13:42 GMT, July 11, 2011 The start of joint United States (US) and Australia military training exercise, Talisman Sabre 2011 (TS11), was marked with a successful Open Day event at the Rockhampton showgrounds in central Queensland yesterday.

The event, which featured a large array of military vehicles and equipment, attracted a strong crowd and set the tone for what is certain to be a productive and rewarding training experience for both countries.

Overall combined Joint Task Force Commander, Vice Admiral Scott Van Buskirk, Commander US 7th Fleet, said it was important for Australia and the US to maintain close ties through exercises like Talisman Sabre 2011.

“By exercising together we will increase interoperability, flexibility and readiness which will help us maintain peace and stability in the Pacific,” Vice Admiral Van Buskirk said.

“We’re continuing to work together to protect our interests, provide humanitarian assistance, and share information.”

Australian spokesperson Brigadier Bob Brown said around 22,000 personnel from US and Australia would train in real world scenarios providing invaluable experience for every level of military across all services, as well as a range of other government agencies.

“Exercise Talisman Sabre is the most complex bilateral exercise that Australia conducts with the US and we all look forward over the next few weeks to delivering the training we need to ensure both countries are ready to work together in the future,” said Brigadier Brown.

Australia and its US military counterparts will conduct land, sea and air training throughout Queensland and the Northern Territory from 11-29 July.

The US and Australian military forces have established the Combined Joint Information Bureau (CJIB) to manage media and public enquiries on TS11 activities. The team comprises approximately 23 staff from both countries across all services and ranks.

The CJIB will also provide media and the public with regular Exercise updates via Facebook and Twitter as well as posting images and vision to the Talisman Sabre 2011 websites. High Definition imagery and video can be downloaded from the Talisman Sabre DVIDS site.

Additional information on Talisman Sabre 2011 is available at:
• http://www.defence.gov.au/opEx/exercises/ts11/
• http://www.cpf.navy.mil/talisman-sabre/