Russian Warship Visits Portsmouth

A Russian warship is visiting Portsmouth for four days during its return home from operations in the Gulf - and the public are invited on board.

The anti-submarine destroyer RFS Vice Admiral Kulakov, which carried out anti-piracy patrols off Somalia, arrives at Portsmouth Naval Base today (Friday 24th August) and departs next Tuesday (28th August). 

The ship will be open to visitors for free on Sunday between 12 midday and 4pm, with access through the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. 

RFS Vice Admiral Kulakov and its 300 crew are visiting Portsmouth at the invitation of the British government as a part of its programme of bilateral naval co-operation. 

This year reciprocal visits have been made by HMS York and patrol boats from University Royal Naval Units. 

Lieutenant Commander John Webb, who is helping organise the visit, said: "We know that the ship's company are looking forward to visiting Portsmouth and to sharing their experiences with Royal Navy personnel." 

On Saturday representatives from the ship will lay a wreath at the Arctic Convey memorial in Portsmouth and on Monday the ship's football team take on counterparts from HMS Illustrious at HMS Temeraire. 

The ship leaves the naval base at 10am on Tuesday.