Baltic Fleet Frigates Return from Deployment

28.09.2012 Baltic Fleet (BF) frigates Yaroslav Mudry (commanding officer Capt 2 Rank Alexei Suglobov) and Neustrashimy (commanding officer Capt 2 Rank Roman Ashunov) on Sept 28 called at Baltiysk naval harbor after deployment to the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea within the Russian Navy's interfleet task force.

The frigates were on mission for over 80 days, most of them in severe gale conditions. For crews of the frigates, that is the longest cruise in 2012. Through that time, the ships have covered over 15,000 nautical miles during 1,921 steaming hours. The BF frigates called at Spanish port Ceuta on the way home.

During the deployment, the crews have accomplished numerous combat training tasks including antiaircraft and antisubmarine exercises, shipboard drills, and surface-to-air missile and gun firings. High professionalism and good teamwork of the crews were distinguished by the task force commander, Northern Fleet Kola Flotilla Commander RADM Vladimir Kasatonov.

The solemn meeting ceremony was attended by BF high-ranking officers, representatives of Kaliningrad regional government and Baltiysk city administration, as well as relatives of the crewmembers.

On behalf of the Baltic Fleet Military Council, BF Commander VADM Viktor Kravchuk congratulated the crews on successful accomplishment of the long-range deployment and wished all mariners new achievements in combat training.

The ships returned from the long-range deployment are technically sound and ready to begin new mission after supplies replenishment. The servicemen distinguished themselves were awarded valuable gifts, naval and state medals.