Crew of US warship to attend the Victory Day Parade in Vladivostok

07.05.2010 American naval servicemen will participate in military parade associated with 65th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War to be held in Vladivostok. Command ship USS Blue Ridge moored Friday in Vladivostok downtown, opposite Pacific Fleet HQ.

On May 8 the US mariners will take part in wreath laying ceremony at the Pacific Fleet Battle Fame Memorial. On the Victory Day they will parade at the city's central square along with Russian counterparts.

Later on, US 7th Fleet orchestra named Far East Edition jointly with Pacific Fleet's Chorus will give a concert for Russian servicemen and residents of Vladivostok.

The visit of American mariners will last till May 11; it has become a tradition for US warships to visit Vladivostok on the eve of the Victory Day.

In 2007 the Victory Day Parade was attended by the crew of USS John S. Maccein. In 2008 the crew of USS Stetema paraded with Pacific Fleet servicemen in honor of 63rd anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. In 2009 Vladivostok hosted USS Cowpens.

USS Blue Ridge which is the flagship of US 7th Fleet visits Pacific Fleet's main base for the third time; the ship firstly called at Vladivostok in July 2006. USS Blue Ridge is equipped with state-of-the-art communication equipment, conference facilities, command posts, and administrative rooms. Up to 200 officers and about 500 enlisted can simultaneously work on board the ship.

The Americans will also attend sport events like volleyball, soccer, basketball, and chess; participate in students' discussions and visit an English lesson at one of Vladivostok public schools, informs ITAR-TASS.