Russia’s Pacific Fleet task force, led by the Admiral Vinogradov destroyer, will join the international anti-piracy mission off the Horn of Africa.

The Admiral Vinogradov destroyer is accompanied by a salvage tug and the Pechenga tanker and will replace the current naval group led by Northern Fleet’s Admiral Levchenko Udaloy Class guided missile destroyer.

Pacific Fleet spokesman Captain Roman Martov said the previous four task forces had escorted more than 100 merchant ships belonging to various countries.

The Russian Navy has maintained its presence with warships operating on a rotation basis off the Horn of Africa since October 2008, according to RIA Novosti.