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ADF AND US FORCES SET TO EXERCISE IN QUEENSLAND

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) and United States (US) forces are set to participate in four weeks of intensive training at Shoalwater Bay, Rockhampton, Townsville and the Coral Sea during Exercise TALISMAN SABRE 2005 (TS05).

More than 6,000 Australian and 11,000 US personnel from Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine and Special Forces units will participate in TS05, a merger of the TANDEM THRUST and CROCODILE series of exercises.

TS05 will commence on June 12, with a troop build-up now under way in Rockhampton and, expected to begin in Townsville around May 27.

TALISMAN SABRE's primary aim is to conduct collective training and exercise inter-operability between Australian and US forces.

The biennial exercise will further develop the ADF's capability to undertake joint, combined operations and will help build regional security and complement our regional partner's activities with the US.

Based on fictional scenarios, the exercise includes combined Special Forces operations, parachute drops, amphibious landings at Shoalwater Bay, artillery and infantry manoeuvres, air combat training and advanced maritime operations.

Safety is paramount throughout TS05, with the safety of personnel and the environment the number one consideration. This exercise is being conducted in accordance with approved environmental rules, guidelines and audits.

Local communities will enjoy considerable economic benefits as a result of the exercise with an estimated spending of about $A4m to $A5m.

A 1800 toll free information line is being set up to assist the public and media with enquiries relating to the exercise. The 1800 number will be advertised and available from 2 June.

Aviators with specific questions on air space requirements are encouraged to call 1800 123 154. This toll free number will be available from 13-30 June.

Australian and US web sites designed to provide the community with exercise information, photographs and videos are available at www.c7f.navy.mil/TS05 and www.defence.gov.au/talisman_sabre


BACKGROUND

Personnel & Equipment

The majority of ADF land forces, from Townsville's 3 Brigade (3BDE) and Darwin's 1 Brigade (1BDE) will train alongside US troops primarily at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area near Rockhampton and in the Townsville area.

Combined Royal Australian Navy (RAN), including HMAS MANOORA and United States Navy (USN) ships will be exercising off the coast of Queensland from Brisbane to Shoalwater Bay. The USN will also be conducting an exercise to sink two decommissioned warships in international waters about 200km off the Queensland coast

Over 100 aircraft operating from RAAF Base Amberley, RAAF Townsville and Rockhampton in Queensland and off shore on the USS KITTY HAWK will participate in TS05 in complex air combat and maritime training opportunities.

Aircraft involved include Australian F/A-18 Hornet, AP-3C Orion maritime patrol, PC9, DHC4 Caribou, C-130 Hercules and Army rotary wing aircraft and US P3, F-18 Hornet, Lear jets, C-130 Hercules, E-2C Hawkeye, EA-6B Prowlers, C2 Greyhounds aircraft and MH-47 Chinook and Seahawk helicopters.

Safety & Environment

The environmental impacts associated with all weaponry used during TS05 have been considered. Defence incorporates practices to minimise impact on the local environment wherever they occur.

The exercise has also been considered by the Minister for Environment and Heritage under the provisions of Australia's domestic environmental legislation, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

An Exercise Environmental Monitoring Group has been established to monitor compliance with stringent exercise environmental protection instructions.

Community

There will be increased road traffic in the Rockhampton and Shoalwater Bay areas and waterway interruptions expected throughout the exercise, which concludes June 30. There may also be some possible delays at Rockhampton and Townsville airports as published in aviation notices.

Defence is very appreciative of the local support provided by the Shoalwater Bay, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Yeppoon, Townsville and Ipswich communities with the Shoalwater Bay exercise area, in particular, providing Defence with an excellent environment to practice and achieve exercise objectives.

TS05 will include events that will be open to the public. Open days will be taking place during the Rockhampton Show 15-17 June, with static displays and demonstrations including 'Red Berets' parachuting, an F111 fly-over, and the US Seventh Fleet Band.

Media contact:
Defence Media - (02) 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664

Veterans of the Vietnam War, Inc. & The Veterans Coalition - Australia

P O Box 183 Nairne, SA 5252

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