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U.S. Marines, Australian soldiers and Australian sailors stand at attention for the lowering of the Australian flag aboard the HMAS Adelaide at Port of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, June 16, 2016. This marks the first time Marines and sailors from Marine Rotational Force - Darwin have embarked in such numbers on an Australian HMAS. This opportunity allows for MRF-D to expand the partnership capabilities with our Australian allies. The Marines are with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, MRF-D.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Osvaldo Ortega

MRF-D Marines, sailors set sail on HMAS Adelaide

20 Jun 2016 | 1st Lt. Sarah Rhodes The Official United States Marine Corps Public Website

U.S. Marines and sailors from Company A, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, embarked on the Royal Australian Navy’s Amphibious Assault Ship, Landing Helicopter Dock, HMAS Adelaide (LHD 01), at Port of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, June 16, 2016. The company, along with their equipment and a small number of vehicles, will arrive in Adelaide to participate in Exercise Hamel, alongside members of the Australian Army and U.S. Army. 

Approximately 180 Marines and sailors embarked, marking the first time a force of U.S. troops this size have been aboard an Australian vessel since World War II. 

“This embarkation is a key milestone for not only the Marines and sailors of Alpha Company but the Corps as a whole as we increase our proficiency in amphibious capabilities,” said Capt. Christopher S. Brock, Commanding Officer of Co. A, 1st Bn., 1st Marines. “We have the chance to expand our relationships with the Australian Defense Force.” 

Over 1,000 personnel are aboard the ship, the largest embarkation of troops the Adelaide has seen since its commissioning on December 4, 2015, according to Capt. Paul Mandziy, Commanding Officer of HMAS Adelaide.

“This multi-national embarkation allows us to improve our ability to operate with our partner nations,” said Mandziy.  “Lots of planning and coordination takes place with such a large number on board, serving over 3,000 meals a day,” 

While aboard, Marines and sailors will participate in several ship’s activities, from observing Colors, eating and living together, and competing in several physical training events that strengthen partnerships. 

“We are competing in a friendly spin competition,” said Cpl. Colin M. Stokes, team leader of 1st Squad, 2nd Platoon, Co. A. “I was behind at first, but seeing the Aussies next to me working hard pushed me to want to pass them.” Stokes, from Springfield, Illinois, was one of many competing in a cycle the sea competition between the Australian sailors and soldiers and the U.S. Marines and soldiers.

Once in Adelaide, Co. A will meet with an additional 500 Marines and sailors of MRF-D to conduct Exercise Hamel, a bilateral, non-live fire, force on force exercise.

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