General News
30 July, 2025
US and NZ navies enjoy R&R
THREE impressive navy ships have been dominating the wharves at the Port of Cairns this week and easily seen by many visitors, tourists and residents.
Hundreds of US Navy and New Zealand personnel have been enjoying some rest and recreation in Cairns after their involvement in Talisman Sabre.
Fleets of coaches have been lining up at Trinity Wharf this week, transporting the naval visitors on tours, to hotels and other places of interest.
The USS Rushmore (LSD 47) is a Whidbey Island class dock landing ship which features a massive well deck for the transport of four LCAC hovercraft for landing marines.
It is staffed by 300 crew and also carries hundreds of marines.
USS San Diego (LPD-22), is a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, with up to 800 crew.
In recent times they have both been based at Sasebo in Japan.
HMSNZ Te Kaha is the Royal New Zealand Navy's first Anzac Class frigate and has a crew of 178.
The ships are expected to leave Cairns on Friday.
Talisman Sabre has finished its North Queensland exercises with the next round of activity to take place in PNG but it is not known if these vessels are taking part.
