Missile cruise Varyag heads for homeport from S Korea

13.11.2010 Pacific Fleet (PF) flagship Guard missile cruiser Varyag finished her visit to S Korean port Incheon on Sat and set a course for Vladivostok, reports RIA Novosti citing Capt 1 rank Roman Martov, spokesman for PF Commander.

"Visit of Varyag to South Korea was held in the atmosphere of hospitality and kindness. Pacific mariners along with Russian president Dmitry Medvedev took part in triumphant ceremony on Nov 11. Jack flag of famous Russian cruiser Varyag which crew fought a losing battle against Japanese fleet off Chemulpo port (now Incheon) in 1904 was handed over to Russia. The jack of the legendary cruiser will be delivered to Russia by the present-day Varyag. Most likely, after Vladivostok the flag will be sent to Moscow or St. Petersburg", specified the interviewee.

According to him, Incheon authorities provided Russian mariners with huge cultural program. PF military delegation conducted protocol meetings with representatives of South Korean Navy command, and paid a courtesy visit to Incheon city hall. Russian sailors laid wreath at the monument erected in Incheon in honor of 100th anniversary of heroism displayed by the crews of legendary cruiser Varyag and gunship Koreyets.

"Numerous sport competitions between PF mariners and S Korean counterparts were also held. Residents and guests of Incheon had a chance to board the PF flagship", said Martov.

Missile cruiser Varyag is a successor of the same-named legendary warship which crew won glory at the Chemulpo Battle during the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905).

Current cruiser Varyag is armed with powerful multipurpose attack missile system capable to destroy sea- and land surface targets at long distances. Also, the cruiser's arsenal includes SAM systems, ASW rocket launchers, torpedo tubes, and gun mounts of various calibers and purposes. NATO dubbed Russian ships of such class as "flattop killers".