USS Carr makes its second Baltic Sea port visit

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Gary Keen | Petty Officer 1st Class Kenneth Bryant welds a damage control training pipe patching aid aboard the guided-missile frigate USS Carr. The pipe will help sailors build their damage control pipe patching skills. Carr is homeported out of Norfolk, Va., and is on a scheduled three-month deployment supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.  

TURKU, AL, FINLAND

07.11.2011

Story by Lt.j.g. Gary Keen 

U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet

TURKU, Finland - The guided-missile frigate USS Carr made its second Baltic Sea port visit during its three-month deployment to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility, July 11.

Carr pulled into Turku following an eight-day transit from St. Petersburg, Russia, where its sailors strengthened the bonds between the U.S. and Russia during a 6-day port visit.

“The crew of Carr and I had a magnificent time in St. Petersburg, learning about their history and building long-standing relationships,” said Cmdr. Patrick E. Kulakowski, commanding officer of Carr. “We hope to continue this spirit of cooperation as we visit our Finnish friends here in the city of Turku.”

While in port, Carr will hold a press conference pier-side and co-host a reception for members of the Finnish navy and senior government official from Turku. They will also participate in military-to-military sporting events with the Finnish navy.

“I have 40 sailors signed up for soccer and the international game of boot throwing,” said Ensign John Smith, sports organizer aboard Carr. “Everyone I have spoken to is very excited about the games, especially the boot throwing game. Events like these help build friendships by opening us up to other cultures and traditions.”

Carr sailors will also get the chance to see historical sights on their own and take advantage of the ship’s Moral, Welfare and Recreation program.

“I think it is great that our MWR program will reimburse us for tickets to museums and historical sites.” said Seaman Aaron Kinchen. “I plan to take full advantage of that program in Turku. I am really looking forward to seeing the Turku Castle.”

Carr is homeported out of Norfolk, Va., and is on a three-month deployment supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

• Date Taken: 07.11.2011
• Date Posted: 07.11.2011 05:34
• Story ID: 73530
• Location: TURKU, AL, FI