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bobdina
07-01-2009, 08:06 PM
USS Stethem Arrives in Russia

By USS Stethem Public Affairs Office


VLADIVOSTOK, Russia -- U.S. Guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) arrived in Vladivostok, Russia, for a scheduled port visit on July 1. The visit provides an opportunity to promote stability in the Asia-Pacific region by demonstrating that the U.S. and Russia are committed to a regional partnership and the growth of foreign relations.

The hospitality shown upon arrival was indicative of the bond shared between the two seagoing nations. The event was highlighted by a greeting of Stethem’s Commanding Officer, Commander Shan Byrne, with a traditional bread and salt ceremony attended by a host of Russian military and civilian dignitaries. Several Russian and foreign media groups were also present.

“The welcome shown here is deeply appreciated as we work to foster an open and continued relationship between our two nations”, Byrne said.

Events planned during Stethem’s visit to Vladivostok include involvement in the City Day celebrations, meetings with military and civil dignitaries, participation in sporting events, community service projects, and academic conferences.

This is the second visit to Vladivostok by Stethem. During the previous visit in May 2008, crewmembers thoroughly enjoyed their time at events related to Victory Day.

Stethem is named in honor of Petty Officer Robert Stethem, killed by terrorists on the hijacked TWA Flight 847 in 1985. Petty Officer Stethem was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star for the heroism he displayed that day. Stethem is part of Destroyer Squadron 15 and is forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, as part of the 7th Fleet.

Operating in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans, the U.S. 7th Fleet is the largest of the forward-deployed U.S. fleets, covering 52 million square miles with approximately 50 ships, 120 aircraft, and 20,000 Sailors and Marines assigned at any given time.


http://www.pacom.mil/web/site_pages/media/news%20200907/20090701-StethemArrives.shtml