2018 Marine Rotational Force Darwin completes training and exercises in Northern Australia

The 2018 Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D), consisting of 1,587 US Marines, has completed another six months of training and exercises in Northern Australia and has now departed Australia.

This year’s MRF-D was the seventh and largest rotation to date and also included a squadron of eight MV-22 Ospreys and an artillery battery of six M777 Howitzers.

During the past six months, MRF-D participated in 15 training activities alongside the Australian Defence Force and other regional nations including Japan, the Philippines and France.

MRF-D is a practical demonstration of Australia’s existing strong defence alliance with the US conducted under the US Force Posture Initiatives.

The Initiatives enhance the ability of Australia and the US to work together with regional partners in the interests of regional peace, stability and security and better position both nations to respond to contingencies and natural disasters in the Indo-Pacific.

Australia supports a strong US presence in our region to uphold the rules and norms that have underpinned regional prosperity and security for over 70 years.

Both Australia and the United States remain committed to working with our allies and partners throughout the Indo-Pacific to ensure the region remains open, inclusive and prosperous.

The 2019 rotation will continue to enhance the Australia-US partnership and strengthen both countries’ response capabilities as well as increase the training and engagement opportunities with regional partners.

Imagery of the MRF-D 2018 departure can be found at the link below

http://images.defence.gov.au/S20183313

Video of the MRF-D 2018 departure can be found at the link below

https://bit.ly/2S0ZBha

For further information on MRF-D please visit https://www.defence.gov.au/usfpi