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VLADIVOSTOK, Russia
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Sailors from USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), USS Lassen (DDG 82) and Marines from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force had the opportunity to tour a Russian navy ship here July 6 as part of their July 3-7 port visit.
The trip to Vladivostok, home of the Russian Pacific Fleet, was the second consecutive Fourth of July visit made by Fort McHenry, but with an ever-changing crew, the visit was the first of its kind for many.
"It was wild. In 'A' school eight years ago I never thought I'd be going to Russia," said Operations Specialist 2nd Class Herbert Craft. "I e-mailed a friend of mine on a submarine and told him about going on the ship and he couldn't believe it."
The tour took the Sailors and Marines through the major spaces of RNS Admiral Tributs, including the flight deck, boat deck, forecastle, bridge, combat information center and mess decks. Comparing the equipment firsthand between the two navies made an interesting afternoon for some Sailors.
"There were a lot of similarities," said Craft. He added that it was fascinating to see how they might see our ship from their combat spaces.
A Russian naval officer and an interpreter accompanied each group, helping them to ask questions about the ship.
"My favorite part of the tour was the chief's mess where we talked with the senior enlisted and some of the Russian officers, and traded stories," said Chief Master-at-Arms Terry Dugas.
The tour also provided an opportunity for the two nation's Sailors to exchange more than stories.
"We also presented them with plaques from our chief's mess and also traded them some ship's patches and coins," said Dugas.
"I had fun sitting down and talking to people my age and with my job from an entirely different country," said Lt. j.g. Elizabeth Simmons, Fort McHenry's communications officer. "They were so hospitable and spared no expense to make us feel welcome.
"They brought out all their small arms [weapons] and these underwater pistols that looked like something out of a 'James Bond' movie," said Simmons. "The meal was also very different from what I'm used to - stuffed hard boiled eggs, cheese and bologna and caviar."
Viewing the Admiral Tributs also allowed Sailors to see the vast differences in the way Sailors can live.
"It was a real eye-opener," said Craft. "I complain when one of our washers breaks down and guys from another department come up to use ours. I couldn't imagine having to wash everything by hand."
The tour also helped to give Sailors a sense of respect for their Russian counterparts and the work they do.
"After seeing what they do and how they live I have a new respect for them and their professionalism," said Dugas.
"The country has so much history and pride," Simmons added, "to go over there and see it for yourself and literally be friends with the Russians is a very unique experience."
Fort McHenry is a dock landing ship forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan, as part of the Navy's only permanently forward deployed amphibious force.
030705-N-8646S-014
VLADIVOSTOK, Russia (July 5, 2003) -- Russian navy sailors take a look at the helm of USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) during a tour of the ship while moored here. Fort McHenry and USS Lassen (DDG 82) made a port visit here July 3-7.
(Official U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Robert Sealover)
Last thing (for now anyway). Add the story below to the headline section:
Fort McHenry Makes Goodwill Port Visit to Russia
Journalist 2nd Class Robert Sealover, USS Fort McHenry public affairs
VLADIVOSTOK, Russia -- USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) and USS Lassen (DDG 82), along with Marines assigned to the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, visited this Russian port July 3-7 to continue building friendship and cooperation between the United States and Russia.
Instead of celebrating the Fourth of July with barbecues and picnics, Fort McHenry crewmembers took part in a wreath laying ceremony honoring Russian Sailors who were killed in action during World War II.
"World War II was a combined operation," said Cmdr. Adrian Jansen, Fort McHenry's commanding officer. "Many nations, including Russia, suffered the loss of many of their people, fighting in the interest of freedom. By laying a wreath at the Russian Memorial, we as Americans pay respect and homage to fallen comrades. What better way to express friendship."
Fort McHenry also invited members of the local community and government and military officials to the ship for a reception celebrating both the ship's visit to Russia and the 227th anniversary of American independence.
"It's fitting that we mark this holiday on board Fort McHenry because of the key roles our navies have played in defending our borders and our people as well as the core values of freedom and democracy," said Pamela Spratlen, American Consul General.
Aside from the official ceremonies and events, the Sailors and Marines who visited Russia were able to spend time in the city interacting with the Russian people and learning about their culture.
"This gives them a great appreciation for our international brothers and one of our newer allies and it gives them an opportunity to learn more about the Russian people," said Maj. Doug Clark, commanding officer of LAR Company, Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division. "The Russian people are good, honest people in a fledgling democracy and by this visit we'll show that we're in for the long haul and we're here to support them as they build their country up."
"It was a unique opportunity," said Lt. j.g. Elizabeth Simmons, Fort McHenry's communications officer. "I was glad to have been able to see how our counterparts work and live."
This makes the 17th visit by U.S. Navy ships in 13 years, and marks the second year in a row Fort McHenry has made a Fourth of July visit to Vladivostok.
"Seeing something more than once always serves to strengthen what you observed the first time," said Jansen. "Clearly, Russia is a strong nation and can be a powerful ally for the United States. But Russia, as it builds itself up as a free and capitalist society, needs to be nurtured and recognized as a friend. Our visits help do that."
Perhaps most importantly, Jansen said, visits like this also serve to break misconceptions and stereotypes.
"All our lives we have been taught that Russia was the enemy. Now, they are not," Jansen said. "I hope all of the crew takes away from their visit, that like they, the Russian people are trying their best to live good lives and that they too only want peace and harmony in the world."
Fort McHenry is a dock landing ship forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan, as part of the Navy's only forward deployed amphibious force.
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