The United States Ship (USS) Decatur, an Arleigh Burke class destroyer, visited Vancouver this week. The visit is an outward demonstration of the commitment that the US and Canada have to sustaining their cross-border cooperation. The U.S. Navy performs many friendship missions in order to foster relationships with their international partners, and in addition to being an opportunity for rest and relaxation for the crew, it was also a chance to reach out to the local community. For example, crew members participated in a shore litter clean-up in North Vancouver’s Klahanie Park coordinated by the U.S. Consulate in Vancouver.
Another way in which the crew of the USS Decatur established connections with their hosts was to offer public guided tours of the battleship, along with an exclusive media tour and question period. Participants were offered insight into the technologies used on board, the discipline and spirit of the crew, and an overall summary of the contribution to maritime security and cooperation which is at the core mandate of the USS Decatur and, more broadly, the U.S. Navy.
One of the highlights of the USS Decatur visit was a reception co-hosted by Consul General Anne Callaghan and Commander Andrew Liggett on board the ship. In attendance were various distinguished members of both the U.S. and Canadian Navy and prominent figures from various key sectors and the cities of Vancouver and North Vancouver.
Please click here to view photos from the ship’s visit to Vancouver.
