The Storozhevoy (Russian for ‘guardian’ or ‘sentry’) was an anti-submarine vessel of the Project 1135 Burevestnik-class (NATO-codename ‘Krivak I’), attached to the Soviet Baltic Fleet and based in Baltiysk. Constructed by Yantar Shipbuilding in Kaliningrad between July 1972 and December 1973 and commissioned into service with the Baltic Fleet on 30 December 1973, she was powered by gas turbines. Primary mission equipment comprised an anti-submarine warfare combat system consisting of a single URPK-4 Metel’ launcher for four 85R anti-ship missiles (ASCC/NATO-codename ‘SS-N-14 Silex’), two RBU-6000 multiple launchers for anti-submarine rocket depth charges, and two launchers for four 533mm torpedoes. Air defence was provided by two Osa-M launchers (ASCC/NATO-codename ‘SA-N-4 Gecko’). Finally, each of two turrets atop the aft section of the hull were equipped with AK-726 twin-barrel 76mm guns. (Artwork by Ivan Zajac)