Release details
Release type
Related ministers and contacts
The Hon Richard Marles MP
Deputy Prime Minister
Minister for Defence
Media contact
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.