|
VLADIVOSTOK, Russia – USS John S.
McCain (DDG 56) arrived here May 7 for a scheduled port visit and to
participate in Victory Day celebrations.
Victory Day (V-E Day), May 8, was the official ending of World War II
in Europe, specifically the surrender of Nazi forces to the allies
(the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other
principal allied nations). It is celebrated on May 9 because when the
German instrument of surrender was actually entered into force, it was
already May 9 in the Soviet Union.
“We are very excited to be here to celebrate Victory Day,” said Cmdr.
Thomas C. Halvorson, USS John S. McCain’s commanding officer. “We also
look forward to strengthening our relationship and to maintain strong
ties and stability in this region. We look forward to a wonderful
visit in Vladivostok.”
While in port, the ship’s approximately 300 crew members will have a
chance to participate in military to military partnership building
activities, meet local citizens through community relations projects,
experience local customs and traditions, and enjoy recreational sports
exchanges with Russian sailors.
The ship has been conducting routine operations in the western Pacific
Ocean. This routine deployment of USS John S. McCain and its crew
supports the longstanding U.S. commitment to peace and security in
this vital region of the world.
USS John S. McCain is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer.
The 8,315-ton warship is a multi-mission platform designed to support
carrier and expeditionary strike groups.
USS John S. McCain is permanently forward-deployed to the western
Pacific and operates as a part of the U.S. 7th Fleet from Yokosuka,
Japan.
Operating in the western Pacific and Indian Ocean, the U.S. 7th Fleet
is the largest of the forward-deployed U.S. fleets, composed of
approximately 50 ships, 120 aircraft and 20,000 Sailors and Marines
assigned at any given time. |
