Baltic Fleet Marines Visited Swedish Naval Base

06.10.2011 Delegation of Baltic Fleet (BF) marines headed by Col Vladimir Yeremeev, BF Coast Defense Troops in Sept 27-30 visited First Amphibious Regiment, Swedish Navy (Berga, near Stockholm). Visit of Russian servicemen was paid by invitation of the regiment commander.

An excursion tour around showplaces of the Swedish capital was arranged for Russian guests in Stockholm. BF marines met with veterans in the officers' club of Swedish armed forces and visited Sweden's military history museum.

Russian marine officers familiarized with everyday activities and arms of the regiment's base on Korso Island (Stockholm Archipelago, Baltic Sea). Special-purpose company demonstrated its capabilities while holding a landing drill and releasing objects captured by "terrorists". Combat and air-cushion landing boats, amphibious tractors, and quadrocycles used for evacuation of sufferers were involved in the demonstration drills.

According to the leader of Russian military delegation Col Vladimir Yeremeev, landing units of the amphibious regiment acted professionally. BF marines regularly conduct similar drills at ranges of Kaliningrad region.

It is noteworthy that Swedish landing party included servicewomen. In amphibious regiment they serve as communication, medical, and agitation personnel.

All servicemen of the regiment serve under contract. According to a regiment's top-ranking officer, Swedish armed forces abolished conscription service in 2010.

In the end of the visit, the regiment's commander gave a farewell dinner for Russian BF marines; the parties expressed willingness to continue cooperation and exchanged souvenirs.