Approximately 2,200 personnel are expected to arrive over the next five months, with each group containing between 200-500 Marines.

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said the 2021 rotation would build on last year’s modified deployment in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The ability for this year’s MRF-D to go ahead under challenging global circumstances is a testament to the endurance and adaptability of the Australia-US alliance,” Minister Reynolds said.

“The annual rotation demonstrates Australia’s and the United States’ commitment to Indo-Pacific stability and security.

“The MRF-D and Australian Defence Force (ADF) will conduct a comprehensive range of training activities, including humanitarian assistance, security operations and high-end live-fire exercises.”

The ADF and MRF-D are also expected to train alongside regional allies throughout the year, with activities including Exercise Talisman Sabre.

VIEW ALL

“These opportunities are a priority for the US Force Posture Initiatives, developing people-to-people links, interoperability and the sharing of expertise,” Minister Reynolds added.

COVID-safe protocols have been put in place to manage the MRF-D’s arrival, with measures including:

• a comprehensive COVID-19 risk management plan, agreed to by the Northern Territory Chief Health Officer;
• all US personnel undergoing COVID-19 testing within 72 hours of departure for Australia and presenting a negative result before boarding;
• all US personnel completing mandatory 14-day quarantine, including COVID-19 testing, on arrival in Australia and again before exiting quarantine; and
• MRF-D and ADF medical personnel monitoring the health of personnel.

The MRF-D has leased a secure facility outside Darwin for the majority of personnel to complete the mandatory 14-day quarantine.

However, the first two groups are expected to quarantine in isolated accommodation on a Defence base.

“Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner and I have discussed the extensive arrangements that have been put in place to manage the risk of COVID-19,” Minister Reynolds added.

“I have also reaffirmed the Morrison government’s commitment to Defence investment in the Northern Territory.”

“I thank the Northern Territory government for their continued support in facilitating these strategically important activities for our nation.”

This year is the 10th anniversary of the United States Force Posture Initiatives, and marks 70 years of the ANZUS treaty.

[Related: US Marines wrap up 9th Darwin rotational deployment]

Charbel Kadib

News Editor – Defence and Security, Momentum Media

Prior to joining the defence and aerospace team in 2020, Charbel was news editor of The Adviser and Mortgage Business, where he covered developments in the banking and financial services sector for three years. Charbel has a keen interest in geopolitics and international relations, graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a double major in politics and journalism. Charbel has also completed internships with The Australian Department of Communications and the Arts and public relations agency Fifty Acres.