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More than 1,000 US Marines attached to the Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) have completed quarantine in the Northern Territory, with training now well underway.
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Minister for Defence, Linda Reynolds CSC said the release of the last US Marines from quarantine marked a significant milestone for this year’s MRF-D rotation.
MRF-D medical personnel will continue to monitor and oversee the health of the Marines for the duration of this year’s visit. US Marines have been undertaking a modified training program at various Defence training facilities around the greater Darwin area, including Mount Bundey and Kangaroo Flats.
This year’s program will culminate with Exercise Koolendong, running from early to mid-September.
"With one positive result captured at initial entry and no further infections, the successful management of the arrival of the US Marines reflects the efforts and planning by the Australian Defence Force (ADF), the Northern Territory government and MRF-D," Minister Reynolds explained.
Colonel David Banning, Commanding Officer, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin said MRF-D’s close co-ordination with Australian counterparts was key to the successful completion of the quarantine process.
"As we progress in our training, we will demonstrate our crisis response capability and continue to improve interoperability through our long-standing exercise, Koolendong," COL Banning said.
The US Marine who tested positive to COVID-19 remains in isolation at the Royal Darwin Hospital pending confirmation of a negative test result.
Minister Reynolds added, "The discharge of the final group of personnel from quarantine demonstrates the effectiveness of the testing and monitoring regime established with the Northern Territory government."
The Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) sees a contingent of US Marines and their equipment rotate through Northern Australia during the dry season. While in Australia, the MRF-D undertake a range of activities, combined exercises and training with the Australian Defence Force and regional partners.
The MRF-D has grown in size and complexity since the first rotation of 200 US Marines through Darwin in 2012, to reaching the milestone of 2,500 Marines in 2019. It is now a highly capable force that provides significant opportunities to enhance interoperability with the Australian Defence Force.
MRF-D composition will vary from year to year as a consequence of the activities being undertaken with the ADF and regional partners each year.
Due to COVID-19, the 2020 MRF-D rotation has been modified with strict measures in place to mitigate the risks of transmission. Approximately 1,200 US Marines will visit Australia, exercising exclusively at Defence training areas within the Northern Territory from June until September 2020.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
