Russia: FURKUS 2012 Kicks Off

The multinational training exercise FRUKUS 2012 began with an opening ceremony held at the Baltic Fleet Headquarters in Baltiysk, Russia, where participating senior leaders from France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States discussed the exercise objectives, June 25.

Russian navy Vice Adm. Viktor Chirkov, commander, Baltic Fleet, welcomed the guests to Baltiysk and expressed his excitement about the upcoming training.

“I am glad to welcome all of our mutinational partners to the Baltic Fleet, which, for the first time, hosts this international cooperative naval exercise, FRUKUS 2012,” said Chirkov. “I hope that all of the training events of the exercise will be conducted in a highly professional manner and that this event will become an important piece in international military cooperation and our nations’ development.”

During the event, the commanding officers of French destroyer De Grasse (D612), Russian frigate Yaroslav Mudriy (727), British destroyer HMS York (90), and guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) discussed the importance of the collaborative training events that will occur during this year’s iteration of FRUKUS.

“We are very pleased to be participating in FRUKUS with our Baltic partners,” said Capt. Kevin Hill, commanding officer of Normandy. “The events that will take place over the next several days will improve our cooperative capabilities in our efforts to continue maritime security cooperation throughout the Baltic region, and we look forward to getting started.”

FRUKUS is an annual exercise aimed at improving maritime security through an open dialogue and increased training between the navies of France, Russia, United Kingdom and United States.

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Naval Today Staff, June 27, 2012; Image: US Navy