U.S. Marines Mobilize Without Delay: Shift from Exercise to Crisis Response

U.S. Marines postured around the globe serve as America’s rapid crisis response force, ready to meet the Nation’s needs at a moment’s notice. On July 26 Marine Corps readiness was on display, when U.S. Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363, operating under Marine Rotational Force–Darwin, deployed four MV-22B Ospreys more than 1,950 nautical miles from Darwin, Australia, to Clark Air Base, Philippines.

Within 24 hours of notification, Marines planned, organized and were in the air headed to their assigned objective, demonstrating the agility and speed of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Two U.S. Air Force KC-46 Pegasus aircraft from the 6th Air Refueling Squadron enabled the long-range movement by offloading 59,100 pounds of fuel midair. The MV-22B’s unique ability to bridge the gap between rotary-wing and fixed-wing capabilities allows the Joint Force to move personnel and supplies quickly across vast distances and diverse terrains, which is essential to crisis response.

This mission underscores the value proposition of a forward deployed Marine Corps in support of our Nation’s interests. Marine Rotational Force–Darwin rapidly transitioned from Exercise Talisman Sabre 26 to real-world crisis operations, integrating joint-enabled capabilities to ensure that when the Nation calls, Marines answer without hesitation.

Please contact First Lieutenant James A. Estillore at EstilloreJA@state.gov for questions regarding this operation.

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