AUSTRALIA -- Marine Rotational Force-Darwin 22 conducted a trans-pacific tactical redeployment of forces and equipment, primarily consisting of a team from the aviation combat element to further demonstrate the range and quick reaction capability of the MAGTF from 12 – 17 September.
“I want to maximize the training value of every event, and take advantage of opportunities allowing us to demonstrate particularly our HADR proficiency in the Indo-Pacific,” explained Colonel Chris Steele, the MRF-D 22 commander, while providing his commander’s intent for the Marine Air Ground Task Force. “This is also an opportunity to provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences to our Marines and Sailors and that is also important to us.”
TACREDEPLOY featured a five-day transit of key terrain in the South Pacific, with a section of MV-22 Ospreys supported by a C-130. MRF-D Marines and Sailors along with the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing supporting effort travelled from Darwin to Amberley in Queensland, Australia, then to Fiji, American Samoa, Kiribati, and finished at the MRF-D ACE home station of Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
“I want to maximize the training value of every event, and take advantage of opportunities allowing us to demonstrate particularly our HADR proficiency in the Indo-Pacific.”
-- Colonel Chris Steele, the MRF-D 22 commander
Each location offered opportunities for the MRF-D and MAW teams to engage and support the local population, as well as offer unforgettable views to the Marines and Sailors.
Amberley is home to a major Royal Australian Air Force base, where MRF-D personnel spent time with Australian aviators and shared their experience in the allied country. Upon arrival to Fiji, the local community joined MRF-D in a tour of the aircraft and traded tokens with the Marines and Sailors.
American Samoa offered one of the most memorable interactions, as one of the MRF-D travelers got to spend time with his family on his native island. Sergeant Tyrone Travers, an ACE maintainer, joined his sister in a warm embrace after visiting his home for the first time in six years.