OT: Increased US military presence in Australia

[Targan]

The US President is currently visiting Australia and in a joint media statement he and the Australian Prime Minister have announced closer military ties between Australia and the USA. It has been flagged that up to 2,500 US Marines will be based in Australia's Northern Territory by 2017.

I must say I'm far from surprised by the announcement. It makes a whole lot of sense to increase America's military presence in Australia, as part of the strategic realignment of US forces in the Asia Pacific Region. I'm sure there will be a mixed reaction to the announcement in Australia, however.