No WA home for US carrier group: Govt

[Terry R.]

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8509184

The government has ruled out basing a United States Navy carrier battle group in Western Australia.

A spokeswoman for Defence Minister Stephen Smith said the US, an alliance partner, had access to Australian facilities plus joint facilities such as Pine Gap.

"But a US base to service a carrier battle group or home-porting here is not in contemplation," she said.
...
Under current Australian and US policy, enhanced defence cooperation will come in three phases, starting with the gradual increase of US Marine Corps training in the Northern Territory.

It has started with 250 troops and will work up to a 2500-strong Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

"Secondly, it is envisaged that there will be increased access by US aircraft to facilities such as RAAF Darwin and RAAF Tindal in the Top End," the spokeswoman said.

"Finally, further down the track, it is envisaged that the enhanced cooperation will include increased visits by US ships to Australia's main Indian Ocean naval base, HMAS Stirling."