BLACKSEAFOR is able to maintain security in the region – the group commander

24.08.2010 International group BLACKSEAFOR achieved the level when they are capable to perform joint tasks and successfully co-operate to provide security in the Black Sea region. That was said by Commodore Constantin Ciorbea, commander of the current BLACKSEAFOR activation during the press conference held on board Romanian ship Marasesti.

As for him, this BLACKSEAFOR activation differs from the previous ones because the unit obtained the tasks adequate to class of participating ships. Minesweeper Priboy (Bulgarian Navy), large landing ship Yamal (Russian Black Sea Fleet), destroyer Marasesti (Romanian Navy), frigate Salih Reis (Turkish Navy), and minesweeper Cherkasy (Ukrainian Navy) practice antisurface and air defenses, search-and-rescue operations, boarding and inspection of violator vessels.

All assigned tasks of the first phase have been fully completed, said Commodore Constantin Ciorbea. During the next phase the crews will try to improve their skills and be ready to accomplish all tasks of the activation.

Directly after visit to Sevastopol, BLACKSEAFOR ships will start counter-mine drill, said the group commander. Then some ships will attend search-and-rescue drill jointly with Bulgarian SR Service. Besides, the Black Sea naval co-operation task group will practice humanitarian and environmental operations.

It should be noted that BLACKSEAFOR ships had arrived to Sevastopol on Aug 20 and left the port on Aug 23 heading for Bulgarian port Varna.