Hawaii Marines deploying to Australia

Up to 200 Hawaii Marines could be deploying to Australia in the coming weeks.

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Up to 200 Marines from Hawaii will be the first to deploy to Australia in a landmark move that signals a shift in America's focus on the Asia-Pacific region.

According to the Marine Corps Times, members of Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines will arrive in Darwin in the next couple of weeks.

The group will reportedly be stationed at Robertson Barracks, located on the northern tip of the country.

Back in November, President Barack Obama announced that American troops would begin rotating in Australia.

It's a strategically important location, reinforcing relations with America's strong ally while also countering China's growing presence in the region.

About 2,500 Marines could be in Australia by 2016.

Hawaii Marines deploying to Australia

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