USTRANSCOM commander travels to Australia; lauds partnership, stresses greater collaboration

CANBERRA, Australia — U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) Commander Air Force Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost's recent visit to Australia underscored the command's critical role in reinforcing Indo-Pacific stability and strengthening the U.S.-Australia alliance.

USTRANSCOM, responsible for air, land, and sea transportation for the Department of Defense, is integral to global defense logistics and the projection and sustainment of the joint force. Van Ovost emphasized that USTRANSCOM's global operations are made possible through robust international partnerships, notably with allies like Australia. 

"Our alliance goes beyond defense; it's about upholding a free and open Indo-Pacific, which is fundamental to global security," she said.

During her tour, Van Ovost engaged with key Australian Defence Force (ADF) officials and stakeholders, and various other government agencies, focusing on enhancing military logistics collaboration in the Indo-Pacific. The discussions underscored the importance of joint efforts in regional peacekeeping and the vital role of integrated logistics in global defense.

"My visit to Australia is part of our efforts to deepen our relationship even further and create a shared logistics network," she said. 

Central themes included the need for increased interoperability, patient movement initiatives, and collaborative strategies to address potential impacts on basing, access, supply chains, and sustainment, all essential for strategically prepositioning forces and equipment throughout the country for times of need.

A highlight of the visit was Van Ovost's opportunity to observe the Royal Australian Air Force's advanced aeromedical training capabilities, particularly their innovative use of virtual reality technology. 

"Air mobility's unique [aeromedical evacuation] capability allows us to save lives and get warfighters back to the fight," said Van Ovost. "Seeing how the Royal Australian Air Force is leveraging technology like virtual reality to achieve readiness was incredible."

The visit, marked by strategic dialogues and cooperative initiatives, has laid the foundation for increased future collaboration -- which Van Ovost noted is vital for maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific.

"[We] understand the uniquely important role that Australia plays in guarding the safety and security of the region…[we] take stock of the close cooperation we have with our Australian allies," Van Ovost said.

About USTRANSCOM

U.S. Transportation Command is a warfighting combatant command that projects and sustains military power at a time and place of the nation’s choosing. USTRANSCOM underwrites the lethality of the joint force, advances American interests around the globe, and provides our nation’s leaders with strategic flexibility to select from multiple options, while creating multiple dilemmas for our adversaries.