On December 10, the servicemen of the national contingent of the Ukrainian frigate Hetman Sahaydachnyi, led by Rear Admiral Andriy Tarasov flew on Ka-27 helicopter to the Spanish Frigate Alvaro de Bazan (F101) where they got acquainted with the new Commander of NATO’s Tactical Group of Ships, Rear Admiral Eugenio Dias del Rio.
He thanked the Ukrainian personnel for their job:
“I’m happy to cooperate with the Ukrainian Navy under the Ocean Shield operation. You demonstrated excellent skills, mutual assistance and professionalism; and invested strenuous efforts in our joint anti-piracy operations.”
On December 10, the Ukrainian frigate started its fifth patrolling in the Gulf of Aden. The participation of the Hetman Sahaydachnyi in the Ocean Shield counter-piracy operation will last till January 3, 2014.
[mappress] Press Release, December 11, 2013; Image: Ukrainian MoD