Russian vessel to call at Kochi

KOCHI: Russian Federation Naval ship RFNS Moskva, a Guided Missile Cruiser, would call at Kochi port today.

Captain Ist Rank Igor Vladimirovich Smolyak, Deputy Commander of the Naval Formation Black Sea Fleet, is also onboard the ship, a naval press release Thursday said.

The ship is commanded by Captain Ist Rank Sergey Ivanovich Tronev and has 51 officers and 464 enlisted men.

Before her entry to the port, RFNS Moskva would execute traditional Naval ceremonials by firing 21 Gun Salute and INS Dronacharya would reciprocate the gesture on behalf of the President of India, the release said.

INS Bangaram would receive the Russian visitor at the entrance of the harbour. The Southern Naval Command band would also be in attendance during the reception at the Cochin Port Trust berth.

The Russian Consular General at Chennai Russian Military Attache to India, Colonel K M Vasiliev and senior officiers of the visiting ships would call on Vice Admiral K N Sushil, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Southern Naval Command today.