Talisman Saber 09: USS Essex Media Availability

Talisman Saber 09: USS Essex Media Availability

WHAT: United States Navy Landing Helicopter Dock USS Essex (LHD 2) will be able to host a limited number of media out to the ship, currently underway off the coast of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

Media will be provided a brief on the capabilities of the ship and a tour of Essex including the flight deck, medical bay, hangar bay and well deck.

WHEN: Wednesday, 22 July 2009, from 9:00am until 6:00pm.

WHERE: Rockhampton Airport, for departure to and return from Essex via helicopter.

CONTACT: Interested media members should send their name, organisation and media format via e-mail to: * binford.strickland@usmc.mil from TS09 Public Affairs, AND * applehansd@lhd2.navy.mil from CTF 76 Public Affairs.

DEADLINE: Monday, 20 July 2009, 6:00pm. Places are strictly limited and late expressions of interest cannot be considered.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: USS Essex is in Australian waters to participate in the bilateral, joint exercise Talisman Saber 2009.

She is the only permanently forward-deployed U.S. amphibious assault ship and serves as the flag ship of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) throughout the 7th Fleet’s area of responsibility.

* Talisman Saber 09: www.defence.gov.au/opEx/exercises/ts09/media.cfm * USS Essex Webpage: www.essex.navy.mil * LHD Fact Sheet: http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=400&ct=4 * CTF 76 Website: www.ctf76.navy.mil

Media contact: Combined Joint Information Bureau: 1800 639 724 Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664

ENDS

© Scoop Media