ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE BASE TINDAL, Australia -- Southern Frontier 2007, a combined aviation training exercise between Marine Aircraft Group 12 and the Royal Australian Air Force's 75th Fighter Squadron, based here, began Monday.
Southern Frontier has been held between U.S. and Australia forces since 1994 and is necessary to keep force interoperability as well as ensure peace and stability within the region.
"(Southern Frontier) is an opportunity for the MAG to improve their combat readiness and maintain a strong relationship with the Australian Air Force," said Lt. Col. Matthew E. Tolliver, MAG-12 Detachment officer-in-charge and Conway, Ark., native.
Flight operations will be conducted by Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 212, who employ F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets, while the 75th Fighter Squadron provides support.
VMFA-212 completed a similar combined-forces exercise, Exercise Talisman Saber 2007, last month. More than 20,000 U.S. and Australian service members participated in the exercise, which is an opportunity for both nations to integrate use of their array of defense forces in the air, on land and at sea.
VMFA-212 will focus on training critical to its combat readiness, including basic air-to-surface heavy ordnance delivery, close air support and low altitude tactics training.
"We should have a significant improvement in core capability for Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 212," said Tolliver. "The squadron should be able to accomplish a large part of its training and readiness syllabus due to the great air-to-ground ranges and excellent weather here."
The opportunity to work alongside members of the Australian Defence Force provides Marines with another benefit, according to Gunnery Sgt. Matthew M. James, airframes division chief and native of Riverside, Calif.
"It's beneficial, especially for the young Marines, to see a different force working on the same jets," said James. "They get to see the different procedures and gear that (the Australian forces) use."
An additional element of the training is the chance for the Marines to explore Australia's Northern Territory, also known as the "Australian Outback." The area is home to a bounty of tourist attractions, including natural hot springs, waterfalls, caves and numerous species of exotic wildlife.
"I think all of the Marines are looking forward to getting out and seeing what the area has to offer," said Lance Cpl. James J. Santiago, VMFA-212 F/A-18 mechanic and San Antonio, native.
"We are excited to be here," added Tolliver. "It's a great facility, and we look forward to operating safely and returning to Japan as a more ready unit."