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USS Carr Wraps Six-Day Visit to St. Petersburg

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110705-11
7/5/2011

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Gary Keen, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

USS CARR, At Sea (NNS) -- Guided missile frigate USS Carr (FFG 52) concluded a six-day port visit to St. Petersburg, Russia, July 3.

The visit was the first of a series of port visits to Russia and the Baltic Sea region to strengthen bonds between the U.S. and its partner countries.

"My colleagues and I at the U.S. Consulate General in St. Petersburg salute the captain and crew of USS Carr for their gracious hospitality and genuine community spirit during their visit," said Sheila Gwaltney, consul general of the United States of America. "Throughout their visit to St. Petersburg, which occurred on the eve of Independence Day, the crew of USS Carr exemplified the best of America and the values that have guided our country for 235 years."

Gwaltney continued speaking about the many events Carr Sailors conducted such as receptions, ship tours and community relations projects.

"Russians from many walks of life had the opportunity to tour the Carr over a beautiful summer weekend. Sailors warmly welcomed the visitors and answered dozens of questions about the ship and its great history. On a hot Saturday, the captain and crew volunteered to paint and brighten up rooms for the kids at Dom Miloserda children's boarding house. The staff of the boarding house also provides a variety of services to the community in St. Petersburg, including much needed training for nurses who care for people suffering from HIV and AIDS," said Gwaltney.

Carr also held a press conference, met with senior Russia military leaders, hosted an evening reception on Carr, attended the International Maritime Defense Show, hosted Russian WWII Veterans during a breakfast aboard Carr, and participated in a wreath laying ceremony at Piskarevskoye Cemetery.

"As a result of our visit to St. Petersburg, we now have 200 Americans who can spread their experiences with their friends and family. This was an extremely positive experience for my crew; the citizens of St. Petersburg were extremely friendly and proud of their city," said Cmdr. Patrick E. Kulakowski, Carr commanding officer . "Almost all of my Sailors told me they joined the Navy to see the world; I believe it is essential to travel and meet people to build a true understanding of different cultures. Many of my crew had preconceived notions based on television and movie stereotypes that were shattered by their real life experience. Events such as the wreath laying at Piskarevskoye Cemetery, meeting with Russian WWII veterans who participated in 'Operation Dervish', and participating in a community relations project all helped my Sailors to understand another culture."

Before departing, Carr's crew also had the opportunity to sight see.

"I was a little worried about this port visit because I knew we had to be in our dress white uniform while on liberty, but it ended up being a big plus," said Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Ethan J. Krug. "Everyone was very friendly. They kept coming up to me and my friends asking to take photos with us and where we were from. Also, I got to see a lot of great sights like Saint Isaac's Cathedral, the Church of Spilt Blood and the Winter Palace...and this is just our first liberty port during this deployment."

Carr is homeported out of Norfolk, Va., and currently on a three month deployment supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.