with their counterparts in the Australian Defence Forces, spent several weeks building bilateral capabilities and strengthening the U.S.-Australian defense posture while honing a long-lasting relationship between the two nations.

The exercise was a resounding success for the 31st MEU and the members of the Australian military, according to Col. Tye R. Wallace, commanding officer of the 31st MEU.

"Working with our allies and partners has been extremely rewarding. Talisman Saber offers a unique opportunity to increase our interoperability with the Australians," said U.S. Marine Corps Col. Tye R. Wallace, commanding officer of the 31st MEU.

AUS: Allied Forces Defeat Adversary In Major United States-Australia Military Exercise—Talisman Saber 2017

The United States (US) and Australian Defence Forces have proven their interoperability in a major land warfare scenario in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area last night with an intense final assault on the ‘enemy’.

More than 33,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines from Australia,  the US, New Zealand, Japan and Canada have spent the past three weeks involved in the realistic, scenario-based military exercise TALISMAN SABER 2017 (TS17). The exercise took place in Central Queensland, with elements also supporting the mission in Brisbane, Townsville and Hawaii.

Following several weeks of lead in training TS17 ramped up last week when a 33-strong fleet of multi-national warships and submarines, including HMAS Canberra—an expeditionary strike group led by the USS Bonhomme Richard, and a carrier strike group led by the USS Ronald Reagan, moved into position off the coast of Rockhampton.

The Australian Defence Force’s Deputy Chief of Joint Operations, Major General Greg Bilton, said the participating nations demonstrated the ability to expertly land thousands of troops ashore by sea and air to support a complex ground warfare mission.

USA: USS John S. McCain participates in Talisman Saber, Field Training Exercise - North

By MC3 Joshua Mortensen, USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) Public Affairs

USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) sails alongside the Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Ballarat (FFH 155) during exercise Talisman Saber 17 Field Training Exercise - North, Jun 26. (Royal Australian Navy photo) >>

DARWIN, Australia - The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) participated with four Royal Australian Navy ships, the Royal Australian Air Force, and United States Marine Corps during Field Training Exercise - North (FTX-N).

FTX-N is a precursor to Talisman Saber 17 (TS 17) while on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of operations.

Talisman Saber is the largest Australia-U.S. bilateral exercise. It provides a realistic and challenging training environment to practice readiness and interoperability between the two nations, while enhancing security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

FTX-N consisted of several exercises with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) including: Division Tactics (DIVTACS), Air Defense Exercises (ADEX), and a Force Protection Exercise (FPEX) with the Royal Australian Navy frigates HMAS Ballarat (FFH 155) and HMAS Melbourne (FFG 05).

USA: Bonhomme Richard ESG starts Talisman Saber

From Expeditionary Strike Group 7 Public Affairs

In this file photo, U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Navy ships steam in formation during Talisman Saber 2015. (Royal Australian Navy photo) >>

TASMAN SEA - Amphibious ships of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) with embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) departed from respective Australian ports, July 3, to begin participation in Talisman Saber 2017.

The biennial exercise unites 33,000 U.S. and Australian personnel to build on partnerships, interoperability and the ability to respond to contingencies in the region.

The Talisman Saber 17 Expeditionary Strike Group, consisting of a combined, amphibious force of 11 Australian, New Zealand, and U.S. amphibious ships and escorts, will conduct training operations across a wide spectrum of warfare areas to increase proficiency operating in a multi-threat environment. Integrating capabilities of accompanying destroyers and frigates, the ESG will fight its way into the littorals to land a combined Marine Air Ground Task Force and execute missions ashore.

USA: USS Bonhomme Richard arrives in Sydney

From USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) Public Affairs

Sailors and Marines man the rails aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) as the ship arrives in Sydney, June 29. (U.S. Navy/MC3 William Sykes) >>

SYDNEY, Australia - The amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) arrived in Sydney for a scheduled port visit, July 29.

Bonhomme Richard departed White Beach, Okinawa at the beginning of June along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), the amphibious transport dock USS Green Bay (LPD 20) and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) as the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG), and has been conducting routine operations in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Bonhomme Richard conducted multiple exercises, drills and training before commencing the biennial exercise Talisman Saber 2017 (TS17) with an at-sea ceremony prior to the ship’s arrival.

AUS: Talisman Saber 2017 officially opened in Sydney

Australia's largest military exercise, Talisman Saber, was officially opened today aboard the United States Landing Helicopter Dock the USS Bonhomme Richard (BHR) off the Sydney coast.

Minister for Urban Development, the Honourable Paul Fletcher MP, representing the Minister for Defence, and the US Charge d'Affaires, Mr James Carouso, officially announced the start of the combined military exercise taking place from late June through to late July. Field training will occur in Shoalwater Bay Training Area, near Rockhampton and Mount Bundy Training Area, south of Darwin.

The Minister was joined by the US Pacific Forces Commander, Admiral ADM Harry B. Harris, Jr and Officer Conducting the Exercise, Australia's Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral David Johnston along with other senior Australian Defence Force.

Vice Admiral Johnston said the exercise is important to highlight and certify the interoperability between the forces.

“Talisman Saber is the premier Australia‑United States bilateral exercise,” Vice Admiral Johnston said.

USA: Exercise Talisman Saber 17 Commences in Australia

Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr (Image: Wiki Commons)

By Terri Moon Cronk 

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, June 29, 2017 — Talisman Saber is a realistic and challenging exercise that provides opportunities for the United States and Australia to innovatively prepare for regional and global security challenges, Navy Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., commander of U.S. Pacific Command, said today.

Speaking at the opening ceremony aboard the U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard at sea off the coast of eastern Australia, the admiral said Pacom is partnering in the biennial exercise with Australian allies for high-end warfighting scenarios for the seventh time. About 33,000 American and Australian service members are taking part.

“Exercises like Talisman Saber are precisely where we really learn how to take advantage of cutting-edge technology to outpace our adversaries,” Harris said. “It’s also a perfect place for our forces to operationalize a very important concept.”

The Pacom commander said he has challenged the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps to execute multi-domain battle, “to find new ways to enable our joint and multinational combined forces to be faster, more precise, more cost-effective, and most importantly, more lethal.

USA: Exercise Talisman Saber 2017 highlights enduring US, Australia alliance

From U.S. Army Pacific Public Affairs

In this file photo, Royal Australian Navy and U.S. Navy ships steam together during Talisman Saber in 2015. (Royal Australian Navy photo) >>

FORT Shafter, Hawaii - More than 33,000 U.S. and Australian personnel will participate in the biennial military training exercise Talisman Saber 2017 in Australia, June 23 to July 25, 2017.

Talisman Saber, jointly sponsored by the U.S. Pacific Command and Australian Defence Force Headquarters Joint Operations Command, will incorporate U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force and the Australian Defence Force as well as other government agencies from each country.

Featuring 21 ships, to include the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group, and more than 200 joint aircraft, this seventh iteration of the exercise will focus on training a Combined Task Force of U.S. and Australian forces in a mid-intensity, high-end warfighting scenario, incorporating interagency participation, along with a command post exercise involving a transition between a 3 and 4-star Headquarters. U.S. Pacific Command units and Australian forces will conduct live and virtual training exercises in multi domains on sea, land, air, cyber and throughout multiple training areas in and around Australia.

USA: Australia, U.S. Discussions Ranged the Globe, Dunford Says

By Jim Garamone 

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii, June 7, 2017 — The Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultations in Sydney this week were not just a formality, but an effort to sync the relationship and strengthen it for the future, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Defense Minister Marise Ann Payne were the principles at the meeting held in the Government House on Sydney Harbor. Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford and Navy Adm. Harry Harris, the commander of U.S. Pacific Command, also attended.

Dunford told reporters traveling with him that the discussions were comprehensive and covered the range of interests the two nations share. “We talked North Korea, we talked South China Sea, we talked about the insurgency in the Philippines, we talked about the maritime domain in the Sulu Sea and so forth,” Dunford said.