The Russian navy rescue vessel Kommuna has a long and storied history, having served with multiple naval forces over the years, and survived two world wars, making it the oldest active warship in the world with a front line role. However, this luck may have run out as the Ukrainian defense ministry claimed that the vessel was hit by a Neptune cruise missile while in Sevastopol, causing uncertain damage that could potentially put the aged ship out of action for months or years.
The damage to Kommuna is a significant blow to the Black Sea Fleet, especially to the submarine flotilla that relies on the vessel for vital support. The Black Sea Fleet has already suffered losses in the conflict with Ukraine, including a cruiser, a submarine, and several other ships. The loss of Kommuna could be particularly devastating as it plays a critical role in launching and recovering miniature rescue submarines, as well as lifting objects from the seafloor.
The Black Sea Fleet’s ability to operate in dangerous waters is significantly impacted by the potential loss of Kommuna. The vessel’s rescue and recovery capabilities have been instrumental in recovering parts of sunken vessels, as well as the bodies of crew members. Without Kommuna, the remaining submarines in the fleet could be left without support in the event of an accident or emergency, hindering their ability to sail and fight effectively.
The absence of Kommuna would also pose challenges for the Russian navy in accessing the Black Sea, as foreign warships are not allowed to pass through the Bosporus Strait during wartime. This limitation makes it difficult for the navy to replenish or replace lost ships, further highlighting the importance of vessels like Kommuna in maintaining operational capabilities.
Despite being a historical artifact, Kommuna remains a legitimate target in the brutal war zone, according to naval experts. The vessel’s continued use in the face of more modern threats speaks to its irreplaceable value in the Black Sea Fleet’s operations. Satellite imagery following the missile raid did not show significant damage to Kommuna, raising questions about the extent of the vessel’s impairment and its ability to continue its critical support role for the fleet.
As one of the few remaining vessels from a bygone era still in active service, Kommuna’s potential loss underscores the challenges faced by the Black Sea Fleet in maintaining its operational capabilities in a conflict zone. Without the vessel’s unique capabilities for launching and recovering submarines and other objects from the sea, the fleet may face increased risks when operating in dangerous waters. The future of Kommuna and its impact on the Black Sea Fleet’s operations remain uncertain as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to unfold.
