Content area
Full Text
Russian Zvezda TV (Defence Ministry controlled, promotes patriotic values) on 24 July reported on a naval element of the Caucasus 2008 exercise, with ships from Russia's Black Sea Fleet involved.
In the report, there was video of the Tsezar Kunikov large landing ship. The legend is that a diver is sent down to inspect its hull for possible mines planted by subversives, as Capt 2nd Rank Vladimir Gruzintsev, electromechanical combat unit commander, notes.
The ships proceed to the exercise area. On route, marines are on guard duty aboard.
As the crew gets ready for a firing exercise, the guns' ammunition belts are checked. An officer talks about that.
After a 120-km crossing by the ships of the Black Sea Fleet and Novorossiysk Naval Base, the firing exercise against sea targets takes place, correspondent Vadim Astafyev reports. The panels of targets are 8 km away from the small antisubmarine warfare and large landing ships, he notes. The ship' guns burst into action. An evasive manoeuvre is carried out against a simulated mine. Artillery is once again in use against it.
With hundreds of miles still to go, the main element of the naval exercise, which is to land an assault force, is still ahead, the report notes.
[Video...
