Ukrainian defense minister thanked Russian submariners for training

25.11.2010 Ukrainian defense minister Mikhail Yezhel yesterday visited Black Sea Fleet 13th Ship-Repair Plant which completes repairs of Ukrainian submarine Zaporizhzhia, reported the fleet's press service.

The minister conducted a briefing in the plant's conference hall; Russian ship-repairing specialists also attended the meeting. Acting director of 13th ship repair plant Capt 3 rank Alexander Baklanov pointed out that the Ukrainian sub had been under repairs since 2001, and significant work had been done during that period. According to him, the submarine is 85-90% completed.

Ukrainian defense minister Mikhail Yezhel confirmed that recovery operations at Zaporizhzhia were reaching the end, and the sub would start mooring trials soon. He thanked the Russian party for assistance rendered to Ukrainian Navy in training of submariners. "I'd like to extend thanks to our sworn brothers - Russian sailors - for the training arranged for Ukrainian submariners in Black Sea Fleet sub", emphasized the minister. He expressed hope that by joint efforts repair of the Ukrainian submarine would be finished at the earliest date.

We recall that 6 crewmembers of Zaporizhzhia have passed training and twice took the sea in Black Sea Fleet submarine Alrosa.