Baltic Fleet celebrates Mariners' Day

29.10.2010 Russian Fleet Foundation Day is celebrated on Oct 30. Russian Council of Boyars decided to start construction of national fleet in this day in 1696. In accordance with the decree of Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief, this date is celebrated as professional day – the Mariners' Day.

Festive activities related to Mariners' Day were conducted on Oct 29 at Baltic Fleet (BF) under auspices of BF Commander VADM Viktor Chirkov.

Among invitees visited BF main naval base Baltiysk were Nikolai Tsukanov, governor of Kaliningrad region; Yury Savenko, deputy chairman of parliamentary defense committee; Alexander Datsyshin, deputy presidential envoy in Northwest Federal District; representatives of local administration and veterans of the Navy.

Events started with wreath-laying ceremony at the monument to Peter the Great, the founder of Russian fleet. Then a solemn meeting and festive concert were held in BF Officers' Club.

As tradition demands, BF Commander congratulated everyone on Mariners' Day. Capt 2 rank Srgei Atroshchenko, Roman Shapovalenko, Ivars Rudzitis and other servicemen were rewarded by BF Commander for excellent results in combat training.

BF Song and Dance Company and marines' rock band "Black Berets" gave a festive concert.