Dili, 28 june 2022 (TATOLI) – The United States Marine Corps and F-FDTL kicked off a one-day humanitarian assistance/disaster relief demonstration with the arrival of two MV-22 Osprey aircraft at Dili International Airport to transport F-FDTL leadership and officials from the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Transport and Communications, and Civil Protection Agency to Baucau Airfield to observe the demonstration.
During the demonstration, 27 United States Marines from Marine Rotational Forces – Darwin (MRF-D) will travel to Timor-Leste to partner with approximately 40 members of the F-FDTL Air Component at Baucau Airfield. A small number of Australian advisors will also observe the event.
The demonstration will focus on the capability of the Osprey aircraft, a uniquely designed rotary-wing aircraft tailor-made to operate in various terrain. MRF-D will demonstrate the Lightweight Water Purification System, an advanced system capable of purifying up to 240 liters of salt water or 570 liters of fresh water per hour that can be used in humanitarian emergencies.
This demonstration will focus on strengthening cooperation between the F-FDTL and U.S. Marine Corps. MRF-D’s position in Northern Australia is uniquely situated to respond to natural disasters or other emergencies throughout Southeast Asia and Oceania.
The participants will also tour the recently constructed facilities at Baucau Airfield and the newly arrived airfield equipment provided to the F-FDTL Air Component. The equipment and vehicles include an R-11 fuel truck, runway sweeper, two Ford F-350 utility trucks, generators, and security equipment.
“We are pleased our Marines can partner with the F-FDTL for this demonstration,” said U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Tom Daley.
“This demonstration represents our readiness to assist Timor-Leste to respond to natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies. This event demonstrates how Timor-Leste can use Baucau Airfield for disaster response and training, and we are proud to assist Timor-Leste with this joint rehabilitation project,” he said.
This humanitarian assistance demonstration builds on the growing U.S.-Timorese security partnership, most notably the U.S. commitment to jointly rehabilitate Baucau Airfield with the Government of Timor-Leste.
The project will assist the F-FDTL through the creation of an Air Component that will help the Timorese government better monitor its maritime territory, respond to natural disasters, and promote economic development.
This year the United States will host five exercises with the F-FDTL and host numerous Timorese service members in the United States for English language and professional military education. In addition, the U.S. Navy Seabees have constructed or rehabilitated over 100 clinics and schools throughout Timor-Leste to help build a better future for the Timorese people, completing projects valued at more than $60 million over the last 12 years.
Journalist: Camilo de Sousa
Editor: Nelia B
