12.12.2011
Text: Western Military District Press Service
Photo: Western Military District Press Service
Aircraft-carrying cruiser Admiral Flota Sovetskogo Soyuza Kuznetsov on Dec 12 anchored in the Moray Firth gulf northeastward Great Britain.
The Northern Fleet (NF) carrier group has passed the Northeast Atlantic in adverse weather conditions caused by cyclones. Nonetheless, stormy seas did not prevent NF mariners from performing numerous training activities underway including antiaircraft missile firings, antisubmarine and air defense drills.
Russian aircraft carrier
Admiral Kuznetsov has left about 1,500 nautical miles astern since departure from NF main base Severomorsk. In the Moray Firth the ships will make their first anchorage. In the next day they will replenish fuel and fresh water from supply vessels and wait out unfavorable weather conditions caused by active cyclone activity.
The crews will improve naval skills, and air wing will continue preparation for training flights. Expectedly, deck-based fighters will start flying as soon as the weather becomes better.
NF carrier group started the long-range cruise from Severomorsk on Dec 6. Except for aircraft carrier
Admiral Kuznetsov, it includes large ASW ship
Admiral Chabanenko and supply vessels – rescue tug
Nikolai Chiker, tankers
Sergei Osipov,
Vyazma, and
Kama. Deployment of NF carrier group is a part of Russian Navy's presence in distant zones of the World Ocean.