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15 July 2009
HMAS Kanimbla at work

With more than five hundred service personnel embarked from Navy, Army and Air Force, as well as United States Marines, HMAS Kanimbla has arrived off Cowley Beach in Queensland ready to begin her central role in Exercise Talisman Saber 09.

The ship has already become a hive of activity as the crew prepares for a number of amphibious activities designed to improve the interoperability of Australian and US forces.

Commander Tim Byles, HMAS Kanimbla’s Commanding Officer, said that his crew was looking forward to the challenges the exercise would bring, as they had spent many months preparing for Talisman Saber. This training was promptly put to the test when Kanimbla was asked on day two of the exercise to conduct a stern door marriage with a landing craft from USS Denver.

Commander Byles said that he was proud with the way the crew handled this challenge, as it was the first time Kanimbla had undertaken this manoeuvre with a ship from the US Navy.

‘Our successful evolutions demonstrate Kanimbla’s ability to work safely and efficiently with members of the US Navy’, Commander Byles said.

As a result of this type of exercise, Australian and US forces will be better able to cooperate in a variety of military operations including conventional conflict, peacekeeping and humanitarian aid missions.

“Australian and US Forces have a long and successful track record in assisting each other and I am confident that Talisman Saber will build upon these past achievements,” said Commander Byles.

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Private Amy Ristau, a line handler in a Landing Craft Medium (LCM8) during a stern door marriage with HMAS KANIMBLA.

(Date taken: 10 July 2009)
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Members of HMAS KANIMBLA heave in on a steadying line as they recover a Landing Craft Medium (LCM8) off the coast of Townsville during Exercise Talisman Saber 09.

(Date taken: 10 July 2009)
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HMAS KANIMBLA recovers a Landing Craft Medium (LCM8) while at anchor off the coast of Townsville during Exercise Talisman Saber 09.

(Date taken: 10 July 2009)
Low Res | High Res

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HMAS KANIMBLA recovers a Landing Craft Medium (LCM8) onto the forecastle while at anchor off the coast of Townsville during Exercise Talisman Saber 09.

(Date taken: 10 July 2009)
Low Res | High Res

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As the sun sets, HMAS KANIMBLA recovers a Landing Craft Medium (LCM8) while at anchor off the coast of Townsville during Exercise Talisman Saber 09.

(Date taken: 10 July 2009)
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20090710ran8116382_027
HMAS KANIMBLA recovers a Landing Craft Medium (LCM8) while at anchor off the coast of Townsville during Exercise Talisman Saber 09.

(Date taken: 10 July 2009)
Low Res | High Res

20090710ran8116382_030
HMAS KANIMBLA recovers a Landing Craft Medium (LCM8) while at anchor off the coast of Townsville during Exercise Talisman Saber 09.

(Date taken: 10 July 2009)
Low Res | High Res

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