Six NATO ships assigned to Standing NATO Mine Counter-Measures Group ONE (SNMCMG1) have concluded a port visit to St Petersburg in Russia with a passing exercise (PASSEX) with two Russian ships in Russian territorial waters, it was announced Thursday.
Under the command of Commander Piotr Sikora of the Polish Navy, the six vessels began a port visit to St Petersburg on October 10. The program included a ship tour and press conference for Russian journalists, a friendly football match with Russian sailors and the opening of the Polish and Estonian ships to the general public.
"This kind of cooperation paves the way for future joined Russia-NATO operations. Talking with our Russian counterparts during this port visit allowed us to recognize that there are many areas of military cooperation between NATO and Russia, especially in the field of counter piracy, counter terrorism, education, training, and search and rescue at sea," Commander Sikora was quoted as saying in a statement.
"These kinds of visits and exercises allow us to enhance understanding between NATO and Russia, but also to improve interoperability and cooperation in areas of shared interest," he added.
While in St. Petersburg, Commander Sikora visited the Commander of the Leningrad Naval Base on board the historic cruiser 'AURORA' and laid a wreath in honor of those buried at the Piskarevsky Memorial Cemetery.
The ships departed the port of St. Petersburg on October 14 and conducted maneuvering and communications exercise with a Russian minesweeper and an anti-submarine vessel.
"Upon conclusion of the exercise as the sun was setting, both sides rendered honors to each other, passing by in short range and traditionally wishing fair winds and following seas. With its engagement with the Russian Navy concluded, the Group now shifts its focus to preparing for Exercise STEADFAST JAZZ, soon to begin off the coast of Poland," the statement added.
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