Amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22), amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47), and elements from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit have arrived in Sydney, Australia. The visit is part of their operations within the U.S. 7th Fleet area as of June 15. These vessels join the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) to strengthen the U.S.-Australia alliance.
"I want to thank the city of Sydney for their hospitality and the warm welcome of the America Amphibious Ready Group," stated Capt. John Baggett, commodore of Amphibious Squadron 11. "Our port visit allows us to deepen friendships with our Australian allies, which is instrumental to our two nations’ forces operating together to maintain regional peace and stability."
This marks a historic occasion as it is the first time these three ships are moored simultaneously in Sydney, bringing around 4,500 sailors and marines to experience the city's culture.
"The U.S.-Australia alliance is a cornerstone of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. The arrival of USS San Diego and USS Rushmore into Sydney marks the first time that the three-ship America Strike Group are together," said Erika Olson, Chargé d’Affaires, U.S. Mission to Australia. "We are excited to have Sailors and Marines here, and warmly welcome them to Sydney."
The America Strike Group is capable of responding to various military operations including combat, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response. It includes the only forward-deployed ARG-MEU operating in the Indo-Pacific region.
U.S. 7th Fleet is noted as the largest forward-deployed numbered fleet in the U.S. Navy and routinely collaborates with allies to preserve a free Indo-Pacific region.