United States marines have arrived in the Top End as part of a new force rotation.
The 13th rotation of marines will be stationed in Darwin until October and conduct military drills alongside Australian Defence Force personnel during their eight-month deployment.
Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam have either taken part in or observed training drills with the marines since their first rotation in 2012.
The rotations in the Northern Territory were a hallmark of the alliance, Defence Minister Richard Marles said.
"Australia-US force posture co-operation also attracts significant investment into Australia, including opportunities for a range of Australian industries," he said.
The alliance "contributes to stability in the region and makes all our forces more ready to respond to any crisis or contingency that arises", the rotational force's commanding officer Colonel Brian Mulvihill said.
A landmark review of Australia's defence force recommended a greater focus on the northern parts of the country so the military could better project its power deeper into the Pacific.
Australian Associated Press
