Corvette Soobrazitelny Joins Russian Navy

On Oct 14, 2011 Russian naval ensign was hoisted on corvette Soobrazitelny moored at the quay of JSC Severnaya Verf shipyard. Project 20380 first serial corvette has been commissioned into Russian Navy.

The solemn flag-hoisting ceremony was held right after signing of the corvette acceptance certificate.

The meting associated with the first ensign hosting was attended by Baltic Fleet (BF) Commander Vice Admiral Viktor Chirkov, Director General of JSC Severnaya Verf shipyard Andrei Fomichev, representatives of JSC United Shipbuilding Corporation, sponsor of the ship, and Navy veterans.

Opening the meeting, VADM Viktor Chirkov signified his satisfaction that the newest corvette was commissioned into Baltic Fleet and thanked shipbuilders for advanced ship yielding to none of present-day foreign analogs. The shipyard’s Director General Andrei Fomichev in his turn promised to continue building ships of such kind and even better for our Navy and for export.

Russian Navy veteran Admiral (retired) Vasily Yeremin who in 80’s used to be commanding officer of Project 61 large ASW ship Soobrazitelny said: “Today we’re hoisting ensign on corvette Soobrazitelny which is the third ship in our Navy ever born such name. The ship I had a chance to command was a Guard ship inherited the Guard ensign from Black Sea Fleet destroyer which awarded that title for valor shown in the Great Patriotic War. I wish present-day crewmen serve to the Motherland in the same worthy way their predecessors did and deserve the Guard title!”

The ship’s sponsor Tatiana Maikova gifted a neck of champagne bottle she traditionally smashed at the corvette’s board while launching to the commanding officer.

When the meeting was over, BF Commander went aboard the corvette to see the crew full-dressed and paraded on the afterdeck. Capt 1 rank Ali Habibulayev, Leningrad Naval Base Repair Brigade Commander read off the decree of Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Vladimir Vysotsky No. 601 issued on Oct 14, 2011 about commissioning of corvette Soobrazitelny into Russian Navy. The corvette will serve in BF Surface Ship Brigade, Baltiysk.

Commanding officer of corvette Soobrazitelny reported the ship was ready for the first flag-hoisting. When a priest consecrated the ship’s colors, the commanding officer traditionally kissed the flag and then an attention calling command was given.

National flag of the Russian Federation was hauled down synchronously with hoisting of the St. Andrew’s flag which is Russian Navy’s ensign. On decision of BF Commander, the lowered national flag will be handed over to Severnaya Verf museum. After the flag-hoisting ceremony, all crew made a photo.

Russian Orthodox Church presented an onboard place of worship which will always spirit crewmen for service to the Motherland.

In the morning of Oct 15 the corvette headed for basing site in Baltiysk.

[mappress]
Source: rusnavy, October 18, 2011