Large ASW ship Admiral Vinogradov finished the visit to Seychelles

09.03.2011 Pacific Fleet (PF) large ASW ship Admiral Vinogradov attending the international anti-piracy operation in the Gulf of Aden had finished official call at Victoria, capital of Seychelles, reported RIA Novosti referring to Capt 1 rank Roman Martov, PF Commander's press secretary.

Now Admiral Vinogradov is heading for the Horn of Africa to continue escorting multinational convoys.

Leading the fifth PF task force, large ASW ship Admiral Vinogradov arrived to the Gulf of Aden from Vladivostok on Dec 22, 2010 to fight piracy. The unit had escorted more than 10 commercial convoys. All of them had been successfully finished.

Admiral Vinogradov paid official visit to the port of Victoria in March 4-7.

"Delegation of Russian mariners headed by commander of the fifth PF task force Capt 2 rank Ivan Kovalev visited headquarters of Seychelles' armed forces, head of national coast guard, foreign minister, and mayor of Victoria", pointed out Martov.

According to him, crewmen of Admiral Vinogradov took part in parade opening a festive program on March 5. An official banquette with participation of Seychelles' president James A. Michel was held in the evening on board the Russian warship.

"During the visit to Victoria the crew of Admiral Vinogradov played sport games with Seychelles' colleagues, and had a sightseeing tour. The ship was visited by representatives of Russian diaspora and diplomats", Martov said.

He pointed out that Admiral Vinogradov would return to the Gulf of Aden on Wednesday. Then the ship will start forming a new international convoy to escort it through piracy-risky waters.