Marines Arrive for Marine Rotational Force Darwin

Photo By Lance Cpl. Damion Hatch | Marines apart of the Marine Rotational Force Darwin (MRF-D) Forward Coordination Element hold a saltwater crocodile at Rowell Centre on Robertson Barracks, Mar 17, 2017. Marines apart of MRF-D took classes to learn about the local wildlife in the Northern Territory of Australia. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by MCIPAC Combat Camera Lance Cpl. Damion Hatch Jr)  

ROBERTSON BARRACKS, NT, AUSTRALIA

03.14.2017

Story by Cpl. Nathaniel Cray 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

NORTHERN TERRITORY, Australia -- Marines with Marine Rotational Force Darwin's Forward Command Element and 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment's advanced party arrived in the Northern Territory March 14 for this year's MRF-D.

During their first week, the Marines became acquainted with customs and courtesies relative to the Australian military as well as local wildlife.

Speakers from both the Australian Defence Force and the U.S. Marine Corps gave presentations detailing information that Marines will need to know to be successful during this year's exercise.

"The purpose of MRF-D is to train and integrate with the ADF to further enhance our interoperability and regional ability to respond to crisis," said Marine Lt. Col. Matthew Emborsky, the FCE's officer-in-charge.

"We want the Marines to immerse themselves as much as they can in the Australian way of life, both in the way we operate as a military and the way we operate culturally as Australians," said ADF Maj. Wade Cooper, 1st Brigade's Major.

"We work hand-in-hand with our Australian counterparts," said Emborsky. "It's a team effort to make sure everything is ready to go for the MRF."

The U.S. and Australian forces will take part in several different exercises during the six-month rotation, including exercises Southern Jackaroo, Talisman Sabre and Koolendong.

• Date Taken: 03.14.2017
• Date Posted: 03.22.2017 00:05
• Story ID: 227629
• Location: ROBERTSON BARRACKS, NT, AU