Sporting fluorescent-Hawaiian-flowered swim trunks, black-framed sunglasses on cords, blue sun-block and a plastic fluorescent orange peaked cap, Yakov Smirnoff does not look like a man on a mission.

In fact, the former Soviet citizen-turned-American comedian looks downright out of place at Moscow's all-season outdoor swimming pool.

Surrounded by pensioners in make-do swim suits, Smirnoff is setting a new high in conspicuous consumption. To the comrades' further annoyance, Smirnoff has toys: a fluorescent-orange Frisbee and a multicolor skateboard.

These are just a few of the tools Smirnoff has in his diplomatic handbag on his first trip to his homeland since he and his parents immigrated to the United States in 1977. While in the Soviet Union, he has taped location pieces in Moscow and in Odessa for a Showtime special to be shown later this year in the United States.

Among the purposes of his mission: introduce Soviets to the real American culture. Not the stuff of orchestra exchange programs, but the \o7 real\f7 stuff. Among the tools at hand: stuffed slippers adorned with Ronald Reagans; dancing flowers, Hula Hoops, footballs, Frisbees, Slinkys, skateboards, miniature airplanes, Twinkies and Juicy Fruit.

Smirnoff hopes the candid conversations he is holding with Soviets will give Americans a new view. "Americans think Soviets are so grim. I want them to see that they can smile."

Smirnoff's film crew follows him around in his escapades with everyday Soviets--standing in line at McDonald's, playing football with militiamen in Red Square and talking to students. In the TV program, Smirnoff will narrate in English over the Russian conversations.

"I want it to be funny. The deepness in the message will still come through. The message is there's a flower of free enterprise here. This is our Berlin Wall, if you will. It's small and weak still, but it's there."

It's been 12 years since Smirnoff left his native Odessa on the Black Sea and landed in New York. Since then he has gone from busing at restaurants to starring in Miller Lite commercials, a syndicated television series ("What a Country!") and a movie ("Moscow on the Hudson").

Is it easy to return as every would-be immigrant's dream-come-true? Considering he's made a living off taking digs at Soviets, there was the question of whether he would be welcome. "It wasn't hard to get in. Now we just have to see if I'll get out," he says.