Turkish Navy Task Unit Calls at Novorossiysk

22.05.2012 Turkish Navy task unit consisting of training ships Iskenderun and Cezayirli Gazi Hasan Paşa called at Russian port Novorossiysk paying formal visit. About 500 naval cadets are on board the Turkish ships.

Purpose of the visit is strengthening of military cooperation between the two countries and exchange of naval training experience.

The task unit is headed by Capt Serdar Gundoglu. Solemn meeting ceremony took place at Novorossiysk seaport. Ladies dressed in Russian national costumes presented traditional bread and salt to the foreign guests.

Later on, a regular moorage security meeting was held on board Turkish ship Iskenderun. The meeting was attended by representatives of local police, harbor security service, and Novorossiysk Naval Base command.

Today the guests paid courtesy visits to Novorossiysk Mayor Vladimir Sinyagovsky and Novorossiysk Naval Base Commander (senior naval officer) Capt 1 Rank Sergei Pinchuk, and visited museum cruiser Mikhail Kutuzov.

When staying in Novorossiysk, Turkish naval cadets will attend the wreath-laying ceremony at the Square of Heroes and visit navigation training center of Novorossiysk State Maritime Academy. It is also planned to hold sport competitions in soccer, volleyball and basketball between Russian and Turkish mariners.

Turkish Navy's ships will stay in Novorossiysk till May 23.