Riga, May 21, 2015 –On Friday, May 22, a group of three NATO ships is scheduled to arrive in Riga, Latvia for a scheduled port visit. The three ships include the guided missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69), the Turkish frigate TCG Goksu and the Dutch frigate HNLMS Tromp. These ships are part of an ongoing effort by NATO to strengthen ties with its allies and regional partners, while working towards mutual goals of promoting peace and stability in the Baltic region.
Media are invited to cover two events during the port visit:
- On Friday, May 22th, the TCG Goksu will offer a media tour of the ship from 15:00 to 16:00. Media representatives and photographers must apply in advance. Please contact the Embassy Public Affairs Section by 17:00 on Thursday, May 21, to be considered. Round-trip transportation to the pier will be available with departure on Friday, May 22, at 14:00 from Radisson Blu Hotel Latvija, Elizabetes street 55.
- On Saturday, May 23, Sailors from the USS Vicksburg will participate in an outreach project at the Jurmala city orphanage Spriditis (Sēravotu street 9). Members of the crew will clean up and renovate a volleyball court which is located in orphanage campus and spend time with the children.
For more information about USS Vicksburg, the HNLMS Tromp, or the TCG Goksu ship media tour and outreach event at “Spriditis” orphanage, please contact the U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Section.