Cruiser Moskva starts her mission in the Mediterranean – Russian Navy

12.04.2010 Black Sea Fleet (BSF) flagship Guard missile cruiser Moskva has successfully passed Black Sea straits and is ready to perform her tasks in the Mediterranean, reports today BSF Information Support Group.

"Once reached the Aegean Sea, the missile cruiser's crew started preparation for subsequent stage of the cruise – sailing through Suez Canal. With this in mind, it is planned to practice passage through narrow waters; numerous drills for navigators and anti-terror team are being held", says the press release.

It was also reported that the ship sailed through Bosporus and Dardanelles straits being accompanied by Turkish Coast Guard motorboats.

"The ship's security was provided by shipborne marine unit consisting of anti-terror team and search party. Outfit, strength and arms of those groups were chosen in accordance with their mission: large-caliber automatic arms, grenade launchers, sniper rifles", says the authority.

Besides, it was specified that each marine within cruiser's defense perimeter is equipped with individual self-contained radio set capable to maintain continuous multichannel communications.

Pre-flight preparations of shipborne helicopter are in progress; the purpose is improving professional skills of the aircrew.