“For the first time, we used logistic warships in the naval voyage and saw that as part of the (25th) fleet (of Iranian warships), Larak successfully completed its mission,” the senior commander told the staff of the Navy’s 25th Fleet of warships during a Sunday ceremony.
Sayyari said Larak’s successful performance proved that Iran can navigate international waters using similar warships.
Combating maritime terrorism has been one of the most important measures taken by Iranian naval fleet, Sayyari added.
The 25th fleet of Iranian warships consists of Larak logistical warship and the Alborz destroyer.
During the Sunday event, Commander of the Iranian Navy’s 25th Fleet of warships Captain Reza Barzegar said Larak returned home after 60 days at sea and traveling 9,900 nautical miles to counter maritime terrorism and monitor transregional military units.
In recent years, Iran Navy has been increasing its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.
In line with international efforts to combat piracy, the Iranian Navy has been also conducting anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008 to safeguard the vessels involved in maritime trade, especially the ships and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran.
The Gulf of Aden, which links the Indian Ocean with the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean Sea, is the quickest route for thousands of vessels traveling annually between Asia, Europe and the Americas.