Azerbaijani defence chief attends "Basic Course of Naval Commandos" graduation ceremony PHOTO

By order of Azerbaijani President, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ilham Aliyev, work is being carried out in the national army to improve personnel training and combat capability.

On June 15, on National Salvation Day, Defence Minister Colonel-General Zakir Hasanov attended the regular graduation ceremony of the "Basic Course of Naval Commandos", held in the military unit of the Naval Forces, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Defence Ministry press service.

First, the minister and the personnel laid flowers at the martyrs' memorial, which had been erected on the military unit's territory to honour their blessed memory.

A minute of silence was observed in memory of Azerbaijan's national leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs who gave their lives to ensure our country's territorial integrity. The Azerbaijani national anthem was played.

The minister emphasised the importance of such courses in improving personnel professionalism in his speech at the graduation ceremony, congratulated the graduates and all personnel on National Salvation Day, and wished them success in their service. Hasanov spoke about the positive changes brought about by the Azerbaijani Army's reforms, which were modelled after the Turkish Armed Forces.

Noting that the marines, as well as all the servicemen of the Azerbaijani Army, showed courage in the Patriotic War, the minister noted that the heroism of our servicemen is highly appreciated by the President of Azerbaijan, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Ilham Aliyev.

The colonel-general thanked Turkish officers and all personnel for organising and conducting a high-level course with the participation of professional Turkish instructors.

The honours student then attached the emblem to symbolic stumps. Graduates were awarded certificates. The servicemen and instructors who distinguished themselves on the course were awarded certificates of honour and valuable gifts.

The defence minister viewed the exhibition of weapons and technical equipment used by the marines.

In conclusion, demonstration performances by divers of the underwater attack and underwater defence units were presented at the training ground, located on the territory of the military unit.