The American cargo ship “Ocean Freedom”, which carries on Board two former patrol boat of the coast guard of the USA of type “Island” for naval forces of Ukraine, arrived in the port of Odessa.

“Today, 21 October aboard the vessel “Ocean Freedom” arrived in Odessa boats of the type “Island” Р190 “Slavic” and Р191 “Starobilsk”. Re-equipped boats of the Ukrainian Navy, after a series of successful trials, and after overcoming thousands of miles arrived in the Odessa sea trade port”, – the press center of Command of naval forces of VSU on its Facebook page on Monday.

It is noted that now the boats are in the stage of unloading and preparation for operation after long transportation.

So, to meet in Odessa new units of the national fleet was attended by representatives of command of naval forces of VSU, the U.S. and the personnel of the crews of the boats.

“After unloading of the boat will be towed to the naval harbour. Upon completion of the clean-readiness, launches of the type “Island” under the command of the Ukrainian crew will start your battle your way to ensure Maritime security in the waters of the Black and Azov seas,” – said in the message.

As reported, on 27 September 2018 at the naval base in Baltimore (Maryland, USA) in the presence of the fifth President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and Vice-Admiral of the U.S. Coast guard Michael McAllister, a solemn ceremony of handing over two boats of the class “Island” (“island”) of the naval forces of Armed forces of Ukraine.

Memorandum on the transfer of Ukraine patrol boats USCGC Cushing (WPB-1321) and USCGC Drummond (WPB-1323) was signed by the commander of the Navy APU Admiral Igor Voronchenko and Vice Admiral of the U.S. Coast guard McAllister.

Cushing and Drummond after the withdrawal from the U.S. Coast guard in 2017 were in caretaker status. Recent dock repair Cushing took place in 2014, and Drummond in 2012. Drummond has also previously been upgraded under the program “MAYOR”, during which in addition to the General repairs (dock repair, maintenance of devices, mechanisms and systems) were updated a number of key nodes and replaced by the more modern key system boats.

After the transfer of the patrol boats of the Ukrainian APU they got the names and numbers Board – “Slavic” (P191) and “Starobilsk” (clearcoat p190).

The preparation of Ukrainian crews of these boats at first were held in Ukraine, then 32 sailor was sent to the United States to attend the ten-week training course at the Maritime Institute of technology and graduate studies (MITAGS) Linthicum city (USA). September 15, their training ended.

Boats of class “Island” in its basic configuration, have a displacement of 168 tons, length– 34 m, width – 6,4 m with a speed of up to 29.5 knots. Team regulations consists of 16 people, including two officers. Of weapons the boat has a 25 mm gun and two machine guns. Boats equipped with radar generic detection AN/SPS-73 and 5.4 m inspection boat “Zodiak Hurricane 540”.

According to the coast guard of the United States, the total cost of the boats, as well as modernizing and training the Ukrainian military seamen amounted to about $10 million.

Tags:

#USA

#ship

#boat

#Odessa