The Hetman Sagaidachny frigate of the Ukrainian Navy has finished its participation in the NATO-led Ocean Shield international anti-piracy operation in the Gulf of Aden, the press service of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry reported on Saturday, January 4.

The press service said that the national contingent ensured navigation safety in the gulf from October 12, 2013 to January 2, 2014.

Among tasks of the national contingent was the notification on the surface situation, reconnaissance of the Somalian coast and checking vessels.

From January 3, 2014 the Hetman Sagaidachny frigate, with a helicopter team and a group of special forces on board, joined the EU Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) Somalia Operation Atalanta.

"The national contingent's task is to prevent piracy, protect civil ships which are fulfilling tasks as a part of the World Food Programme (WFP), prevent and interfere in attempts to commit piracy crimes or armed hijacking," the press service said.