Members of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) had a busy day in Estonia, participating in a number of community outreach activities Monday. The crew of the USS VICKSBURG (CG-69) led a group of 11 students from Maardu Gϋmnaasium on a tour of the ship. The students learned about the capabilities of the guided missile cruiser and the daily lives of its crew members. The kids also had the opportunity to practice their English language skills. From exploring the helm of the ship to experiencing a breathing apparatus, the students enjoyed the experience, making sure to ask lots of questions and take lots of pictures. The tour was a fantastic experience for all.
Meanwhile, a group of about 20 Canadian, Turkish, and U.S. sailors spent the afternoon volunteering in Tallinn. Some of the sailors went to Lepatriinu kindergarten, where they painted sandboxes a bright yellow and spoke with the children. While the sailors worked, the children treated the sailors to a song in their honor. The remaining sailors went to work in a park underneath Pikk Hermann, painting an iron fence black.
The sailors enjoyed the opportunity to make a positive impact while in Estonia, as well as to interact with the children.
SNMG2 ships arrived in Tallinn Friday for a port visit. Led by Rear Adm. Brad Williamson (USA N), SNMG2 is currently comprised of the flagship USS VICKSBURG (CG 69), HMCS FREDERICTON (FFH 337), TCG GOKSU (F 497) and HNLMS TROMP (F 803). The Group recently completed a passing exercise with Standing NATO Mine Counter Measures Group ONE (SNMCMG1) and the Estonian Navy during SNMG2’s Baltic Sea deployment.
