USS Vandegrift Arrives in Aomori, Japan

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew M. Bradley, U.S. Naval Air Facility Misawa, Japan, Public Affairs

AOMORI, Japan (NNS) -- The guided-missile frigate USS Vandegrift (FFG 48) arrived in Aomori, Japan, Aug. 2, to participate in a port call in the northern Japanese city.

The port visit is in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the U.S.-Japan Mutual Security Treaty and is one of several alliance port visits scheduled for 2010.

It is also a bilateral visit as the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's destroyer JS Amagiri (DD 154) joins the Vandegrift and is moored alongside.

"The crew is excited to be in Aomori and to have an opportunity to experience the culture and meet the people of Japan," said Cmdr. Steven A. Prescott, USS Vandegrift's commanding officer.

While in port, Vandegrift's crew of more than 200 Sailors will offer tours of the ship and will also participate in the local Nebuta Festival. This is the first time any U.S. crew has taken part in the festival in this capacity.

"I'm looking forward to the Nebuta Festival, as well as doing some sightseeing," said Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Phillip Lee.

"Each night about 20 Vandegrift Sailors will be able to participate in the festival," said Prescott. "It will be a great and unique opportunity to experience one of the biggest festivals in Japan."

The San-Diego based ship departed its homeport April 12 and is currently taking part in an independent deployment to the 7th Fleet area of responsibility in the Western Pacific Ocean.

Previously, Vandegrift was forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, for eight years prior to returning to San Diego Aug. 14.

U.S. Ships Visit Vladivostok

VLADIVOSTOK (NNS) -- The frigate USS Vandegrift (FFG 48) and the mine countermeasures ship USS Patriot (MCM 7) arrived in Vladivostok July 23, to participate in celebrating Navy day.

The four-day port visit will bring Sailors from Patriot and Vandegrift together with members of the Japanese and Russian navies to celebrate the 71st anniversary of the Russian navy. Navy Day is an annual holiday in Russia that celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of the Russian Navy to the country's peace and security.

"Port visits like this provide very important opportunities for us to demonstrate our commitment to fostering growing relationships with our partnership nations," said Vandegrift's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Steven Prescott.

"We are honored to be invited here for Navy Day," said Lt. Cmdr. Walter Mainor, Patriot's commanding officer. "The United States and Russia share a common interest in promoting peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, and we look forward to fostering a growing relationship with our Russian counterparts."

While many Sailors look forward to enjoying the hospitality, culture and sightseeing in Vladivostok, there are several who decided to use their time to help the local community. A group of about 20 Sailors will be volunteering to help underprivileged children at the Parus Nadezhdy Rehabilitation Center and host a chess match between Vandegrift Sailors and local children.

"It's great to feel like we have made a difference for the better, to give back to the children and the community," said Mineman 2nd Class Tyler King, Patriot's community service projects coordinator.

"This is the first time most of us have been to Russia. It's a great opportunity for the crew to experience a new culture and make new friends," said Prescott.

Vandegrift is an independently deployed ship homeported in San Diego, currently deployed in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR). Patriot, led by Lt. Cmdr. Walter Mainor, is currently fulfilling Amphibious Force Seventh Fleet and Mine Countermeasure Squadron 7 tasking and is forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan.