Russian Federation. For more than three centuries, the Russian fleet has guarded maritime borders and represented the interests of the state in all areas of the World Ocean. On this day we honor military sailors and remember their many victories.

Russia began building a regular fleet at the end of the 17th century, but the professional holiday of sailors appeared only shortly before the Great Patriotic War. In 1939, at the proposal of the command of the USSR Navy, a new annual holiday was established, celebrated on July 24. In 2006 holiday date moved. Now is Military Day navy noted in last sunday July.

The Russian fleet has come a long way over many centuries. The first attempts to create flotillas for certain operations were made back in the days Ancient Rus'. Small and irregular formations were built for a specific task and helped to carry out their policies. However, for several centuries no one tried to build a regular fleet.

The construction of a powerful Navy began with the famous boat and the Amusing Fleet of Peter the Great. Already at the end of the 17th century, the young emperor began to use ships to strengthen Russia’s presence in the Baltic, White, Azov and Black Seas. Soon the first victories were won, and the full construction of the Russian fleet began.

The second half of the 17th century again became a time of great victories for the Russian fleet. With its help, the Russian Empire was able to take control of the Azov and Black Seas, as well as annex Crimea and expand influence in other regions. Under the protection of the fleet, new cities were built and trade routes were established. By the end of the century, the Russian fleet had become one of the largest and most powerful in the world.

The Russian Navy followed progress and actively mastered various innovations. By the middle of the 19th century, several new steamships were in service. At the same time, military sailors were engaged in geographical research. Over the first half of the century, the Russian fleet conducted several dozen long-distance and round-the-world expeditions, making the most serious contribution to geographical science.

During the Crimean War, Russian ships on the Black, Baltic and other seas defended the interests of the state and bravely fought the enemy. However, defeat in the war seriously hit the fleet. Fortunately, the construction of new modern ships soon began, and the Navy regained its potential, once again becoming a serious force.

The 20th century was extremely difficult for the Russian fleet. The Russo-Japanese War hit the fleet, but it was able to restore the ship group. The development of the fleet continued, but the First World War broke out. While fighting Turkey and Germany, Russian sailors showed excellent training and courage. Despite losses and difficulties, they were able to successfully complete several important operations.

During Civil War The Russian fleet again suffered losses, but a new stage of its restoration soon began. The naval forces of the Workers 'and Peasants' Red Army gradually increased their power. The USSR Navy was able to seriously repel the advancing German troops and participated in various operations until the very end of the Great Patriotic War. The fleet operated independently and together with other branches of the military. He attacked coastal targets, destroyed enemy ships and vessels, and also protected trade caravans.

In the post-war period, the Soviet fleet again had to master new technologies. As a result of this, our country received a developed Navy with nuclear ships and submarines, armed with artillery and missiles of all types. Powerful modern ships and submarines were on duty in different areas of the World Ocean and protected the country's shores.

After further difficulties associated with the collapse of the USSR, the domestic navy is being revived again. New ships and submarines are being built, coastal troops are being developed, and bases are being modernized. Ship groups are once again returning to remote areas where they have not been for several decades. A key element of national defense is once again capable of accomplishing all of its missions.

The editors of "Military Review" congratulate all military personnel and veterans of the Russian Navy on their professional holiday!

Navy Day is celebrated in Russia on the last Sunday of July on the basis of the decree of the President of the Russian Federation dated May 31, 2006 “On the establishment of professional holidays and memorable days in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.”

The Navy as an independent branch of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation took shape from the end of the 17th century to the beginning of the 20th century. The creation of a regular military fleet in Russia was due to the country's urgent need to overcome territorial, political and cultural isolation, which at the turn of the 17th-18th centuries became the main obstacle to economic and social development Russian state. The first regular formation of the Russian Navy was the Azov Fleet, which was formed from ships and vessels built in the winter of 1695-1696 and intended to assist the army in the campaign to capture the Turkish fortress of Azov.

On October 30 (October 20, old style), 1696, the boyar duma, on the proposal of Tsar Peter I, adopted a resolution “Sea vessels should be ...”, which became the first law on the fleet and official recognition of its foundation.

During the Northern War of 1700-1721, the Baltic Fleet was created, which promoted Russia to one of the major naval powers. The first warships for him were built in 1702–1703 at the mouth of the Syas River on Lake Ladoga and on the Svir River. In 1703, the base of the Russian fleet in the Baltic was founded - Kronshlot (later - Kronstadt).

During the Northern War, the main tasks of the fleet were determined, the list of which remains practically unchanged to this day, namely: the fight against the enemy’s naval forces, the fight on sea communications, the defense of one’s coast from the sea direction, assistance to the army in coastal areas, striking and ensuring an invasion of enemy territory from the sea. Specific gravity These tasks changed as material resources and the nature of armed struggle at sea changed. Accordingly, the role and place of individual branches of the fleet that were part of the fleet changed.

Before the First World War, the main tasks were carried out by surface ships, and they were the main branch of the fleet. During the Second World War, this role for some time passed to naval aviation, and in the post-war period, with the advent of nuclear missile weapons and ships with nuclear power plants, submarines established themselves as the main type of force.

Before the First World War, the fleet was homogeneous. Coastal troops (marines and coastal artillery), which existed since the beginning of the 18th century, were not organizationally part of the fleet. In 1906, submarine forces were born and began to develop as a new branch of the Navy. In 1914, the first units of naval aviation were formed, which in 1916 also acquired the characteristics of an independent type of force. The Navy as a heterogeneous strategic association was finally formed by the mid-1930s, when the Navy organizationally included naval aviation, coastal defense and air defense units.

During the formation of the regular Russian fleet, its organizational structure and functions were unclear. In 1717, by decree of Peter I, an Admiralty Board was formed for the day-to-day management of the fleet. In 1802, the Ministry of Maritime Forces was formed, which was later renamed the Naval Ministry and existed until 1917. Organs for combat (operational) command and control of naval forces appeared after the Russo-Japanese War with the creation of the Naval General Staff in 1906. On January 15, 1938, by resolution of the Central Executive Committee (CEC) and the Council of People's Commissars (SNK), the People's Commissariat of the Navy was created, within which the Main Naval Headquarters was formed.

Permanent groupings of forces in maritime theaters took shape as the Russian state solved historical problems related to the acquisition of access to the World Ocean and the country's inclusion in the world economy and politics. In the Baltic, the fleet existed continuously since May 18 (May 7, old style) 1703, the Caspian flotilla - from November 15 (November 4, old style) 1722, and the fleet on the Black Sea - from May 13 (May 2, old style) 1783. In the North and the Pacific Ocean, naval force groupings were created on a temporary basis or, without significant development, were periodically abolished. The current Pacific and Northern fleets have existed as permanent groupings since April 21, 1932 and June 1, 1933, respectively.

The fleet received its greatest development by the mid-1980s. At this time, it included four fleets and the Caspian Flotilla, which included more than 100 divisions and brigades of surface ships, submarines, naval aviation and coastal defense.

The Russian Navy is the successor to the Russian Navy and the USSR Navy, consisting of naval strategic nuclear forces and general-purpose naval forces. It includes surface forces, submarine forces, naval aviation and coastal forces, which include coastal missile and artillery forces and marine infantry.

Organizationally, the Navy consists of four operational-strategic formations: the Northern, Pacific, Baltic and Black Sea fleets, as well as the Caspian flotilla.

The Navy is capable of delivering nuclear strikes on enemy ground targets, destroying enemy fleet groups at sea and bases, disrupting the enemy’s ocean and sea communications and protecting its maritime transportation, assisting the Ground Forces in operations in continental theaters of war, landing amphibious assault forces, and participating in repelling landing forces. enemy and perform other tasks.

According to the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, Vladimir Korolev, currently from 70 to 100 ships of the Russian Navy are constantly in various areas of the World Ocean, performing their functions.

Throughout its history, the fleet has played an important role in the fate of Russia. World history forever captures the legendary battles of the Russian fleet at Gangut (now the Hanko Peninsula in Finland), Tendra, Sinop, Chesma, the most important operations during the First World War and the Great Patriotic War.

The history of celebrations in honor of the fleet dates back to the time of Peter I. The reason for the first real naval parade was the victory won by the Russian fleet on July 27 (August 7, new style) in 1714 in the Battle of Gangut during the Northern War. She became the first Russian history naval victory of the Russian fleet. The Gangut victory was solemnly celebrated in St. Petersburg. The celebration continued for several days. In his decree, Peter I ordered that the day of the Gangut victory be celebrated annually on July 27 with solemn services, naval parades and fireworks. This day has become a kind of holiday for the Navy. Later, the celebration of the victory was limited only to a solemn prayer service. In the middle of the 19th century, the tradition of the times of Peter I was revived: on July 27, parades of ships decorated with flags began to be held and gun salutes sounded.

In 1917 the holiday was cancelled. Since 1920, at the suggestion of the Headquarters of the Naval Forces of the Baltic Sea, on the day closest to May 18, Red Fleet Day began to be celebrated in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg). On May 18 (May 7, old style) in 1703, the Russian regular fleet won its first victory in the Baltic. In the boarding battle, the Swedish boat "Gedan" and the shnyava (a small two-masted ship with straight sails) "Astrild" were captured. Subsequently, the date of this battle was accepted as the day of the emergence of the Baltic Fleet.

Holiday Day navy in the USSR it was first celebrated on July 24, 1939 on the basis of the resolution of the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR and the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks of June 22, 1939, by which it was established. Navy Day was to be celebrated annually on July 24th. The date of the celebration of Navy Day was moved to the last Sunday of July by the decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated October 1, 1980 “On holidays and memorable days» and subsequent legislative acts.

Traditionally, the celebration of Navy Day begins with the ceremonial formation of the personnel of naval units and the ritual of raising the St. Andrew's flag and flags on ships. Naval parades and military sports festivals are held on this day at the bases of the Northern, Pacific, Baltic and Black Sea fleets, as well as the Caspian flotilla.

Parades of warships on this day have been held annually since 1939, and were not held only during the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945).

In 2017, on behalf of the President, for the first time in modern history The main naval parade was held in St. Petersburg. In terms of the scale of the event, the number of ships and aircraft involved, this event could be compared with the Victory Parade on May 9 on Red Square in Moscow.

The main naval parade on Navy Day will now be held annually.

The last Sunday of the second summer month is a professional holiday for military sailors. On this day, military personnel of the fleets and flotillas of the Russian Federation are congratulated. Among them are sailors, officers, employees of the coast guard and other units of the Navy. On this day, they traditionally congratulate WWII veterans who defended our Motherland while serving on the ships of the Soviet Union. This is a holiday for cadets of naval schools, teachers and students of higher education. educational institutions Russian fleet.

History of the holiday

The history of Navy Day dates back to 1714, when the ships of our fleet first won a naval victory over the Swedes during the Northern War. It was then that Peter I announced celebrations that lasted several days. Following this, a decree was issued that the Gangut victory should be celebrated every year on July 27. This holiday became a kind of progenitor of the modern Navy Day.

Everything changed after the October Revolution of 1917: the celebrations were officially cancelled. And in 1939, People's Commissar Nikolai Kuznetsov made a proposal to revive this holiday. The Council of People's Commissars, together with the Communist Party, approved this idea and decided to revive Navy Day in order to mobilize the broad masses of workers.

The last Sunday of July was chosen as the official date. In 1980, the Presidium issued a decree that this day should be moved to the last Sunday of July. And in 2006, Vladimir Putin issued a document that gave the holiday the status of a memorable day.

On the last Sunday of July, a holiday of special pride and glory of Russia is celebrated - Navy Day. The initiative was started in 1939, only during the Soviet period this holiday fell on July 24. Much later, in 1980, the Presidium of the USSR established to celebrate it without a fixed date. By decree of the President of Russia in 2006, Navy Day acquired the status memorable date in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

Protection national interests– the main task for more than three centuries. It would be impossible without the valor, courage of military sailors, responsibility, professionalism of workers and employees of those institutions and enterprises that are directly related to this area. And even in peacetime there are various, responsible tasks, in addition to the defense of the country and the demonstration of military power: ensuring safe research activities, participation in humanitarian and peacekeeping actions, search and rescue operations.

The role of the Navy in the history of Russia is undeniable, and it received its first fame back in ancient times. The sea voyage of several hundred ships to the capital of Byzantium, Constantinople, which our ancestors carried out in 860, is a clear example, and a successful one at that. The Novgorod land, from which the statehood of Rus' began, had outlets to two seas: the Baltic and the White. She mastered the capabilities of the military flotilla, albeit on a small scale, but, nevertheless, preserved in history.

As the state developed and gained access to the sea, the need arose to organize a permanent flotilla. The first attempts, such as the creation by Ivan the Terrible of a privateer, almost pirate fleet, were short-lived. But they became the very prerequisites that formed among the subsequent rulers of the state the understanding that: “There will be sea vessels...”. This phrase of the young Tsar Peter I was the beginning of the formation of a regular Russian fleet and a state decree approved by the Boyar Duma on October 20 (30), 1696, and is now listed as the founding day.

Already by 1700 there were first results at our own shipyards, and almost immediately the opportunity for baptism of fire presented itself, and in 1714 the first serious victory was won. The founders of the art of naval combat are considered to be Peter himself, who trained as a child with his “amusing troops,” as well as F. Apraksin, M. Golitsyn. The development of the fleet took place through difficult trials and selfless feats, when Russia defended its interests and independence.

Peter the Great, partly in memory of his father, established the St. Andrew's flag, which became the main symbol and battle banner until 1918. It was under Tsar Alexei that the first warship "Eagle" was built in 1667. This three-masted galliot received a special flag, a prototype approved by Peter. In 1992, the status of the flag returned, just as the status of the most powerful fleet was gradually returning.

The historical peak of power last occurred in 1985, and the US Navy is considered its main competitor. Now the strength of the fleet is assessed not by the number of ships, but by naval aviation, submarines, and innovative technologies, therefore the Ministry of Defense gives priority to the rearmament of the Russian Navy.

Events dedicated to the celebration of Navy Day are as impressive and majestic as itself, and take place throughout Russia. In St. Petersburg, where the headquarters is located, in any city where there are naval bases and water areas, military formations are especially grandiose, because special training takes place on the important date. These are Vladivostok (Pacific Fleet), Astrakhan (Caspian), Sevastopol (Black Sea), Kaliningrad (Baltic), Severomorsk (North) and other cities. You can see a parade of ships, a yacht show, boat races, aviation performances, and parachutists.

The holiday begins with a special ceremonial part - raising the flag. Popular music on a maritime theme or classic bravura marches performed by orchestras will not leave anyone indifferent. Concerts are organized; theatrical performances and military sports competitions; master classes on current topics, for example, knitting sea knots. Launch balloons into the sky with recognizable colors, the colors of the Russian flag, and fireworks are mandatory attributes of the holiday glorifying the Russian Navy and the people who serve the Motherland.

Russian Navy Day is a professional holiday for military personnel of the Navy and all workers whose activities are related to the fleet. The celebrants are joined by family members of employees, representatives of institutions and enterprises serving the flotilla, and veterans of the Armed Forces.

In 2020, Russian Navy Day is celebrated on the last Sunday of July and falls on July 26. The holiday takes place at the official level 15 times.

The purpose of the holiday is a demonstration of military power Russian troops on the water.

On this day, parades, official events, concerts, and meetings of veterans take place. Distinguished employees receive state awards, valuable gifts and certificates. The holiday ends with concerts, with performances by pop stars, and fireworks.

Holiday traditions

Celebrations traditionally begin with ceremonial formations of personnel of naval units. The St. Andrew's flag and signal flags are raised on ships. Military parades, demonstrations of ships and weapons, and sports competitions are held at the bases of the Black Sea, Northern, Pacific, Baltic fleets and the territory of the Caspian flotilla. The most popular events take place in large port cities - St. Petersburg, Vladivostok, Astrakhan, Sevastopol, Kaliningrad, Kronstadt, Severomorsk, Baltiysk, Novorossiysk, etc.

The country's top officials and senior ranks of the Russian Navy congratulate employees on their professional holiday. Distinguished employees are awarded extraordinary titles and state awards. They are presented with valuable gifts and certificates. Veterans' meetings are also held on this day.

On some warships there is a "day open doors» and conducts tours for civilians.

The holiday ends with concerts with performances by brass bands and Russian pop stars. In the evening there are grand fireworks displays.

Daily task

Watch a documentary or feature film about the Russian Navy.

  • The Russian Federation has a foreign naval station, which is located in the Mediterranean Sea in the city of Tartus (Syria).
  • Sevastopol is one of the largest bases of the Black Sea Fleet. This city received its name from Catherine the Great, who was passionate about the Greek language. Translated into Russian, Sevastopol means “city of glory and worship.”
  • The Russian Navy maintains the oldest ship in the world, the Kommuna. It has been in service since 1913, and in 2013 celebrated its centenary. Since 1984, the ship has served as a submarine rescuer.
  • Soviet sailors jokingly rated Soviet fleets and gave them humorous nicknames. In first place was the Northern Fleet, which was called the “Superfleet”. Next in the ranking was the Pacific Fleet - “Also a fleet.” Then came the Black Sea Fleet - “It’s either a fleet or not.” The Baltic Fleet closed the rating - “Former Fleet”.
  • In 1869 Peter I established the first order in Russia - the Order of the Holy Apostle Peter the First-Called, which was awarded to individuals for excellence in public service and military exploits. And since December 1699, the flag with the St. Andrew's Cross became the official symbol of the navy.
  • Navy Day often coincides with Neptune's holiday.

Toasts

“Congratulations on Navy Day and I want to wish you the wisdom of a sea turtle, the grip of a sea shark, the charm starfish, the confidence of the sea killer whale and the versatility of the sea octopus. Good luck on any journey and happiness on any route.”

“For more than three centuries, the navy has reliably guarded national interests. And thanks to the courage and bravery of many generations of military sailors, our country has won the glory of a great maritime power. Nowadays, warships flying the legendary St. Andrew's flag successfully perform complex and responsible tasks. We are confident that the sailors will continue to increase the glory of the fleet and Russia, and will worthily continue the rich traditions of their predecessors. So let us raise our cups today for those at sea! Let neither a hurricane nor a thunderstorm meet them on their way!

“On Navy Day, you can say a lot, but first of all I would like to wish three things that are important for every sailor: that someone is always waiting for you on the shore, that your health is always excellent, and that your team is friendly and united"!

Present

Photo album. A photo album with photos of friends and family members will become warm and a memorable gift for a sailor, and will remind you of loved ones during service.

Themed souvenirs. Figurines, keychains in the form of a sailor or ship, a flask, a cup, a painting in nautical style will become great idea themed gift.

Personal gift. Personalized spoon, jewelry with engraving, a leather cover for documents with a name imprint will become an original personal gift.

Hobby gift. Find out what the sailor's hobbies are and choose a gift based on his interests. A hunter or fisherman will be glad to have new equipment and attributes for outdoor recreation. The collector can be presented with a new exhibit.

Competitions

Sea battle
To conduct the competition you must draw big ship on whatman paper that will serve as a target. Participants in the competition are given several balls, which they will throw at the target. The presenter announces how many points are given for each hit. Sail - 50 points. To the center of the stern - 100, to the edge - 25. Each participant has the same number of attempts. After all the competitors have made “shots”, the number of points is calculated. The one who scores the most points wins.

Sailor relay race
Two teams with the same number of participants take part in the competition. Each team is given a mop and crumpled newspaper. The leader indicates the start and finish. The task of the competitors is to take turns using a mop to move the garbage from start to finish, go back and pass the baton to the next competitor. The team that completes the task faster wins.

Rescue of drowning people
Several teams with the same number of people can take part in the competition. A chair is placed in front of each team, which will play the role of a lifeboat. The participants’ task is to figure out how to place as many as possible on one chair in the allotted time. more people. The smartest team wins.

History of the Russian Navy

The political and territorial isolation of the Russian state in the 17th-18th centuries could be overcome by the creation of a regularly operating naval flotilla. The first ship of combat significance was built under Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. By the standards of that time, it was the perfect means of transportation by sea. In honor of the state emblem, the ship was named "Eagle".

The flotilla received a great impetus for its development under Peter I, who, like no one else, understood the significance and importance of the fleet as a compelling argument, both in military affairs and in the country’s economy. At the beginning of the 18th century, Russian shipyards actively built ships of various sizes and purposes. In 1700, the Russian fleet already consisted of 40 sailing ships and more than 100 rowing ships.

Many glorious pages of history have been written by members of the Russian Navy. They have always stood and stand to protect the integrity of the territory of the state and its water boundaries. On at the moment The Russian Navy is a powerful strategic military unit. The Navy includes surface, underwater, and coastal units, modernly equipped ships and vessels, special units and logistics support units. In cooperation, they are capable of repelling attacks from attackers in any conditions of naval combat, as well as assisting ground forces in their strategic actions.

This holiday in other countries

In Ukraine, the Day of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is celebrated on the first Sunday of July.

In India, this holiday takes place on December 4 and is dedicated to the victory of the Indian fleet over the Pakistani flotilla in 1971. On this day, military ships operate as museums.

In Italy, Fleet Day is celebrated on June 10th. The date was chosen to commemorate the victory of Italian torpedo boats over a Hungarian battleship during the First World War.

In Chile, Navy Day takes place on May 21. On this day, the defeat of the Chilean flotilla by a Peruvian battleship in 1879 is remembered.

In Great Britain, Navy Day is dedicated to the date of the Battle of Trafalgar, which took place on October 21, 1805. This holiday takes place on a wide scale, with a solemn program, concerts and fireworks.