U.S. Embassy in Australia

CANBERRA | From the Moon landing to Artemis, for sixty years, Australia’s deep space tracking station - the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC) — has played a key role supporting NASA missions. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Canberra Deep Space Network (DSN), NASA’s Deputy Associate Administrator for Space Communications and Navigation, Kevin Coggins, visited Canberra to congratulate staff, inspire local students, and emphasize the vital role the DSN plays in space exploration. As part of the celebration, guests from, NASA, CSIRO, and the Spanish and U.S. Embassies including our very own economics expert, Vanna Lavery, came together to plant three native plants, symbolizing each DSN station and our shared growth and collaboration as we journey into the future of space exploration. Photos by Martin Ollman.

SYDNEY | There is no place like space 👩🏾🚀🚀 Great to attend The University of Sydney Law School and the Sydney Centre for International Law (SCIL) 'Space Horizons: pressing international Law and Policy perspectives' event with our UK in Australia counterparts. It brought together experts and leaders to explore the latest developments and challenges in the field of space law, policy and international relations for their insights and expertise: The Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO, Steven Freeland, Maria MacNamara and Fulbright Australia Scholar Rebecca Connolly. The event was moderator by our Sydney Youth Advisory Council alumni Michael Tran.

PERTH | Australian personnel will conduct maintenance on USS Hawaii — a US Navy submarine currently visiting HMAS Stirling, Perth. This is the first time Australia will participate in the maintenance of a U.S. nuclear-powered, conventionally-armed sub *in* Australia — an important AUKUS milestone. At HMAS Stirling, USS Hawaii’s arrival was welcomed by Paul Papalia, WA Minister for Defence Industry; Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, Chief of the Royal Australian Navy; Rear Admiral Richard Seif Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet; Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead, Director-General of the Australian Submarine Agency; Madeleine King, Federal Member for Brand; Matt Keogh, Federal Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel; along with Damian Parmenter, UK AUKUS Director General. 🇦🇺🇬🇧🇺🇸

BRISBANE | Reta Jo Lewis, the President and Chair of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), traveled to Brisbane this week to attend the AusIMM Critical Minerals Conference. Export-Import Bank of the United States is the official export credit agency of the United States federal government. Ms. Lewis is in Australia to continue the conversation about critical minerals and the significant role of mining as the world moves towards a greener, more sustainable future. Learn more about EXIM’s financing tools for critical minerals projects 👉 https://bit.ly/472I0MD. 📷: AusIMM

CANBERRA | The United States Air Force Band of the Pacific rocked their visit to Australia 🎸⚡ In Canberra, they hit the stage at Lake Tuggeranong College, followed by an inspiring workshop with the college’s music program students. While in Australia, the band also workshopped with students in Sydney, performed at the National Maritime Museum, and brought some extra flair to the July 4th celebrations in both Sydney and Canberra. It was a fantastic cultural exchange, and we're thrilled to have had them here to share their passion for music with Australian students and communities! 🇺🇸🇦🇺

PERTH | “Today, AUKUS nations will commence the Submarine Tendered Maintenance Period (STMP) at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia. This is a historic milestone for the AUKUS partnership, which promotes stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond […] the STMP is a significant step in Australia's acquisition of SSNs, marking the first time Australian personnel will directly participate in the maintenance of a nuclear-powered submarine in Australia.“ Joint Statement by Richard Marles, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Australia; John Healey MP, Secretary of State for Defence, United Kingdom; and Lloyd J. Austin III, Secretary of United States Department of Defense. 🔗 Full statement: https://lnkd.in/g2z4_Ndk 📷 US Navy

PERTH | For the first time in Australia, Royal Australian Navy sailors will perform maintenance on a US Navy nuclear-powered, Virginia-class submarine. USS Hawaii arrived at HMAS Stirling in Perth yesterday, where Australian and U.S. personnel will learn, work, and serve on board together during its stay. U.S. Navy’s Rear Admiral Richard Seif, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, welcomed the milestone in the AUKUS partnership: “This is my fifth visit to Western Australia, and I am always amazed by the history, the connectedness, the sense of family, and the sense of teamwork, and I completely agree that this community is unmatched and really is the center of gravity where AUKUS gets real.” The maintenance and training that the Royal Australian Navy sailors perform over the next few weeks will prepare them to support operational maintenance required for SSNs (nuclear-powered submarines) assigned to Submarine Rotational Force — West here at HMAS Stirling in the near future.” Rear Admiral Seif joined Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, Chief of the Royal Australian Navy; Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead, Director-General of the Australian Submarine Agency; Matt Keogh, Federal Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel; Madeleine King, Federal Member for Brand; Paul Papalia, West Australian Minister for Defence Industry; and Damian Parmenter, UK AUKUS Director General to mark the submarine’s historic maintenance period in Australia. More here: bit.ly/4fPevlz

SYDNEY | It was great to participate in the recent University of Technology Sydney Centre for Media Transition Information Integrity Forum. They gathered editors from India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines to share valuable insights on addressing the challenges media outlets face in fighting misinformation and disinformation. Consul General Elder addressed the group on the final day about the role of government to support free and independent media after visits to Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and Google Read more 👉 https://lnkd.in/gJQuWHgm

SYDNEY | 🎉 What a night! The U.S. Consulate in Sydney had a fantastic time celebrating our 248th Independence Day a little later this year, surrounded by vibrant red, white, and blue. It was an unforgettable experience! Here are some highlights from the ballroom at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney: 🇺🇸🇦🇺 Christine Elder, U.S. Consul General for NSW and Queensland, and Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, praised the U.S.-Australia partnership, including AUKUS, cooperation in science and technology, sporting (friendly) rivalry at the Olympics, and our shared democratic values! ☀️ An incredible Welcome to Country by Matthew Doyle, performing artist and local cultural knowledge holder 🎶 The sensational music ensemble Hana Hou from the United States Air Force all the way from Hawaii were on stage to have everyone dance the night away 🎤 Senior Airman Mario Foreman-Powell from the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific gave a spectacular rendition of the U.S. and Australian national anthems 🍬 Our guests enjoyed the American sweets and candy bar. We are so grateful you all came out to celebrate with us! 📸 View all the photos from the night 👉 https://bit.ly/3WWAQEO 📹 Luke's Lens Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts United States Air Force AmCham Australia U.S. Commercial Service Australia

CALIFORNIA | “The fire community, not only domestically but internationally, is a very close community, and we appreciate the invitation to support and the opportunity to return the favour.” — NSW Rural Fire Service’s Joshua Torrens. For twenty-four years, firefighters from the United States and Australia have helped each other during their summer fire seasons. Right now, 71 Australian and New Zealand forces — plus firefighting aircraft like the “Marie Bashir” —are in California helping to contain the California Park Fire. We are forever grateful to the Aussie volunteers who so selflessly come to the aid of our firefighters and fire-affected communities. And we are so proud when U.S. firefighters come to Australia to return the favor — they represent the best of us. Full story in the SMH: https://lnkd.in/gf4574Vh Incredible, devastating photos by Nick Moir, Chief Photographer at The Sydney Morning Herald.