Dmytro Pletenchuk, the spokesperson for the Ukrainian Navy, recently confirmed on Facebook that they targeted another vessel of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol, occupied Crimea. This time, the attack was on the Kommuna, the oldest active unit in the Russian Navy and the world's oldest active warship. Launched in 1913 and active since 1915, this vessel has a storied history spanning over a century. Here's a closer look at the Kommuna.
"Today in Crimea, our forces struck the Russian Black Sea Fleet's Kommuna. We're currently assessing the extent of the damage," Pletenchuk stated, referring to the Ukrainian operation in Sevastopol on Sunday, April 21. According to Defence24, the Ukrainians likely employed an anti-ship Neptune missile or a Storm Shadow cruise missile for this operation.
Kommuna - A Glimpse into History
Forbes reports the Kommuna as "definitively the oldest active warship in the world." Having endured the Russian Revolution and two world wars, its significance is unmatched. Constructed at the Putilov Factory (now the Kirov Factory) and launched in July 1915, the Kommuna's primary role is to recover sunken submarines and transport smaller rescue subs. Notably, ODIN, an American service, highlights the Kommuna's role in recovering over 150 vessels, including a Su-24 bomber.
Defence Express mentions the Kommuna's involvement in recent operations, such as the recovery efforts for the sunken Russian cruiser Moskva, struck by Ukrainian Neptune missiles on April 15, 2022, and the destroyed landing ship Cezar Kunikow, targeted by Ukraine with multipurpose unmanned drones Magura V5 on February 14, 2024. These incidents underscore the ship's critical role in naval operations, with its loss potentially impeding future missions. The current state and repair prospects of the Kommuna remain uncertain.
The vessel, inspired by the German SMS Vulkan, measures 315 feet in length, 60.9 feet in width, and 12 feet in depth, with a displacement of 3,417 tons. It features a catamaran design with two hulls and robust frames capable of lifting submarines, boasting a lifting capacity of approximately 1,102 tons. Additionally, the Kommuna is outfitted with towing equipment, repair facilities, and diving apparatus, underscoring its versatility and enduring significance in naval history.
