18.08.2011
Text: Baltic Fleet Information Support Group
Photo: Harbor minesweeper Sergei Kolbasiev before combat patrol. Baltic Fleet Information Support Group
Baltic Fleet (BF) task unit headed by Capt 1 rank Pavel Prosekov, Harbor Defense Division Commander of Baltiysk Naval Base took the sea to participate in the Open Spirit 2011 international minesweeping exercise to be held since Aug 19 till Sept 3 off Latvia.
At the joint exercise BF minesweeping group will be represented by harbor minesweepers
Sergei Kolbasiev and
BT-230 under command of Capt Lt Sergei Tikhonov and Capt 3 rank Roman Kurochkin respectively.
Baltiysk Naval Base Commander Rear Admiral Alexander Nosatov noted at the solemn farewell meeting that BF mariners would represent Russia at the
Open Spirit exercise for the sixth time. The crews will perform important mission – to search and destroy munitions lying on the seabed since wartime.
Dean of Baltic Fleet's St. George Cathedral hegumen Sophronius made a prayer service for Russian warriors, sprinkled sailors by holy water and blessed them.
Pre-cruise conference will take place in Latvian port Mersrags on Aug 19; participants of the international exercise will be instructed on the future tasks.
