MOSCOW, October 10. /TASS/. Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu has presented a standard to new Russian Airborne Troops commander, Colonel General Andrey Serdyukov on Monday and introduced him to the personnel.

"Under a presidential decree of October 4, Colonel General Serdyukov was appointed the commander of the Airborne Troops. He 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," the minister said.

A source in the Russian Defense Ministry earlier told TASS that first deputy commander of the Southern Military District Serdyukov would replace Vladimir Shamanov as Airborne Troops commander. Shamanov, for his part, took up the position of the head of the State Duma (lower house of parliament) Defense Committee.

Shamanov in parliament

According to Shoigu, former Airborne Force Commander Vladimir Shamanov will be instrumental in strengthening of Russia’s military security as an MP.

He pointed out that Shamanov had served as an Airborne Force commander since 2009 and was discharged from the military after being elected MP. He has assumed the position of the Defense Committee head in the State Duma.

"I thank you for your great input into the development of the Airborne Troops and enhancing the credibility of the military. I am sure that your competence, rich experience and civic activities will help endorse responsible decisions aimed at strengthening the military security of the state," Shoygu said.

Shamanov noted in turn that he considered assistance in the development of the Russian military as his chief mission as member of parliament.

"I will dedicate the next five years of my life to legislative activities, in these difficult times I aim at looking into the needs and objectives of the Russian military in the best possible way," Shamanov stated.

He also assured the new Airborne Force Commander Andrei Serdyukov that he would "be actively involved in the troops’ functions in all spheres to further develop and strengthen their combat capabilities.".