US, Australian Navies Conduct ASW Exercises

U.S. and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Sailors began a series of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) exercises off the northeast coast of Australia in support of Talisman Saber 2013 (TS 13), July 16.
The series of ASW exercises provide the two militaries a chance to flex their capabilities while focusing on improving interoperability and coordination.

“To see the two nations work together effectively in a multi-threat high end warfare environment is an impressive sight,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jonathan Bannister, torpedo and anti-submarine warfare officer for RAN’s guided-missile frigate HMAS Sydney (FFG 03). “It’s also a testament to the interoperability that exists at every level of our military force.”

These exercises will include scenarios involving but not limiting to, detection and success over simulated opponents, which put the navies’ tactical training and communications to the test.

“We have spent the last three months conducting high-end war fighting training while embedded with the George Washington Carrier Strike Group,” said Bannister. “To have the opportunity to put all the lessons and skills to use in a live, combined, and joint environment is excellent. My anti-submarine warfare team has performed over and above what was expected of them. They have relished the opportunity to take part in Talisman Saber 2013.”

Approximately 8,000 U.S. and 1,000 Australian personnel will participate in the ASW exercises over the next few days.

“I think it’s really important that we practice these skills,” said Sonar Technician (Surface) 1st Class Josh Mobley, assigned to Arleigh-burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88). “We need to train together so we can understand each other and strengthen our capability to handle any situation.”

Exercises such as TS 13 provide realistic and relevant training that is necessary to maintain regional security, peace and stability.
Some of the participants of the ASW portion of TS 13 include the George Washington Carrier Strike Group comprised of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, embarked Commander Destroyer Squadron 15, Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54), Arleigh-burke class guided-missile destroyers USS Lassen (DDG 82), USS Preble (DDG 88), USS Momsen (DDG 92), USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93), and the RAN guided-missile frigate HMAS Sydney (FFG 03).

Press Release, July 18, 2013; Image: US Navy