KALININGRAD, November 15. /TASS/. The frigate Neustrashimy has returned to the main naval base of Russia's Baltic Fleet in Baltiysk, in the Kaliningrad Region, after accomplishing designated missions all over the world, the fleet's press service reported.

"In accordance with the training plan of the Russian Navy, the long-distance voyage of the patrol ship Neustrashimy, which began in July this year, was conducted in the Atlantic and Indian oceans, the Baltic, Northern, Mediterranean, Red, Arabian and Sargasso seas, as well as in the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Guinea and Florida Bay," the report said.

In total, Neustrashimy spent more than four months at sea and sailed approximately 30,000 nautical miles. Over this time, the vessel made unofficial calls to ports in Syria, Cuba, the United Republic of Tanzania, the Republic of South Africa, the Republic of Namibia and the Republic of Congo. The Baltic Fleet patrol ship Neustrashimy is the first Russian Navy vessel in history to call at the port of Cotonou in the Republic of Benin.

During their time at sea, the crew of the Neustrashimy strengthened Russia's naval presence in the distant ocean zone and sailed the flag of St. Andrew in the World Ocean, including along the coasts of Israel and the Republic of Yemen. In addition, the crew was tasked with combating pirates in maritime areas where they are prevalent.

"Over the course of the campaign, the patrol ship's crew conducted dozens of drills and trainings on anti-aircraft and anti-submarine defense, navigation safety, organization of communication, and management. A Ka-27 naval helicopter on board performed several flights. The pilots cooperated with the ship's crew to search for a submarine of a simulated enemy, and conducted training on water rescue," the press service said. Marines on board also improved their skills during the voyage.

The ceremony dedicated to welcoming the ship in Baltiysk was attended by chief of staff of the Baltic Fleet Vice-Admiral Valery Kazakov, command and personnel of the Baltic Fleet surface vessels, Navy veterans, members of the Baltiysk administration, representatives of public organizations, as well as families and friends of the sailors. Servicemen who excelled in the campaign were awarded departmental medals of the Russian Defense Ministry and were given valuable gifts by the fleet command.

About the vessel

The patrol ship Neustrashimy is the lead vessel of Project 11540 Yastreb. It is designed to locate, detect, track and destroy enemy submarines, to provide anti-ship and anti-submarine defense of warships and other vessels at sea, to strike subsurface and surface ships and vessels at sea and at military bases, to assist ground troops, to conduct landings, to provide cover for offensives of seaborne assault forces, as well as to solve other tasks. The displacement of the ship amounts to 3,590 metric tons (3,533 long tons), its speed reaches 30 knots (35 mph), and it can operate autonomously for 30 days. The crew is composed of 210 people. Neustrashimy is armed with an AK-100 naval cannon, Kinzhal and Kortik missiles, and 533-mm torpedoes. A Ka-27 helicopter is also stationed on board.