USS Lassen to take part in Vladivostok V-Day naval review

The guided missile destroyer Lassen of the US Navy will take part in a Victory Day naval review here. The American combatant ship will arrive here on May 7, the press service of Russia's Pacific Fleet (PF) reports. "The principal purpose of the visit will be for the American seamen to participate in the celebration of the Victory Day and further to stregnthen friendship and naval cooperation between the Navies of Russia and the United States," says an official press release of the PF. The destroyer Lassen will stay in Vladivostok for four days. The guests are to meet with the PF Command, pay an official visit to the city's administration chief, lay wreaths at the Eternal Flame of the PF Combat Glory memorial complex, and play football with the crew of the guided missile cruiser Varyag. A cultural programme has been also arranged for the American seamen with a tour of the city's museums and bus tours. For their part, the crew of the Lassen will organize an open-access ladder to receive residents of Primorsky Territory on board the ship. The visit of the American ship to Vladivostok is to end on May 10. The crew of the French frigate Vendemiaire, which will arrive at the main base of the PF on May 6, will participate in the naval review along with the American seamen.