Strengthening amphibious partnerships at sea

US Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey aircraft from the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) recently undertook force integration training with HMAS Canberra.

The embarkation of MRF-D elements demonstrates the ADF’s ability to integrate seamlessly with allied forces, strengthening combined amphibious capabilities and enhancing readiness.

Canberra Flight Director LCDR Steve Dickfos said the activity highlighted the value of training together before a real-world response may be required.

“Preparedness isn’t just about training together operationally; it’s about living together on board, understanding each other’s culture, learning from one another, appreciating our different ways of life and speaking each other’s language,” LCDR Dickfos said.

“Those relationships and shared experiences build trust, allowing us to operate as a truly integrated team when it matters most.”

The embarkation supports MRF-D’s annual deployment to northern Australia, where US Marines train alongside ADF personnel and regional partners to strengthen interoperability and collective security across the Indo-Pacific.

Uniquely positioned in nacelles at the end of its fixed wings, the MV-22’s two engines enable the aircraft to land and take off vertically.

When tilted forward in flight, the nacelles allow the aircraft to achieve faster speeds than helicopters.

MAJ Emilee Johnson, a pilot from MRF-D’s Air Combat Element, said she felt privileged to demonstrate aviation interoperability alongside Canberra.

“Beyond the significant qualifications earned by MV-22 pilots, enlisted aircrew and Canberra flight deck personnel, this evolution provided a critical opportunity to execute expeditionary maintenance and flight operations with a key international partner,” MAJ Johnson said.

“Together, we demonstrated a proven bilateral capability to project amphibious combat power and strengthen combined readiness across the Indo-Pacific region.”