150703-N-GR655-097 SYDNEY, Australia (July 3, 2015) – Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, center, receives an introduction brief from Vice Adm. Robert Thomas, U.S. 7th Fleet commander, during a tour of 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)