OREANDA-NEWS. December 5, 2008. A Russian naval task force from the Northern Fleet led by the aircraft carrier “Admiral Kuznetsov” today left the base in Severomorsk for a tour of duty in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean.

Navy spokesman Capt. 1st Rank Igor Dygalo told the news agency RIA Novosti that the task force also includes missile destroyer “Admiral Levchenko” and two support ships. During the current tour, which will last for several months, the Russian warships will accomplish a number of assigned tasks, including joint drills with Russia's Black Sea Fleet, as well visits to several ports in the Mediterranean.

Russia announced last year that its Navy had resumed and would build up a constant presence throughout the world's oceans.

Another naval task force from the Northern Fleet, comprising the nuclear-powered missile cruiser “Pyotr Veliky”, the large anti-submarine ship “Admiral Chabanenko” and support ships, is currently on a visit to Venezuela and has recently conducted joint drills with the Venezuelan navy.

A task force from Russia's Pacific Fleet will leave its main base in Vladivostok on December 9 to take part in joint naval drills with the Indian navy in the Indian Ocean.