About 30 New Year trees were set in mess rooms of Northern Fleet (NF) aircraft-carrying cruiser Admiral Kuznetsov prior to the New Year’s Eve. Several firs were decorated on other Russian warships deployed in the Mediterranean Sea. Although the trees are artificial, Russian mariners being on mission away from native quays had a real holiday.
Except for festively laid tables, the sailors were awaited by theatrical performance with traditional Russian New Year’s characters Ded Moroz [Slavic Santa Klaus] and Snegurochka [Snow Maiden]. Concerts took place on aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov ; not only servicemen appeared but professional teams as well, e.g. NF rock band “Sea Soul” and NF brass band.
Along with warm weather, the Mediterranean Sea complimented Russian naval mariners with another noticeable gift, i.e. an opportunity to conduct training flights of Admiral Kuznetsov ‘s air wing. Two flight shifts were carried out in Dec 29-30; deck based fighters Su-33 performed 24 sorties, and shipborne helicopters – 7 sorties.
Russian servicemen met the New Year in the central part of the Mediterranean Sea southward Sicily.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , January 09, 2012;