A 1100-strong Joint Task Group deployed across the Northern Territory during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, training to defend Australia’s north against potential security threats.

Joint Task Group (JTG) 629.7, made up of personnel from the Army’s 2nd (Australian) Division, the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Coonawarra, and the United States Coast Guard, was tasked with protecting critical infrastructure, military bases and local communities across Darwin and Katherine.

The JTG rehearsed rapid deployment, security operations and joint response tasks, with a focus on supporting national resilience and safeguarding key military and civilian infrastructure.

Commander 2nd (Australian) Division Major General Matt Burr said the exercise underscored the ADF’s readiness to protect Australia’s territory.

“The 2nd (Australian) Division has been tasked with ‘Theatre Mission One: Defend Australia’ and we have a laser-like focus on that mission,” Major General Burr said. 

The JTG drew heavily on part-time Australian Army elements from Victoria’s 4th Brigade, NSW’s 5th Brigade and South Australia’s 9th Brigade, operating in close partnership with the US Coast Guard’s Port Security Unit 307 – a specialist unit trained in protecting strategic ports.

'I’ve been inspired by the calibre and sense of service of our part-time workforce.'

Commander JTG 629.7 Brigadier Tim Orders said the exercise pushed personnel beyond their comfort zone, demanding long hours, close teamwork and collaboration with partners.

“This exercise was about three key things: demanding training, realistic training and integration with our mates from the United States, the Northern Territory Police and other partner agencies,” Brigadier Orders said.

“I’ve been inspired by the calibre and sense of service of our part-time workforce that have willingly given up their time away from families and from their full-time jobs to come up here and give their all to this exercise.”

Talisman Sabre 2025 marked the first-ever deployment of a US Coast Guard Port Security Unit to both Darwin and the Indian Ocean, led by US Coast Guard Commander Faith Gamboa.

“This is the first time a port security unit has ever been in Darwin, has ever been in the Indian Ocean and has worked interoperably with Australians in this manner,” Commander Gamboa said. 

“Coast Guard Port Security Units are able to quickly deploy overseas within 96 hours and provide a layered force protection in ports, harbours and waterways, and that’s what we’ve done here in Darwin.” 

JTG 629.7’s contribution to Talisman Sabre showed that defending Australia isn’t just about projecting force – it’s also about protecting our territory and citizens, and being ready to act when it counts.