MRF-D 18 happy to be going home
The 2018 Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D), consisting of 1587 US Marines, has completed another six months of training and exercises in northern Australia and has now gone home – announcement made yesterday, photo dated 10 days ago.
This year’s MRF-D was the seventh and largest rotation to date, and included a squadron of eight MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft 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.
A Defence spokesman said MRF-D was a practical demonstration of Australia’s existing strong defence alliance with the United States, conducted under the US Force Posture Initiatives.
“US Force Posture 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,” the spokesman said.
“Australia supports a strong US presence in our region to uphold the rules and norms that have underpinned regional prosperity and security for more than 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 MRF-D rotation will continue to enhance the Australia-US partnership and strengthen both countries’ response capabilities as well as increase training and engagement opportunities with regional partners.
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