24.08.2010
Text:
Photo: Viktor Chirkov.
According to the source, Chirkov is the most probable candidate on the post of PF Commander. Currently heading Pacific Fleet Admiral Konstantin Sidenko was previously appointed a commander of Operational-Strategic Command East, which includes Pacific Fleet.
Expectedly, the appointment of a new PF Commander will be made within the next 2-3 weeks, reports
Interfax-AVN referring to a source in defense ministry.
Another assignment will be made in PF command. Rear Admiral Sergei Avakiants, acting PF Chief of Staff will soon acquire this post. His predecessor Vice Admiral Alexander Tolstykh will be medically discharged from the service, added the source of
RIA Novosti.
Viktor Chirkov was born on Sept 8, 1959 in Alma-Ata. He started his naval service as torpedo officer at a PF frigate after graduation from Pacific Naval Academy. Since 1987 he served as frigate commanding officer at Pacific Fleet; since 1990 till 1993 he held a post of large ASW ship commanding officer. He also served as ASW force deputy chief of staff, ASW force deputy commander, ASW force commander, deputy commander of Northeast task force, commander of PF Primorskaya flotilla. Viktor Chirkov was transferred to Baltic Fleet in Sept 2007 to the post of BF Deputy Commander. He has been heading Baltic Fleet since Sept 2009. Chirkov is graduate of Kuznetsov Naval Academy, Military Academy of Russian General Staff. He was awarded with the orders "For Service in the Russian Armed Forces" (3rd degree), "For Military Merits", and numerous medals. Married, has two sons.
