Australia is proud to welcome the 14th rotation of the United States Marine Rotational Force - Darwin (MRF-D), to the Northern Territory today.
The 2025 rotation of United States Marines to the Top End continues 15 years of training and collaboration with the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Approximately 2500 US Marines and sailors will work alongside the ADF and other regional partners throughout this rotation to participate in combined training exercises across Australia and the Indo-Pacific, including Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025.
Since the inaugural rotation in 2012, the MRF-D program has grown in size and complexity, and has seen participation from a range of regional partners including Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
The annual MRF-D rotation is a significant component of Australia's force posture cooperation with the United States. This is a hallmark of our Alliance and enhances Australia's capacity to deter coercion and maintain a secure and stable region.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:
"The power of our Alliance with the United States is a testament to our shared dedication to fostering a secure, stable, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
"Past rotations have shown us the value of improving the capability and interoperability of our defence forces through joint exercises and activities, and in 2025, we're excited to continue building on this momentum."
Quotes attributable to Commanding Officer Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 2025, Colonel Jason C. Armas:
"The Marines and Sailors of this year's rotation look forward to training with our Australian counterparts and regional partners, building upon decades of shared tradition and operational experience.
"The shared experiences during this deployment will strengthen our collective ability to address regional challenges and promote stability across the Indo-Pacific."
Quotes attributable to Commanding Officer Headquarters Northern Command, Group Captain Melissa Neilson:
"I'm delighted to extend a warm welcome to the 14th iteration of MRF-D here in the Top End.
"These rotations not only strengthen the interoperability between the ADF and the US, but they also promote greater regional cooperation with our partner nations in the Indo-Pacific.
"Over the next six months, the ADF and United States Marine Corps will engage in a wide range of training activities together, including humanitarian assistance, security operations, and live-fire exercises.
"These activities will better equip our forces to respond promptly and effectively to any contingencies that may arise. I'm confident that these rotations will continue to build interoperability between the ADF and the US."
