DARWIN, AUSTRALIA. -- General David Berger, Commandant of the Marine Corps, visited with Marines and Sailors of the Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D), and Soldiers of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) on April 14.

During the visit, General Berger spoke of the trust built between United States Marines and Australian forces, who served alongside one another during times of peace, crisis, and conflict for over a century. He also reminded the Marines and Sailors with MRF-D of their great responsibility to continue to enhance U.S. and Australian interoperability, while standing ready to respond to crisis quickly, should the need arise.

General Berger visited Darwin following strategic engagements in the Australian capital of Canberra. The 38th Commandant met with senior Australian military leaders and participated in a round table with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. The events in Canberra reinforced the strength of the U.S.-Australian alliance and highlighted the commitment of both the United States and Australia to securing the Indo-Pacific through integrated deterrence.

“The interoperability we develop here is paramount to the security of this region,” said Sergeant Major Troy Black, the 19th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, while leading a town hall for MRF-D Marines and ADF Soldiers to interact with the Commandant.

During their visit, General Berger and Sergeant Major Black met with MRF-D Marines and Soldiers from 1st Brigade, discussing shared challenges and objectives.

“I want you to be innovative,” said General Berger during the discussion. “We need your creativity to stay ahead of our competition.”

For questions regarding this story, please contact the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin media inquiry email address at MRFDMedia@usmc.mil. Imagery from this rotation and previous can be found at dvidshub.net/unit/MRF-D.