The vessels that opened the parade were flying national flags of Russia and Ukraine-host country. Helicopters criss-crossed the air over the Bay of Sevastopol, flying the naval flag, and flags of the Russian and Ukrainian Air Forces. Next came an imitation naval engagement of surface vessels. A missile ship made demonstration shooting with air support by Su-24 and Su-25 attack aircraft. A tactical team of missile-bearing motorboats engaged in an artillery skirmish with big warships.
A helicopter crew excelled in aerobatics to land on the Moskva cruiser deck with record-breaking quickness.
A force of mine-sweepers came next with imitation bay mine clearing. A force of helicopters demonstrated search-and-rescue. Minor anti-submarine vessels shot several torpedoes at imitation targets. A battle-ready Project 877 submarine, of the Varshavyanka class, passed along the water edge stands.
Three air-supported self-propelled artillery installations demonstrated suppression of enemy anti-amphibious defense. An imitation forced landing followed.
Finishing the parade were motorboats flying the streamer, "Sublime honor of serving Russia." Next came a gorgeous pageant, Neptune 2004, with fountains shooting up from the sea depth, fireworks, and swarms of doves above the site.
Notable on an audience of 50,000 were Sergei Ivanov, Russia's Defense Minister; Admiral Vladimir Kuroyedov, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy; Vladimir Masorin, Russia's Black Sea Fleet commander; and their Ukrainian counterparts.
