170711-N-ZW825-147 CORAL SEA (July 11, 2017) Gunner’s

170711-N-ZW825-147 CORAL SEA (July 11, 2017) Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Sergey Kalashnikov, from Los Angeles, fires a shot line from Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sterett (DDG 104) to dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4) for a connected replenishment during Talisman Saber 17. Sterett, part of a combined U.S.-Australia-New Zealand expeditionary strike group (ESG), is undergoing a series of scenarios that will increase proficiencies defending the ESG against blue-water threats so amphibious forces can launch Marine forces ashore in the littorals. Talisman Saber is a biennial U.S.-Australia bilateral exercise held off the coast of Australia meant to achieve interoperability and strengthen the U.S.-Australia alliance. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Byron C. Linder/Released)