First Look - 19 June 2008

(Photo: website of BPK Admiral Yumashev)

The Ochakov Could Become the Flagship
The official newspaper of the Russian Black Sea Fleet (BSF) is reporting that the large anti-submarine ship (BPK) “Ochakov”, which has just finished repairs, could become the flagship of the BSF instead of the cruiser “Moskva”.

“This project 1134B BPK (Kara class), designed more than 40 years ago, has entered the 21st Century with a millennial overhaul with the aim of extending its service life 15-20 years. This is an unprecedented event for the fleet…”

Intermediate repairs began at the end of the 80s, however, with the breakup of the Soviet Union, they were never finished. Additionally a serious fire in 1993 significantly complicated the technical condition of the “Ochakov”.

Right now the ship is in repairs in the Sevastopol’ Shipyard. It is planned to re-introduce the “Ochakov” to the fleet in 2004-2005 (sic) after completion of repairs.


The CinC Russian Navy Discusses Security Issues with Turkey

The Commander in Chief of the Russian Navy Admiral Vladimir Vysotskiy completed a three day visit to Turkey yesterday where he discussed Black Sea security and stability issues with the Ministry of National Defense.

“The CinC visited the Turkish Defense Ministry, the HQ of the Turkish Navy, the main naval base at Gel’dzuk and also visited the frigate “Oruchreis”, the missile cutter “Tufan” and the submarine “Burakreis””.

He also visited the surface observation and control center for movement of ships in the straits zone, the “Stambul” shipyard, the Naval Academy and the Turkish Naval Museum.