Photo By Master Chief Petty Officer Michael Lewis | Members of the Russian armed forces stand at attention during the 65th anniversary of...... read more read more
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ST. PETERSBURG, Russia – Vice Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., commander of the U.S. 6th Fleet, arrived in St. Petersburg, Russia, May 7, to participate in the commemoration of the 65th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.
Harris is joined by the guided missile frigate USS Kauffman, whose crew is also participating in the commemoration events.
"It's a genuine honor for me to be here in this majestic city at this momentous time," said Harris. "When I think about this event, I am humbled by the almost unimaginable scale of sacrifice the Russian people endured [throughout history] to preserve their way of life."
Harris visited the St. Peter and Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg, where he took a short tour of the fortress and was afforded the opportunity to fire the Noon Cannon, a great honor given to few.
After the events at the fortress, Harris met aboard Kauffman with several Russian World War II polar convoy veterans during which he listened to the stories they had to tell about their experiences fighting Nazi Germany.
"What I have learned is that when we are faced with a monstrous enemy, we come together, and together we win," said Harris. "We did that in World War II. I believe that today we face challenges on a global scale that should bring us together."
Russian Vice Adm. Adam Rimashevskiy, chief of the Kuznetsov Naval Academy, asked Harris to give a speech to the school's officers. When he got to the podium, Harris discussed the shared history between Russia and the United States.
"While it is tempting to talk only in platitudes about safe, non-controversial subjects, we cannot and must not ignore our shared histories," said Harris. "I need not remind you that many years ago, our two countries were locked in a ferocious struggle, what we in America called the Cold War."
Harris then spoke about the transformation of the relationship between Russia and the United States following the end of the Cold War and how the two nations have similar goals.
"Almost two decades have passed since the Cold War ended," said Harris. "Today, we stand together, perhaps not yet as brothers, but certainly not as adversaries. Today we stand together as peers who are building a more natural relationship between our navies. A relationship based upon the things that bind us rather than the things that divide us."
Harris and more than 30 of Kauffman's Sailors, including Cmdr. Dale Maxey, Kauffman's commanding officer, visited Piskaryovskoe Memorial Cemetery to lay a wreath in honor of the millions of men and women of the Soviet Union who died defending their city and country from Nazi Germany.
"The 900 days of the German siege and the Soviet defense of Leningrad serve as an unmatched testament to the enduring spirit and perseverance of the Russian people," said Harris.
The visit culminated with the 65th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day parade, which was held May 9. Harris, U.S. Consulate General of St. Petersburg Sheila Gwaltney and many Russian dignitaries reviewed the parade. Dozens of Russian war veterans were also present as formations of Russian soldiers and sailors marched through Palace Square with rifles at the ready.
"The parade was a very moving event to be a part of," said Lt. Cmdr. Jay Mihal, Naval Forces Europe Foreign Area officer. "It was absolutely moving to experience the love and respect of a nation toward its veterans on a scale I've never experienced before."
Seeing the veterans showing Kauffman's Sailors the same respect that they have received made the event even more worthwhile, said Mihal.
The citizens of St. Petersburg welcomed the Sailors from Kauffman with open arms. Locals approached Sailors and asked to be photographed with them in their dress blues, inquired about life in the U.S. Navy and showed them around town.
"I have been onboard this ship for two years, and the welcome that we received here has been like nothing I've ever seen aboard Kauffman," said Cmdr. Pete Nilsen, Kauffman's executive officer. "The people were tremendously friendly and gracious to our crew. Every Sailor that I have talked to, even the ones that have served in the Navy for more than 20 years, said that this was the best port visit they have ever had."
Visits such as this serve to build friendship and mutual understanding, and strengthen the relationship between the Russian and U.S. Navies.
| Date Taken: | 05.07.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 05.12.2010 06:44 |
| Story ID: | 49524 |
| Location: | ST. PETERSBURG, RU |
| Web Views: | 269 |
| Downloads: | 124 |
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