14.08.2012
Without call at Novorossiysk, Russian Navy's interfleet task group set a course for western Mediterranean, reports B-Port referring to RIA Novosti and an insider in Russian defense ministry.
Earlier on, Russian military reported that landing ships of the task force would call at Novorossiysk on Aug 12. The task force consists of Northern Fleet (NF) landing ships
Alexander Otrakovsky,
Georgy Pobedonosets,
Kondopoga, Baltic Fleet (BF) frigates
Yaroslav Mudry and
Neustrashimy, and Black Sea Fleet (BSF) supply vessels – replenishment oiler
Ivan Bubnov and salvage tug
MB-304.
"As for now, the ships have passed Italy and are heading westward holding combat training tasks in the central part of the Mediterranean Sea", said the interviewee, however, refusing to specify the reason for changed route of NF landing ships.
As for him, the ships will accomplish some other tasks including joint maneuvering in intensive shipping areas, antiaircraft and antisubmarine defenses in littoral zones, search-and-rescue and logistic support of a task unit at sea.
Last weekend, the task force effectively held tactical drill with use of onboard gun and missile systems, and replenished water and fuel supplies.
