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November 17, 2011

U.S. Establishes Permanent Military Presence in Australia 
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The Obama administration has unveiled plans for a permanent military
presence in Australia. Starting next summer, the U.S. will deploy 250
marines for six-month tours, eventually reaching a force of 2,500
troops. Speaking before the Australian parliament, President Obama said
the U.S. military presence in the Pacific is "here to stay."

President Obama: "So here's what this region must know. As we end
today's wars, I have directed my national security team to make our
presence and mission in the Asia Pacific a top priority. As a result,
reductions in U.S. defence spending will not, I repeat, will not, come
at the expense of the Asia Pacific. The United States is a Pacific
power, and we are here to stay."



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