18 July 2025
Boots and heavy vehicles hit the shores of Cowley Beach, kicking off the first phase of a littoral amphibious training exercise as part of Talisman Sabre 2025.
The rehearsal included vehicle loading and unloading drills, beach recovery operations and patrol movements alongside New Zealand and Japanese forces, with vehicles and personnel disembarking from HMAS Canberra and HMAS Choules.
The coastal training area, located in Queensland’s Cassowary Coast Region, provided the setting for serials to prepare for more complex amphibious missions at Bowen and Shoalwater Bay.
Japanese troops tested new communications equipment alongside Australia’s 1st Battalion during patrol serials, while the 10th Force Support Battalion (10 FSB) rehearsed clearing access lanes and recovering heavy vehicles along the shore.
Environmental teams also observed the activity to refine future amphibious procedures and minimise impact on the coastal site.
Corporal Joshua Jauchius, a plant operator foreman from the Amphibious Beach Team within 10 FSB, said the training was critical for preparing troops to operate in coastal conditions.
“We’re creating access lanes, rolling out beach mats and rehearsing vehicle recovery – making sure everything from tracked vehicles to personnel can get safely from ship to shore,” he said.
“It’s pretty fascinating that earthmoving gear like dozers and loaders can play such a big role in amphibious operations – It’s not just about digging trenches.
“It’s all about keeping the beach open so if something gets stuck or bogged, we’re ready to recover it fast so the landing keeps moving.”
Integrated within the ADF Amphibious Beach Team (ABT), six New Zealand soldiers were gaining hands-on experience in amphibious beach operations.
They practised vehicle marshalling tasks, including guiding vehicles on and off landing craft.
Lieutenant Gabby Williams, from the New Zealand Army’s 2nd Combat Support Battalion, observed the ABT serials and supported command.
She said the training provided a valuable opportunity for New Zealand to practise amphibious operations alongside Australian forces.
“We’re observing the Australian ABT to adapt their procedures for our own use, while also helping manage the team on the ground,” Lieutenant Williams said.
“New Zealand doesn’t get to train in the littoral environment very often, to have an opportunity like this to work alongside Australia is incredibly valuable.
“It’s a crawl, walk, run process – this phase is about learning so we’re ready to fully integrate at Shoalwater Bay.”
For the New Zealand soldiers, the serials provided a chance to shift from observation to hands-on roles in the next phases of the exercise.
The serials were part of a broader push to improve joint amphibious capability across the region, ensuring forces can respond together when called upon.
“It’s a good training opportunity for us to integrate with the ADF and build relations as we continue training,” Lieutenant Williams said.
