150704-N-GR655-025 SYDNEY, Australia (July 4, 2015) – Vice Adm. Robert L. Thomas, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, speaks with senior navy and army enlisted leaders from Australia, New Zealand and the U.S 7th Fleet during a senior enlisted “roundtable” aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) before the start of the Australia-U.S. exercise Talisman Saber 2015. Talisman Saber is a biennial combined joint exercise designed to improve Australian and U.S. combat readiness and interoperability, maximize combined training opportunities and demonstrate U.S. resolve to support the security operations of a key ally. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Joshua Karsten)