Allies begin land and sea training in Top End

US MARINES arrived in Darwin this week for the annual Marine Rotation Force — Darwin (MRF-D). In its eighth year, the Marines will train in the Territory and across Australia until October

US Marines with the Aviation Combat Element arrive at the Royal Australian Air Force base for the upcoming Marine Rotational Force Picture: Sgt. Jordan E. Gilbert

US MARINES arrived in Darwin this week for the annual Marine Rotation Force — Darwin (MRF-D).

In its eighth year, about 1700 Marines and sailors from the Marine Air-Ground Task Force will train until October.

MORE >> US MARINES’ MV-22 OSPREY TILT-ROTOR AIRCRAFT ARRIVE IN THE TOP END

The initiative will include bilateral and multilateral training with the Australian Defence Force and regional allies throughout the Indo-Pacific.

Robertson Barracks and the Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin will host the majority of the Marines.

One MRF-D company will visit the Australian Army 3rd Brigade at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville.

The Marines will train across the country, including at the Shoalwater Bay Military Training area and at sea in the Indo-Pacific region.

Training opportunities include the Indo-Pacific Endeavour, Talisman Saber, Koolendong and a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise.

MRF-D is a demonstration of commitment to the Australia-US alliance and their presence in the Indo-Pacific. An MRF-D spokesman said it was the most capable iteration to date and would strengthen alliances, enhance regional disaster relief response capabilities and improve interoperability.

The spokesman also said the Marines were eager to engage with locals and give back to the communities they live and train in.

MORE >> MORE THAN 1500 US MARINES TO ARRIVE IN DARWIN

MORE >> US MARINES PERSONNEL PARTICIPATE IN EXERCISE SOUTHERN JACKAROO IN TOWNSVILLE