SHIP: The foredeck of the ship is a special space. There is a 40 mm calibre BOFORS gun that protects the ship and its crew. Next to the gun is a capstan ready to drop an anchor at any moment. Foredeck is the place of the entire crew, where the sailors line-up standing shoulder to shoulder, looking at the horizon and waiting for new challenges. It is a place where strength merges with the spirit of the community, where every sailor feels being connected to the ship, the sea and his comrades-in-arms.

Background sound: invites one of the crew members “Artillerist, stand by for the work with the naval gun. I repeat: Artillerist, stand by to work.”

ARTILLERIST: I am Marius Safonovas, an artillerist. Born and raised in Klaipėda, connected with the sea since childhood. My father was a sailor, so this connection naturally was passed to me. Although I dreamed of becoming a sailor, I chose the path of a military officer and I never regretted it – the sea was always close to me. I became part of the naval family while looking at warships passing by in the port. After the compulsory military service, even though serving in the land forces, I finally fulfilled my desire to become a naval seaman. It was a definite influence of the port, ships and maritime feeling that attracted me so much since my early age. 
My career began in 2008, when I was appointed to the ship “Sūduvis” for the position of an artillerist. My duty was to take care of the naval gun: maintenance, operation and control under various conditions. The control of the naval gun Bofors l70 became my passion. Although it was a technical job, it had its charm – it was interesting to shoot, and every shot required much focus and experience. I remember we participated in the exercise and destroyed the imitation of a wooden boat, my commander unexpectedly put the projectile’s splinter with a wooden fragment in a frame – I still keep this gift as a special piece of memory.
My career began in 2008 and ended in 2019 – I spent all these eleven years serving on board “Sūduvis”. My last mission on board this vessel was also the last voyage in the naval ship’s history. After the exercise in Tallinn, the ship was prepared for decommissioning and we, her crew, were appointed to other ships. These eleven years have become not only a part of my service, but also an important part of my life’s story.

Background sound: “Your service is over.”

SHIP: After the artillery shooting, the commander would play loud rock music recordings on board. This was the effort to raise the combat spirit of the crew. We also had our brand song and played loudly through the speakers when leaving the last port. The most popular was a Lithuanian song “The Long Road”. Whereas the choice of songs when leaving Klaipėda port varied depending on the mood of that day. For example, the crew often would sing a popular Lithuanian song with the adapted verse “A Seagull Is Waving Me with Its Foot”. For me, these were the funniest moments.