
It's understood a formal announcement on the new maritime facility could be made as early as next month when the "Talisman Sabre" war games with the US begin in the Northern Territory and Queensland.
It's understood a formal announcement on the new maritime facility could be made as early as next month when the "Talisman Sabre" war games with the US begin in the Northern Territory and Queensland.
A US Marine has died in a training accident at the Mt Bundey Training area after suffering injuries in a tactical vehicle accident on Saturday.
Lance Corporal Hans Sandoval-Pereyra died yesterday after succumbing to injuries suffered in the incident which saw one other marine suffer minor injuries.
He was conducting routine training at the training facility when the incident occurred and was initially treated at the scene before being medically evacuated by helicopter to Royal Darwin Hospital.
Commanding Officer for Marine Rotational Force — Darwin Colonel Russ Boyce said efforts were unsuccessful in saving the Marine’s life who was a valued member of the Marine Corps.
“We are saddened by the loss of Lance Corporal. Sandoval-Pereyra. He was a beloved member of our community and our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends,” he said.
“We are extremely grateful to our Australian partners for their valiant efforts to save this young Marine’s life.”
The second Marine has been released from Hospital.
That’s a contrast with Okinawa, Japan, for example, where criminal behavior periodically works against the U.S. cause, as was the case on April 13, when a U.S. sailor apparently fatally stabbed a Japanese woman and then killed himself, according to Japan’s Foreign Ministry.
PRIME Minister Scott Morrison’s campaign caravan has rolled into Darwin for the first time this election.
Mr Morrison will spend today spruiking the Coalition’s defence package, which will include the introduction of a “Local Industry Capability Plan” requirement for all significant Defence infrastructure projects.
Under the plan, all tenderers for defence infrastructure construction jobs valued at more than $7.5 million will need to show how they will engage local businesses in the project.
While in Darwin, Mr Morrison is expected to visit the newly-arrived Marine contingent and announce the rotation will reach its full strength by July.
The eighth Marine rotation to Darwin will see 2500 American soldiers posted in the Top End, up from 1700 now
This year, the Marines will participate in multiple training activities with Australian troops, including a new humanitarian assistance and disaster response segment.