US Marines’ MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft arrive in the Top End with the Aviation Combat Element of the 2018 Marine Rotational Force

EIGHT Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft are set to be a spectacular new addition to the Top End skyline as the Aviation Combat Element of the 2018 Marine Rotational Force has arrived in Darwin > WATCH THE VIDEO >>

THE Aviation Combat Element of the 2018 Marine Rotational Force – Darwin has arrived in the Northern Territory as part of the seventh and largest rotation to date.

This year’s Aviation Combat Element comprises eight MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft.

A US Marines' MCV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft arrives in Darwin

Deputy Commander Northern Command, Captain Bryan Parker, RAN, said the increase in Ospreys gave Australian and US forces the ability to conduct more complex and sophisticated training activities and exercises.

“During this year’s six month rotation, MRF-D and its Aviation Combat Element will develop an enhanced amphibious capability with the Australian Defence Force,” Captain Parker said.

The eight MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft are from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 (VMM-268), based at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay in Hawaii.

The MV-22 Ospreys arrived at the Port of Darwin on a US cargo vessel.

Commanding Officer MRF-D 18, Colonel Jay Schnelle, USMC, said the Osprey’s journey from Hawaii to Darwin had exercised and tested the maritime logistics capabilities of the United States Marine Corps and the Australian Defence Force.

“It also showcased the Port of Darwin and its ability to support this type of international operation,” Colonel Schnelle said.

An Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft flies over Darwin

The Aviation Combat Element will be hosted at Royal Australian Airforce Base Darwin for the duration of the rotation.

MRF-D 18 includes 1,587 US Marines, eight MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft and an artillery battery of six M777 Howitzers.

The rotation aims to increase military-to-military engagement with Indo-Pacific nations, enhance interoperability across maritime, land and air domains and build stronger relationships between the Australian Defence Force and the United States Marine Corps.