Statement regarding US Marine Corps Osprey incident

Release details

Release type

Related ministers and contacts


The Hon Richard Marles MP

Deputy Prime Minister

Minister for Defence

Media contact

dpm.media@defence.gov.au

02 6277 7800


The Hon Anthony Albanese MP

Prime Minister

Release content

27 August 2023

Earlier today a United States Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey crashed on Melville Island, north of Darwin, while supporting Exercise Predators Run 2023.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the three US service personnel who lost their lives, those who have been injured, the rest of the crew and indeed the entire United States armed forces.

Australian Defence Force personnel in the Northern Territory are providing support to our US partners.

No Australian personnel were involved in the incident. 

Australian and US personnel have stood shoulder to shoulder for more than a century. Our Alliance is built upon these enduring links and our shared values.

This incident is a reminder of the significance of the service undertaken by our personnel and those of our partner nations.

Australia will continue to provide assistance to our friends for as long as is required.

Other related releases