U.S. Navy warship to make port call at Vladivostok

A U.S. Navy frigate will start on Saturday a friendly visit to the port of Vladivostok, a spokesman for the U.S. consulate general in Russia's Far East said. "The visit of the USS Ford (FFG-54), an Oliver Perry class frigate, coincides with the celebration of Vladivostok's 151st anniversary on July 2 and the Independence Day in the United States on July 4," the official said. During the visit until July 5, the crew of the warship will meet with Russia's Pacific Fleet personnel, and take part in a number of sport and cultural events. The U.S. sailors will also host a party for Russian kids diagnosed with cancer on board the frigate. Recent exchanges of friendly visits by Russian and U.S. warships are a sign of improving relations between the two countries, the spokesman told RIA Novosti. Last year, missile cruiser Varyag made port call at San Francisco to become the first Russian surface warship to visit the city in 147 years, while a U.S. mine sweeper and a frigate took part in celebrations in Vladivostok dedicated to the Russian Navy Day. Several U.S. warships are expected to visit Murmansk and Vladivostok later this year.