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Guardian Departs Vladivostok After Meaningful Visit

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060927-16
Release Date: 9/27/2006 1:05:00 PM

By Ens. Brad Smith, USS Guardian Public Affairs

VLADIVOSTOK, Russia (NNS) -- USS Guardian (MCM 5) departed Vladivostok, Russia, Sept. 23 after a four-day port visit in which Guardian joined USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) in building U.S.-Russian relations through cultural exchanges and community service.

Guardian Sailors said that the experience was truly enriching and felt privileged that they had the opportunity to give back through community service during their stay.

A highlight for many Sailors during the stay was a visit to a home for underprivileged children where the Sailors joined the youngsters in renovating their facilities.

“The kids had so little but were so friendly and engaging with us. I was just happy we could play a small role in improving their lives,” said Culinary Specialist Seaman Apprentice Christopher Carlow of West Gardiner, Maine.

Throughout the week, Guardian Sailors enjoyed beautiful weather and bountiful hospitality from their Russian hosts.

“Vladivostok represents a really unique experience for Sailors serving in 7th Fleet,” said Mineman 3rd Class Andrew Fillebrown of Merced, Calif. “It is really unlike anything else out here in Asia with its European architecture and cafes. This was my second visit while serving on Guardian, and both times, it has been one of the highlights of our year.”

Members of Guardian’s wardroom were fortunate enough to participate in a guided tour of the impressive Russian Pacific Fleet Museum. Guardian’s senior leadership was also entertained at a traditional luncheon hosted by their Russian counterparts on the Udaloy-class Russian Federation Navy destroyer RFN Marshal Shaposhnikov (DD 643).

These experiences, along with very impressive welcoming and departing ceremonies, were indicative of the thoroughly cordial and welcoming atmosphere the Russian Navy offered to its visiting counterparts from the United States, felt Guardian Commanding Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Steven H. DeMoss.

”All of us aboard this ship are grateful for this experience and extend a sincere thank you to the people of Vladivostok,” said DeMoss. “We know that we have gained some new friends and gotten closer with this community and look forward to the next visit.”

Guardian is a mine countermeasures ship forward-deployed to Sasebo, Japan. Guardian serves under Task Force 76, which serves as the U.S. 7th Fleet’s mine countermeasures arm in forward-deployed operations.