2006 Programs

Chat: U.S. Immigrant Visas - January 31, 2006

A Consular Officer from the Visa Section conducted an on-line chat session from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. to answer questions on Immigrant Visas. It was a lively discussion with many people joining in with some excellent questions. Thanks to the Consular Officer for his answers and to everyone for participating.

Additional questions may be directed to: sydneyiv@state.gov

USS Ronald Reagan ship visit to Brisbane - Jan 23, 2006

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) arrives in Brisbane, Australia Monday 23 January for a scheduled port visit. USS Pinckney (DDG 91) will be joining them in port. While in port, the Carrier Strike Group’s approximately 6,000 crewmembers will have a chance to participate in friendship-building and goodwill-generating activities. The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, commanded by Rear Adm. Michael H. Miller, is on a routine deployment and homeported in San Diego, Calif.

"Brisbane is our first port visit since beginning the deployment," said Miller. "This visit gives us the opportunity to show off the U.S. Navy’s newest aircraft carrier to one of our strongest allies in the global war against terrorism. The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group’s presence in the Western Pacific demonstrates the United States’ commitment to fulfilling its treaty obligations and security arrangements."

Capt. Terry B. Kraft, Reagan’s Commanding Officer, said he also looked forward to Reagan Sailors being able to sightsee and experience the culture of a foreign port during the ship’s visit to Australia.

"Australia has always been a favorite port for American Sailors," said Kraft. "Being the first aircraft carrier to visit Brisbane is an honor, and highlights all the work that the good people of Brisbane have done to prepare for our visit. It is fitting that this stop marks the first foreign port of call for this warship."

Operating in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, the U.S. Seventh Fleet is the largest of the forward-deployed U.S. fleets, with approximately 50 ships, 120 aircraft and 20,000 Sailors and Marines assigned at any given time.

For more information, visit the U.S. Seventh Fleet Web site and the USS Ronald Reagan website