US Marines stranded in Darwin released after finishing 14-day quarantine

THE 54 US Marines left stranded and forced into 14 days coronavirus quarantine in Darwin when America postponed this year’s 2,500-strong rotational force have done their time and have just been released.

The 54 US Marines left stranded and forced into 14 days of coronavirus quarantine in Darwin when America postponed this year’s 2500-strong rotational force have done their time and have just been released. Pictured are a group of US Marines in Darwin in 2018. Photo: US Marine Corps Staff Sgt Daniel Wetzel

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THE 54 US Marines left stranded and forced into 14 days of coronavirus quarantine in Darwin when America postponed this year’s 2500-strong rotational force have done their time and have just been released.

And according to US military news website Stars and Stripesthey have emerged with new skills in jumping rope.

The US Marines were already in Darwin locked away when nearly all official movement overseas for US Defence personnel was put on hold.

1st Lieutenant Kevin Heine told Stars and Stripes he and seven other members of Kilo Battery, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, learned they were headed for quarantine in Darwin during the trip from Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Centre California.

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When they arrived, they were taken to nearby Robertson Barracks in official vehicles to do their quarantine in barracks rooms, each with its own bathroom, desk, couch and kitchenette.

Lt Heine said he and the other Marines in his unit worked out with jump ropes during their confinement.

“This probably forced me into the longest jump rope sessions I’ve ever done,” he told Stars and Stripes.

He said he and his comrades could probably put on a show after the two weeks.

“Most Marines passed the time talking to family back in the States,” he said.

“I got work done.”

Lt Heine told Stars and Stripes much of his time in quarantine was spent planning for the arrival of the rest of the force once the pandemic subsides.

“We were just setting conditions for what we would have to do when we got out of quarantine,” he said.

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1st Lt Bridget Glynn, a public affairs officer with the Marines in Darwin, said the group was following guidelines that included social distancing and limiting groups to a maximum of two Marines.

The Marines could leave their base for necessities, but Darwin’s beaches and bars were off limits, Lt Glynn said.