The force includes the "Pytlivy" destroyer escort and the "Azov" landing ship, and flies the flag of Admiral Vladimir Masorin, Chief of Russia's General Naval Staff, and second in command of the Russian Navy.
Following an organization conference tomorrow, the ships involved in the festival will come to Marmaris Bay. A national artillery salute will greet the international squadron, which will rehearse its parade the same day, said our informant.
Scheduled for April 27 into May 1, the festival opening gala will have VIP guests of honor-Turkey's President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and high officials of participating countries.
Warships have applied for the festival from Australia, Bulgaria, Germany, Israel, Italy, Romania, Russia, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine and the USA.
