Alliance readiness at sea

HMAS Canberra has completed Exercise Capital Reach, a major force integration activity involving more than 350 United States Marines from Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D).

The exercise enhanced interoperability between the ADF and US Marine Corps through integrated training designed to enhance combined amphibious operations.

The marines, primarily from MRF-D’s Ground Combat Element and Logistical Combat Element, embarked Canberra in Townsville for the transit to Darwin, conducting a series of amphibious training activities alongside the ship’s company.
 

CO Canberra CAPT David McPherson said the exercise demonstrated the strength and commitment of the US-Australia alliance, enhancing deterrence and promoting regional stability and security.

“Australia’s alliance with the United States is our most important defence relationship, underpinned by deep levels of cooperation through training, exercises and operations. By operating together, we strengthen our ability to respond,” CAPT McPherson said.

“This exercise demonstrates the high level of trust and interoperability between our two nations.”
 

MRF-D’s time spent on board Canberra provided valuable opportunities to develop the relationships that are essential to successful combined amphibious operations.

During the transit, MRF-D personnel participated in a number of amphibious training operations, including joint ship-to-objective manoeuvre planning and landing craft embarkation drills.

Air Ground Task Force Commander COL George Flynn said Exercise Capital Reach demonstrated the ability of Australian and US forces to integrate seamlessly across multiple domains in complex operating environments.

“Integrating with the Royal Australian Navy on board HMAS Canberra represented a significant step forward in our combined warfighting capacity,” COL Flynn said.

“By merging the inherent littoral capabilities of a certified Marine Corps MAGTF with the amphibious power of the RAN, we are actively sharpening our collective readiness to fight and win.

“This training ensures that our combined forces remain a highly capable, lethal and responsive deterrent in the Indo-Pacific.”