Coalition Partners Enhance Interoperability During Talisman Saber Air Exercises

Story Number: NNS090724-27
Release Date: 7/24/2009 3:58:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John J. Mike

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- Australian service members embarked aboard USS George Washington (GW) (CVN 73) for Exercise Talisman Saber 09 (TS09) are working side-by-side with U.S. Sailors to enhance air operations July 22.

TS09 gives GW Carrier Strike Group and Australian forces a chance to improve their working relationship as strong allies in the Pacific region, said Royal Australian Navy Cmdr. Neill Bell, the Australian liaison officer for GW.

"The most important thing about TS09 is it lets Australia strengthen its ties with the Navy and increase interoperability through the sharing of knowledge," said Bell, one of seven Australian military personnel currently embarked on board the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier.

Excerpt. Read full story at Navy.mil.