Andrey Serdyukov appointed commander of Russian Airborne Troops

Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu has presented a standard to new Russian Airborne Troops commander, Colonel General Andrey Serdyukov and introduced him to the personnel.

"The minister noted that Serdyukov is a competent commander and a skilled organizer. He got the experience of service in the Far Eastern, southern and western regions occupying all command and staff positions - from the commander of a reconnaissance platoon to the commander of 12th reserve of the Southern Military District, TASS reports.

A source in the Russian Defense Ministry earlier said that first deputy commander of the Southern Military District Serdyukov would replace Vladimir Shamanov as Airborne Troops commander.