First US Navy Vessel To Offer Vending In A Box (VIB)

The USS Ronald Reagan, which arrived in Brisbane on Monday, 23 January, is the first US Navy vessel to have the innovative Vending in a Box (VIB). Where a conventional soft drink machine can only store 550 cans, the VIB is capable of refrigerating and dispensing 1,560 cans - very useful when you have around 6,000 thirsty crew.

The nuclear powered Carrier Strike Group is currently on its maiden deployment in support of the global war on terrorism and maritime security operations. It departed San Diego in early January after being bid farewell by the late Ronald Reagan's son. The USS Ronald Reagan, commanded by Rear Adm. Michael H. Miller, took part in a submarine warfare exercise off the coast of Hawaii before proceeding to Brisbane for its first port visit.

"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 State's commitment to fulfilling its treaty obligations and security arrangements," said Miller.

The best place to view the Carrier Strike Group is from Luggage Point, Pinkenba, but take your binoculars! On Monday afternoon many folks, boats and police turned out for a look, but I didn't see any protestors. I didn't see any cheering or flag waving either.

As far as I can remember, Brisbane has always been a nuclear free zone. Remember those signs you used to see on your way home from the airport? Anyway, a spokesperson from the Port of Brisbane referred me to Queensland Transport when I asked which level of government has the power to declare non-nuclear areas. So I'll keep you posted - unless I'm shuffling around in my orange jumpsuit in Guantanamo Bay.

The USS Ronald Reagan will be in Brisbane until Friday. For further information check out: www.reagan.nav.mil/ or www.c7f.navy.mil

Silence For Peace

Last Friday (13th January) a black cat didn't cross my path and I didn't walk under a ladder, but I did happen upon a silent vigil in King George Square. As I was crossing Adelaide Street, one of the two ladies behind me asked her friend, "What is that? What are they doing?" Her friend replied, "It looks like they're protesting at the liberty bell," referring to the spacelike scupture, Arnaldo Pomodoro's 'Forme del Mito' behind the group.

I approached the main man with the information brochures and asked him if I could please have one, all the while wondering why he frowned at me before handing one over. He said nothing. I was a bit pissed off for a while but then I remembered that it was a silent protest. Not much room for questions. Perhaps I should have mimed the request in a silent movie Charlie Chaplin kind of dancy black and white way. Yes, that would have saved the day.

This monthly protest has been held by the Quakers, since the large Peace Rally held in Brisbane before the Invasion of Iraq by the USA and its allies three years ago.

Pop along sometime for as much or as little silent protest as you like. Even thirty seconds of silence might help you remember to pop back to the 7- eleven just up Albert Street behind the Coffee Club next to the Subway for a litre of milk and that helps agriculture which feeds people and poor people are people too and apparently need food so it's all in a good cause.

[The author remained silent thoughout the composition of this article]