Marine Rotational Force–Darwin 25.3 launches multi-nation mission across Pacific

The Marine Rotational Force–Darwin (MRF-D) 25.3 has officially commenced its 14th Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) rotation, signaling a significant operational push that extends well beyond Australian shores. This year’s deployment features simultaneous operations across the Indo-Pacific, with U.S. Marines already on the ground in Mindanao, Philippines, working alongside the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) as part of Marine Exercise Philippines (MAREX) 25.

While most of the MRF-D 25.3 force has arrived in Darwin, a forward-deployed element from Camp Pendleton, California, has moved directly into the southern Philippines. This staggered force projection showcases the MAGTF’s ability to respond rapidly, maneuver across vast distances, and conduct joint military training with partners in challenging environments.

“Our ability to deploy and integrate forces in multiple locations at once is a testament to the flexibility and adaptability of the MAGTF,” said Col. Jason C. Armas, commanding officer of MRF-D 25.3. “We are both enhancing capabilities with our allies and demonstrating our unwavering commitment to regional stability and security.”

Strengthening Ties in Mindanao

In Mindanao, U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment have begun MAREX 25, a bilateral training exercise aimed at sharpening small-unit tactics, jungle warfare proficiency, and combined arms operations. The training includes subject matter expert exchanges, marksmanship drills, jungle survival techniques, and community engagement with local residents.

“We cherish every opportunity to train with our PMC partners,” said Capt. Carter Collins, company commander. “Being able to do so in this environment with the people who know it best makes us all more capable moving forward.”

MAREX 25 will culminate with a full mission profile, simulating the complex, multi-phase nature of real-world combat scenarios. The exercise serves as a proving ground for combined readiness between U.S. and Philippine forces.

Regional Impact Beyond the Philippines

Meanwhile in Darwin, other MRF-D units are gearing up for a wide range of multinational exercises, including Balikatan 25—a cornerstone of U.S.-Philippine military cooperation. This year’s event includes participation from the Australian Defence Force, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and joint U.S. military elements, including the U.S. Army’s 1st Multi-Domain Task Force, who will conduct counter-landing live-fire drills in Palawan.

Combat Logistics Battalion 1 (CLB-1), the logistics combat element of the MAGTF, will also conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations in New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna, in cooperation with U.S. Army Pacific and New Caledonian armed forces.

Additionally, CLB-1 will partner with the Australian Defence Force and regional allies to perform technical reconnaissance missions in Papua New Guinea, identifying and marking unexploded ordnance while engaging in local community support.

With command and control capabilities now fully established, the MRF-D 25.3 rotation is prepared to seamlessly transition across exercises, environments, and partner nations—continuing its role as a forward-deployed force committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific.