The next rotation of US Marines will begin arriving in Darwin this week to commence their sixth rotation through northern Australia as part of continued US engagement in the Asia-Pacific region.
The 2017 Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D 17) is an extension of Australia’s existing defence relationship with the US that will enhance practical military cooperation and interoperability and contribute to regional security and engagement.
This year’s rotation will be the most advanced contingent to date, involving 1,250 US Marines, a detachment of four MV-22 Ospreys, five AH-1W Super Cobra helicopters, four UH-1Y Venom helicopters and a range of other equipment.
There will also be improved complexity and sophistication of combined training activities and exercises – supporting real-life operations from counter-terrorism to humanitarian and disaster relief missions.
Training activities conducted by the Marines will include bilateral and multilateral training with the ADF and some unilateral training at Defence facilities around Australia.
During the six-month rotation, the Marines will conduct approximately ten major exercises including Southern Jackaroo, Talisman Sabre, and Koolendong, and engage with a range of regional countries, including China, Indonesia, Japan, and NZ.