Russian Imperial House Took Frigate Yaroslav Mudry Under Patronage

26.04.2012 Patronage agreement between the Russian Imperial House and the crew of Baltic Fleet (BF) frigate Yaroslav Mudry headed by Alexei Suglobov was signed on Apr 25, 2012 in Kronshtadt.

The agreement was tied in solemn atmosphere in the hall of Kronshtadt Naval Officers' Assembly. The signing ceremony was attended by the Head of the Russian Imperial House Great Duchess Maria Vladimirovna, the Heir Grand Duke Georgy Mikhailovich, and the ship's crew. When the ceremony was over, participants exchanged souvenirs and books.

Prior to the agreement subscription, a memorial service for fallen Russian sailors was held in the Kronshtadt Marine Cathedral in the presence of the Russian Imperial House members.

Purpose of the agreement is to popularize Russian Navy's historical legacy, promote patriotic education, and heighten morale of the ship's crew.

Signing of the patronage agreement was held during official visit of the Head of the Russian Imperial House Great Duchess Maria Vladimirovna to Russia.

Earlier on, the Russian Imperial House addressed a letter to BF Commander Viktor Chirkov asking to take one of the fleet's ships under patronage. Being among the newest BF warships, frigate Yaroslav Mudry was chosen.

In 1994, the Great Duchess Maria Vladimirovna became a sponsor of civil vessel Tsarevich Georgy named after the heir and is still following the ship's career, she told Central Navy Portal.