The Naval Oceanography delegation traveled to Australia to conduct the first face-to-face Executive Steering Group (ESG) meeting with AGO and RAN focused on identifying opportunities for collaboration which form the basis of our mutual strategic bilateral efforts. 
 
“The partnership and friendship between the U.S. Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command and AGO, through the Australian Hydrographic Office, is a significant contributor to providing support and services to the Australian Defence Force.” said Commodore Stewart Dunne, Director General Maritime Geospatial and Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation. “Our friendship goes back decades and visits like this strengthen that bond that creates a safer and more secure region. This relationship is valued and valuable.”
 
Naval Oceanography’s relationship with our Australian counterparts is critical to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. The delegation became more familiar with Australian METOC elements over the course of the trip and conducted several office calls with key Australian military leadership.  
 
“Naval Oceanography’s partnership with Australia has been growing for a number of years and directly supports the enhanced trilateral security partnership called ‘AUKUS’—referencing Australia, United Kingdom, and United States.” said Rear Adm. Piret, “The partnership is focused on strengthening ability to support mutual security and defense interests in the Indo-Pacific region through information exchange.”
 
The U.S. and Australian navies share interest in maintaining freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea, and continue to develop advanced, joint military capabilities, promoting security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.   
 
During the same time period, USNS Mary Sears was alongside in Sydney, Australia for a scheduled port visit.  The ship hosted U.S. Ambassador Caroline Kennedy and later on in the visit held a reception for members of the Australian Defence Organisation.
 
Bilateral defense ties and cooperation between the United States and Australia have spanned over 100-years; the two countries have been fighting side-by-side in every major conflict since World War I.
 
AGO is the lead agency in geospatial data, information, and intelligence for the Australian Department of Defence and National Intelligence Community (NIC). Through the delivery of maritime geospatial data, products, and services, AGO enables safety of navigation, planning, and conduct of operations, situational awareness, policy advice, and intelligence insights.
 
U.S. Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command directs and oversees more than 2,500 globally-distributed military and civilian personnel who collect, process, and exploit environmental information to assist Fleet and Joint Commanders in all warfare areas to make better decisions, based on assured environmental information, faster than the adversary.