Ukrainians took part in Lybia conflict are awarded

23.06.2011 Award distribution ceremony was held on board Ukrainian large landing ship Konstantin Olshansky; servicemen who took part in evacuation of Ukrainian citizens from Libya received awards.

Ukrainian Navy Commander Admiral Viktor Maksimov stated in his opening speech that the ship's crew had accomplished the national mission excellently. Performing their constitutional duty, Ukrainian mariners secured evacuation site and safely delivered their nationals home.

According to Viktor Maksimov, defense ministry distinguished complete professionalism and high skills of personnel attending the humanitarian operation. All that has strengthened international prestige of Ukraine as a maritime state.

The Navy Commander handed over medals, certificates of gratitude, gifts, and honorable signs to the crewmen distinguished themselves in the operation.

An order issued by Ukrainian Navy Commander was read during parade on the ship's deck. Large group of servicemen directly attended and prepared the humanitarian cruise to Libya received commendations and certificates of merit.

Admiral Maksimov expressed hope that the crew of Konstantin Olshansky which record had a number of effective long-range cruises and international exercises would continue to accomplish all assigned tasks at a proper level.

As was reported, Ukrainian large landing ship Konstantin Olshansky left Sevastopol to the Mediterranean Sea in the night of March 23 in order to evacuate Ukrainian citizens from Libya.

According to the decree of Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovich, defense ministry was tasked to prepare large landing ship Konstantin Olshansky for humanitarian mission in Libya.

The ship took aboard 85 Ukrainians and 108 foreign citizens (including 24 representatives of CIS countries) on Apr 4 at Tripoli international seaport with the view to evacuate them from the conflict region. There were 78 women and 35 children among passengers boarded the Ukrainian ship.

On Apr 5 Konstantin Olshansky delivered 80 evacuees (mostly, Europeans and Americans) to Valletta, Malta. The ship returned to Sevastopol on Apr 11 with 113 passengers evacuated from Libya including 85 Ukrainians.