Cowpens, Vandegrift arrive in Zhanjiang
7th Fleet News
Release Date: 9/23/2003
By Lt. Cmdr. Michael Brown, Carrier Group Five public affairs
ZHANJIANG, China -- USS Cowpens (CG 63) and USS Vandegrift (FFG 48) became the first U.S. Navy ships to visit the People's Republic of China navy's South Sea Fleet headquarters in Zhanjiang, China, when they pulled into port here Sept. 22.
The port visit to China is one of several exchanges that have taken place between the two countries over the past few months and is part of a series of military-to-military exchanges between the two countries. The visit also provides the ships' crews with a chance to experience Chinese culture first-hand, enjoy site seeing and meet the people of China.
Rear Adm. James D. Kelly, Commander, Carrier Group Five, the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Strike Group, along with the commanding officers of the two U. S. Navy ships spoke at a press conference immediately following a welcome ceremony.
USS Cowpens is a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser with a crew of approximately 400 Sailors and is commanded by Capt. Charles B. Dixon.
USS Vandegrift, commanded by Cmdr. Richard A. Rogers, is an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigate with a crew of approximately 210 Sailors.
The two ships are permanently forward deployed to the western Pacific and operate from Yokosuka, Japan
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