The Ukrainian Navy has formed two teams of sailors who will be tested for English language proficiency on April 24 and will soon go to the United States for training and further service on Islands-class military boats transferred to Ukraine by the American government, a PolitNavigator correspondent reports.
This was stated to the Ministry of Defense publication “People's Army” by the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Navy - Head of Personnel Management, Captain 1st Rank Alexander Shevchenko.
“The formation of two teams and their preparation for service on American boats is carried out by personnel management and combat training officers of the Navy headquarters. In particular, 36 military sailors from among experienced officers and recent graduates of the Odessa National Maritime Academy and the city’s Naval Lyceum were tested for knowledge of the English language on April 24,” Shevchenko noted.
As reported, it is planned to transfer two coast guard boats to Ukraine free of charge, but their preparation, additional equipment and transportation, according to the agreements reached, will be carried out at the expense of the Ukrainian budget. The total cost is approximately $10 million.
The American Island-class fast attack craft are built for the US Coast Guard at Bollinger Shipyards in Lockport, Louisiana. They have a twin-shaft diesel power plant with a capacity of 5,280 hp. (3,940 kW), which provides speeds of up to 29,5 kt (54,6 km/h). The length of the boat hull is 33,53 m, width – 6,4 m, draft – 2 m, displacement – 165 tons.
The boat's personnel is up to 18 sailors, including 3 officers. The boat is armed with a 25-mm Mk 38 Mod 0 Bushmaster automatic artillery mount and two 12,7-mm M2NV machine guns.