NORTHERN TERRITORY, Aus. -- On Aug. 27, 2023, three Marines lost their lives in a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey crash on Melville Island, Tiwi Islands, Australia. The Tiwi Island people formally adopted the 1st Marine Regiment and the three fallen Marines, along with their families, into the Tiwi Island community and held the Pukumani Ceremony to mourn Sep. 2024. This year, the Tiwi Island people helped MRF-D Marines move from mourning to a celebration of life and family coming together: of returning home.
Marines attended the event to support the community who welcomed them into their family and take part in Tiwi Mob cultural traditions. At the event, Marines took part in traditional dancing and face painting with the Tiwi Mob. Among them was Lance Cpl. Jorge Gamero, an imagery analysis specialist with MRF-D 25.3.
“I felt something ancient stir within me,” said Gamero, “a deep sense of belonging and connection beyond words.”
Additionally, U.S. Marine Corps Col. Jason C. Armas, the commanding officer of the MRF-D 25.3 MAGTF, gave a speech at the event.
“We come here not just to honor those three Marines,” said Armas, “but to thank you for guiding us, teaching us, and adopting us.”
At the end of the ceremony the Marines gifted a plaque to Jennifer Ullungura Clancy, the chairperson of Mantiyupwi Trust, to show their appreciation for the Tiwi Island people’s continued support across rotations and changing commands.
The U.S. Marines’ participation in these ceremonies showed their respect for the traditional land- owners in the region and remains a testament to the strong partnerships MRF-D forges throughout the Indo-Pacific.