Ukrainian Frigate Passed Through Turkish Straits On Her Way To Gulf Of Aden

The Ukrainian frigate Hetman Sahaydachniy passing through the Dardanelles. She is going to conduct anti piracy patrols in Gulf of Aden. Photo: Ahmet Güven.

The Ukrainian frigate Hetman Sahaydachniy passing through the Dardanelles. She is going to conduct anti piracy patrols in Gulf of Aden. Photo: Ahmet Güven

The Ukrainian frigate Hetman Sahaydachniy passing through the Dardanelles. She is going to conduct anti piracy patrols in Gulf of Aden. Photo: Ahmet Güven

It is not just Russian warships that pass through the Turkish Straits these days. The Ukraian Krivak class frigate U-310 Hetman Sahaydachniy made a rare southbound passage through the Turkish Straits.

She is going to Gulf Of Aden in order to take part in anti piracy operations there. This is the first time that Ukraine is sending a ship for these operations. Ukraine is the second Black Sea nation that send a warship for anti piracy operations. Years ago Bulgaria wanted to take part but was not able to finance it. Last year Romania send a frigate to take part in EU’s anti piracy Operation Atalanta.

This is the official announcement of Ukrainian Defence Ministry:

Frigate Naval Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine “Getman Sahaidachny” with a helicopter Ka-27, and a group of special purpose (Review Team) on board today, 24 September, went on a long hike to participate in anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden, and Red Sea West Indian Ocean. During sea crossings and arrival to your destination frigate will make immediate preparations for the tasks of counter-piracy operations at sea “Ocean Shield” and the EU operation “Atalanta” in the area closest to conduct these operations.

The ship on a long voyage accompanied Navy Commander Admiral Yuri Il’yin Ukraine, members of the Military Council of the Navy, Navy veterans home, relatives and friends of the sailors.

Addressing the troops, Admiral Yuri Il’yin said that by this time the ship of the national fleet in such a long hike has not gone.

– You first. The first to be difficult, but very honorable. The fleet is proud of you! – Said the commander of the National Navy. – This device – the best of the best that have earned the right to perform this very important mission for our country. You will defend the national interests of our country. Remember every minute: you are defenders of the Motherland, for you will be judged on our country, of our Navy.

Head of the Armed Forces wished all excellent health and a happy voyage.

For sailors parting words also appealed Assistant Minister of Defense of Ukraine stock Admiral Viktor Maksimov, first deputy chairman of the Sevastopol City State Administration Theodore Rubanov, former commander of the Naval Forces of Ukraine stock Admiral Igor Tenyukh, Honorary Chairman of the Board of Veterans Ukraine Navy Vice Admiral Nikolai retired Klitnyy .

Ship commanded by Captain 2nd rank Roman Piatnitski.