LtGen Stalder with local detachment commander GySgt Barrett lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

LtGen Grateful for Great Partnership

Canberra — 30 March 2009

Lieutenant General Keith Stalder, Commanding General of Marine Forces Pacific, is made his first official visit to Australia March 30-April 3. LtGen Stalder, who commands 81,000 U.S. Marines in the Pacific region, described his visit as “a chance to thank Australia for being our partner in one of the world’s great military alliances. The world would be a much darker place were it not for the sacrifices of Australian and U.S. soldiers, marines, sailors, and airmen who have fought side-by-side for almost 100 years. I am in Australia this week to express my gratitude.”

LtGen Stalder’s first official act in Australia was to lay a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. He and his wife Susan then toured the War Memorial, stopping to read the names of men and women who died fighting for Australia. “This is a powerful monument. I am moved by the fact that so many visitors continue to come here to pay their respects to all these brave folks who died so that we can enjoy the freedom that we know today. This is a sobering experience.”

While in Australia, LtGen Stalder is meeting with the Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, the Chief of the Joint Operations Command, and the Vice Chief of Defense Force. He will also visit RAAF Williamtown and Gallipoli Barracks. During his visit to First Division Headquarters, LtGen Stalder will meet with a number of Australian veterans of the Afghanistan conflict. “My message in all my meetings is the same,” stated LtGen Stalder. “We have no alliance more important than our alliance with Australia. Your magnificent military forces have been our colleagues, friends, and partners for almost 100 years. It is an honor to serve with you. Thank you for all you have done, all you are doing now, and all that you will do in the future to make the world safer and more secure for all people.”

Prime Minister Rudd meeting with President Obama at the White House. Photo courtesy of AUSPIC.

PM Rudd Visits Washington

Washington, DC — 24 March 2009

President Barack Obama and PM Kevin Rudd discussed a range of issues of mutual interest to both countries during the Prime Minister’s recent trip to the United States. PM Rudd also met with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and other U.S. officials including Secretary of Defense Gates.

Tony Hawk with kids from the YMCA.

Tony Hawk Drops In

Melbourne — 15 March 2009

Although the skate demonstration was rained out, world famous American skateboarder Tony Hawk dropped by Prahran to say hi to some of Melbourne’s youth participating in a YMCA, U.S. Consulate and Victorian State sponsored skate program that promotes the values of good sportsmanship and kid-safe skate parks.

Victoria Premier John Brumby recognizes American firefighters on stage at Sound Relief.

Vic. Premier Recognizes U.S. Firefighters

Melbourne — 14 March 2009

In front of a packed house of 90,000 people attending the nationally televised Sound Relief concert, Victoria’s Premier John Brumby expressed Australia’s appreciation to the United States for assisting with the bushfire relief effort. Representing the American Wildfire Fighters were Doug Alexander, Dave Curry and Jim Raudenbush.

Facilitated by the U.S. Embassy and Consulate, on February 15th a contingent of 60 American wildfire specialists arrived in Victoria to assist and support Australia’s firefighting efforts. The team was deployed to the frontline of the bushfires providing support in combating the fires and in particular the rehabilitation and recovery effort.

Consul Neal Vermillion with students at Edith Cowan University speaking about the visa application process.

Consul Speaks with ECU Students

Perth — 13 March 2009

CU.S. Consul Neal Vermillion speaks with students at Edith Cowan University about applying for visas to the United States and answers their questions about studying and living in the U.S. He was accompanied by Perth U.S. Educational Advisers Lee Healy and Carol Crass who also briefed the students on what to expect during their time spent in the U.S.

Consul General Ken Chern releases a stone from a catapult-like device built by young Science Fair prize winners.

CG Chern Speaks at ISWA Science Fair

Perth — 13 March 2009

Consul General Dr. Ken Chern spoke at the Open Evening and Science Fair Prize Presentation held by the International School of Western Australia (ISWA) Friday evening, March 13, and handed out prizes to the Science Fair winners. Congratulating the students for their dedication, the Consul General highlighted the global nature of scientific research, and noted that an international school such as ISWA, representing over a dozen nationalities among its students, was an excellent setting to nurture scientific inquiry. He also cited the cutting-edge research being done by Western Australian researchers in fields ranging from marine oceanography to biomedical science (including two Nobel laureates in the latter field), and noted efforts to advance scientific cooperation between Western Australian scientific institutions and counterparts in California and elsewhere in the United States. Also speaking at the Open Evening were Western Australia State Minister for Education Dr. Elizabeth Constable, Chevron Australia Pty Ltd Managing Director Roy Krzywosinski, and ISWA Principal Ian Bayly. ISWA is the only school in Western Australia functioning on a Northern-Hemisphere calendar.

Chargé Clune at the meeting with Australian and American firefighting representatives.

Chargé Clune Congratulates Bushfire Collaboration

Melbourne — 12 March 2009

Chargé Dan Clune met the American and Australian wildfire fighters to congratulate the team on a successful collaboration. The meeting included a discussion on what could be done to establish a full time presence of the National Wildfire Multi Agency Coordination (NWMAC) in Australia.

Dr. Jerry Jordan speaking with an audience at the Embassy in Canberra.

Economic Reflections

Canberra — 10 March 2009

Economist and former federal reserve banker Jerry Jordan discussed the origins and consequences of the global financial crisis during a series of presentations sponsored by the Embassy in March in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. Dr. Jordan served as president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland from 1992 until January 2003 and was a member of the President Reagan’s Council of Economic Advisers.

The C-5 ready to unload it’s cargo.

U.S. Air Force Delivers Aid

Melbourne — 7 March 2009

On Saturday March 7th, the U.S. Air Force helped fulfill President Obama’s offer to support Victorians affected by the recent bushfire crisis.

The Air Force’s largest military transport aircraft, the Lockheed-Martin C-5 Galaxy delivered 48 tons of Phos-Chek to assist in the state’s battle against bushfire. The cargo was transported at no cost to the Victorian government and was welcomed at the tarmac by Victorian Minister Lisa Neville, Alison Stone from the Victorian Department of Sustainability, and American and Australian fire fighters.

The Lockheed-Martin C-5 Galaxy will now remain in Victoria for the Avalon Air Show.

More information:

• Avalon Air Show
• C-5 Galaxy