Quayle Joins Aussies to Mark Coral Sea Battle

Dan Quayle, noting he is the first American vice president born after World War II, celebrated with Australians today the Allied operation 47 years ago that beat back Japanese forces advancing toward this nation.

Quayle, on a five-day visit to commemorate Australian-American Friendship Week, said the two countries must dedicate their relationship “to keeping peace in this region.”

At a black-tie dinner, Quayle, 42, discussed the spirit of cooperation that took place in May, 1942, when American and Australian naval forces turned back the Japanese at the Battle of the Coral Sea off the northeast coast of Australia.

The vice president, who arrived here from Canberra, read a proclamation from President Bush that said the relationship between the United States and Australia “has thrived in peace because of our mutual respect, shared ideals and coordinated strides toward a more secure and prosperous world.”

Earlier, Quayle, who has recently taken a keen interest in space policy as the head of the National Space Council, toured a National Aeronautics and Space Administration facility deep in the Australian bush. Asked about the recent resignations of six top NASA officials, Quayle said it is an “interesting problem” that the Administration must confront.