This year’s rotation, delayed by two months due to the coronavirus pandemic, includes 1,200 Marines, fewer than half as many as headed south last year.

Last year, the force brought with it 10 MV-22 Osprey tiltrotors, four AH-1Z Vipers and three UH-1Y Venom helicopters, but the coronavirus meant there aren’t any manned aircraft heading south this time.

The Marines won’t be going to sea on Australia’s amphibious ships HMAS Canberra and HMAS Adelaide, as they did last year, he said.

“It’s the first time for the rotational force to incorporate unmanned aircraft,”