The multinational training exercise FRUKUS 2012 came to an end with a closing ceremony in St. Petersburg, Russia
FRUKUS is an annual exercise aimed at improving maritime security through an open dialogue and increased training between the navies of France, Russia, United Kingdom and United States.
During the port visit, sailors from French naval vessel De Grasse (D612), Russian naval vessel Yaroslav Mudriy (727), British naval vessel HMS York (D98), and guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Piskariovskoye Memorial Cemetery.
The wreath-laying ceremony, honored the fallen heroes who fought in the 900-day Siege of Leningrad during World War II. Each country presented a wreath in honor of the hundreds of thousands who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their city.
"FRUKUS 2012 was great success for all the participants. The exercises were challenging, enlightening and yielded results that prove we are capable of achieving regional security and stability through interoperability and determination," said Capt. Kevin Hill, commanding officer of Normandy.