27.01.2009
Source:
Translation:
RusNavy.com
The missile cruiser Moskva of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet conducted exercises involving missile-firing simulation using its main weapon complexes in the Mediterranean, the Ria Novosti news agency reported, citing the information service of the Fleet.
The main weapon complex of the cruiser is the
Bazalt cruise missile.
“The mock targets were surface battleships and a target onshore. The commander of the expedition, chief of staff responsible for the coordination of all surface battleships of the Black Sea Fleet Captain First Class Sergei Zinchenko, noted that all the goals set during the mission were achieved, a spokesman for the Fleet said.
He added that the cruiser
Moskva, under the command of a group headed by Captain First Class Igor Smolyak, continues its mission in the Mediterranean. The ship is now headed towards Sicily, where an international memorial ceremony to remember the victims of the devastating earthquake that decimated the city of Messina will take place on January 28.
Yesterday, members of the Russian navigation Service on board the ship celebrated their professional holiday. On the occasion, the head of the mission, Assistant Commander of the Black Sea Fleet for Weapons and Weapons Exploitation Rear Admiral Alexander Kovshar presented awards and other gifts to the best navigation officers in the mission.
Later in the mess hall, the commander of the mission read a ceremonial speech addressed to new recruits. As required by tradition, the flag of the Russian Federation and that of the Russian Navy, as well as the pennant of the minister of defense of the USSR, which the cruiser had been awarded, were all set before a formation of sailors and officers. A hundred and three sailors were awarded certificates and
Gvardia medals on the occasion.
On the eve of entry into the port of Messina, the cruiser will rehearse the ritual greeting of esteemed guests, which will involve the participation of honor guards and the orchestra of the Black Sea Fleet under the direction of the head of the military orchestra of the Fleet, renowned Russian artist Colonel Igor Knyazev.
