Russia began to build 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 suggestion of the command of the Navy of the USSR, a new annual holiday, celebrated on July 24, was established. In 2006, the festive date was postponed. Now the Day of the Navy is celebrated on the last Sunday of July.
For many centuries the Russian fleet has come a long way. The first attempts to create flotillas for certain operations were undertaken in the times of Ancient Rus. Small and irregular compounds 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 beginning of the construction of a powerful Navy was given by the famous small boat and the Fun fleet of Peter the Great. Already at the end of the 17th century, the young emperor began using ships to enhance Russia's presence in the Baltic, White, Azov and Black Seas. Soon the first victories were won, and the full-fledged construction of the Russian fleet began.
The second half of the 17th century was once again a time of great victories for the Russian fleet. With his help, the Russian Empire was able to take control of the Azov and Black Sea, as well as annex the Crimea and expand its influence in other regions. Under the protection of the fleet, new cities were built and trade routes were laid. By the end of the century, the Russian fleet had become one of the largest and most powerful in the world.
The Russian Navy monitored progress and actively mastered various innovations. By the middle of the XIX century, in the ranks there were several new steamers. At the same time, naval officers engaged in geographical research. In 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 fought bravely against the enemy. However, the 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 Russian-Japanese war struck the fleet, but he was able to restore the naval grouping. The development of the fleet continued, but the First World War broke out. Fighting with Turkey and Germany, the Russian sailors showed excellent training and courage. Despite the losses and difficulties, they were able to successfully perform several important operations.
During the Civil War, the Russian fleet suffered losses again, but soon a new stage of its restoration began. The naval forces of the Workers 'and Peasants' Red Army gradually increased their power. The Soviet Navy was able to give a serious rebuff to the advancing German troops and, until the very end of the Great Patriotic War, participated in various operations. The fleet acted independently and together with other branches of the military. He attacked coastal objects, destroyed enemy ships and ships, and also defended trade caravans.
In the postwar period, the Soviet fleet again had to learn new technologies. As a result, 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 oceans and defended the coast of the country.
After the next difficulties associated with the collapse of the USSR, the domestic navy is reviving again. New ships and submarines are being built, coastal troops are being developed, basing points are being modernized. Ship groups are returning to remote areas where they have not been for several decades. A key element of national defense is once again capable of solving all its tasks.
The editors of the Military Review congratulate all the servicemen and veterans of the Russian Navy on their professional holiday!