Russian ship docks at old U.S. base in Panama

[unhappycamper]

Russian ship docks at old U.S. base in Panama
The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Dec 7, 2008 13:48:08 EST

PANAMA CITY, Panama — A Russian military vessel has docked at a former U.S. Navy base after making a historic passage through the Panama Canal.

The destroyer Admiral Chabanenko is the first Soviet or Russian warship to traverse the canal, which was off limits to the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

It arrived Saturday at the former Rodman Naval Station, which the U.S. turned over to Panama nearly a decade ago along with control of the canal.

Vice Adm. Vladimir Korolev said the trip is aimed at showing “the Russian fleet’s presence in the strategic areas of the world.”

The voyage reflects Russia’s growing influence in the region and anger with the U.S. for using warships to deliver aid to Georgia after its August war with Russia.


Article at: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/12/ap_chabanenko_panama_120708/%2e