The Top Ender Magazine October November 2020 Edition

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Regulars – Explore the NTFeatureNinth Iteration of Marine RotationalForce–Darwin Strengthens AllianceMarine Rotational Force–Darwin has completed its ninth successfulrotation to the Northern Territory. While the arrival ofCOVID-19 modified the planned rotation, the fact that it was ableto proceed during these unprecedented times is a testament to theUS–Australian alliance.While MRF-D is a tangible demonstration of our strong relationshipwith Australia today, our alliance extends back much further; nearly 100years ago to World War I.Recently, the MRF-D Commanding Officer Colonel David Banning,addressed our extended history at a ceremony commemorating the conclusionof World War II. Banning mentioned the inclusion of US troopsinto Australian families and the development of strong bonds both inprofessional and personal relationships.As American families said goodbye to their sons, little did they knowthat on the other side of the world their children would be welcomed withopen arms by “the wonderful people of Australia, many of whom becamesurrogate families to thousands of young boys with funny accents whodidn’t like Vegemite or know what a chook was,” stated Banning.The relationship forged extends deep into the hearts of modern-dayMarines. These long-established ties allowed this year’s MRF-D rotation tosucceed despite the uncertainty in the operating environment.MRF-D efficiently executed a modified training plan through closecoordination with our Australian Defence Force counterparts. Marinesof MRF-D increased their capabilities and explored new concepts in linewith the Marine Corps Commandant General David H Berger’s PlanningGuidance which seeks to make Marines “first on the scene, first to help,first to contain a brewing crisis, and first to fight if required to do so.”21 354 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated
456Combined training coordinated by MRF-D allowed for thesuccessful integration of ADF and US Air Force elements whileconducting long range strategic bomber strikes. The trainingopportunities increased our combined readiness and explorednew working relationships to include the ability for Australianforces to call for air support from US aircraft.The culminating event of the 2020 rotation, ExerciseKoolendong, served as a major bilateral exercise that saw theseamless integration of MRF-D with Artillery unit 8th/12thRegiment, Royal Australian Artillery and infantry unit 5thBattalion, Royal Australian Regiment both of 1st Brigade andarmed reconnaissance helicopters of 1st Aviation Regiment,16th Brigade.The two partner forces concluded the exercise with adynamic training scenario that transitioned from humanitarianaid operations into combined, live-fire, offensive and defensiveoperations. This tough, realistic training develops operationalproficiency for each force and, more importantly, forges eventighter bonds between the two allies.The completion of this rotation serves as a reminder that1. US Marine Corps Corporal Lydia Gordon a combat graphics specialist with MRF–D (right) andAustralian Army Lieutenant Olivia Miley-Dyer. – Photo Corporal Sarah Marshall2. Sergeant Weston Davis with Ground Combat Element, MRF–D, introduces an AustralianDefence Force Army member to the M41 A7 Saber system at Mount Bundey Training Area,NT. – Photo Corporal Lydia Gordon3. US Marines MRF–D, and Australian Defence Force service members participate in a ceremonycommemorating Victory in the Pacific in Darwin, NT, August 15, 2020. – Photo Lance CorporalNatalie Greenwood4. Operating the RQ-20B Puma small unmanned aircraft alongside Australian Defence Forceforward observers from the observation post at Mount Bundey Training Area, NT August2020. – Photo Corporal Harrison Rakhshani5. Captain Benjamin Hovies with Command Element, MRF–D, and Australian Army SergeantAaron Costas direct the flight path of a US Air Force B-2 Spirit Bomber at Mount BundeyTraining Area, NT. – Photo Corporal Harrison Rakhshani6. Staff Sergeant Micheal Mendoza, a joint terminal attack controller with Command Element,MRF–D (left), and Australian Defence Force Sergeant Aaron Costas, with 102nd Coral Battery,communicate to a B-1B Lancer pilot at Mount Bundey Training Area, NT. – Photo CorporalSarah Marshallthe presence of a strong alliance allows for difficult obstacles tobe overcome. The Marines of the 2020 rotation will carry theirnewly minted friendships with them and forever rememberthe first time they tasted Vegemite alongside their Australianmates.1st Lieutenant Bridget GlynnMRF-D COMMSTRAT OICOctober/November 2020 55
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The Top Ender Magazine October November 2020 Edition

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