ROBERTSON BARRACKS, NORTHERN TERRITORY, Australia -- Marines with Marine Rotational Force–Darwin received a visit from III Marine Expeditionary Force Commanding General Lt. Gen. Kenneth J. Glueck at Robertson Barracks July 16.
MRF-D, which consists of Company F, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and various support personnel, is the result of a bilateral initiative between the U.S. and Australia to establish a rotational Marine presence in Australia, which was announced by Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and U.S. President Barack Obama in November 2011.
During Glueck’s visit, the Marines were reminded just how crucial they are.
“We have mostly been focused in the northern Pacific,” said Glueck. “The rotational force is important because it gives us a chance to demonstrate our commitment to the South Pacific.”
During the general’s two-day visit he spoke directly with the Marines deployed to Australia and toured the area.
“I came to see the Marines of (the company), check on their welfare, and see what can be improved for the next deployment in the area,” said Glueck.
After reviewing the Australian facilities being used by MRF-D, Glueck took time to brief the Marines on the quality of their work in Australia and communicate the importance of the rotational force.
“The success of this rotational force is because of the great work (the company) has done, and you are the proof of concept,” said Glueck.
The general also met with Brigadier Fergus McLachlan, commander of the Australian Army’s 1st Brigade, to discuss bilateral training planned for MRF-D and the Australian Army in the upcoming months.
“I believe as the rotational force concept matures, the U.S.-Australian alliance will grow and become stronger in the long run,” said Glueck.
The initiatives of MRF-D have strengthened an already robust partnership that has created stability and peace in the Asia-Pacific region and reflect an enduring and visible commitment to the region, said Glueck.
Looking into the future, the general has high hopes for rotational force deployments.
“It’s been a great opportunity for the Marines of (the company) to be able to come down here,” said Glueck. “They’ve done an absolutely superb job being the leading edge of the rotational force and paving the road for the future in Southeast Asia.”
During the remaining months of its deployment to Australia, Company F will conduct bilateral martial arts training, small-unit operations and other combat training with various supporting elements, all in close cooperation with the Australian Army’s 1st Brigade, based at Robertson Barracks.