Black Sea Fleet kicks off new training year

02.12.2010 New training year started yesterday at Black Sea Fleet (BSF) with the flag-hoisting ceremony. BSF Commander Vice Admiral Vladimir Korolev arrived to the fleet's surface ships division to appear at the solemn meeting and deliver a speech as well as representatives of Sevastopol veteran organizations and archpriest Sergiy Khaliuta.

Addressing to BSF personnel, Vice Admiral Vladimir Korolev summarized achievements of the past year. In particular, Guard missile cruiser Moskva represented Black Sea Fleet at large-scale strategic exercise Vostok-2010, BSF warships participated in joint Russian-Italian exercise Ioniex-2010, twice in BLACKSEAFOR activations, in international operations under "Black Sea Partnership" and "Black Sea Harmony" programs. Large landing ship Yamal paid calls at Greek and Montenegrin ports. The fleet has performed over 700 combat drills, 79 course tasks, 13 commanding cruises, landing exercise at Opuk Range, and missile firing at Kapustin Yar Range. Black Sea Fleet won nine Navy Commander's Prizes.

"We have started difficult and important training year. The fleet joined Southern Military District and will face reformations. In 2011 the fleet will be inspected by the defense ministry commission. We will take part in long-range cruises, international exercises, and lead subsequent activation of BLACKSEAFOR. Those are very important tasks, and I'm sure we'll accomplish them together", concluded the BSF Commander.

According to the Order of Navy Commander-in-Chief, Vice Admiral Vladimir Korolev handed over the Prize for missile firing to Capt 1 rank Sergei Tronev, commanding officer of missile cruiser Moskva. Some other ships which distinguished themselves through the year were also awarded.

The meeting was closed by parade, and then the BSF Commander started to work in accordance with the new training year's schedule.