Story by: Ensign Brian T. Lance
USS Carr Public Affairs
KLAIPEDA, Lithuania - USS Carr (FFG 52) completed a four-day port visit to Klaipeda, Lithuania, Aug. 1, as part of a three-month deployment supporting theater security cooperation engagements throughout the Baltic nations.
While in port Klaipeda, Carr sailors held a reception, office calls and wreath laying ceremony aboard the LTNS Jotvingis (N 42) commemorating the merchant and military mariners who have lost their lives at sea.
Carr supported the U.S. Embassy by hosting a reception for the Anne Derse, U.S. ambassador to Lithuania. The event was attended by Lithuanian government, military officials and embassy officials.
“Out friendship with Lithuania is one of the strongest relationships we have in Europe,” said Derse. “Lithuanian troops are fighting along side us in Afghanistan and making a big impact. The U.S. is deeply committed to this partnership, and Carr’s visit here demonstrates this.”
Shortly after arriving, Cmdr. Patrick Kulakowski, Carr’s commanding officer, was warmly received by Vytautas Grubliauskas, the mayor of Klaipeda, and Rear Adm. Kestutis Macijauskas, commander in chief of the Lithuanian navy.
“We’re happy to have you in Klaipeda,” said Grubliauskas. “We have had good experiences with the U.S. Navy, and we’re proud to have your ship here.”
Lithuanian navy, United States Embassy, and Carr sailors also conducted a joint community relations project at the Rytas Orphanage.
The children played instruments and sang songs to welcome their guests. Sailors played sports and games with the children as others cooked hot dogs and hamburgers.
“Even though you live a thousand miles away, it’s becoming a tradition for U.S. sailors to visit the children,” said Edita Navickiene, assistant director of Rytas Orphanage.
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.