Landing operation was trained at Novorossiysk

18.03.2010 Source: RIA Novosti, photo: BSF ships (Lenta.ru)

Over 30 combat vehicles and 400 servicemen of airborne forces took part in landing from Black Sea Fleet (BSF) ships within the framework of tactical exercise held near Novorossiysk; the operation was similar to landing carried out in Aug 2008 in Abkhazia and during peacekeeping operation in Kosovo, informed Wednesday RIA Novosti citing Col. Alexander Cherednik, representative of Airborne Forces Press Service.

"One of paratrooper battalions of 7th assault division located in Novorossiysk conducts tactical exercise in March 15-19", said Cherednik.

According to him, the assault battalion led by Lt. Col. Sergei Shukhovtsev carried out march and reached waiting area; after task clarification the battalion embarked on BSF large landing ships.

"It is worthwhile to note that airborne units did practice embarkation and sea passages before; that was trained during force projection in Kosovo peacekeeping operation and in peace enforcement operation against Georgia at Abkhazian territory", pointed out Cherednik.

"Having accommodated over 30 combat vehicles and about 400 troopers, two ships sailed off. After sea passage assault force carried out landing operation", he added.

Later on, the battalion is going to train battle interaction while seizure of an objective and defense actions at Rayevsky Range (Novorossiysk).

Landing ships Novocherkassk and Saratov participate in landing exercise, reported RIA Novosti referring to BSF Information Support Group.

"During sea passage the crews trained maneuvering and a number of shipboard drills in detection and hitting aerial, surface and submarine targets. Guard paratroopers were involved in shipborne anti-terror drills", said the press release.

The Russian Federation recognized independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia late Aug 2008. In return, Tbilisi broke off diplomatic relations with Moscow and declared the two above-mentioned republics as occupied territories.