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Australia has welcomed the 14th rotation of the United States Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) to the Northern Territory, marking another milestone in the long-standing defence partnership between the two nations.
The 2025 rotation continues 15 years of collaboration and joint training exercises between the United States Marines and the Australian Defence Force (ADF), reinforcing a shared commitment to regional security and stability.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles hailed the arrival of the latest deployment, emphasising the benefits of the program.
“Past rotations have demonstrated the immense value of enhancing the capability and interoperability of our defence forces through joint exercises and activities. In 2025, we look forward to continuing this momentum,” Marles said.
Approximately 2,500 US Marines and sailors will take part in combined training operations with the ADF and regional partners throughout this rotation. The program will see participation in major exercises across Australia and the Indo-Pacific, including Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025.
“The strength of our alliance with the United States is a testament to our shared dedication to fostering a secure, stable and inclusive Indo-Pacific,” Marles added.
Commanding Officer of Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 2025, Colonel Jason C Armas, highlighted the importance of the rotation for the US Marines.
“The Marines and sailors of this year’s rotation are eager to train alongside our Australian counterparts and regional partners, building upon decades of shared tradition and operational experience,” Col Armas said.
Since its inception in 2012, the MRF-D program has grown significantly in scale and complexity, welcoming participation from a range of regional partners, including Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
Commanding Officer Headquarters Northern Command, Group Captain Melissa Neilson, underscored the broader impact of these rotations on regional cooperation.
“These rotations not only strengthen interoperability between the ADF and the US, but they also foster greater cooperation with our partner nations in the Indo-Pacific,” GPCAPT Neilson said.
“Over the next six months, the ADF and United States Marine Corps will engage in a variety of training activities, including humanitarian assistance, security operations, and live-fire exercises. These efforts will better equip our forces to respond effectively to any emerging challenges. I am confident that these rotations will continue to enhance our joint operational readiness,” she added.
The annual MRF-D rotation is a key component of Australia’s force posture cooperation with the United States. As a cornerstone of the alliance, the program strengthens Australia’s ability to deter coercion and uphold regional security and stability.
