Patrol ship "Sharp-witted. The ship "Smart" opened warning fire on a Turkish ship Warship "Smart"

The Russian fleet has many ships, but each one is close to the hearts of the people. Because husbands, brothers, sons, and grandchildren serve on the crew. The ships are seen off and eagerly await their return. They roam the seas and oceans, go on diplomatic, humanitarian and military missions to other countries, and participate in exercises. Many of these events are covered in the press, and the publications are read to the gills by relatives of military personnel. One of these media “stars” is the Smetlivy, a ship of the Black Sea Fleet.

History of construction

The operational-tactical task for the development of the vessel was received and approved by the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy on March 14, 1956. Later the project received number 61. Perhaps because it was built at the shipyard named after 61 Communards in Nikolaev. It took almost ten years to create and approve the project and all design solutions. Construction began only in 1966. The Project 61 Smetlivy ship was conceived for air defense of its ships against enemy aircraft and missiles, as well as for anti-submarine defense. Equipped for this with all the necessary weapons and radar installations.

Construction of the ship was completed in 1967, a year later it was checked and included in the lists of the USSR Navy, and on October 21, Smetlivy, a large anti-submarine ship of Project 61, was included in the Black Sea Fleet and began its service.

Project 61

The institute, which was involved in sketching and designing the ship, considered various design solutions. For example, seven options for placing weapons were proposed. As a result, the weapons were placed in a linear pattern, which allows the use of all anti-aircraft guns at once on one side. This is very convenient during a massive air attack. Anti-submarine missiles were removed from the ammunition load, but the stock of missiles was increased to 24. At first, the power plant was adopted as a boiler-turbine power plant, but upon approval of the project it was proposed to consider the option of a gas turbine unit, which made it possible to reduce the development of the world's first such large vessel with a gas turbine power unit, which is used on all swimming modes.

While many countries are developing special air defense systems for ships or using Air Force technologies, the USSR decided to redesign the anti-aircraft missile launchers of the ground air defense forces. Based on land-based air defense systems, a new Volna launcher was created with a control, storage, supply and loading system modified for high water conditions.

“Smetlivy” is a unique ship in its design and space-planning solutions. To achieve the established technical characteristics, it was necessary to change the ship's hull, although it was originally taken at 50, 56 and 57 bis. The location of residential and office premises was accepted as standard with the exception of command posts, power plant rooms, officer cabins, corridors and a dining room; the rules of modern warfare made special demands. These changes were made in accordance with anti-nuclear protection and weapons layout. The cabins and corridors were made closed, without natural light, the crew could get into any compartment of the ship without going on deck. The commander from his point could observe the underwater, surface and air situation and control all the ship’s combat systems.

Singing Frigate

"Smart" is a ship that received the nickname "Singing Frigate". He doesn’t sing at all, doesn’t perform romances, but his sound is very melodic. And when meeting a ship at the port or departure, you can hear their ringing overflow. It is unlikely that such an effect was intended by the designers in advance; it was a matter of chance. Now, even many years later, having forgotten all the merits of the ship, it will be remembered as the “Singing Frigate”

Modernization

Soon it will be half a century since “Shartlivy” has been in service. Weapons change, new materials come into use. Technology needs to be updated to remain effective. In 1990-1995, the ship underwent modernization according to project 01090. The MNK-300 marine non-acoustic complex with an antenna in the form of a 300-meter cable behind the stern was installed on the ship, which picks up the trace of an enemy submarine. Also, instead of two RBU-1000s, 8 guides for Uran anti-ship missiles were installed. New jamming installations, radar and anti-ship missile control systems were installed. Now this is not a large anti-submarine ship, but a patrol ship of the Black Sea Fleet "Smetlivy", which can participate in all combat services.

Predecessor history

Have you ever wondered why ships have such names? It may be impossible to get to the original source, but sometimes you can find very interesting stories. For example, “Sharp-witted” - a ship that was built in 1967? Well, not really. The fact is that “Sharp-witted” took part in the Second World War. Only it wasn’t a destroyer. He participated in the war with Finland, and by 1941 was considered one of the best in the navy.

From the water he constantly shelled German positions in Estonia, stood for repairs in Leningrad and returned to Tallinn again. During the breakthrough to Kronstadt, Smetlivy was the only destroyer that fully retained its combat capability. He took a direct part in the defense of Leningrad from September to October 1941. He used his guns as artillery to fire at enemy positions and participated in operations on the water.

The last operation of the destroyer Smetlivy

An operation to evacuate the garrison from the Hanko naval base has begun. It was necessary to make a breakthrough from Kronstadt, which by that time was mined. The destroyer "Smetlivy" along with "Surovy", four minesweepers, four hunters and torpedo boats were in the second breakthrough group. We reached Hanko without losses.

While stationary, the destroyer came under artillery fire and her stern gun was damaged. On November 4, the ship, having received 560 people, set off on a reverse course. The weather was getting worse and it was difficult to get through. The ship was at the tail of the group, and towards nightfall the first mine exploded. The destroyer remained afloat, but lost speed. After short repair work, he continued moving and was blown up by a second mine, detonating his ammunition. The bow of the ship was torn off, and it sank fifteen minutes later, along with the captain. The destroyer was left without propulsion or control and began to sink. The third mine tore off the stern. Boats and minesweepers arrived in time and saved three and a half hundred people.

Incident with Turkish sailors

The news about the collision between Turkish fishermen and Russian sailors on January 13, 2015 spread throughout the media. It was twisted in different ways. The Turks claim that they did not see any ship, they were moving on their own course, they did not hear any signals or shots, everything was normal. Although how can you not see the “Sharp-witted” ship, the photo of which you see below? As reported from the patrol ship, a Turkish seiner appeared on the starboard side in the Aegean Sea and went to ram. “Smarty” was at anchor and began to signal and communicate via radio, but no one answered. When 600 meters remained before the collision, small arms shots were fired at a safe distance. After this, the Turkish seiner changed course and passed along the side at a distance of 540 meters.

Meeting the ship. Sevastopol

The ship "Sharp-witted" returns to the port of this legendary city, and is always welcome here. On shore, preparations for the meeting begin several hours in advance. People gather with Russian Navy flags, cameras and even fan trumpets. Tourists specially come to see this event. When the ship enters the port, the crew lines up along the side in full dress uniform and greets their hometown to the sounds of the song “Legendary Sevastopol.”

Service

The ship participates in many Russian and international exercises and performs escort and patrol duty. Has a great track record and a fitting name. Because when you cannot win by force, you must win with ingenuity, as Russian warriors did from ancient times. It was the largest anti-submarine ship, and now it is an excellent patrol ship, the Smetlivy. The photo, although it is only a flat picture, conveys part of his strength and pressure. Its very appearance and combat power raises the morale of both military and civilians.

Someone will consider this empty patriotism, but without patriotism a person will not fulfill his duty every day, defend the borders of his homeland, be faithful to the oath and moral principles.

Project 01090 ships were created to provide anti-aircraft defense and air defense to fleet formations in far and near sea zones, patrol in specified areas of the seas and oceans, support convoy and landing operations of fleet forces. Project 61 ships became a milestone for the Russian Navy due to the use of an all-mode gas turbine installation, guided missile weapons and the saturation of the ships with radio-electronic equipment. When modernization was carried out, their combat capabilities increased significantly and they became universal ships. For three decades they were the “face” of the ocean-going nuclear missile Navy of the USSR. Smetlivy is the last operational ship of this project in the Russian Navy. It is the oldest warship in the Russian Navy.
In the fleet since 1969

Project 1135 ships are designed to search and destroy enemy submarine forces in far and near sea zones, provide anti-aircraft defense to fleet formations, cover convoy and landing operations of fleet forces, and patrol in specified areas of the seas and oceans. This project became the main type of patrol ship of the USSR Navy. The ships of the project are distinguished by excellent seaworthiness. "Ladny" is the last operational ship of this project.
In the fleet since 1980

Project 1135M ships are a further development of Project 1135. They received more powerful weapons and a new sonar. TFRs are designed to search and destroy enemy submarine forces in the far sea and ocean zones, provide anti-aircraft defense for fleet formations, cover convoy and landing operations of fleet forces, and patrol in specified areas of the seas and oceans. The ships of the project are distinguished by excellent seaworthiness. "Inquisitive" is the last operational ship of this project.
In the fleet since 1981

Project 877B submarines are designed to destroy enemy forces in far and near sea zones, operate on communications, and conduct mine laying. They are the most advanced non-nuclear submarines of the domestic fleet due to solving the issues of power supply, ensuring secrecy in all operating modes of the power plant, increasing the efficiency of weapons and electronic equipment. Instead of a propeller, ALROSA is equipped with a water-jet propulsion unit, which makes it the quietest among all submarines of the project. NATO calls them “black holes” because of the low noise and low level of the acoustic field of submarines.
In the fleet since 1990

Project 641B submarines are a further development of Project 641. They are distinguished by improved seaworthiness, more advanced batteries, and new electronic equipment. Project 641B submarines are designed to destroy enemy forces in far and near sea zones, operate on communications, conduct mine laying and patrol in specified areas. B-380 is the last operational submarine of this project.
In the fleet since 1983
NB: Some sources indicate that the boat was named “St. Prince George”. Since 2004, it has been under repair in Sevastopol, but currently all work on it has been suspended.

Landing ships of Project 1171 are designed to conduct landing operations on an unequipped coast, transporting troops with equipment, weapons and various cargoes. BDKs can load and unload equipment both from the shore and from the water. They are used as weapons transports in far and near sea zones.
"Nikolai Filchenkov"(1975, tail number 152),
BDK-65 "Saratov"(1966, tail number 150),
BDK-69 "Orsk"(1968, tail number 148).

Landing ships of Project 775-II are a further development of Project 775. The ships of this project are designed to conduct landing operations on an unequipped coast, transporting troops with equipment, weapons and various cargoes. BDKs can load and unload equipment both from the shore and from the water. Used as transport in far and near sea zones. Can be used to lay minefields.
As part of the Black Sea Fleet:
"Caesar Kunikov"(1986, tail number 158),
"Novocherkassk"(1987, tail number 142),
"Yamal"(1988, tail number 156).

Landing ships of Project 775-III are a further development of Project 775. It received new weapons and electronic equipment. The ships of this project are designed to conduct landing operations on an unequipped coast, transporting troops with equipment, weapons and various cargoes. BDKs can load and unload equipment both from the shore and from the water. Used as transport in far and near sea zones. Can be used to lay minefields.
In the fleet since 1990

Project 1239 rocket ships are unique in their design - they are catamarans made of aluminum-magnesium alloy with aerostatic air unloading (air cavity). As a power plant, they received a diesel-gas turbine unit in the form of two separate propulsion units with six propellers, which allows for a wide range of speeds and propulsion modes. Missile ships have powerful strike and defensive weapons and advanced electronic equipment. Their task is to destroy large surface ships and enemy fleet formations in the near sea zone. They have no analogues in any fleet in the world.
As part of the Black Sea Fleet:
"Bora"(1991, tail number 615),
"Simoom"(2000, tail number 616).

The Russian Ministry of Defense on Sunday said that the crew of the Russian patrol ship Smetlivy, located 22 kilometers from the Greek island of Lemnos in the northern Aegean Sea, prevented a collision with a Turkish seiner. To prevent a collision from occurring, the patrolman opened warning fire along the course of the Turkish vessel.

“At 9.03 Moscow time, the ship’s watch service discovered a Turkish ship at a distance of about 1 thousand meters, approaching the anchored patrol ship “Smetlivy” from the starboard side. Despite numerous attempts by the Smetlivy, the crew of the Turkish seiner did not make radio contact with the Russian sailors and did not respond to special visual signals from the light semaphore and flares.

When the Turkish seiner approached the Russian patrol ship at a distance of about 600 meters, in order to prevent a collision between the ships, small arms were used in the direction of the Turkish ship at a distance of guaranteed non-hit,” the press service said in a statement posted on the Ministry of Defense website.

The report also notes that after the shooting, the Turkish ship “abruptly changed course and, without making contact with the Russian crew, continued moving past the Smetlivy at a distance of 540 meters.”

The Turkish military attache was immediately summoned to an audience with the Deputy Russian Minister of Defense, Anatoly Antonov, who was responsible for international affairs.

Let us recall that since 2013, an operational formation of Russian Navy ships has been constantly stationed in the Mediterranean Sea on a rotation (replacement) basis. It has up to 10 ships and support vessels.

For the first time, “Sharp-witted” served in the Mediterranean group of the Russian Federation in the period from April 30 to September 16, 2014. The patrol ship "Smetlivy" of the Russian Black Sea Fleet is the oldest warship in the Russian Navy. Its laying took place at a plant in Nikolaev, Ukraine in June 1968. The ship was included in the Black Sea Fleet on October 21, 1969.

After undergoing modernization, Smetlivy was armed with launchers with Kh-35 Uran anti-ship missiles, an AK-726 Volna artillery mount with 16 missiles, a torpedo tube for five torpedoes and two RBU-1000 rocket launchers.

During the period of combat service, the patrolman repeatedly took part in international exercises in different seas and oceans. In addition, in August 2008 he took part in the armed conflict in South Ossetia. In 2012-2013 it was stationed off the coast of Syria. Currently, Smetlivy, together with the flagship of the Black Sea Fleet, the missile cruiser Moskva, and the patrol ships Ladny and Pytlivy, is part of a rotational group of ships of the Black Sea Fleet in the Mediterranean, where from September 30 to October 7 it also participated in exercises off the coast Syria.

As reported with reference to a military-diplomatic source: “Over the past few weeks, the operational group of ships and support vessels of the Russian Navy has been increased to 15 pennants due to the aggravation of the situation in this region.”

Provocation and communication problems

Tensions between Russia and Turkey arose after the November 24 attack by a Turkish F-16 fighter on a Russian Su-24 bomber, which allegedly violated Turkish airspace by flying from Syria. severed all relations with Turkish colleagues. Russian President Vladimir Putin demands an apology from Turkish President Recep Tayyip in connection with the shooting down of a Russian plane, but Erdogan refuses.

Conducting the final annual meeting of the military department on Friday, December 11, Putin warned everyone who is trying to organize provocations against the Russian military.

“I order you to act extremely harshly. Any targets that threaten the Russian group or our ground infrastructure are subject to immediate destruction,” the Russian President said.

As the former head of the international treaty department of the Russian Ministry of Defense, Lieutenant General Evgeniy, explained to Gazeta.Ru, the incident that occurred in the Aegean Sea should not become a reason for Turkey to close the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits to Russian ships. The passage of warships through the straits is limited by the Montreux Convention adopted in Switzerland in 1936. Türkiye is monitoring its implementation.

“Closing the straits is a very serious thing. In order to close the straits under the Montreux Convention, there is a provision that Turkey must be in a state of war or experience a military threat from us,” Buzhinsky explained.

The interlocutor of Gazeta.Ru does not rule out that what happened between the Turkish ship and the Russian frigate Smetlivy is a provocation or a test on the part of Turkey after a harsh statement that everything that could be dangerous for the Russian military group will be destroyed.

“Provocation is also possible. There is a game of nerves between Putin and Erdogan. Putin said to act tough, and Erdogan realized that this was not addressed to the Syrians or the Americans, but to the Turks. Maybe he decided to provoke and check for lice,” the expert noted.

Buzhinsky does not rule out that the approach of the Turkish ship to the Russian one was caused by the fact that “the Turks decided that the Russian ship was in their territorial waters,” since Turkey considers some Greek islands to be its own. In addition, the lieutenant general noted, the Turkish military has always had problems with communication. He recalled that in 1974, when landing on Cyprus, the Turks themselves sank their destroyer.

“Communication was tense - they contacted through Ankara to determine whose ship it was, and while they were communicating, a Turkish plane shot down this Turkish destroyer,” Buzhinsky said, noting that in the Sunday incident there could also have been a problem with communication, and not only between the Turkish and Russian ships, but directly from the Turkish military themselves.

Meanwhile, the Turkish media have already begun to escalate the situation around Russian ships in the Mediterranean (in particular the cruiser "Moskva"), participation in the shelling of militants banned in Russia and many countries from the new submarine "Rostov-on-Don" with cruise missiles, as well as the deployment of seven Russian helicopters at the Erebuni airfield in Armenia (part of the Russian Gyumri base).

The “Events” program begins a series of reports from Sevastopol, where another sponsored ship of the Sverdlovsk region is located - the patrol ship “Smetlivy”. Alexander Misharin signed an agreement on patronage assistance with the commander of the Black Sea Fleet, Rear Admiral Alexander Fedotenkov.

From Sevastopol itself to the bay where the patrol ship “Smetlivy” is located, it takes 15 minutes by boat. Here we are in Holland - a bay so named by analogy with the bay in St. Petersburg. In the 19th century there were timber warehouses for ship repairs. The Kronstadt sailors who worked for them, out of habit, retained the St. Petersburg name.

This is the flagship of the Black Sea Fleet, the large anti-submarine cruiser Moskva. Next to us is our sponsored one with tail number 810. This ship is unique. The patrol ship Smetlivy is the last of a series of so-called “singing frigates.” Here gas turbines are used as a power plant. When the ship sails, they make a melodic whistle.

They say whatever you name the boat, that’s how it will float. The ship was launched in 1969 and was first called the "Large Anti-Submarine". In the 90s, when other ships of this series were cut for scrap, the Smetlivy, or, as the sailors themselves call it, Smetlivy, was modernized and became a patrol ship.

Nikolai Grebnev, assistant commander for work with personnel: “The modernized ship was equipped with the Uran anti-ship missile system plus new radar weapons. It has already become essentially universal in terms of weapons - this means conducting combat operations with submarines, surface ships and aircraft.".

In addition, the ship has four engines of 20 thousand horsepower. With a length of 137 meters, the ship “runs” at a speed of 32 knots, or 64 kilometers per hour - the average speed of a car in the city. During the recent Russian-Italian exercises in the Ionian Sea, he even overtook the “Italians.” Then, together with the Italians, our sailors captured a ship of mock terrorists.

Sergei Malachly, commander of the electromechanical combat unit: “It happened, we were racing with Italians, Americans, the ship was not inferior to them”.

An Italian Air Force spokesman says: “According to tradition, when two sailors meet in any country, they become friends. We have the same form, we think in the same manner. Our goals and objectives are to defend the borders of our homeland and interact with each other.”.

Smetlivy is one of the best ships of the Black Sea Fleet. He had just returned from live firing. Having stayed in the port of Sevastopol for only a few days, the ship again leaves for a three-week voyage - to guard the southern borders of Russia. The team consists of four Urals residents - two conscripts and two contract soldiers. How “our people” serve in the Black Sea is in the next report from Sevastopol in the “Events” program.

Ekaterina Khozhateleva