Celebrated for the
first time on August 15th 1902, Romanian Navy Day was this year
celebrated, as usual, on the feast day of the Assumption of Mary, the oldest
celebration of Virgin Mary, the protector of sailors. On the Black Sea Coast,
in the port-town of Constanta, locals and tourists watched an impressive
display of sound, colour and light and watched for the first time an ingenious
choreographic moment, with tugboats performing a harmonized set of maneuvers,
on a famous waltz performed by the Romanian Navy Music band.
The events held on
Romanian Navy Day, with 20 vessels and some 3000 navy staff attending, started
after president Klaus Iohannis saluted the Guard of Honour on the Navy Command
plateau. On the occasion, president Iohannis said that the Black Sea bears a
strategic importance and developments
in the area have implications with regard to Euro-Atlantic security. Romania,
which is part of the Black Sea area, is currently a pillar of stability,
democracy and security, president Iohannis also said.
Klaus Iohannis: These are real
advantages and we must have the capacity to use them in order to strengthen our
position as a NATO member, as a credible strategic partner, especially
considering the current international background. If we have the necessary
wisdom, vision and political maturity to build the profile of a strong Romania,
our country has not only the potential but also all the chances to become a
relevant player in the region.
Klaus Iohannis
also said that, in order to carry out their missions, the Romanian Naval Forces
needed proper equipment and an enhanced level of interoperability. Attending
the events held in Constanta, the Defense Minister Mihnea Motoc said that in
2016, the ministry’s financial efforts would focus on the Romanian Naval Forces.
Mihnea Motoc: This year, most
acquisitions will be made for the benefit of the Naval Forces: the modernization of the two T22 frigates,
the acceptance upon completion of work of two of the three tug-boats built at
the Damen shipyard. Also, we will focus on acquiring multi-functional corvettes and making investments for the special
operations forces and EOD divers, who
are our strategic vectors in the Black Sea.
The events devoted
to Romanian Navy Day were also attended by members of the Border Police.