Marshal Shaposhnikov escorts international convoy near Horn of Africa

06.04.2010 Source: RIA Novosti, photo: large ASW ship Marshal Shaposhnikov (ru.wikipedia.org)

Pacific Fleet's (PF) large ASW ship Marshal Shaposhnikov on Monday started escorting subsequent convoy of 15 civil vessels through piracy-hazardous regions of Horn of Africa and the Gulf of Aden, said the Navy spokesman at press conference.

"Arms and equipment of the ship operate normally. The crew is disease-free and serves in accordance with staff schedule", the official said.

It was previously reported that PF task unit consisting of large ASW ship Marshal Shaposhnikov and two auxiliary vessels had started shipping security mission at piracy-hazardous regions.

PF ships have shifted Northern Fleet's (NF) task unit led by large ASW ship Admiral Chabanenko in the region of Horn of Africa and the Gulf of Aden. New shift is the fourth PF task unit since the beginning of counter-piracy operation in the area.

Large ASW ship Marshal Shaposhnikov carries two deck-based helicopters. In addition, there are marine units on board each vessel.

The first PF consisting of large ASW ship Admiral Vinogradov and three auxiliary vessels patrolled the region in Jan-March 2009. The second unit including large ASW ship Admiral Panteleev and three support vessels – in Apr-June 2009. The third unit led by large ASW ship Admiral Tributs kept combat watch in July-Oct 2009.