Mistrals to perform command tasks in Russian Navy

While commissioned into Russian Navy, main task for Mistral class assault landing ships will be control of naval forces, reported ITAR-TASS referring to a source in defense ministry. 

"After joining Russian Navy, basic task for Mistrals will be control over various naval assets in different operational zones worldwide, including Pacific Ocean, of course. That is going to be a sort of command centers developed at sea and controlling surface ships, submarines, and naval aviation", said the source. 

"The second high-end task for Mistrals will be delivery of Russian attack and antisubmarine helicopters (Ka-52 Alligator and Ka-27 respectively) to assigned sea- or coastal area. And only the third-priority task will be projection of marine units for landing operations", added the source. 

He also said that Mistral class helicopter carriers are supposed to be stationed at Pacific and Northern fleets. "These two fleets have the largest responsibility areas and biggest number of assets available. So far, it is planned that Northern Fleet would have one Mistral class ship, and Pacific Fleet – one or two of them. If needed, interfleet reassignments of Mistrals are possible as well", said the source. 

He confirmed that Mistral class helicopter carriers which are to join Pacific Fleet would particularly maintain security of Kuril Islands. "This is one of the high-priority tasks for Mistrals to be completed along with other branches of Russian Armed Forces", emphasized the source. 

Displacement of Mistral class assault landing ship is 21,000 tons. The ship is capable to carry 16 helicopters on board. The deck section accommodates over 40 tanks or 70 wheeled trucks. The crew is 160 men; in addition, the ship can take 450 marines on board.

Ukrainian naval pilots held training flights over sea

Pilots of Naval Aviation Brigade (Saki, Ukraine) performed about 20 training flights over the sea on Feb 11 (see photos). 

According to brigade commander Col. Vladimir Khomenko, that was the fifth flights in 2011. Six aerial vehicles took part in the training flights – two aircrafts Be-12, and one An-26; helicopters Mi-14, Ka-27PS(search-and rescue) and Ka-27PL (antisubmarine). 

Curiously, it was the first time when pilot in command (PIC) of Mi-14 was a junior officer – 1LT Vitaly Telnykh. In addition, two lieutenants performed flights as PIC assistants of Mi-14. 

During the flights aircrew of Ka-27PS carried out training tasks on search and rescue of "sufferers" at sea. Also firstly in 2011, Ka-27PS controlled by brigade commander dropped a life-rescue team. Then the "sufferers" were lifted aboard the helicopter by windlass. 

According to Col. Vladimir Khomenko, aircrews of Ka-27PL practiced antisubmarine activities; aircrafts Be-12 performed training flights after lifetime-prolongation overhaul, and An-26 – after scheduled engine replacement. 

All training tasks were carried out excellently, reported brigade commander Col. Vladimir Khomenko.