A Russian ship will take part in the international exercises Baltops-2002

On Thursday, the patrol craft Neustrashimy will leave Baltiisk to take part in the Baltops-2002 exercises in which forty-nine ships from eighteen countries will participate. As was reported by the press service of the Baltic Fleet, the Baltic-American Operation-2002 will be commanded by the NATO Navy Commander in the North Atlantic Rear Admiral Kelvin Cosgriff.

In similar exercises in 1994, the Neustrashimy received on its board the Swedish Defence Minister and was recognised the best craft in rescuing ships in distress.

The aim of the exercises is to practice joint actions of the Navies of the United States and of the European countries in conducting peacekeeping operations in the Baltic. The final stage of the exercises, which will take place in Kiel, has been scheduled for June 21-24.