MOSCOW, August 24. /TASS/. The Russian Navy Northern Fleet’s frigate Admiral Kasatonov has returned to base after completing a long-range mission, the fleet’s press service reported.

"A welcome ceremony was held in Severomorsk for the Northern Fleet frigate Admiral Kasatonov, which completed its long-range deployment and returned to base. Commander of the Northern Fleet Admiral Konstantin Kabantsov received a report from the ship’s crew on the successful completion of their assigned tasks," the Northern Fleet noted.

The commander congratulated the Severomorsk sailors on successfully completing all their assigned tasks and returning to their home port. He noted that "the deployment took place amid growing tensions in the international political situation, which required a high degree of professionalism, composure, and responsibility from the crew."

"For an extended period, you carried out missions of strategic deterrence in operationally critical areas of the world’s oceans, protected Russia’s maritime economic activities, ensured freedom of navigation, and contributed to strengthening international relations with countries friendly to us. The ship’s crew demonstrated a high level of naval training, coordination, and professional skills, as well as the reliability of Russian equipment and weapons. You have confirmed that you are capable of carrying out the most complex missions anywhere in the world’s oceans. I am confident that you will handle future challenges facing the crew with excellent results and at the same high level," Admiral Konstantin Kabantsov emphasized at the ship’s welcome ceremony.

In keeping with tradition, the fleet commander presented the Admiral Kasatonov frigate commander with a roasted piglet, and awarded distinguished sailors with medals and certificates. Vladimir Yevmenkov, head of the closed administrative-territorial formation of Severomorsk, also congratulated the frigate’s crew on their return home. Following an Arctic tradition, he presented the frigate’s commander with northern salmon.

In the military community, the ship was greeted by a band, fellow servicemen, and the sailors’ families and friends.