Lt. Zaur Guban-zada (left), Lt. Ilagar Kerimov (right) of the Azerbaijani Navy with Lt. Derrick Armstrong of USS Simpson (FFG 56), during its SNFL deployment. The Azerbaijani Officers joined USS Simpson (FFG 56) as the first military personnel from their country to participate in a cultural swap with the United States Navy.

Simpson Welcomes Azerbaijani Navy

Story/photo by Ensign Rebecca L. Rebarich
USS Simpson

USS Simpson (FFG 56) recently welcomed two officers from the Navy of Azerbaijan, during its deployment with NATO Standing Naval Forces Atlantic (SNFL).

Lt. Ilagar Kerimov and Lt. Zaur Guban-zada joined USS Simpson during its STANAVFORLANT deployment with other ships from Germany, Spain, Canada, and the Netherlands.

The Azerbaijani naval officers were selected as the first representatives for their country to participate in joint training aboard a U.S. Naval warship. USS Simpson (FFG 56) volunteered to be the host.

''We are fortunate to welcome Ilagar and Zaur to our Wardroom. In their month long stay I am sure a robust cultural exchange will enrich the officers of both navies,'' said Cmdr. Rick Williamson, Simpson commanding officer.

The Republic of Azerbaijan, a former state of the Soviet Union, became an independent country in 1991. Situated on the western coast of the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan occupies one of the Asian continent's strategic crossroads between East and West.

Azerbaijani are the heirs of a rich history, successors of a long progression of cultures and civilizations, with famous warriors such as Persia's Cyrus the Great, Alexander the Great, and Genghis Khan that sought control over this territory. Today, Azerbaijan is home to more than 70 different ethnic groups, including Azerbaijanis, Kurds, Jews, Russians, Armenians, Lezghins, and many others.

The United States Navy and Coast Guard have supported Azerbaijan and the continuous development of its Navy since its independence. The most recent form of U.S. support has been inviting their officers to join American ships while underway.

Because Azerbaijan is situated by the Caspian Sea, its officer's experience is quite limited. By coming aboard a U.S. naval warship, like USS Simpson, they are given first-hand experience on operating in deeper seas, stronger currents, and unrestricted maneuverability.

In addition to learning the fundamentals of a frigate, Kerimov and Guban-zada also observed the organization and customs of the U.S. Navy.

When comparing U.S. and Azerbaijani naval customs, Kerimov said, ''All Sailors share common sea traditions, but there are some cultural differences.''

Like when the wife of the officer on an Azerbaijani ship has a baby boy, he is proudly carried around the ship on the shoulders of the crew, however, when a baby girl is born, the new father is thrown into the water. This is quite different from a traditional wetting down in the Navy.

Kerimov stated that he ''never thought that he would be in the United States, on a U.S. Navy warship.''

He said his only regret is that it could not happen sooner.