Russian and Irish mariners met onboard cruiser Avrora

25.08.2011 Irish Navy's patrol ship L.E. Roisin on Aug 24 arrived in St. Petersburg paying an official visit. Members of Irish delegation met with Leningrad Naval Base command.

The guests were invited on board museum cruiser Avrora where they were welcomed by deputy base commander Capt 1 rank Oleg Dovganiuk and commanding officer of the legendary ship Capt 1 rank (retired) Evgeny Bragin. Irish party was represented by commanding officer of L.E. Roisin Lt Cmdr Peter Twomey and Irish ambassador to Russia Philip McDonagh.

After a tour over the ship, mariners of the two countries exchanged naval souvenirs. Commanding officer of L.E. Roisin expressed respect to Russian Navy's history. "For us, it is a great honor to be on board this legendary cruiser and a glorious symbol of Russian Navy", said Peter Twomey.

Russian servicemen were intrigued by the Irish ship's emblem which includes unusual for navy element – a rose. Irish mariners explained that almost all warships in Ireland were bearing women's names. Patrol ship L.E. Roisin was named after Roisin Dubh (Irish analog of name Rose) who was the daughter of Hugh O'Neill, Irish king late in 16th century. Besides, about 30% of Irish naval officers are women.

Later on that day, Irish mariners gave return banquette for Russian colleagues on board L.E. Roisin.

The Irish warship visits St. Petersburg with the view to strengthen foreign economic relations with Baltic states. During the cruise, patrol ship L.E. Roisin has visited ports of Finland, Estonia, and Latvia.

Irish mariners laid wreaths at Piskarevskoye Memorial Cemetery and visited Central Naval Museum.

The ship was opened for public on Aug 25 since 3 pm till 6 pm.

Official visit of Irish Navy's patrol ship L.E. Roisin to St. Petersburg will finish on Aug 26.