US logistics visit reinforces commitment to AUSMIN 2021 outcomes

A United States delegation, led by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s Director for Logistics and Engineering, Brigadier General Jered Helwig, will visit bases and facilities in Australia to progress the Australian-U.S. Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) 2021 commitments.

Indo-Pacific Command’s senior logistician will meet with key Australian Defence counterparts to discuss the establishment of cooperative logistics, sustainment, and maintenance enterprises.

Brigadier Jason Walk, Acting Commander Joint Logistics Command, is sponsoring the delegation and welcomed the opportunity to start progressing the AUSMIN 2021 outcomes.

“Aligning Australian and U.S understanding of the Northern Australian environment and the Defence logistics enterprise capabilities is central to achieving an effective AUSMIN outcome,” Brigadier Walk said.

“The visit will focus on logistics opportunities and challenges in our Northern Region, our networks and infrastructure, and interoperability enhancement.”

Brigadier General Helwig said the visit was a great opportunity to connect and discuss cooperative logistics, sustainment, and maintenance, a key outcome from AUSMIN Consultations in September 2021.

“The Indo-Pacific Region is the priority theatre for the United States and working alongside Australia is critically important in this long-term partnership to achieve our collective goals of maintaining peace and stability in the Region,” Brigadier General Helwig said.  

“Our network of allies and partners is our greatest strategic asset and central to our goals to ensure a free, open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific,” Brigadier Helwig said.

The Joint Statement on AUSMIN 2021 endorsed a range of enhanced force posture cooperation activities to enhance maritime, air and land support to promote a secure and stable Indo-Pacific region.

The full statement can be accessed here

https://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/united-states-of-america/ausmin/joint-statement-australia-us-ministerial-consultations-ausmin-2021

The visit will comply with all the relevant state and territory COVID-19 rules and regulations.

Media note

Media can access imagery at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20220215