PF task unit arrives from Aden Gulf

13.11.2009 Source: RIA Novosti

Pacific Fleet task unit is returning to Russia from the Gulf of Aden where it took part in international anti-piracy mission and will arrive at Vladivostok on Nov 16, said spokesman of PF Information and Public Relations Service to RIA Novosti on Friday.

The unit comprising large ASW ship Admiral Tributs, tanker Boris Butoma and rescue tug MB-99 had been on combat watch near Horn of Africa since July 30 till Oct 15 escorting merchant convoys from various countries. On board ships are marine units and two Ka-27 helicopters had been performing aerial recon and search of pirates.

"The cruise from Aden Gulf to Vladivostok is up to schedule, crewmembers feel well, all systems and mechanisms of ships and auxiliary vessels work in normal mode. The task unit is to arrive at Vladivostok on Monday, Nov 16", specified the interviewee.

According to him, Pacific Fleet's ships headed by Rear Admiral Sergei Alekminsky worthily accomplished an honorable mission. During patrolling Indian Ocean, Pacific mariners escorted 13 convoys to safe waters; over 100 merchant vessels from 26 countries were among them. In course of the ocean service Russian sailors participated in two joint anti-piracy exercises along with ships of Chinese People's Liberation Army.

"During patrols at the Gulf of Aden PF task force called official visits to Omani port Salala, Seychelles' port Victoria. On route from Aden Gulf to Vladivostok the unit paid an official call at Malaysian port Klang in Oct 22-26. Visits were held in friendly and hospitable atmosphere", said the interviewee.

He reminded it has been third Pacific Fleet task force participated in international operation in the Gulf of Aden. The first, consisted of ASW Admiral Vinogradov, rescue tug Fotiy Krylov, tankers Boris Butoma and Pechenga was on combat watch near Horn of Africa since January till March. The second, comprised ASW Admiral Panteleev, rescue tug SB-37, tankers Izhora and Irkut took part in the mission since Apr 27 till June 7.

July 13 Russian President Dmitri Medvedev awarded 15 naval servicemen had been fighting piracy with state medals. Among awardees were crewmembers of ASW Admiral Vinogradov, Admiral Panteleev and PF naval aviation officers.

Authorities of Somalia ceased to be united state as early as 1991, can not get through the piracy problem. According to UN, over 120 pirate attacks on merchant vessels were recorded near Horn of Africa in 2008.