On Sept. 14, 2009, the Naval Academy hosted members of the St. Petersburg, Russia Submariners Club. The visitors totaled thirty-eight people and included former Russian submariners and their wives who were in the United States for several days. A VIP tour was conducted by a member of the Naval Academy Super-intendent’s staff to introduce the visitors to the rich heritage and tradition that characterizes the Naval Academy.
Following the tour, members of the St. Petersburg Sub Club were invited to shop at the Midshipman Store and then eat lunch in King Hall. Fifteen Russian-speaking Midshipmen, many native Russian speakers, met the visitors and escorted them to their company tables where they were able to converse in Russian and share information about the Naval Academy from an insider’s perspective.
After lunch, there were opportunities to ride on a Yard Patrol craft, tour the recently renovated Naval Academy Museum and even sit in on a Russian language class in Nimitz Library.
The day culminated in a reception held at the Naval Academy Club which was sponsored by the Naval Academy Dolphin Club. Several Midshipmen interested in submarines joined members of the St. Petersburg Sub Club and other Russian-speaking Midshipmen as they enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and beverages. Capt. Robert Brennan, Mathematics and Science Division Director, presented retired Russian Capt. 1st Rank Igor Kurdin with a gift on behalf of the Superintendent.
On Sept. 16, Capt. Pratsuk, who has a personal interest in sailing, exchanged ballcaps and burgees with Cmdr. Christopher Thomassy, the Commodore of the Naval Academy Sailing Squadron.
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