US sailors and Marines flock ashore as mega war ship USS America docks in Brisbane

The massive 257m-long USS America has docked in Brisbane with the crew set to flood ashore. Here’s what’s high on their must-do list.

An F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter on board the USS America, which arrived in Brisbane for a port call on Tuesday. Picture: Liam Kidston

Seeing koalas and kangaroos are high on the agenda for most of the crew of the USS America which arrived in Brisbane this week.

Overlooking the flight deck of the USS America as it pulled into Brisbane on Tuesday. Picture: Jodie Munro O'Brien

Part of the flight deck of the USS America. Picture: Jodie Munro O'Brien

The largest amphibious assault ship in the US Navy's Seventh Fleet docked to allow its 2500 embarked US Marines and sailors to enjoy a port visit before participating in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023, Australia’s largest bilateral combined military training activity with the US.

F35B Joint strike fighter pilot, US Marine Corp Captain Erik Carlson, call sign ‘Sister’ on the USS America on Tuesday. Picture: Liam Kidston

A sailor on board the USS America arrives as it arrives Brisbane on Tuesday. Picture: Liam Kidston

The 257m-long ship is designed to accommodate F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters and a combination of rescue, combat and support helicopters including MV22 Ospreys and CH-53E Super Stallions.

One of the flight deck crew on board the USS America as it sailed into Brisbane on Tuesday afternoon. Picture: Liam Kidston

An MV-22 Osprey flying over Brisbane on Tuesday morning, before landing on the USS America just off shore. Picture: Liam Kidston

US Marine Captain Erik Carlson, an F-35 pilot, said the Americans loved working with the Australian military.

“We work with the Australians a lot and we love that relationship,” he said.

“It’s good to have close friends down here.”

F35 B Joint strike fighter pilot Captain Erik Carlson. Picture: Liam Kidston