US Air Force inspect military logistic sights across northern Australia

Officials in Washington DC are expected discuss Australia’s supply chains critical to defence in the coming weeks after a team of US specialists inspected various Top End military logistics sites.

Leading logistics officials, including star commanders, from the United States Air Force were joined by their Australian counterparts in inspecting various logistic sites across northern Australia. Picture: Department of Defence.

Officials in Washington DC are expected discuss Australia’s supply chains critical to defence in the coming weeks after a team of US specialists inspected various Top End military logistics sites including Darwin.

Senior logistic officers from the United States Air Force were joined by their Australian counterparts as part of a week-long tour, that also took in the Northern Territory, aimed at identifying shortfalls in Australia’s northern supply network.

The visitors inspected facilities at RAAF Base Darwin as well as Cairns Wharf complex, Cairns airport and RAAF Bases Curtin and Learmonth in Western Australia.

RAAF Base Darwin was one of the sites inspected by US logistic officers.

While the US team have opted to not disclose their findings, USAF director of logistics Brigadier-General Michael Zuhlsdorf reiterated the importance of having adequate facilities for operational purposes.

“Building a successful logistical network that supports the movement of parts, fuel or munitions throughout the north of Australia is incredibly important to ensure Australia and the United States can respond to a full range of contingencies,” he said.

USAF Brigadier-General Anthony Babcock said the tour underscored a commitment to ‘upholding a rules based order’.

“We value our relationship and our alliance with Australia, and understanding how we can be better partners here, in your country, is really important to us.”

USAF General Kevin Schneider (left) and former US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin (right) both indicated last year that Australia's northern military infrastructure and supply chains would be reviewed by Washington D.C.

The tour comes almost seven months after senior US leaders revealed they would turn their focus to northern Australia’s ability to support military operations.

In August, USAF General Kevin Schneider told the NT News he expected US commanders to work “hand-in-hand” with Australian authorities in delivering improved military infrastructure.

His comments were reinforced just weeks later by former US defence secretary Lloyd Austin, who announced the US would upgrade “critical air bases” across the Territory, as well deploy more manpower and bombers to the region.

According to the Albanese Government’s 2024 Integrated Investment Program, up to $500 million in total planned investment has been set aside for Australia’s northern logistics network.

Up to $10 billion has been allocated to improving base infrastructure in the north.