ROCKHAMPTON, Australia -- Australian and United States service members marked the start of Talisman Sabre 15 with Opening Day events at the Rockhampton Showgrounds July 5, 2015.

Talisman Sabre brings U.S. and Australian forces together for large-scale training events to focus on partnership and combat readiness.

"We are living in a globally connected world and we need to be ready for engagements around the world," said U.S. Army Pacific Exercise Commander Brigadier General Brian Alvin. "Working with our Australian partners, we will become more proficient at the core concepts of our militaries and then create better cooperation between all involved."

Over the years, Australia and the U.S. have worked to grow their partnership at every level.

"The partnership our militaries have is very long-standing and it has turned into a legacy here in Rockhampton," said Deputy Mayor of Rockhampton Tony Williams.
U.S. and Australian forces will train at the tactical and operational levels in realistic situations throughout Talisman Sabre.

"This is the biggest exercise with the U.S. military that we do and it's events like these that are needed to strengthen the partnership with the them and will make the pacific region a safer place," said Australian Brigadier Mark Brewer, the Director-General, Training, with Headquarters Forces Command.

U.S. and Australian service members created interactive displays for the event and accompanied Australian military history re-enactors and cultural displays.

"This event helps make the public aware of what the militaries can do and that the U.S. and Australians are here to work for the betterment of all," said Patricia Cope, a military history re-enactor with the 9th Battalion Australian Imperial Force Living History Unit. "It also helps forge a lasting relationship between both countries and the local people."