US military in Darwin to be a 'force for peace'

4 Apr 2012, 12:40 pm   -   Source: AAP
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US marines have arrived in Darwin. (AAP)

US marines have arrived in Darwin. (AAP)

Defence Minister Stephen Smith has said the presence of the US military in Australia would "continue to be a force for peace, for security, for stability and for prosperity".

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Defence Minister Stephen Smith has said the presence of the US military in Australia would "continue to be a force for peace, for security, for stability and for prosperity".

"This is very much an historic day," he told media.

"It is a history day rooted deeply in the history of the US-Australian alliance, going back 60 years."

Mr Smith said the Australian-US relationship would be crucial as the international focus shifts to the Asia-Pacific region with the emerging economies of China, India and Indonesia.

"As the world moves in our direction, Australia has to accommodate to that."

US Ambassador Jeffrey Bleich said the US also recognised the importance of the Asia-Pacific region.

"This is the fastest growing economic area, and we want to ensure it is a peaceful and prosperous area," he said.

Mr Bleich said the increased occurrence of natural disasters in the region would be one challenge where the US military could be of assistance.

"We have to be prepred for every eventuality," he said.

Earlier, Defence Minister Stephen Smith addressed the first contingent of US marines to arrive in Darwin.

The 200-strong Fox Company is the first contingent of 2500 soldiers who will eventually be stationed in Darwin under a bilateral agreement struck by US President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Julia Gillard last year.

Mr Smith said Australians would welcome the presence of marines in Darwin.

"You are here today because more than 60 years ago Australia and the United States forged an alliance, an alliance which has served us well for over 60 years, an alliance forged in the Pacific during World War II in defence of Australia, in defence of the Pacific, in defence of the United States, in defence of democracy and freedom."

"US marines have a fine tradition in the Pacific and a fine tradition in Australia; you are highly regarded and highly respected.

"You are very welcome here."

Troops from the 5th Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment were present at the ceremony.

Dignitaries in attendance included NT Chief Minister Paul Henderson, US Ambassador Jeffrey Bleich, and Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon.

US Marines , Darwin Northern Territory

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Goodluck

Az - from Sunshine coast, 1 month

i agree, this D*%$head Smith needs to be gone. its funny, i dont remember there being a poll of any kind to see if the Australian population really would welcome them in our country, ahh who am I to say anything im sure hes getting some good instructions from the yanks.

Yankee go home ..and stay there

Wag - from Sydney, 12 months ago

Take you sick version of ''peace '' elsewhere USA

Sell Out

Paul - from Darwin, 1 year

On this issue alone the ALP should be thrown out at the next election. This is a disgusting sell out of Australia and particularly the people of the NT. Very sad day for this land.

USA We're here to ''help'' the world

Wag - from Sydney, 1 year

Who gave the go ahead for Americans to spy on our Chinese friends from my country ? ..Julia and her band of no-goods ? it figures lol

War mongering Smith

Tony - from Windsor, 1 year

''A Force for peace '' this isnt America, who here is dumb enough to believe that tripe

Not good for Australia

NAK - from Canberra, 1 year

I can only think of this as a bad omen for Australia... Them Yanks are very shrewd and know well how to use others for their own interests.. I'd say, Australia is being unduly dragged into the shithole that the US has dug for itself..

What spin

The saint - from St Kilda, 1 year

I agree Ryan, America's defense force here will only serve to increase our chances of an attack. And calling them a 'force for peace' is ridiculous that only Smith and his cronies delusively believe. War and terror are the only thing 'murica's grunts have been used for - throughout history. This action will only raise China's eyebrows, our other mates, and moving us closer to the fan when the proverbial $h!t" hits it

Yeah well why not

Ian S Johnston - from Wyong, 1 year

I don't care if the yanks want to station some troops over here... but over MY DEAD BODY will they do any "renditions" or other filthy stuff here... heck if the Chinese want a base .. and or the Indians .. russians and any one else .. then why not.. welcome... bring your cash, your suntan cream and well supply the booze and the shrimps...

This is very much a day of tragedy

Mona - from Australia, 1 year

A day of EVIL. We are at PEACE in our part of the world. There is NO war here. Bleich said americans are not here for China, why are they Here? Mr Smith is out of touch with Australians, many do not welcome the presence of marines in Darwin. They prevent world peace.We don't need such friends. For natural disasters! B.S. The USA military base in the NT will soon accomodate 2500 american soldiers.The warmongering USA roars, meddling now in North Korea & Burma GO HOME & take Smith with you

Marines in Oz

Ryan - from Bris, 1 year

Will most likely make us a bigger terrorist Target!

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