Ukrainian sea-going minesweeper Cherkasy left Sevastopol to attend BLACKSEAFOR activation

10.08.2010 Ukrainian sea-going minesweeper Cherkasy sailed off Sevastopol on Aug 10 to attend August activation of BLACKSEAFOR.

Capt 2 rank Dmitry Zinchenko was assigned the cruise commander.

Prior to the cruise, a meeting was held on board the minesweeper which was attended by Vice Admiral Viktor Maksimov, Ukrainian Navy Commander, members of military council, and representatives of Ukrainian Navy command. Speaking at the meeting, Vice Admiral Viktor Maksimov expressed hope that the ship's crew would successfully complete all assigned tasks and worthily represent Ukrainian Navy's ensign. Also, the commander wished fair seas and a following wind to the minesweeper's crew.

As is planned, the crew of sea-going minesweeper Cherkasy headed by Capt 3 rank Alexei Zayats will conduct a number of en route drills like rescue of man overboard; underway transshipment; underway shipboard damage control; antiship, antiaircraft, and countersabotage drills.

According to the schedule of current activation, in Aug 11-30 ships of the international force will pay informal visits to the ports of Constanta (Romania), Sevastopol (Ukraine), and Varna (Bulgaria).

A solemn ceremony of BLACKSEAFOR command passage from Bulgaria to Romania will be held on Aug 14 in Constanta where Vice Admiral Viktor Maksimov will arrive along with other naval commanders of Black Sea countries.

Participation of sea-going minesweeper Cherkasy in August activation of BLACKSEAFOR will be conducted in accordance with international cooperation event list of Ukrainian Armed Forces for July-August 2010.