The drumbeat of US Marine Corps rotations to the Territory continues with the upcoming arrival of the tenth Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D).
Each group to arrive will be between 200-500 personnel.
Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said the rotation would build on the success of last year’s modified deployment.
“The ability for this year’s MRF-D to go ahead under challenging global circumstances, is a testament to the endurance and adaptability of the Australia-US Alliance,” Minister Reynolds said.
“The MRF-D and Australian Defence Force (ADF) will conduct a comprehensive range of training activities, including humanitarian assistance, security operations and high-end live-fire exercises.
“COVID-19 permitting, the ADF and MRF-D will also train with partner countries throughout the year, including exercise Talisman Sabre. These opportunities are a priority for the US Force Posture Initiatives, developing people-to-people links, interoperability and the sharing of expertise.”
A total of around 2,200 personnel will arrive in Darwin by June. To accommodate the US Marines this year, the MRF-D has leased a secure facility outside Darwin for the majority of personnel to complete the mandatory 14-day quarantine.
However, the first two groups will quarantine in isolated accommodation on a Defence base.