MOSCOW, October 30. /TASS/. A detachment of the Russian Navy’s Northern Fleet ships has completed its long-distance Arctic deployment and returned to base, the fleet’s press service reported.
"Today, on the Day of surface fleet personnel, a reception was held at the Northern Fleet’s main base in Severomorsk for the detachment of warships and support vessels, which has completed its latest, fifteenth, Arctic voyage across the waters of the Arctic Ocean. Northern Fleet Commander Admiral Konstantin Kabantsov received a report on the successful completion of the assigned tasks by the crews of the combat ships and support vessels," the press service reported.
The fleet commander congratulated the Northern Fleet sailors who took part in the long-distance voyage on the 330th anniversary of the Russian Navy and surface fleet personnel day, as well as on the successful completion of all assigned tasks and their return home. He noted that the detachment carried out strategic deterrence missions in the Arctic waters stretching from the Novosibirsk Islands to Franz Josef Land. For the first time, the detachment sailed through the Shokalsky Strait, thereby confirming the suitability of this new navigation area for Russian Navy ships. Also for the first time, amphibious landing was carried out on the coast of the Sedov Archipelago.
"Once again, you have confirmed the fleet’s readiness to defend Russia’s national interests in the Arctic," emphasized Konstantin Kabantsov at the welcoming ceremony, according to the press service. The commander noted that the crews of the warships and support vessels demonstrated a high level of naval training, coordination, and professional skills while carrying out their assigned tasks. In keeping with tradition, the commanders of the ice-class patrol ship Ivan Papanin, the large landing ship Kondopoga, and the captains of the support vessels--the rescue tug Pamir and the ocean-going tanker Sergey Osipov-- were presented with roast piglets by the fleet commander, while distinguished sailors received awards and certificates of commendation.
The Arctic deployment of the Northern Fleet’s ships was conducted to safeguard Russia’s maritime navigation and economic activities in the Arctic.
