26.01.2009
Source:
Translation:
RusNavy.com
The Black Sea Fleet’s missile cruiser Moskva on Friday left its base Sebastopol and set sail for Sicily under the command of Captain First Class Igor Smolyak, RIA Novosti news agency announced citing the Information Service of the Black Sea Fleet.
“In a few days, the Russian military ship will call at the port of Messina in Sicily, where its crew will take part in international memorial ceremonies marking the 100th year of the earthquake in Sicily,” the announcement says.
Russian sailors came to the help of the victims of the earthquake of December 1908 on the island, and offered a helping hand in the most critical times.
The
Moskva has on its board artists of the folk ensemble and orchestra of the command of the Black Sea Fleet, as well as journalists.
“Security for the cruiser during the crossing of straits and mooring at foreign ports will provided by an antiterrorism division of the marines,” the announcement says.
The cruiser was bid farewell in its journey by a group comprising Commander of the Black Sea Fleet Vice Admiral Alexander Kreltsov, who noted that the crew of the ship is set to take part in important international events, in which they are bound, representatives of the Black Sea Fleet, are bound to represent the Russian Navy honorably.
Assistant Commander of the Black Sea Fleet for Weapons and Weapons Exploitation Rear Admiral Alexander Kovshar has been appointed head of the expedition.
