U.S. Marines depart Australia's Top End

Photo By Sgt. Micha Pierce | U.S. Marines with Combined Anti-Armor Team Red platoon, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines (Reinforced), Marine Rotational Force – Darwin prepare to bound in Humvees before a live fire scenario during Exercise Koolendong, Bradshaw Field Training Area, NT, Australia, Aug. 28, 2021. The CAAT Red platoon bounded across a field with various weaponry to seize a key phase line that allowed other tactical vehicles to pass through and proceed with the exercise. Exercises like Koolendong validate MRF-D’s and the Australian Defence Force’s ability to conduct expeditionary command and control operations, demonstrating the shared commitment to being ready to respond to a crisis or contingency in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Micha Pierce)  

DARWIN, NT, AUSTRALIA

10.20.2021

Story by OF-3 Gordon Carr-Gregg and Capt. Thomas deVries

Marine Rotational Force - Darwin

The 2021 Marine Rotational Force - Darwin has departed from the Northern Territory, bringing to a close the tenth rotation of U.S. Marines through Australia’s Top End.

This year’s rotation coincided with the 70th anniversary of the Australia, New Zealand, and United States (ANZUS) treaty and was made special by visits from the Prime Minister, Chief of the Defence Force, and U.S. Consul General.

The history of the Australia-U.S. relationship is one that predates World War I, tracing back to the days of the Great White Fleet in 1908, a deployment of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet to the Pacific.

“Our Alliance with the United States is our most important defence relationship,” said Australian Army Colonel Marcus Constable, commander of Headquarters Northern Command.

“The Alliance is the cornerstone of Australian security and together we are committed to ensuring a secure, inclusive and resilient Indo-Pacific. MRF-D is a reflection of the close cooperation between the ADF, United States Marine Corps and the Northern Territory Government.”

This year, approximately 2,200 U.S. Marines & Sailors conducted a comprehensive range of training activities, including humanitarian assistance, security operations and high-end, live-fire exercises.

Combined exercises such as Crocodile Response, Southern Jackaroo, Loobye, and Koolendong demonstrated military interoperability between the U.S. Marine Corps and ADF, as well as with regional partners.

The focus remains on strengthening bilateral military capabilities and preparing for crisis and contingency response to help maintain stability and security in the region.

“MRF-D is a highly capable force, prepared to operate with our Australian partners,” noted U.S. Marine Colonel David Banning, MRF-D commanding officer.

“Being able to continue MRF-D rotations while making the necessary adjustments to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic is a testament to the alliance relationship and the discipline of our forces.”

The Marines will return to the Northern Territory in 2022, as part of the 25-year commitment established by the U.S Force Posture Initiatives.

“We look forward to next year’s MRF-D rotation, and the opportunity to continue to deepen our ties with our Australian partners and engage with regional partners in the Indo-Pacific,” said Col. Banning.

MRF-D is one of two of the United States Force Posture Initiatives alongside an expanded program of Enhanced Air Cooperation between the Royal Australian Air Force and United States Air Force. These initiatives are tangible demonstrations of the strength of the Australia-US Alliance and our deep engagement within the Indo-Pacific region.

More information is available at https://www.defence.gov.au/Initiatives/USFPI/

• Date Taken: 10.20.2021
• Date Posted: 10.19.2021 23:16
• Story ID: 407511
• Location: DARWIN, NT, AU