USS America docks in Brisbane as navies sign Pacific security pact

The US, Japanese and Australian navies have inked a landmark agreement in Brisbane in a show of military might against threats to the Indo-Pacific region.

USS America captain Ethan Rule. Picture: Liam Kidston

The US, Japanese and Australian navies have inked a landmark agreement in Brisbane in a show of military might against threats to the Indo-Pacific region.

Top logistics brass from each of three navies signed a historic trilateral agreement to strengthen their ability to refuel, rearm, resupply, repair and sustain their fleets in a key region at risk of natural disasters and conflict with countries like China.

US deputy chief of naval operations for installations and logistics Vice Admiral Jeff Jablon said the allies’ adversaries already faced “an undeniable reality that a fight against us would be unwinnable and costly” and the new agreement only strengthened that position.

“Any country or adversary which would threaten … a free and open Indo-Pacific, this is a message to that country or countries,” he said.

Major Darrin Carrier visited Australia Zoo during shore leave. Picture: Liam Kidston

Royal Australian Navy Director General Logistics Commodore Catherine Rhodes said the agreement was not just a “bureaucratic step”, it was a “strategic leap”.

“It strengthens deterrence, supports humanitarian outreach and enhances collective readiness in the Indo-Pacific,” she said.

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Maritime Staff Office Director General of Logistics Department Rear Admiral Naoya Hoshi said the significant agreement came at a time the security environment in the Asia-Pacific region was “increasingly severe and complex”.

The ship carries F35 fighters, MV22 Ospreys and other tactical aircraft. Picture: Liam Kidston

Commodore Rhodes said the agreement opened the door for more visits from US and Japanese ships to Australia, and would speed up responses from “routine sustainment to confrontation”.

“This working group is about making sure that we really enhance the relationship between our nations and making sure that we actually support each other in any activity that we undertake together,” she said.

“We are very hopeful that by doing this, we will actually open the door for multiple opportunities for us to work together in the future.”

This is USS America’s third visit to Brisbane in six years. Picture: Liam Kidston

The historic agreement was signed aboard the USS America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, which has been in Brisbane for a routine port visit.

It is the third time in six years the 257m-long ship, which carries F35 fighter jets, MV22-Ospreys and other tactical aircraft, has visited the state for Talisman Sabre.

Some of the 2000 crew of US sailors and Marines – mostly from the Japan-based 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit – were granted shore leave with many visiting Queensland for the first time, including US Marine Corps pilot Darrin Carrier, who made a trip to Australia Zoo.

“I did not get to the see the Irwins but I did get to see a saltie, so I’ve been very happy,” he said. “Brisbane has been a fantastic city, very laid-back– it’s been a good time.”

F35 fighter pilot Captain Gregory Carpenter has also been enjoying days off in Brisbane before his first Talisman Sabre: “I’ve been walking around, checking out the Botanical Gardens just trying to take an easy day.” he said.

“We’ve been looking forward to some relaxation after being on the boat for a while.”

The USS America will be sailing north in coming days for TS25 whichis set to officially begin on Sundayand will be held throughout Queensland, other parts of Australia and in Papua New Guinea for the first time.