U.S. Marines from the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) 25.3 Marine Air-Ground Task Force are participating in Exercise Talisman Sabre 25, a major bilateral military exercise in northern Australia. The event aims to enhance cooperation with the Australian Defence Force and U.S. Army joint forces.
The exercise, running from July 13 to August 4, involves complex operations alongside the Australian Army’s 1st Division. Training activities include airfield seizures at Timber Creek, Cloncurry, and Bootu airfields; establishing expeditionary advanced bases and sustainment hubs; joint live-fire exercises; and continuous airspace control through MRF-D MAGTF Marines with Marine Air Control Group 38.
"Our Marines are seizing simulated key maritime terrain and enabling freedom of maneuver for allied forces," stated Col. Jason C. Armas, commanding officer of the MRF-D 25.3 MAGTF.
Key highlights include a bilateral artillery live-fire between Kilo Battery, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, MRF-D 25.3, and Australia’s 8th/12th Regiment at Mount Bundey Training Area. Other operations involve MV-22 Osprey-supported air assaults to secure inland airfields and operating a Tactical Aviation Ground Refueling System (TAGRS). Additionally, MRF-D's defensive cyber capabilities will work with Australian and New Zealand partners to identify simulated threats.
Exercise Talisman Sabre is intended to improve combat readiness and reinforce the alliance between the United States and Australia. Over 35,000 personnel from 19 nations are involved this year.
"Everything we do is predicated on trust with our allies and partners," said Armas.
MRF-D has been deploying annually to Australia as part of U.S. Force Posture Initiatives for over a decade.
For more information or media queries, contact Marine Rotational Force – Darwin Communication Strategy and Operations at mrf-d.commstrat@usmc.mil.