SEVASTOPOL. Oct 21 (Interfax-AVN) - A unit of the Russian Black Sea Fleet has crossed Bosporus and Dardanelles and headed for the French port of Toulon, the fleet's press service said on Monday.
The unit sailing under the flag of the fleet's deputy commander Vice Admiral Yevgeny Orlov comprises the Moskva missile cruiser and the Pytlivy guard-ship, a press service official told Interfax-Military News Agency. The commander of the voyage praised teamwork and navigation abilities of the crews.
The upcoming visit to Toulon "is a confirmation of dynamic and fruitful development of friendly relations between the peoples of Russia and France and the military sailors of the two nations," Orlov said.
The Russian vessels currently crossing the area of Greek islands have rendered honors to Russian sailors killed in action in the Mediterranean Sea. They laid wreaths on water to commemorate the heroes of the Battle of Navarin that occurred 175 years ago.
During the voyage, the crews are working intensively on combat and training missions and practicing elements of joint maneuvering in order to enhance skills in armament and technical assets operation in long-term voyage conditions.
Meanwhile, the Yamal large landing craft of the Black Sea Fleet crossed the Black Sea straits as well and headed for the Greek island of Corfu, the press service official said. Upon arrival, the vessel sailing under the flag of Rear Admiral Alexander Kovshar, the fleet's deputy commander in charge of armament and armament operation, will take part in the solemn events commemorating famous sea captain Fyodor Ushakov canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church.
According to the plan of the friendly visit, the Yamal is to arrive at the port of Kithira on Wednesday.
During the voyage, the crew and a marine unit of the fleet that is sailing on board the Yamal is working on training and combat missions, including protection of the vessel in long-term single voyage conditions.