U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Donald L. Pilling meets crew of the Russian Aircraft Carrier Adm. Kuznetsov. A Russian Navy officer introduces members of the crew of the Russian Aircraft Carrier Adm. Kuznetsov to Vice Adm. Donald L. Pilling, U.S. Navy, as the ship steamed in the Mediterranean Sea on Jan. 7, 1996. The aircraft carrier became the meeting place for the First Deputy Commander of the Russian Navy and the Commander of the U.S. Navy's Sixth Fleet. Russian Adm. Igor Kasatonov invited Vice Adm. Donald L. Pilling, U.S. Navy, aboard the Russian carrier to discuss potential professional contacts between the two navies during the Adm. Kuznetsov deployment in the Mediterranean. The American delegation was hosted to a tour of the ship, a display of embarked aircraft and a traditional Russian meal. The Russian carrier is in the Mediterranean to show the flag and help commemorate the Russian Navy's 300th anniversary. SHARE: Download: Full Size (0.07 MB) Credit: VIRIN: 915244-K-ESF78-038.jpg Photo Gallery