The United States navy will lead a mission to recover four bombs dropped on the Great Barrier Reef during war games earlier this month.
Two US war planes had to drop the inert bombs after civilian vessels wandered into an area set aside for joint US-Australia training exercises a fortnight ago.
The US 7th Fleet will lead efforts to recover the bombs, which officials say are in no danger of exploding.
Commanding Officer Daniel Dusek says the incident was unavoidable and the US navy will work with Australian authorities to ensure the weapons are retrieved.
"The status is still being reviewed by the US Navy and the US government and the Australian government," he told the ABC.
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"They're still trying to discuss and determine the best course of action, the best plan."
The US navy will reveal more details of the operation soon.
