Bandar Abbas, Hormuzgan Prov., April 2, IRNA - The Iranian Navy's Southern Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Ebrahim Ashkan said in this southern province on Saturday that the 40th flotilla of the Iranian Navy would set off for high seas in near future.

Ashkan made the remarks in a welcoming ceremony of Iranian Navy’s 38th flotilla of warships that returned home on Saturday, 75 days after it started its foreign mission in international waters.

Ashkan added the 40th flotilla is consisting of Alborz combat and Qom logistic-combat warships.

He added the 38th flotilla comprising Martyr Naqdi destroyer, Lavan logistic warship and Bushehr vessel had been deployed to international waters on January 20 after a week-long naval war game code-named “Velayat 94” in the country’s southeastern waters.

In recent years, Iran’s naval forces have increased their presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for trade vessels and oil tankers.

9060**1771