Australia's largest joint military exercise with the United States will return to the Bundaberg Region later this year.
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has confirmed that Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 (TS21) will be held again in July.
“TS21 is the largest bilateral combined training activity between the Australian Defence Force and United States military,” the ADF said.
“It is designed to test our respective forces in planning and conducting Combined and Joint Task Force operations and improve the combat readiness and interoperability between Australian and US forces.
“Occurring every two years, Talisman Sabre reflects the closeness of our alliance and strength of our enduring military relationship.”
Bundaberg Region Mayor Jack Dempsey welcomed the announcement.
“I met with ADF officials recently to discuss plans for Exercise Talisman Sabre to again be conducted in the Bundaberg Region later this year,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“The 2019 exercise involved using Bundaberg Airport and various sites around Bundaberg for military operations.
“Council has identified opportunities for the ADF and Australian Border Force to expand their presence in the Bundaberg Region and successful events like Talisman Sabre help to build these relationships.
“It’s why we’ve been working with local businesses for them to be Defence Ready.
“The visiting military personnel received a popular reception from the Bundaberg community in 2019 and I’m sure it will be the same again this year.”
TS21 exercise activities are planned to occur in Charters Towers, Townsville Bundaberg, Stanage Bay region, Shoalwater Bay, Lindeman Island, Mackay, Bowen, Proserpine, Ingham, Tully, Cowley Beach, and RAAF Scherger.
“In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Defence is adjusting how it does business while still maintaining operational readiness. TS21 is critical to Defence maintaining that readiness,” the ADF said.
“Defence will work with relevant authorities to understand and develop safe COVID practices while still allowing the exercise to achieve its objectives.
“TS21 will run from late June to mid-August 2021. This timeframe includes the initial surge of equipment and people and their subsequent departure after the exercise.
“Exercise activities will peak during 18-31 July 2021.”
