US NAVY SHIP VISIT TO VLADIVOSTOK PLAYS PART IN US-RUSSIAN

UNCLAS VLADIVOSTOK 000063 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PINS PGOV RS SUBJECT: US NAVY SHIP VISIT TO VLADIVOSTOK PLAYS PART IN US-RUSSIAN RESET ¶1. The U.S. Navy Cruiser USS COWPENS made its contribution in the resetting of U.S.-Russia relations during a May 7-11 ship visit to Vladivostok. The visit was the first to Vladivostok since May of last year and marks the resumption of a tradition interrupted last July after a planned visit was canceled because of a logistical disagreement. The Georgian conflict suspended other mil to mil activities. American sailors from the ship participated in a number of community relations events, while officers from the ship and ConGen Vladivostok took part in official meetings. ¶2. Ship Commander Holly Graf made several official calls, including meetings with Vladivostok Mayor Pushkaryov and Deputy Russian Pacific Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Nikolay Maryasov. The Commander also hosted a dinner on board the ship for local naval officers and laid a ceremonial flower garland at the Russian Pacific Fleet Battle Honors Memorial. Commander Graf and the Consulate hosted a reception on the ship. ¶3. Sailors took part in several community relations events. The ship fielded soccer and basketball teams to take on students from various Vladivostok universities, while other sailors participated in a skating session at the local ice rink. Additionally, sailors and officers visited the Sedanka Veterans Center, where Captain Holly Graf and others planted trees in the garden and painted fences. Sedanka is home to surviving World War Two Soviet veterans who are especially appreciative of the opportunity to meet with American sailors who reciprocated the respect and enjoyment. They also visited the Mayak Children's Center, where sailors played with the children, made renovations to the facility, and presented gifts. Later, veterans, Russian Pacific Fleet sailors, regional officials and a group from the Mayak Children's Center toured the cruiser. ¶4. Comment. The visit of the USS COWPENS was an excellent opportunity for the Russian public to interact with Americans. Ship visits help dispel negative stereotypes and are a great example of transformational diplomacy as many sailors take to the streets in uniform, meeting with Russians and representing America extremely well. The visits were covered extensively in the media, and public interest was high. Many officials expressed hope that the tradition, especially on Victory Day, will continue. The visits offer us an opportunity to segue from our shared success in defeating fascism to our shared interests today. ConGen Vladivostok strongly supports these ship visits and looks forward to further outreach opportunities with Embassy Moscow's support during the upcoming Independence Day ship visit. ARMBRUSTER