Operations
Russia: BSF Naval Aviation Units Integrate Air Bases
In order to optimize Black Sea Fleet (BSF) naval aviation units, increase effectiveness and control operability, Gvardeiskaya and Kacha BSF air stations were transformed into unified structure – 7057-th Air Base. The newly established air base will comprise alternate airfields, maintenance and commu
BSF Frigate Ladny Visits French Navy’s Main Naval Base Toulon
Black Sea Fleet (BSF) frigate Ladny heading for the Mediterranean Sea has called at French Navy’s main naval base Toulon before joining Russian Navy carrier group comprising ships of Northern and Baltic fleets. In Toulon, the Russian warship was visited by Consul General of the Russian Federation in
SPS Patino Eescorts Convoy of Humanitarian Aid Ships into Somalia
The Spanish auxiliary oiler and replenishment ship, the SPS PATINO, Flagship of the European Union Naval Force Somalia, with the Force Commander, Captain Jorge Manso Revilla embarked, has recently completed a “first” for the mission by escorting a three ship convoy of ships chartered by the World Fo
Russia: BSF Divers Conduct Scheduled Practical Dives to Depths Down to 120 Meters
Black Sea Fleet (BSF) divers are conducting scheduled practical dives to the depths down to 120 meters from BSF rescue ship Epron at deep-sea test range off Crimea. Drills are held under supervision of BSF Rescue Ship Brigade EO Capt 2 rank Sergei Ignatov. Such exercise is essential part of divers’
Ukraine: Naval Ensigns of Black Sea Fleet Ships Consecrate in Sevastopol Orthodox Churches
Festivities associated with the Day of St. Andrew the First Called and the St. Andrew’s Flag Day were held in Sevastopol. Main events took place in the city’s two central churches – St. Vladimir Cathedral and St. Nicholas Church at the cemetery where the city’s defenders are buried. Archpriest of Se
Russia: Black Sea Fleet Air Defense Regiment Obtains Combat Colors
In accordance with defense minister’s order, Black Sea Fleet (BSF) Air Defense Regiment obtained combat colors and associated certificate signed by the President of the Russian Federation. Traditional flag-nailing ceremony was carried out the day before the official event. The cloth was attached to
UK: Royal Fleet Auxiliary Ship Largs Bay Receives Firmin Sword of Peace Award
Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ship Largs Bay has won the Firmin Sword of Peace for her role in the Haiti disaster relief effort last year. RFA Largs Bay supplied hundreds of tonnes of rations and equipment to Haiti after a terrible earthquake struck the Caribbean island last year. The ship, which has
Russia: BF Frigate Yaroslav Mudry Joins Carrier Group
Baltic Fleet (BF) task unit joined Northern Fleet (NF) carrier strike group deployed off the Moray Firth northeast Great Britain. Along with NF mariners, crews of BF frigate Yaroslav Mudry and tanker Lena will perform tasks of the long-range cruise. Interfleet actions is one of distinguishing goals
UK: RFA Wave Ruler Returns Home After Nearly Two Years Deployment
RFA Wave Ruler arrived home on Monday, 12 December 2011, after spending nearly two years working across hurricane zones and drug-trafficking routes. The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) support ship returned to Portland, Dorset, having left for operations in February 2010. The ship’s primary role has bee
Russia: PF Dispatches Seventh Anti-Piracy Unit
A solemn farewell ceremony of the Pacific Fleet (PF) task unit heading for the Gulf of Aden to fight piracy took place in Vladivostok on Dec 10. The event was attended by PF officials, representatives of the city’s veteran and public organizations. The seventh PF task unit consists of large antisubm
HMS Ocean Returns to Plymouth, UK
After seven months away from home, 1,000 loved ones finally got to see them in the flesh as Britain’s biggest warship, HMS Ocean, returned to Plymouth. The ship – which has hit the news around the world this week thanks to a spoof Mariah Carey video (endorsed by the diva herself) – arrived back unde
Somali Pirates Obtained over USD 135 Million Ransoms in 2011, Admiral Says
The current year has brought a record-breaking income to Somali pirates hijacking ships and crews for ransom, said deputy director of EU NAVFOR – Operation Atalanta in the interview to online Bruxelles2. According to the admiral, pirates have obtained over $135 mln ransoms in 2011, while in the past
First of Three Frigates Built for Indian Navy Successfully Passes Last Trials
First of three frigates built for Indian Navy has successfully passed the last trials before delivery, reported RIA Novosti on Dec 7 referring to Sergei Mikhailov, press secretary of JSC Yantar Shipyard (Kaliningrad, Russia). “Project 11356 frigate INS Teg has almost completed closing stage of trial
Russia: BF Warships Head for Deployment
Baltic Fleet (BF) frigate Yaroslav Mudry and replenishment tanker Lena on Dec 7 left BF main naval base Baltiysk heading for the North Sea. The long-range cruise of BF task unit under command of Capt 1 rank Alexander Ivanovsky will be held in accordance with the Russian Navy Combat Training Plan. Th