Pacific Fleet crews honored the memory of the sailors who cleared the port of Chittagong

Crews of ships of the Pacific Fleet (Pacific Fleet), as part of a business call to the People's Republic of Bangladesh, took part in commemorative events dedicated to the Soviet navy's assistance in clearing the mined and blocked port of Chittagong in 1972-1974. This was announced on Tuesday, April 15, by the press service of the Pacific Fleet.

The ceremony of laying wreaths at the memorial and grave of senior sailor Yuri Redkin, who died on July 13, 1973, during the mine clearance of the port, was attended by sailors from both countries.

The Pacific Fleet detachment consisting of the corvettes "Sharp", "Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov" and the tanker "Pechenga" arrived in Chittagong the day before. The crews of ships of the Bangladesh Navy lined up on the decks, welcoming the Russian sailors.

The commander of the detachment, Captain First Rank Alexey Antsiferov, held meetings with representatives of the Russian Embassy and the command of the Bangladesh Navy. A cultural and sports program has been organized for Russian sailors.

On April 2, 1972, at the request of Bangladesh, Soviet sailors began work in the port of Chittagong. In 26 months, 1,002 square miles of the water area were cleared, 12 berths were restored, 26 ships (100 thousand tons) were raised. Assistance was provided free of charge.

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Earlier, on April 7, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that the deputy head of the department, Colonel-General Alexander Fomin, discussed with the commander of the Bangladesh Ground Forces, General Wacker Uz Zaman, prospects for military cooperation. During the conversation, the parties expressed a desire to cooperate in the military field and strengthen friendly relations between the armies and the peoples of the republics.