U.S. Marines set to arrive for 10th rotation to Darwin

Photo By Sgt. Micha Pierce | Australian Army Warrant Officer Class 2 Lee Pendlebury, left, an operations warrant officer with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, prepares to assist U.S. Marines with MRF-D, at Royal Australian Air Force Base, Darwin, NT, Australia, March 22, 2021. Marines and Sailors with MRF-D are required to conduct strict COVID-19 mitigation procedures prior to arrival in Darwin, in compliance with Northern Territory Health Authorities. All service members must provide three documented negative COVID-19 swab tests throughout their travel and prior to being released from a 14-day quarantine period. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Micha Pierce)  

DARWIN, NORTHERN TERRITORY, AUSTRALIA

02.06.2021

Story by Capt. Thomas deVries 

Marine Rotational Force - Darwin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAMP COURTNEY, OKINAWA, Japan – The U.S. and Australian governments will continue the tenth iteration of the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) 2021 rotation as scheduled.

Starting soon, the initial groups of Marines and Sailors supporting the rotation will begin arriving in the Northern Territory.

MRF-D’s priority remains conducting a rotation that ensures the health and safety of the local population of the Northern Territory and of our allied forces.

Deployed U.S. service members will strictly adhere to the Australian mandatory quarantine protocols and other requirements to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 to the population of the Northern Territory. The first two groups arriving will undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine on an Australian Defence base. Remaining groups will quarantine in a secure facility leased by the MRF-D outside of Darwin.

COVID-19 mitigation measures include:
• A comprehensive COVID-19 risk management plan, agreed to by the Northern Territory Chief Health Officer and MRF-D medical officials;
• All U.S. personnel undergoing COVID-19 testing within 72 hours of departure for Australia and presenting a negative result before boarding;
• All U.S. 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.
MRF-D will continue to work closely with its Australian Defence Force counterparts to coordinate details of the training schedule, which will include a number of bi-lateral exercises that will improve interoperability and deepen the ties between Australia and the United States.

“It is an honor to build upon the continuing legacy of the outstanding U.S.-Australian alliance,” said Col. David Banning, the MRF-D Commanding Officer. “We are excited to commemorate the tenth anniversary with two highly capable and interoperable forces that advance our shared goals, demonstrates the strength and endurance of our alliance, and contributes to regional security.”

This year also marks the 70th anniversary of the ANZUS treaty, the collective security agreement between Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.

For questions regarding this release, please contact the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin media inquiry email address at [e-mail].

• Date Taken: 02.06.2021
• Date Posted: 04.30.2021 01:45
• Story ID: 395200
• Location: DARWIN, NORTHERN TERRITORY, AU