BSF Commander attended BLACKSEAFOR command passage

16.08.2010 On Aug 14 Romanian port Constanta hosted participants of BLACKSEAFOR international force; Romania took over command of the Black Sea Naval Co-operation Task Group (BLACKSEAFOR) from Bulgaria.

Vice Admiral Vladimir Korolev, Black Sea Fleet (BSF) Commander took part in solemn events which are traditionally held with participation of Black Sea countries' naval commanders.

In current activation Russia is represented by BSF large landing ship Yamal which crew along with foreign colleagues from Bulgarian minesweeper Priboy, Romanian frigate Marasesti, Turkish frigate Salih Reis, and Ukrainian minesweeper Cherkasy participates in the event.

During the ceremony representatives of Bulgarian Navy who led the 2009-2010 activations Rear Admiral Rumen Nikolov, (operational command) and commodore Georg Motev (tactical command) passed command to delegates of Romanian Navy Rear Admiral Hriste Cucosel (operational command) and Capt 1 rank Constantin Korobe (tactical command). International headquarters consisting of representatives of all Black Sea countries will be based at BLACKSEAFOR flagship Romanian frigate Marasesti.

In accordance with the activation plan, on Aug 15 BSF Commander Vice Adm. Vladimir Korolev and the crew of large landing ship Yamal participated in festivities on the Romanian Navy Day; after that the task group started to conduct sea drills.

BLACKSEAFOR exercise will be held till Aug 30, ships of the international task group will pay informal calls at ports of Sevastopol and Varna.