Russia, Norway are satisfied with Pomor-2011 exercise results

19.05.2011 A press conference summarizing results of Russian-Norwegian joint exercise Pomor-2011 was held on board Norwegian frigate Helge Ingstad in Tromso port; the exercise was conducted in the Barents and the Norwegian seas in May 11-16.

Except for ships' commanding officers and exercise directors, the press-conference was attended by the head of Norway's main operational command Lieutenant General Bernt Bruvold and Admiral Nikolai Maksimov, Western Military District's Chief of Staff (Russia).

Speaking of the exercise, head of the Norwegian party Captain Lars Saunes evaluated naval cooperation between Norwegian and Russian sailors as successful and effective. Generally, all tasks assigned to the crews of Vice Admiral Kulakov and Helge Ingstad were fully accomplished. Especially, he distinguished actions of Northern Fleet (NF) and Norwegian marines while inspection of a ship suspected of smuggling and piracy. Captain Lars Saunes expressed hope that interaction between Russian and Norwegian servicemen would improve.

Exercise director of Russian party – deputy commander of NF Surface Ship Division Capt 1 rank Anton Speransky – was more modest about actions of large ASW ship Vice Admiral Kulakov, although was satisfied with the exercise results too. Especially as rescue drills conducted during Pomor-2011 were more effective that those in the past year.

Summarizing the Pomor-2011 exercise, Lieutenant General Bernt Bruvold and Admiral Nikolai Maksimov emphasized significance of the exercise for Russian and Norwegian mariners especially in strengthening of trade, economic, and cultural ties between the two countries. Russia and Norway have many common interests and goals to be reached together, and naval exercise Pomor-2011 is called to promote this cooperation, said the officers.