Russia transfers frigate crew to tugboat in Mediterranean Sea (photo)

An unusual crew transfer operation may indicate a new strategy for the Russian fleet to adapt to limited resources.

An unusual crew transfer took place south of Crete on April 9 between the Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich and the tugboat Evgeny Churin. This was reported by OSINT researcher Russian Forces Spotter.

The sighting was evidence of how the Russian fleet continues to adapt to its limited logistical base in the Mediterranean region.

The frigate “Admiral Grigorovich”, after completing its escort of the tanker Bering to Gibraltar, was able to continue its course southeast, heading for Syria.

Meanwhile, the tugboat Evgeny Churin, currently located off the west of Sicily, was briefly spotted near Syria. Apparently, it is escorting the Russian submarine Krasnodar, which is probably returning to Russia after completing a mission in the Mediterranean waters.

As USM recently wrote, after abandoning the base in Tartus, the Russian Federation has lost influence in the Mediterranean Sea.