SEVEROMORSK. Dec 4 (Interfax-AVN) - The Russian North Fleet will continue operations in the Arctic next year, North Fleet Commander Admiral Vladimir Korolyov told reporters on Monday, on the occasion of the beginning of a new training year in the Russian Armed Forces.
"Warships will go on training missions in the Arctic region in the new training year to practice operations under complex climatic conditions and exploration of the poorly known areas of the Arctic," North Fleet spokesman Capt. 1st Rank Vadim Serga cited Korolyov as saying.
The commander also said that the North Fleet sailors successfully accomplished their training and exploration missions in the Arctic in 2013.
Twelve warships, research and support vessels visited the Arctic this year. A North Fleet unit led by the Pyotr Veliky heavy nuclear missile cruiser delivered a landing team to the Novosibirsk Islands and participated in the reopening of the Temp Arctic airfield. A North Fleet hydrographic unit visited the area around the Franz-Josef Land in 2013. A number of hydrographic discoveries were made and scientific research was conducted. North Fleet submariners also continued their missions in various areas of the Arctic Ocean.