Russian Vets Attend Opening of Russian Masts on HMS Belfast
Tuesday 19 October 2010 will become historically significant and memorable day for Russia and the United Kingdom. The grand opening of new Russian masts on the legendary HMS Belfast will take place in London. The restoration project of masts began in April 2009 at Severnaya Verf shipyard in St. Petersburg. Russian veterans of the Arctic convoys from Arkhangelsk, Yuri Kopytov and Georgi Evtukov, with support from Petropavlovsk Group and VTB Capital, will arrive in London to attend the official ceremony. Masts restoration project was supported by Russian companies United Industrial Corporation, Severstal and Sovkomflot, in recognition of the heroism of the Arctic Convoys 1941-1945.
River Class Represent New Generation of Fishery Protection Ships
HMS Tyne, the first in a new generation of fishery protection vessels for the Royal Navy has been launched at Vosper Thornycroft’s Woolston, Southhampton, Shipyard. HMS Tyne was launched by Lady Squire, wife of Air Chief Marshal Sir Peter Squire, Chief of the Air Staff, and is expected to be handed over to the Fishery Protection Squadron (FPS) in November this year. The 80 m. Offshore Patrol Vessel is one of three River Class ships that are being procured in an agreement that is believed to be unique in modern times. Thought to b e the first time the RN has operated ships under such an agreement with private industry and at the end of the fie years the Ministry of Defense will have the option to extend the charter, hand the ships back or purchase them outright.
