PF Task Unit Escorts Sixth Convoy in Read Sea

06.12.2011 Pacific Fleet (PF) task unit headed by large ASW ship Admiral Panteleyev taking part in the international anti-piracy campaign has formed the sixth convoy of commercial vessels and is escorting it from the Red Sea through the Gulf of Aden.

According to the head of PF Information Support Department Capt 1 rank Roman Martov, the task unit consisting of large ASW ship Admiral Panteleyev, replenishment tanker Boris Butoma, and rescue tug Fotiy Krylov on Aug 29 left Vladivostok heading for the Indian Ocean. On the way to the Gulf of Aden, the unit called at Cambodian port Sihanoukville in Sept 8-13 and had reached the Horn of Africa in mid-Oct.

The task unit will spend much time escorting international commercial convoys through the Gulf of Aden and protecting them from attacks of Somali pirates. Experienced PF marine units on board and deck-based helicopters will make possible to react even at considerable distances away from platforms.

"Having escorted five convoys, Admiral Panteleyev visited the port of Djibouti since Nov 30 till Dec 5; the crew had a rest there. Two other ships continued duties in the Gulf of Aden. After the call at Djibouti, the Panteleyev's crew formed the sixth convoy in the Red Sea", said the interviewee.

According to him, the PF task unit escorts the 6-ship convoy consisting of Russian, Liberian, Hong Kong, Norwegian, Indian, and Italian vessels. Tanker Boris Butoma and rescue tug Fotiy Krylov joined the convoy in the Gulf of Aden. They also protect the convoy from potential pirate attacks.

"When the escort is over, tanker Boris Butoma would call at the port of Salalah to replenish supplies of water, food, and fuel", said Martov.

He added that late in Dec large ASW ship Admiral Panteleyev would pay a formal visit to the port of Victoria, the capital of the Republic of Seychelles. Visiting of this country has become a sort of tradition amid PF mariners. Through several recent years, Russian naval servicemen regularly visit Seychelles, Russian diaspora, and Russian diplomatic mission.

"The crew of Admiral Panteleyev is experienced in anti-piracy warfare. In spring 2009, the ship headed the second PF task unit and was deployed in the Gulf of Aden. In addition, in May 2011 the ship participated in anti-piracy drill along with Singapore and Indonesia", reminded Martov.

Throughout Pacific Fleet's participation in the international anti-piracy mission, PF ships have escorted over 120 merchant ships from different countries. The fleet's command has received dozens of telegrams and grateful letters from shipmasters and directors of shipping companies.