14.06.2011
Text: Black Sea Fleet Information Support Group
Photo: VADM Vladimir Korolev and ADM Viktor Maksimov. Black Sea Fleet Information Support Group
Festive events associated with the Russia's Day were held in Russia's Black Sea Fleet (BSF) on June 12. The activities took place in Sevastopol and Simferopol with participation of Russian and Ukrainian high-ranking naval officers.
The fleet's festivities started with flag-hoisting ceremonies. After that, Russian Consul General in Simferopol Vladimir Andreyev, BSF Commander Vice Admiral Vladimir Korolev, Ukrainian Navy Commander Admiral Viktor Maksimov, Chairman of Sevastopol City Council Yury Doinikov, his assistant Sergei Zhivoduyev, representatives of veteran and public organizations accompanied by BSF Honor Guard Company laid wreaths at the Memorial to Sevastopol Defenders.
A solemn meeting was held in the Sevastopol Naval Officers' Club; the event was arranged for BSF servicemen and their families.
Appearing at the meeting, Vice Admiral Vladimir Korolev mentioned about the most significant milestones in the history of contemporary Russia and its armed forces. He emphasized that BSF mariners were celebrating the "double" holiday. According to the fleet commander, "fourteen years ago, on June 12, 1997 the St. Andrew's flag returned to the masts of Black Sea Fleet warships. This ensign is inseparably connected with the 300-year long history of Russian Navy".
The Russia's Day festivities in Black Sea Fleet coincided with the Day of Hero-City Sevastopol. Traditionally, sailors and bands of the Russian fleet participated in those events as well.
