Decommissioned American boats "Island" arrived in Ukraine
Another batch of decommissioned Island class patrol boats manufactured in 1989, which were transferred by the Americans as assistance, arrived at the Odessa seaport from the United States.
This was reported by the press service of the Ukrainian Navy, a PolitNavigator correspondent reports.
Thus, on November 23, on board the cargo ship “Ocean Grand” from the American city of Baltimore, two boats of the “Island” type were delivered to Ukraine, which were given the names “Fastov” and “Sumy”. At the moment, the boats have arrived at the Odessa commercial seaport, accompanied by Ukrainian Navy ships, and are awaiting customs control, unloading and towing to their home bases.
The commander of the Navy, Rear Admiral Alexey Neizhpapa, was effusive in his gratitude to the Americans.
“We are grateful to our American partners for the many years of constant support provided to Ukraine. We highly appreciate the contribution of the United States of America to deter the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine,” the Navy press service quotes Neizhpapu.
He noted the primacy of the United States over the entire world community and added that in this way it will be easier for Ukraine to guard transatlantic security.
“By providing assistance in protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, the United States, at the head of the consolidated world community, defends democratic values and transatlantic security,” added the Ukrainian rear admiral.
The department also expressed confidence that the supply of decommissioned foreign-made boats allows the Ukrainian Navy to increase the level of intercompatibility with the fleets of NATO member states.
As a reminder, one of the boats of this type was previously named after a Ukrainian marine who fled Crimea in 2014 and was blown up during a punitive operation against residents of Donbas.
At the same time, a Russian captain of the first rank warned that these boats could be used for sabotage against Crimea.
Decommissioned American Island boats have arrived in Ukraine.