Sunday, June 2, 2013

Russia's "Admiral Kuznetsov" To Join Naval Ships In Mediterranean


By on 2.6.13

Russia, which has been reinforcing its Mediterranean presence as the conflict in Syria hightens, announced at the weekend that the heavy aircraft carrier "Admiral Kuznetsov," is going to be ready to act as part of a naval group in the Mediterranean Sea by the end of 2013. The announcement was made by Russian Navy Commander Admiral Viktor Chirkov to Interfax on the occasion of the anniversary of the Northern Fleet's foundation marked on June 1.

The Admiral added that the Admiral Kuznetsov will complete its planned maintenance at the end of 2013 (earlier than expected).
     "It is expected to put out and perform a number of missions in an offshore oceanic zone as part of a group. Northern Fleet naval pilots will perform a number of missions on board this cruiser in the long-range mission."
The warship holds several sea-based fighters and helicopters, missiles, anti-submarine systems and a crew of 2,000 people.

In March, warships from Russia’s Pacific Fleet entered the Mediterranean for the first time in decades to become part of what the Kremlin says is a permanent task force in the region. That task force includes vessels from the Northern, Baltic, and Black Sea fleets.



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