USS Stethem Departs Russia After Port Visit
By USS Stethem Public Affairs OfficeVLADIVOSTOK, Russia -- Guided missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63), departed the port city of Vladivostok after a 5 day visit beginning July 1.
The visit began with a celebration commemorating the ships arrival. Ushered in by music from the Russian Navy Band, Stethem Commanding Officer, Commander Shan Byrne, was greeted with a traditional bread and salt ceremony kicking off the port visit.
Stethem Sailors participated in a variety of events that included sports, community service projects (COMREL), and guided tours. Additionally, Stethem participated in a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate the sacrifice that the Russian people endured during WWII. Twenty-four crewmembers were involved in the event as well as members from the Russian Navy Band, Color Guard, and the Stethem host ship, Admiral Vinogradov (DDG 527). Two Stethem sailors placed the wreath at the base of the Vladivostok WWII memorial.
One of the wreath bearers, Damage Controlman 1st Class Andre Sutherland remarked “This was a great experience! Not only do we get to foster our relationship with the Russian Navy, but we get to honor the actions of our allies during World War II.”
A rare treat included an invitation to tour the Russian ship Vinogradov, a Udaloy class destroyer. The tour highlighted several different areas of the ship and was a unique opportunity to see how the Russian Navy operates. Questions and discussions during the tour revolved around the growing friendship between the United States and Russia as well as shipboard life.
“These events enable us to expand our friendship with the Russian Navy though personal contact”, said Byrne. “We need to continue these efforts to ensure we keep the lines of communication open as we focus on security in the shared maritime environment.”
Not all of the time spent in Russia revolved around COMREL events and tours, there was also plenty of time to participate in competitive sports. Of interest to many, were the track and field events, basketball, soccer, and dragon boat racing.
Stethem fielded teams for each of the planned events and although Stethem did not bring home any first place trophies, they did show enormous spirit and ambassadorship during competition and most importantly had a lot of fun.
“Nothing brings people together like sports”, said Master at Arms 1st Class Tavares Liggons. “It bonds teams and competitors and encourages camaraderie.”
Stethem is named in honor of Petty Officer Robert Stethem, killed by terrorists when they hijacked TWA Flight 847 in 1985. Petty Officer Stethem was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star for the heroism he displayed that day. USS Stethem is part of the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CV 73) Strike Group and is forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, operating in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility.
(Posted July 7, 2009)