16.05.2011
Text: Black Sea Fleet Information Support Group
Photo: Black Sea Fleet Information Support Group
Sevastopol celebrated 228th anniversary of Black Sea Fleet (BSF). On May 13, 1783 Russian squadron consisted of 11 ships and headed by Vice Admiral Fedot Klokachev entered Akhtiarskaya Bay (now called Sevastopolskaya Bay); that event laid the foundation of Russian fleet in the Black Sea.
Festivities started with hoisting of St. Andrew's ensigns and dressing flags; then the wreath-laying ceremony held at the monument to the founder of Black Sea Fleet Russian Empress Catherine the Great, monuments to famed Russian admirals F.F. Ushakov, M.P. Lazarev, P.S. Nakhimov, and Admiral of the Soviet Navy N.G. Kuznetsov.
The ceremony at the monument to Catherine the Great was attended by members of the fleet's military council, representatives of Sevastopol city administration, public and veteran organizations, patronage delegations from Moscow, Belgorod, Rostov-on-Don, and BSF servicemen.
Solemn prayer service was made by Sevastopol archpriest Sergius in commemoration of the fleet's anniversary in St. Vladimir's Cathedral – the tomb of Russian admirals.
Festive activities ended in the night with a concert given by BSF Song and Dance Company and BSF Band at Primorsky Boulevard.
