US President Barack Obama has addressed soldiers at RAAF Base Darwin, thanking Australia for its loyalty and sacrifice, in a relationship he says was forged in the top end.
The president's Air Force One jet touched down at the Darwin RAAF base shortly before 4pm (CST).
Mr Obama was greeted by Prime Minister Julia Gillard as he walked off the plane.
During his time in Darwin Mr Obama will lay a wreath at the memorial to the USS Peary, an American warship that sank in World War II during an attack by Japanese planes.
Scores of Americans died during the attack and the sunken ship now lies in Darwin harbour.
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The US President also met William Risk, a leader of the Larrakia people, the traditional owners of the land Darwin is built on, NT Chief Minister Paul Henderson, NT Administrator Sally Thomas and the US Consul General in Melbourne, Frank Urbancic.
While in Australia Mr Obama has announced an increase in the number of US troops to be stationed in Darwin.
It starts next year with a force of up to 250 marines, and eventually there will be 2500 US troops on rotation in Darwin.
Prior to Mr Obama arriving in Darwin, a small group of protesters demonstrated against the increased American military presence.
