25.08.2010
Text: Black Sea Fleet Information Support Group
Photo: BSF Guard missile cruiser
Moskva.
By the invitation of Omani authorities, Capt 1 rank Igor Smoliak, the cruise commander and Guard Capt 1 rank Sergei Tronev, CO of
Moskva paid a visit to Sheikh Mohammed Al-Mamari, governor of Dhofar province. During the meeting the sheikh thanked Russian mariners for a visit to Omani port and pointed out that Russian ships were always welcome in Oman.
"We treat Russia with respect for its prestige and active role at international scene which is basically a result of your armed forces and, of course, the navy", emphasized Mohammed Al-Mamari. The governor put an accent on the great role of Russian warships in anti-piracy mission near the Horn of Africa and expressed hope that joint efforts of the Russian Federation and international community would speed up solution of that problem.
During the port stay, the crew had a chance to take a rest in Salalah and go sightseeing; soccer team of
Moskva tied the score in a friendly game with sailors of Spanish patrol ship
Infanta Cristina which was also visiting Salalah.
Sri-Lankan naval officers who had been training on board
Moskva for one week left the Russian cruiser in Omani port. Summarizing results of the training course, cruise commander Capt 1 rank Igor Smoliak highly appreciated the work done.
"Although time-limited, we tried to give maximum practical knowledge to our guests. Specially for that, work plans and materials for practical training were developed and translated into English. Alongside with studying theory, Sri-Lankan officers kept special navigational watches, familiarized with samples of Russian arms, strengthened knowledge in juridical aspects of a warship's activities. Such joint work was useful both for Russian and Sri-Lankan mariners", said Igor Smoliak.
Sri-Lankan officers were "consecrated" sailors in accordance to Russian naval tradition; memorable diplomas and souvenirs were also given out to foreign guests. In their turn, they extended thanks to command of
Moskva for the opportunity to pass training onboard the Russian cruiser.
Having replenished water and fuel supplies in Salalah, the BSF flagship proceeded the interfleet cruise from Vladivostok to Sevastopol.
