The U.S.-Australia defense partnership announced today by President Obama in Australia will boost the security interests of both nations, Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, said today. Larsen, who travelled to Australia in February and met with Australian leaders including Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Defense Minister Stephen Smith, said the partnership will enhance regional security.
“The defense partnership announced today in Australia resolidifies U.S. leadership in the Asia-Pacific region and our commitment to security there,” Larsen said. “The permanent basing of Marines in northern Australian defense facilities and plans for joint training exercises will further grow our important military relationship with Australia and service our security interests in the region.”
President Obama and Prime Minister Gillard announced that U.S. Marines will deploy starting next year to Darwin and Northern Australia for around 6 months at a time. The leaders announced plans to eventually house a Marine Air Ground Task Force of up to 2,500 Marines in that country. The Marines will conduct training and amphibious exercises alongside the Australian military.
