A new phase of the BLACKSEAFOR fifth activation will occur between April 7 and 25, 2006. The Romanian Navy is represented by the MARASESTI frigate.

BLACKSEAFOR Group is conceived as a force acting at request and annual activated for Navy common exercises. Romanian Navy received last year, in August, the command for a year and the commander of the Navy Group is Commander Alexandru Mirsu and the operational command is ensured by Commander Romulus Haldan.

MARASESTI frigate, the commander ship of the group and other military ships from Bulgaria, Georgia, Russian Federation, Turkey and Ukraine will participate in complex navy exercises. According to the scenarios they aim the defense against air attacks and surface ships attacks, fight against mines, surveillance, reconnaissance and report of naval situation, interrogation of commercial ships for identification and maritime interdiction, and search and rescue missions.

The program of activation also comprises visits in different harbors: Novoozerne (Ukraine, Batumi (Georgia), Novorossisk (Russian Federation), locations where the BLACKSEAFOR aims will be presented to the public. Thus, during their station in the above mentioned harbors they will have demonstrative activities, meetings with military and civilian officials, press conference, social activities and visits on board of the ships.

MARASESTI frigate commanded by Commander Adrian Iordache with 228 military on board will ride the anchor Thursday, April 6 from Portul Militar Constanta (Constanta Military Harbor).

Details on BLACKSEAFOR can be accessed at www. fortele-navale.ro

Navy Staff