Australian military news: Marine Rotational Force – Darwin arrives

Colonel Brian Mulvihill has arrived in the Territory and told his stories of being deployed into some the world’s most dangerous regions.

Colonel Brian Mulvihill is the 13th commanding officer of Marine Rotation Force - Darwin.

Military activity in the Territory is set to soar, with more than one thousand Marines arriving in the Top End for the 13th rotation of Marine Rotational Force - Darwin.

On Friday, Marines got a taste for the Top End’s conditions as they stepped onto the airstrip tarmac.

The new rotation’s Commanding Officer Colonel Brian Mulvihill said his troops were “excited” to get started.

“The marines and sailors of MRF-D are honoured and excited to continue the legacy of cooperation and interoperability with our Australian Defence Force brothers and sisters,” he said.

“Our strong alliance contributes to stability in the region and makes all our forces more ready to respond to any crisis or contingency that arises.”

Another big year awaits the United States Marines of the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin.

Colonel Mulvihill arrives with an impressive resume, having served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Colombia over a career that has spanned almost 30 years, and is also a recipient of the Legion of Merit, and Bronze Star Medal with valour device and gold star among a plethora of accolades.

As a junior officer, Colonel Mulvihill completed an advanced Spanish course and deployed in Miami, Florida, as a Counter-Narcoterrorism Operations Officer in addition to Bogota, Colombia, as a staff officer.

The new MRF-D commander has since taken up posting across Africa, Europe and the Middle East, including Afghanistan’s Helmand Province – considered the one of the most dangerous regions during the War on Terror.

United States Marines on patrol at Mount Bundey Training Area.

ADF Commanding Officer Headquarters Northern Command, Captain Mitchell Livingstone, said the next eight months would involve high-end training.

“I’m pleased to welcome the 13th iteration of MRF-D to the Top End,” he said.

“These rotations not only help build interoperability between the ADF and the US, but also serve to increase regional cooperation with partner nations in the Indo-Pacific.

“Over the next eight months, the ADF and USMC will conduct a comprehensive range of training activities, including humanitarian assistance, security operations, and live-fire exercises, all of which better prepare our forces to respond effectively to contingencies that may arise.”

The USMC has grown accustomed to the training conditions of the Northern Territory.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said the Top End’s continued relationship with the Marine Corps demonstrated the strategic value of the Indo-Pacific.

“The arrival of the 13th Marine Rotational Force – Darwin to Australia demonstrates the strength of our alliance with the United States, and highlights our joint commitment to promoting a secure, stable and inclusive Indo-Pacific,” he said.

“For more than 12 years, US Marine rotations have demonstrated the importance of enhancing the capability and interoperability of both nations through joint exercises and activities, and in 2024 we will continue to build on this capability.

“Australia-US force posture cooperation also attracts significant investment into Australia, including opportunities for a range of Australian industries.”