Pacific Fleet warship to attend anti-piracy exercise in Singapore

16.05.2011 Pacific Fleet (PF) large ASW ship Admiral Panteleyev attends naval show IMDEX-2011 on May 16 in Singapore, and takes part in anti-piracy drill releasing a tanker from "pirates", said PF Commander's press secretary Roman Martov.

"Russian warships are regular participants of such exhibitions (as IMDEX-2011). For instance, in 2009 PF flagship Guards missile ship Varyag visited Singapore for the same purpose", he said.

Martov pointed out that Admiral Panteleyev was accompanied by salvage tug Fotiy Krylov.

"During the visit Russian and Indonesian mariners will conduct scheduled joint anti-piracy drills. For this purpose, there is a special marine unit and an air wing on board Admiral Panteleyev; some of servicemen have anti-piracy experience", reported the PF spokesman.

According to defense ministry's press service, in Singapore Russian military delegation will attend the naval technology seminar NTS-2011 and international maritime security conference IMSC-2011.

PF Commander's press secretary pointed out that the crew of large ASW ship Admiral Panteleyev had been securing commercial shipping in the Gulf of Aden within the second PF anti-piracy task unit since Apr 27 till June 7, 2009. During the combat watch off Somalia Russian mariners detained 29 pirates and handed them over to Iranian and Pakistani authorities.

The visit to Singapore will last till May 20. Then PF warships will head for Indonesia to call at Makassar port in May 25-27.