Portside view of the Russian Frigate NEUSTRASHIMYY (712) at it prepares its Kamov KA-27 Helix helicopter for take off during the annual Baltic Sea maritime Exercise BALTIC OPERATIONS 2003 (BALTOPS). (US Navy photo by PH2 GEORGE SISTING)Our old friend Dave P. submitted the following extract taken from the Russian MOD website, translated and posted it for information/interest to the UDXF community. Date of article 10 June 2008.
A detachment of warships from Russia's Baltic Fleet is taking part in the active phase of the BaltOps 2008 naval exercises. (scheduled to end 20 June 2008.
A detachment of ships of the Baltic Fleet, after a preliminary assembly in the Polish port of Gdynia wherein was held a meeting of all of the participants of the exercise, has sailed in order to take part in the active phase of the International Maritime Exercises "BaltOps 2008." At the same time, the ships of 13 other participating countries also put to sea. The Russian naval contingent will include
the Escort Vessel "Neustrashimyj" and the Large Landing Ship "Kaliningrad". A
detachment of Naval Infantry and 8 armoured vehicles are aboard the "Kaliningrad". The "Neustrashimyj" has a Ka-27 helicopter embarked. The helicopter crew carried out 10 at-sea take-off and landing operations while the ship was on passage from its base of Baltijsk to Gdynia.
The active maritime phase of BaltOps 2008, which will last until 20 June, will involve 35 surface ships, two submarines, two auxiliary support ships and naval aviation assets. Thirteen countries are represented in the exercises. These are: Russia, USA, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.
The following activities are scheduled to take place during the exercise.. AntiSubmarine Warface involving surface ships, the search for and the tracking of a submarine using helicopters; Gunnery firings against airborne and surface targets; ship handling manoeuvres, communications training, anti-aircraft defence, destruction of submarines of a notional enemy, boarding operations relating to
suspicious shipping, and other anti-terrorist operations at sea. The participation of Russian ships in these exercises will assist in the development of contacts in the Baltic region, and the strengthening of greater understanding and future cooperation between nations.
Thanks Dave for sharing this interesting piece with the UDXF community.