Rumor Denial: Stoiky Was Launched With National Emblem

31.05.2012 Corvette Stoiky launched yesterday at Severnaya Verf shipyard in St. Petersburg did have a shield with bas-relief of Russian national emblem astern, just as it is required for a second-rank warship in accordance with presidential decree. This confutes rumors blazed by one of St. Petersburg media agencies that the emblem was allegedly lost prior to the official launching ceremony. Attending the event, reporter of Central Navy Portal made sure the emblem was on the ship's stern.

According to online news agency Fontanka.ru, few days prior to the launching ceremony, namely on May 24, a standard status decoration – copper-cast Russian national emblem – mysteriously disappeared from the transom of corvette Stoiky. As was reported, that incident caused a stir in the shipyard's safety service and speculations about theft committed by the yard's staff. Fontanka.ru even drew analogy to a lost combat color [once it is lost, a military unit must be disbanded], so "corvette Stoiky should be towed to high seas and sunken".

Central Navy Portal investigated the incident and asked employees of Severnaya Verf about the reason for the emblem's removal. As it was found out, prior to the launching ceremony it was decided to make a touch-up painting of the ship's stern, because that part is exposed to view of guests. Obviously, the hull surface under the emblem should be painted as well. In the evening of May 29, the emblem was fixed on its standard place under ensign pole of the newly built corvette Stoiky. Take note, the emblem was not taken from corvette Boiky passing dockside trials at the outfitting quay.

It is to be regretted that the reliable information agency broadcast that news without verification. However, Fontanka.ru ignored the far more noteworthy news about improper transportation of the showpieces from Central Naval Museum.