Bonavista, Newfoundland----Home to one of the largest Russian bases
in this hemisphere.
A view of the town of Bonavista and its coastline----A scenic location for a powerful military installation.
Boardwalk view of the town.
Bonavista is a popular summer vacation destination, with good restaurants, cheerful taverns and comfortable motels, although the base itself is strictly off-limits to non-Russians.
Local merchants, Bethany Bauer and Carol Hodge, say, "Our store has fared well since the base was built. I think some
of the base personnel like to send items back to families in Russia, and that helps sales, for sure. Have we had any problems
with base personnel? I would have to say, nyet, to that."
"They do wear funny hats, though."
Holly Tkachuk, co-owner of the Bonavista Tavern and Motel:
"We get no problems with anyone from the base, and they spend
quite a bit of money in the town, including right here. Occasionally,
we get an intoxicated Russian sleeping in a snowbank, or swimming
out to an iceberg, but that's about it.
No fights, no brawls, very little impoliteness even.
It's all good, as far as I'm concerned.
As long as I have plenty of Stoli on hand, I'm fine.
But top quality Canadian whiskey still beats Vodka, in my opinion."
Patrick Bernier, ship-owner:
"I think the base is good for the town, and maybe even international relations
as well. The Naval vessels steer clear of commercial ships, and we stay away
from them, so that's no concern. Everybody seems to get along just fine here,
and there's no disrespect, either way, that I have experienced. The Russians
don't like Canadian Bacon much, though, and I am a bit offended by that."
Russian Naval Officers, Victor Nemchinov and Vasily Malkin.
"No one is upset at all that we are here to preserve the strategic balance,
and maintain peace. It is a beautiful place, an important job,
and it is an honor to serve here", says Commander Malkin.
"The french fries they serve in town are the best anywhere.
I would die to defend them",
adds Nemchinov.
Local fishermen, Larry Howe and Rick Turnbull.
Turnbull: "Everybody treats everybody else with respect, as far as I can see.
Heck, one time our motor conked out a few miles offcoast, and a Russian vessel noticed our problem, came right over and towed us back in.
When we meet in town, we tend to talk hockey a lot."
Russian Technical officer, Alexei Maltsev:
"When I'm off-duty, I like to relax by just walking around the town. It has very attractive scenery here. I'm from Siberia, so the weather they have seems very mild to me.
I just wish there were more single women. But you can't have everything."
As close as you can get.
A photograph shows the outside edge of the bases's radar array (far right).
Rumors that the array was actually a Russian HAARP machine
have never been confirmed.
Photographs of the base are forbidden by international agreement,
so even taking this picture was risky, although there have been no repercussions.
2 Russian Officers (top and right) drink outside in a snowstorm with Canadians,
Mike Malone and Eddie Bourque. We like to do a lot of the same things, like drink, sing and follow hockey. Many of them speak English, which is good, 'cause I can't even say a sentence in Russian", says Bourque.
"But mainly, we just say, 'fill her up'."
Risky comrades?
Could Russian-Canadian compatibility pose a
security problem for the US? Only time will tell.
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