China has sent its third naval flotilla to deter pirates in the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters. The task force started its expedition on Thursday.

The three warships two frigates and one supply ship left a naval base in Zhejiang province. They are carrying two helicopters and about 800 crew members. The naval vessels are set to replace the second flotilla and continue the anti-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden.

Chinese naval vessels have so far accomplished 78 missions since they first arrived last November. They have escorted over 500 merchant ships. And they have rescued five ships from pirates.