



TOWNSVILLE, QLD, AUSTRALIA - The Bindal Clan, a local aboriginal tribe and traditional owners of the land, greets multi-national participants including Talisman Sabre 21 Deputy Exercise Director, Col. Jerry Hall, in a smoking ceremony July 19 at Lavarack Barracks, Townsville, located in Queensland, Australia, during Exercise Talisman Sabre 21. Australian and U.S. Forces combine biennially for Talisman Sabre, a month-long multi-domain exercise that strengthens allied and partner capabilities to respond to the full range of Indo-Pacific security concerns. The ceremony reflected the traditional act of requesting permission to enter another group’s country, and once granted, being welcomed and granted safe passage with the protection of their ancestors during the journey. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. 1st Class Monik Phan, U.S. Army Pacific public affairs)




