Monday, 26 October 2009
A Russian Pacific Fleet task force that has been on anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden has completed an official three-day visit to the port of Klang in Malaysia, a spokesman for the fleet said.
The task force - comprising the Admiral Tributs destroyer with two helicopters, a salvage tug, a tanker, and a naval infantry unit - has been escorting commercial ships, conducting aerial reconnaissance, and searching for suspected pirate vessels.
"Between October 22 and 26 the task force paid an official visit to the port of Klang in Malaysia as it has been returning from the Gulf of Aden to Vladivostok [in Russia's Far East]. The visit was held in the atmosphere of friendship and hospitality," the spokesman said adding that the warships are currently on their way home.
Russia joined international anti-piracy efforts off Somali coast in October 2008.
Three Russian warships have so far participated in the mission - the Baltic Fleet's Neustrashimy (Fearless) frigate, and the Pacific Fleet's Admiral Vinogradov and Admiral Panteleyev destroyers.
The Pacific Fleet's warships have escorted over 100 Russian and foreign commercial ships and prevented several pirate attacks since January 2009.
