Konstantyn Olshanskyy
Ropucha-I Class Large Landing Ship
Polish-built landing ship, acquired from Russia/USSR. Built 1974-1985. Name also seen as Konstyantyn Olshanskyy and Konstantin Olshansky. The ship was under the control of Russian invaders (from March 2014).
The Ukrainian Navy's assault landing ship Konstantin Olshansky arrived in Sevastopol, Crimea in January 2003, having brought 18 M. USD accumulator batteries for the submarine Zaporizhia from the Greek seaport Kavalla. When Ukrainian Navy CINC ADM Mykhailo Yezhel attended the ship's departure ceremony, he stated the Konstantin Olshansky's mission as the task of great national purport. In the meanitume, the Zaporizhia sub's repair was nearing completion at the Balaklava dock.
Over 1,500 conscripts of the 2005 vernal draft served with the Navy, which is a 1.5 times bigger number than the previous draft's. The crew of the large assault landing ship Konstantin Olshansky were among those who pioneered contractual service. Almost 10 percent of the ship's short-term duty seamen volunteered to sign contracts to continue their service as professionals.
In 2011 the Armed Forces were involved in international operations and conducted a humanitarian mission to evacuate Ukrainian and foreign citizens from the area of combat activity on the territory of People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya by utilising the large landing ship “Konstantin Olshansky” and the aircraft ?L-76MD. Two trips of the airplane IL-76 and the landing ship Konstantin Olshansk» evacuated 530 people; 378 were citizens of Ukraine and the other 152 citizens were from 18 different countries.
On 22 March 2011 the Embassy of Ukraine in the countries involved in military operations in Libya agree on the question of passage Ukrainian amphibious Olshansky for evacuation of the Ukrainian Libya. This ship was being prepared for shipment to Libya and will take on board all the Ukrainian citizens wishing to leave the territory of this country, and representatives of foreign countries that require evacuation.
"It resolved organizational issues sending the ship. Foreign Ministry gave the corresponding authorization Embassy of Ukraine in the countries involved in military operations to coordinate the question of passage of the Ukrainian ship. We have already received positive response from the U.S. and Turkey to pass through the Bosporus and Dardanelles", - emphasized A. Dykusarov of the MFA.
By 28 March 2011 Konstantin Olshansky was already off the coast of Libya. The ship came according to the Decree of President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych to fulfill the humanitarian mission to evacuate Ukrainian citizens from the territory of the North African country to the shores of Libya's. Activity at the port for evacuation measures will be after at the diplomatic level will get a permit and will be resolved some other organizational matters. With special emphasis on ensuring the safety of Ukrainian citizens during a humanitarian mission.
Durin g the transit from Sevastopol to the sea coast of Libya crew "Konstantin Olshansky" worked elements of the second course objectives, held a series of ship maneuvers to repulse the enemy sea and air, fight for the vitality of the ship. Marine units and anti-sabotage forces aboard ship at sea exercises performed with small arms. Also group of military medics Military Medical Clinical Center of the Crimean region, which is on board, conducted demonstration classes on first aid to victims.
In April 2011 the Fleet Commander drew participants’ attention on the fact that these days a large landing ship of the Ukrainian Navy “Kostiantyn Olshansky” was in the Mediterranean Sea, where according to the Presidential Decree it would perform a humanitarian mission to evacuate Ukrainian citizens from Libya. In this regard, Admiral Victor Maksymov expressed satisfaction that the national fleet ships have entered the sea to carry out important tasks.
On 04 April 2011 the crew of the large landing ship of the Naval Forces of Ukraine "Konstyantyn Olshansky" finished receive citizens on board, and at 19:45 left the water area of international Libyan port of Tripoli and headed for Malta. In general, "Konstyantyn Olshansky" took on board 193 passengers, of which 85 citizens of Ukraine and 108 citizens from 14 countries. Reception of refugees in cooperation with staff of the Embassy of Ukraine in Libya and the Consular Section of the MFA of Ukraine carried out on specially designed amphibious ship Olshansky.
Specially set up on large landing ship "Konstyantyn Olshansky" group in cooperation with staff of the Embassy of Ukraine in Libya and the Consular Section of the MFA of Ukraine carried out the reception of refugees. The mission of this group also was to provide security of location of the evacuation, reception, accommodation and provision of evacuees on the ship. Women with children sailors placed separately in cabins. It was expected that in Malta 70 citizens of foreign countries will land and a large landing ship "Konstantin Olshansky" take a course for home.
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