Darwin, Northern Territory -- U.S. Ambassador to Australia, Caroline Kennedy made a special visit to the Marines and Sailors of Marine Rotational Force – Darwin during Exercise Crocodile Response 23, a trilateral event between the Australian Defence Force, Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), and MRF-D.
Ambassador Kennedy met with key leaders from the ADF, TNI, and MRF-D, to discuss the purpose of the exercise, and received briefs on combined capabilities such as water purification systems, resupply of equipment and personnel, and expeditionary medical support.
“The team thoroughly enjoyed demonstrating the capabilities we have to offer across the crisis response spectrum,” said 1st. Lt. Abraham Hunt, executive officer of Combat Logistics Company Bravo. “Our lightweight water purification system is an invaluable asset for sustaining life in disaster relief operations.”
Included in the trip's itinerary was an aerial tour of Darwin in an MV-22B Osprey, provided by the Air Combat Element of the Marine Air Ground Task Force. The flight showcased the unit’s capabilities in providing resupply of personnel and equipment.
“The Ambassador making time to come and observe Exercise Crocodile Response reinforces the importance of MRF-D’s strong relationships with our Allies and partners here in Oceania as we work side by side with the Indonesians and ADF in a Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief scenario.” said Lt. Col. Lisa Cordonnier, executive officer of Marine Rotational Force - Darwin.
During the scenario development brief, as part of Crocodile Response 23, Ambassador Kennedy got a first-hand look at the planning process involved in responding to the HA/DR needs throughout the Indo-Pacific.
As the senior U.S. representative to Australia, the Ambassador’s visit underpins the strong and enduring Alliance between the United States and Australia. Such visits play a pivotal role in deepening relationships, fostering trust, and ensuring continued cooperation in an increasingly complex and dynamic global landscape.
For questions regarding this story, please contact the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin media inquiry email address at MRFDMedia@usmc.mil. Imagery from this and previous rotations can be found at dvidshub.net/unit/MRF-D.