MOSCOW. April 14 (Interfax) - Ships and submarines of the Pacific Fleet have started moving from their home ports to the Sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk, and the Bering Sea as part of a surprise check, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Friday.
"Combat vessels, crafts, and supply ships of the Pacific Fleet have departed from their permanent deployment sites and commenced the passage to and operational deployment in the designated areas of the Sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk, and the Bering Sea to perform tasks as part of attack, antisubmarine attack and minesweeping teams, as well as detachments of landing ships, during a surprise combat readiness check," the ministry said.
The footage released by the Defense Ministry shows combat vessels, submarines, crafts, and supply ships of the Pacific Fleet departing from their home bases.
Drills of combat crews, during which they would practice various algorithms of actions while performing objectives at sea, are conducted along the travel route. The drills include organizing damage control at sea, passing narrow spots by vessels, and training involving operators of navigation radars, the ministry said.
"Knowledge and practical skills of officers of the deck in navigating and maneuvering ships in order while performing task of dispersing in sea areas as part of tactical teams and organizing air defense and mine action are tested during the check. Supply ship's readiness for rescue and resource support of actions of ship tactical teams in sea areas was tested," it said.