EML Admiral Pitka (A230)

EML Admiral Pitka (A230) is a Beskytteren-class ocean patrol vessel of the Estonian Navy and belongs into the Estonian Navy Mineships Division. The commanding officer of the vessel is Senior Lieutenant Peep Laanisto. She is named for Estonian Admiral Johan Pitka.

History
As HDMS Beskytteren (F340) the ship was built at the Aalborg Shipyard, in Aalborg, Denmark. She was launched on 29 May 1975 and entered service a year later on 27 February 1976. The Danish Navy decommissioned Beskytteren in 2000 and donated the vessel to the Estonian Navy.

Mission
The command and support frigate Admiral Pitka is the flagship vessel of the Estonian Navy and the Mineships Division and also the first modernized frigate in the navy.

The ship is a platform for the staff that conducts mine countermeasure (MCM) operations and exercises. The ship's responsibilities also include supporting other participating units with fuel, water, food etc. She is equipped with office and living quarters for staff members, as well as special facilities to provide medical support.

The ship was built in Denmark for North Atlantic and Greenland waters; therefore she has strengthened structure for ice operations.

Traditions
The colors of the vessel's coat of arms represents the knights honor on the battlefield and also the connections and joint history between Estonia and Denmark. The shape of the cross points to the Estonian Liberty Cross and points out Admiral Johan Pitka's important role during the Estonian War of Independence. The ships motto is in Latin „Pro Patria” which means in English "For fatherland". The coat of arms was designed by Priit Herodes and Captain-Lieutenant Jaan Kapp, and were donated to the navy by AS Falck Baltic, being presented during a ceremony on 21 November 2000. In 2001 a cooperation contract was signed between the Rakvere city council and the frigate Pitka which gave the vessel the right to wear the Rakvere town coat of arms and to introduce the city in all foreign harbors across the world.