2 July 2024
More than 500 US Navy personnel arrived in Sydney on June 28, ready to explore the city’s iconic landmarks and participate in various community engagements.
The 198m-long submarine tender USS Emory S. Land berthed at Fleet Base East, Garden Island, for its third port visit in Australia, following visits to Darwin and Cairns.
The visit forms part of a Western Pacific deployment providing expeditionary maintenance and logistics support to US Navy and allied partner vessels in support of the US 7th Fleet – the US Navy’s largest forward deployed numbered fleet.
The ship is also the temporary home to 17 Royal Australian Navy officers and sailors. These personnel are embedded with their US counterparts for a knowledge and training exchange, enhancing their skills and experience in nuclear-powered submarine maintenance.
United States Chargé d'Affaires Erika Olson and Deputy Commander Australian Fleet Commodore Ray Leggatt welcomed Emory S. Land to Sydney. Ms Olson highlighted the significance of the visit.
“The US-Australia alliance has a long and proud history. For decades, our partnership has helped ensure peace, security and stability in the region,” she said.
“The visit by Emory S. Land is another example of our regular joint military activity in which our two forces share valuable skills, knowledge and experience.”
While in Sydney, the crew of the ship will experience renowned hospitality and participate in community engagement and cultural activities, including volunteering at a food bank and playing soccer games with local club teams.
Commodore Leggatt said it was a pleasure to welcome the crew to Fleet Base East.
“It is an incredible opportunity for our Royal Australian Navy officers and sailors to train and learn from our US Navy partners,” Commodore Leggatt said.
“The deployment embodies our longstanding friendship and alliance with the US, and is an exciting step forward to developing Navy’s workforce in support of Australia’s future nuclear-powered submarine capability.”
