U.S. Not Seeking Bases in Australia, Myers Says

US Department of Defense, SYDNEY — The United States is not even thinking about basing American troops in Australia, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said here today.  
 
Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers said Jan. 16 that U.S. and Australian officials are considering building a joint training area in Australia. The Australian press has magnified that embryonic project into a U.S. request for permanent bases.  
 
Myers said it is no secret that the United States and Australia have a close military relationship. Service members of the two countries train constantly together. What has been proposed is enhancing a training area in Australia so service members can get more out of the training money, he said.