Mr. Maksimov says in an interview with Rosbaltnord.ru that training activities are increasing in the Northern Fleet, the youngest and most powerful fleet in Russia. Last year, a total of 1500 rehearsals were conducted. Over the last six months, the number of rehearsals amount to 800. This year, Northern Fleet vessels will rehearse on a number of places on the world seas. Operations will be held in the Atlantics, the Mediterreanian, the Indian Sea and the Pacific, Mr. Maksimov confirms. About 50 percent of the fleets submarine crews is now serving on contracts and making 23.000 RUB (620 EUR) per month. On surface vessels, the salaries are slightly lower, while they on land-based facilities amount to 13.000 RUB (350 EUR). The Fleet is facing a major technical rearmament the sad years of stagnation are gone, the head commander underlines.
