Vysotsky's Ouster: Refusal to Move Navy HQ to St. Petersburg

12.05.2012 The reason why Admiral Vladimir Vysotsky lost the position of Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief was his disregarding of defense minister's order to transfer Navy Main HQ from Moscow to St. Petersburg, a high-ranking staff officer told RIA Novosti.

The admiral was removed from the post by presidential decree dated May 6; however, he is still in the military.

"Vysotsky did not move to St. Petersburg. That's the main reason for his ouster", said the interviewee.

On the other hand he stressed that although Vysotsky's tenacity in that matter was worthy of respect, the new commander would have to move the staff to St. Petersburg anyway.

By the same presidential decree dated May 6, Vice Admiral Viktor Chirkov was appointed new Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief.