HMAS Canberra Hosts Canine Watch During Talisman Sabre 2025

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Aboard HMAS Canberra, the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) flagship, Explosive Detection Dog Charlie and his handler, Sapper Brandon Subloo, have become morale-boosting stars during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025. The Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) largest military exercise, held in Queensland, sees Charlie, from the 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment (3CER), supporting amphibious operations while lifting spirits among troops. Their presence highlights the ADF’s innovative approach to operational readiness.

Charlie, a skilled explosive detection dog, and Sapper Subloo embarked on HMAS Canberra, a Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD), for their first warship assignment during the exercise, which runs from July 13 to August 4. Their role involves clearing unexploded ordnance at Cowley Beach Training Area, ensuring safe passage for Australian and Japanese troops. “We’re a rapid capability, assisting engineers and infantry in searching areas and vehicles,” Subloo explained (Mirage News). Charlie’s presence has sparked joy, with his barking drawing smiles from soldiers, sailors, and marines. “It’s amazing how happy people are to see a dog,” Subloo noted, emphasizing their morale-boosting impact (Mirage News).

Life aboard HMAS Canberra, a 27,500-tonne vessel capable of deploying over 1,000 personnel, presents unique challenges for the duo. Subloo manages Charlie’s needs, carrying food, water, and a first aid kit, with a designated bathroom spot on the forecastle mat. “No one remembers my name, only Charlie’s, but I’m fine with that if it helps morale,” Subloo said (Defence News). Their two-year partnership will end with Charlie’s retirement in December, when he’ll live with Subloo, who called being a dog handler “the best thing I ever did” (Mirage News).

Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, involving 35,000 troops from 19 nations, underscores Australia’s commitment to regional security, independent of domestic political shifts. Posts on X, like @AustralianArmy’s highlight of Charlie’s role, reflect pride in the ADF’s capabilities. Charlie and Subloo’s work aboard HMAS Canberra exemplifies the ADF’s blend of tradition and innovation, ensuring operational strength while fostering camaraderie in a high-stakes environment.