Russian Frigate Again Harasses U.S. Carrier Strike Group During Flight Operations

June 30, 2016 5:14 PM - Updated: June 30, 2016 5:54 PM
Russian Frigate Yaroslav Mudry (FF-777) before teh ship's hull number was changed. RIA Novosti Photo
Russian Frigate Yaroslav Mudry (FF-777) before the ship’s hull number was changed. RIA Novosti Photo

THE PENTAGON — A Russian frigate again came dangerously close to U.S. ships tasked with striking ISIS targets in Syria from the Eastern Mediterranean – coming within 150 yards of the Dwight D. Eisenhower carrier strike group while the carrier was conducting flight operations on Thursday, USNI News has learned.

According to an early incident report obtained by USNI News, the Russian Navy frigate Yaroslav Mudry (FF-777) made several erratic movements and inconsistent radio transmissions to the guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG-56) about 6:00 A.M. EST on Thursday.

“The actions of FF-777 were abnormal as they displayed maneuvers rarely seen by professional mariners at sea combined with an aggressive approach toward [San Jacinto],” read the assessment.

A Navy official contacted by USNI News confirmed a Russian frigate the interaction was, “unsafe and unprofessional.”

The report accused 4,400-ton Mudry of coming within 150 yards of the cruiser and quickly turning away in a manner described as “highly unprofessional” and as a “high-risk maneuver,” according to the report.

According to the incident report, Mudry also erratically weaved behind the cruiser’s wake instructing San Jacinto via radio to, “not cross my bow.”

160614-N-EO381-054 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (June 14, 2016) An MH-60R Seah Hawk helicopter assigned to the Dusty Dogs of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7 flies from the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), left, and the guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) during a replenishment-at-sea with the fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8). The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Casey J. Hopkins/Released)
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), left, and the guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG-56) during a replenishment-at-sea with the fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE-8). US Navy Photo

The series of “multiple erratic maneuvers” – all while USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) was launching and recovering aircraft – was characterized as “abnormal safe and unprofessional,” in the report.

Mudry was the same Russian frigate that on June 17 had a similar standoff with guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG-107) with the Harry S. Turman CSG and came within 300 yards of the ship after maneuvering in a fashion U.S. officials considered unsafe.

The crew of Gravely and the carrier determined the Russian frigate, “was intentionally trying to interfere with Harry S. Truman operations,” a U.S. official told USNI News this week.
“We have deep concerns about the unsafe and unprofessional Russian ship maneuvers. These actions have the potential to unnecessarily escalate tensions between countries, and could result in a miscalculation or accident which results in serious injury or death.”

Russian officials released a video earlier this week from Mudry which they accuse Gravely of acting unsafely.

 

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone

Sam LaGrone is the editor of USNI News. He has covered legislation, acquisition and operations for the Sea Services since 2009 and spent time underway with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the Canadian Navy.
Follow @samlagrone

Get USNI News updates delivered to your inbox