The Russian squadron, under the command of Admiral Konstantin Nikolayevich Posyet on board the frigate "Bogatyr", included the frigates "Svetlana" and "General-Admiral", the corvette "Ignatiev" and the gunboat "Abrek". Alexei was serving as lieutenant aboard the "Svetlana". Before reaching the United States, the Russian squadron was to be met by the frigate "Vsadnik" of the Russian Pacific Fleet. Though all ships were equipped with steam-engines, the squadron made the passage to America mainly under sail, so as to avoid making port on the route for coal supplies. In addition to Alexei's personal staff, the crew included 200 officers and over 3000 sailors. The squadron set sail out of Kronstadt on 20 August 1871.