“The Navy is proud of you”

Ukrainian Navy frigate Hetman Sahaidachny left port on September 24, with a Ka-27 helicopter and an inspection team of the special operations force embarked aboard, to take part in anti-piracy operations in remote areas of the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, and western parts of the Indian Ocean. Both on the way there and after arrival to her destination, the frigate’s crew will prepare themselves to meet requirements of the NATO’s Ocean Shield anti-piracy operation and the EU’s Atalanta operation, using for exercises a location near the operational area.

Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Navy Admiral Yurii Iliin stressed in his speech to the crew that their mission would become the longest ever for the nation’s navy.

“You are the pioneers. Pioneering is a difficult, but highly honorable job,” the commander-in-chief noted, and added: “The Navy is proud of you. I see here the best of the best, the sailors who have earned the right to perform this very important mission for our country. You will protect our national interests. Remember, you protect the Fatherland every minute, for others will judge our country and its navy on your performance.”

Speakers at the farewell ceremony included also assistant of the minister of defense, Admiral (Ret.) Viktor Maksymov, the first deputy chairman of the Sevastopol City State Administration Fedir Rubanov, former commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Navy Admiral (Ret.) Ihor Teniukh, and the honorary chairman of the Ukrainian Navy Veterans’ Organization’s Council Vice Admiral (Ret.) Mykola Klitny.

The Ukrainian Navy’s flagship successfully passed the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara, and the Dardanelles on September 25, entering the Aegean Sea in the evening hours of that day. During the sea crossing, the frigate’s crew under Captain 2nd Rank Roman Piatnytsky held a number of naval combat exercises, including preparing the ship to sail under adverse conditions, activating air defense, and performing damage control.

The frigate is heading for the Souda naval base on the Greek island of Crete. The operational plan calls for a brief stay in the base, to replenish the ship’s supplies and hold a special exercise for the inspection team.