Admiral Lazarev class cruiser Admiral Popov, under Captain First Rank Evgeniy Vasilievich Ivanov, Orphey class destroyer Gromkiy, and freighter Sadko, have reached Franz Joseph archipelago. Four ShchT-17 Twin-engined land-based patrol seaplanes support this expedition
Naval Infantry patrol has landed at 80 deg 03' N 49 deg 30'E, raising flag of Russian Federation and Naval Ensign. Aerial exploration of surrounding islands by seaplane has begun. Geological, botanical, and zoological survey teams have commenced catalog of features and resources found. Naval vessels will return to Murmansk within two weeks, while Sadko and survey teams will return in late September. It is expected that permanent scientific base and seaplane support facility will be established in Spring of 1922.