New Jersey native, U.S. Marine deploys to Australia

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. James Lee, the comptroller for Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, is one of many Marines involved in planning for MRF-D 2020 at Larrakeyah Barracks in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. As a comptroller, Lee is the principal financial advisor to the commanding officer of MRF-D. Lee is from Franklin Lakes, N.J.
“Typically as an Asian American, I think we are a bit under represented. A lot of the Asians I grew up with, came from immigrant families, and with that [they’re] expected to be doctors, engineers, and have those really stable jobs. The path I chose to be a Marine Corps Officer is different and off the beaten path. Although, I think it’s something I can be a role model in. I was the first in my generation to join the military, but since, I have seen many younger people from my community really look at the military as a career, and join ROTC or the Naval Academy. This is my small contribution– to show that a life and career of service is no less honorable then being an engineer or doctor.”
The U.S. and Australian governments decided in late March to delay the rotation due to restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision to resume the deployment comes as the government of Australia is granting an exemption to current travel restrictions to allow the 2020 MRF-D rotation to proceed, based on Australia’s record to date in managing impacts from COVID-19 as well as strict adherence by deployed U.S. Marines to the mandatory 14-day quarantine and other requirements.