Senior Chief Petty Officer Plamen Evtimov: Mental Resilience and Determination among Most Important Naval Qualities

Mental resilience and determination are among the most important qualities in the Navy, Senior Chief Petty Officer and Naval Academy cadet Plamen Evtimov said. He considers life on a warship as more dynamic and difficult, both mentally and physically. Determination at key moments is paramount as it can save lives, and even the ship itself, he added. Evtimov was one of the 23 cadets of Varna Naval Academy who joined the crew of the Antarctica-bound military research ship Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii (NAVAL RSV 421) from Varna to Cartagena, Spain between 27 December and 7 January.

Like many of his colleagues, Senior Chief Petty Officer Evtimov got the idea to study in the Academy from his father, who served in the Navy for many years.

The biggest challenge while sailing is the limited circle of people you can communicate with. On the other hand, getting along in this circle of people is key as they share the same woes together for a long time, Evtimov said.

He has sailed with almost all divisions in the Bulgarian Navy. He participated in the annual national naval exercise with international participation "Breeze", where he practiced on one of the frigates in the fourth division.

BTA's Daily News editor Konstantin Karagyozov is the only member of the media who is travelling on board the ship to Livingston Island and back, and will cover the Bulgarian expedition on site throughout the stay in Antarctica. All media outlets can use the Bulgaria-Antarctica BTA's Log for free.