OREANDA-NEWS. December 22, 2008. Admiral Chabanenko, Northern Fleet frigate, is deploying today to Havana, for the Russian Navy's first visit to Cuba since the breakup of the Soviet Union. Two support vessels, SB-406 and Ivan Bubnov, are deploying together with frigate to provide refuelling and expeditious repairs during a mission.

While in Cuba Vice Admiral Vladimir Korolev, Deputy Commander of the Northen Fleet, is set to meet Cuban Navy officials, the mayor of Havana and Russian Embassy staff.

The Russian sailors are expected to do the sights of Havana, lay wreaths to the monument to Cuban revolution heroes and the Soviet Internationalist Soldier Memorial.

Cubans will have an opportunity to visit the Russian warships.

The visit to Cuba completes a Caribbean tour by Russian battleships.