The Yamal amphibious ship to participate in Zapad-2009 strategic exercise
02.09.2009 The Yamal, major amphibious ship, along with other ships of Black Sea Fleet and North Fleet is taking part in operational and strategic exercise Zapad-2009 scheduled on Sept 18-29, 2009 in Belarus. Being patronized by Yamal regional authorities, cognominal ship with marines and armor vehicles onboard have arrived at Baltic Sea Fleet's main base in Baltiysk.
As reported to Uralinformburo in representation office of Yamalo-Nenetsky Autonomous District (YNAD) in St. Petersburg, Navy Commander-in-Chief summarizing the results of the previous years had distinguished the major amphibious ship Yamal as one of the best naval forces and units among Russian Navy. That was mentioned in grateful letter addressed to Governor Yuri Neelov by rear admiral Vladimir Vasukov, the Black Sea Fleet surface ship division commander. The admiral thanked the regional head "for moral support and material assistance to the ship's crew; great work on strengthening of friendship and partnership between the administration of Yamalo-Nenetsky Autonomous District and Black Sea mariners".
The patronage connection between the autonomy's administration and Black Sea Fleet command exists since 2001 and documented with an agreement. In January 2002, under the order of Navy Commander-in-Chief, the major amphibious ship was assumed the name of Yamal. Naval command distinguished recruits from YNAA serving on the major amphibious ship by conscientiousness and discipline.
Along with Yamal among participants of the large-scale exercise Zapad-2009 is corvette Ladny, which freed the crew of Russian cargo vessel Arctic Sea from pirates' captivity. Alongside two major amphibious ships of North Fleet Georgy Pobedonosets and Alexander Otrakovsky will participate the event. According to the exercise scenario, Russian naval forces are to support ground troops from Baltic Sea waters.