LAS Caesar Kunikov put to Mediterranean for joint exercise with Italian Navy

10.10.2009 Source: RIA Novosti

Large amphibious ship Caesar Kunikov of Russian Black Sea Fleet put to Mediterranean Sea where it will conduct a number of maneuvers jointly with Italian mariners under IONIEX-2009 annual Russia-Italy exercise, says Black Sea Fleet Information and Public Relations Service on Saturday.

During exercise period, the ship's crew will pay calls at several Greek and Italian ports, says press release.

First call port of the Russian ship will be Corfu Island; the visit is traditionally associated with Memory Days of famed Admiral Fedor Ushakov and Greek first president Ioannis Kapodistrias, informs the source.

"LAS Caesar Kunikov will conduct number of joint exercises with Italian mariners under IONIEX-2009 annual Russia-Italy exercise; joint maneuvering, organization of pilotage, carrying out of search operation, assistance to ship suffering distress, ship defense from external threat are planned to be performed during the exercise", says press release.

The message says that the crew will take part in festivities on the occasion of 182nd anniversary of Navarino victory (Oct 8, 1827) at port Pilos. Allied squadron defeated Turkish-Egyptian fleet at that day during national Greek uprising of 1821-1829.

During a month cruise the ship will visit Greek port Pirei – Athens' "sea gate" – and also two Italian ports – Taranto and Civitavecchia.

Command, cruise staff officers and the crew of LAS Caesar Kunikov will visit cemetery of Russian sailors and meet representatives of civil and military authorities during informal call at port Pirei, says the source.

The captain of LAS Caesar Kunikov is Capt. 2 rank Sergei Larchuk; Black Sea Fleet surface ships unit Chief of Staff Capt. 1 rank Sergei Zinchenko was appointed cruise commander.

Photo: LAS Caesar Kunikov (atrinaflot.narod.ru)