Caspian Flotilla (CF) task unit headed by CF Ship Brigade Commander Capt 2 rank Sergei Babsky and consisting of small-size ship Astrakhan and seagoing tug MB-58 is deployed at sea in order to maintain presence of the Russian Federation in key regions of the Caspian Sea.
The ships will protect Russian commercial shipping and oil industry assets from potential threats, monitor extraction of hydrocarbons and bioresources in disputable areas.
Crews of the task unit along with marines will practice anti-terror actions at sea.
The CF task unit has already started qualification drills in order to improve naval skills in joint navigation and tactical maneuvering.
The ships are expected to cover about 1,500 miles during the cruise.
[mappress] Source: rusnavy, October 26, 2011;