U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Duane D. Thiessen, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacfic, talks to a boy from Rockhampton about the M2 5.0-caliber machine gun at Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011's opening ceremony at the Rockhampton Fairgrounds, Queensland, Australia, July 9, 2011. Talisman Sabre promotes the alliance with Australia, which is one the United States' most important defense relationships and a central pillar for national security strategy, based on shared values and a common commitment to peace and security.