Pinoy Navymen tour Russian submarine in Vladivostok

Members of a Philippine Navy contingent were given a tour of the Russian Pacific Fleet's diesel-powered Komsomolsk-on-Amure 877 submarine on Wednesday.

The Navy's Task Force 87 (NTF 87) was on board Philippine Navy vessel BRP Tarlac , which arrived in Vladivostok, Russia on Monday for a port visit.

Captain Florante Gagua said a total of 24 individuals, including civilians and members of the media, were allowed into the Russian submarine positioned near BRP Tarlac's docking area.

Komsomolsk's commanding officer, LtCdr. Aleksey Lanskikh, gave a briefing before the contingent toured underwater vessel.

The event also involved refreshments and exchanges of souvenirs between the commander of the Naval Task Force and the commanding officer of the submarine.

"Activities like these are great avenues to learn from and enhance engagement with the Russian Navy as the Philippine Navy also endeavors of further enhance and sustain the promotion  of peace, stability and maritime cooperation through navy-to-navy engagements," Gagua said.

"It is incumbent for the Philippine Navy to strengthen its capabilities through its strong coordination with other navies in order to better perform its mandate as the protector of the state and its people," he added.

Navy spokesperson Cmdr Jonathan Zata had noted in an earlier statement that the port visit aims to strengthen cooperation and relationship with regional counterparts in addressing common maritime challenges.

It is the first time that a Philippine Navy commissioned vessel is able to visit Vladivostok. —