Naval Ships of the Russian Pacific Fleet Visited Surabaya

On January 19-22, 2012 a Group of naval ships of the Russian Pacific fleet paid a working visit to Surabaya (port of Tanjung Perak). The Group included Big Antisubmarine Ship "Admiral Panteleev", Rescue Tug “Fotiy Krylov” and Big Sea Tanker "Boris Butoma". Commanding Officer of the Group was Captain First Rank Mr. A.V.Saprykin.

The Group was on its way to Vladivostok from Aden’s bay where they combated sea piracy near Somali coasts. Naval ships of the Russian Pacific fleet successfully accomplished their mission: they ensured secure navigation for civil vessels in that area and seized a number of pirates groups.

H.E. Mr. Alexander A.Ivanov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Vladimir F.Afanasenkov, Military Attaché of the Russian Federation and the Commanding Officer of the Group of the Russian naval ships paid courtesy calls to the Commandment of the Eastern Fleet of the Indonesian Navy and Ir. T.Rismaharini, Mayor of Surabaya. They also held meetings with representatives of the Surabaya Naval Military Base, Navy Marines’ Division, Surabaya military institutes and the city administration. The Russian naval ships were visited by groups of Indonesian students and local civilians.

During the naval ships’ anchorage in Surabaya a joint antipiracy military drill took place. Several groups consisted of Russian and Indonesian Navy Marines practiced in taking by storm a “captured” trade vessel. Besides, the ships from both sides made a joint maneuvering and tested radio interconnection.

All events were held in an atmosphere of friendship and mutual understanding which are traditional for relations between the Navies of two countries.