The Russian Navy has begun the process of creating a permanent staff to control its operations in the Mediterranean Sea.
Admiral Viktor Chirkov made the statement on May 12 while celebrating the 230th anniversary of Russia's Black Sea Fleet in the Ukrainian city of Sevastopol, the fleet's home port.
He said the Mediterranean staff will comprise some 20 officers, mostly taken from the command of the Black Sea Fleet.
The Mediterranean group will include ships from the Northern Fleet, the Baltic Fleet, the Black Sea Fleet, and, possibly, the Pacific Fleet.
The Mediterranean deployment will comprise five to six warships and their service vessels.
Chirkov said it is possible that the group will include nuclear submarines.
The Soviet Union and later Russia maintained a Mediterranean squadron from 1967 until 1992.
Admiral Viktor Chirkov made the statement on May 12 while celebrating the 230th anniversary of Russia's Black Sea Fleet in the Ukrainian city of Sevastopol, the fleet's home port.
He said the Mediterranean staff will comprise some 20 officers, mostly taken from the command of the Black Sea Fleet.
The Mediterranean group will include ships from the Northern Fleet, the Baltic Fleet, the Black Sea Fleet, and, possibly, the Pacific Fleet.
The Mediterranean deployment will comprise five to six warships and their service vessels.
Chirkov said it is possible that the group will include nuclear submarines.
The Soviet Union and later Russia maintained a Mediterranean squadron from 1967 until 1992.
