Over 500 United States Navy officers, sailors and civilian mariners will enjoy the sights of Sydney in the coming days following the arrival of the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39).
The 198 meter-long ship 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 U.S. Navy and allied partner vessels in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy's largest forward deployed numbered fleet.
The ship is also the temporary home to 17 Royal Australian Navy officers and sailors embedded with their U.S. counterparts as part of a knowledge and training exchange to build skills and experience in nuclear-powered submarine maintenance.
Emory S. Land was greeted by United States Chargé d'Affaires, Ms Erika Olson, accompanied by Deputy Commander Australian Fleet, Commodore Ray Leggatt, AM, CSC, RAN.
While in Sydney, the crew of the ship will be enjoying the city's most iconic landmarks and renowned hospitality while participating in various community engagement and cultural activities, including volunteering at a food bank and playing soccer games with local club teams.
Quotes attributable to United States Chargé d'Affaires, Ms Erika Olson:
"The U.S.-Australia alliance has a long and proud history. For decades, our partnership has helped ensure peace, security, and stability in the region.
"The visit by Emory S. Land today is another example of our regular joint military activity in which our two forces share valuable skills, knowledge and experience."
Quotes attributable to Deputy Commander Australian Fleet, Commodore Ray Leggatt, AM, CSC, RAN:
"It is a pleasure to welcome the crew of the USS Emory S. Land to Fleet Base East in Sydney. It is an incredible opportunity for our Royal Australian Navy officers and sailors to train and learn from our US Navy partners.
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."
