U.S. Marine Gun 3, Alpha Section of 81 mm Mortar Platoon,

U.S. Marine Gun 3, Alpha Section of 81 mm Mortar Platoon, provide mortar fire support during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011. The ridgeline of Townshend Island, in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area, was lined with members of the U.S. Marine Corps 81 mm Mortar Platoon, Weapons Company, who were providing mortar fire support during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011. Over 100 Marines were deployed to Townshend Island to support a Combined Joint Live Fire Exercise, and were tasked with integrating their expertise in mortar fire with Naval Gun Fire, US FA-18 and Australian FA-18 Super Hornets air power, and fire power from the Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter. Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011 is a U.S. led, Australian supported bilateral exercise that is aimed at training U.S. and Australian forces in planning and conducting combined operations and improving U.S.-Australian interoperability.