Six Osprey’s from Marine squadron VMM-363 arrive in Townsville for Exercise Southern Jackaroo
Australia’s defence partners are arriving in force ahead of one of the year’s largest military exercises. Here’s what you need to know.
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Half a dozen Osprey aircraft and hundreds of United States Marines have touched down in Townsville in the lead up to one of the largest exercises outside of Talisman Sabre.
Exercise Southern Jackaroo is only a couple weeks away from kicking off at Townsville Field Training Area as troops from America and Japan begin to arrive.
Commanding Officer of VMM-363, Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Blumenfeld said six osprey’s made the four and a half-hour flight from Darwin on Tuesday afternoon.
As part of the exercise, the marines would practice manoeuvres around the battle space, transporting food, water, ammunition and fuel or dropping troops in the midst of simulated assaults.
“(We’re looking forward to) well-co-ordinated and executed flights and that’s not just stuff in the air, that’s planning, relationship building perspective and everything,” Lieutenant Colonel Blumenfeld said.
“All of that foundation leads to excellence in execution and we want to be able to do that in person here.”
Commander 3rd Brigade, Brigadier Ben McLennan said this would be the largest exercise held outside of the Talisman Sabre.
“To have the Osprey here is an indication of how important the exercise is, how significant it is,” he said.
“It’s always a privilege and a pleasure to work with the United States military … they are our long standing and most important and closest ally.”
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Originally published as Six Osprey’s from Marine squadron VMM-363 arrive in Townsville for Exercise Southern Jackaroo
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