BRISBANE, Australia (NNS) – The Ronald Reagan Strike Group arrived in Brisbane, Australia, on July 5 for a regularly scheduled port visit.
The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) pulled into Brisbane July 5, while the Arleigh Burke Class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85) pulled into Townsville, Australia, on July 4.
“USS Ronald Reagan Sailors are excited to engage in Talisman Sabre 2019 with their Australian counterparts,” said Capt. Pat Hannifin, Ronald Reagan's Commanding Officer. "Having served alongside Aussies in every conflict for 100 years, we are truly honored to visit your beautiful country again. We look forward to the sights of Brisbane and the hospitality that Australians are known for.”
While in port, Ronald Reagan Strike Group personnel will have the opportunity to go on tours and participate in several events with the local community prior to starting exercise Talisman Sabre 2019. The Ronald Reagan Strike Group operates as part of Commander, Task Force 70.
“As a forward-deployed force, the Ronald Reagan Strike Group enjoys the latitude and freedom to operate where it matters, when it matters, while training side-by-side with our allies and partners throughout the Indo-Pacific region,” said Rear Admiral Karl Thomas, Commander, Task Force 70. “Visiting the beautiful city of Brisbane and taking part in Talisman Sabre 19 is a phenomenal way to fortify our alliance with Australia and demonstrate to other nations in this critical region our steadfast commitment to sustaining a stable security environment."
CTF 70’s forward deployed forces ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific Region by providing credible, ready forces help to preserve peace and prevent conflict. Forward-deployed forces act as force multipliers for the Navy enabling a response time in days instead of the weeks it would take units from the United States to respond. With more than 50 percent of the world’s shipping tonnage and a third of the world’s crude oil passing through the region, the United States has historic and enduring interests in this part of the world.
CTF 70 is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.