First U.S. Marines arrive in Australia DARWIN, Australia, April 4 (UPI) -- The first wave of U.S. Marines deployed in northern Australia under a bilateral defense agreement landed in Darwin for a six-month rotation, officials said. Australian Defense Minister Stephen Smith Tuesday welcomed about 200 Marines from Hawaii-based Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines when they arrived at Darwin Airport, the Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported Wednesday. "The Northern Territory's got a longstanding history of working closely not just with the Australian Defense Force, but also with the United States," Smith said on Australian radio. I think the mood here is one of very strong enthusiasm. The Marines will participate in joint training exercises with the Australian Defense Force and be based at Robertson Barracks near Darwin, officials said. The company will use Australian training areas Mount Bundy and Kangaroo Flats and will work in some of the United States' "partner countries" in the region, the Australian broadcaster said. The leathernecks are the first contingent of 2,500 U.S. troops expected to be deployed in northern Australia by 2017 as part of an agreement announced by President Obama during his trip to Australia last year.