Russia's frigate Neustrashimy returns to base in Baltiysk

09.02.2009
The Neustrashimy, a frigate of the Russian Baltic Fleet, on Sunday returned to the port of Baltiysk from a mission to distant seas.

The Neustrashimy took part in international efforts to fight piracy off the coasts of Somalia.

The frigate set out on its mission on September 24, 2008, and, in more than four and a half months at sea, covered more than 40,000 nautical miles, establishing a record for ships of the Baltic Fleet for the past years.

The Neustrashimy sailed in the Mediterranean and Red seas, was on an unofficial visit at the Libyan port of Tripoli and made two business calls at the Yemeni port of Aden. The escort vessel patrolled the waters in the Gulf of Eden from October 27, 2008. During its mission, the ship was forced to use guns on three occasions, each time only as a warning.

During its mission in the Gulf of Aden, the Neustrashimy escorted more than 60 ships in 15 convoys. It was replaced in January by the Admiral Vinogradov, large anti-submarine ship of the Russian Pacific Fleet. The Neustrashimy was welcomed upon its return to Baltiysk by the command of the Baltic Fleet; the leadership of the region; delegations from Moscow, St. Petersburg, and the Leningrad region; the families of sailors; music; flowers; and the traditional roasted pig.

All crewmembers are in good health. Information alleging that the Neustrashimy is returning to base crippled by mechanical problems has nothing to do with reality.

Nonetheless, the ship will undergo planned work, since it spent at sea some seven and a half months.

The commander of the Baltic Fleet, Vice Admiral Viktor Mardusin, announced that the Neustrashimy could return to the Gulf of Aden in June of this year to continue its mission.

Translation: RusNavy.com