Speaking at the welcoming ceremony of Iranian Navy forces, the 37th Naval Flotilla Commander Admiral Amir Reza Abbasi said “the 37th fleet consisting of Sabalan destroyer and Tonb combat support ship had been deployed to international waters on December 1, 2015 in a bid to protect cargo ships and oil tankers.”
“The fleet cruised 5500 nautical miles in 39 days aiming to have continuous presence in free waters escorting Iranian ships and tankers in international corridors like the Gulf of Aden and Bab al-Mandab Strait,” he noted.
Abbasi further maintained that “on the way back home, the fleet visited Oman’s Salalah port conveying the message of peace and friendship on behalf of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
“A total of 1400 commercial ships and oil tankers were escorted, intercepted or monitored during the 39-mission,” said the commander adding “meanwhile, Iranian Navy's Destroyer Sabalan repelled four pirates' attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf of Aden and Bab al-Mandab Strait after fierce clashes.”
“Tonb logistics warship was sent to this mission after three years of overhaul and renewal,” he underlined.
The 38th fleet will set off for high seas to safeguard maritime routes used by Iranian vessels operating in international waters after taking part in a large-scale naval war game, codenamed Velayat 94.
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