Russian Holidays - Day of the Pacific Fleet of the Russian Navy

Sailors of the Pacific Fleet celebrate their professional holiday every year on May 21. It began to be noted in the new history of the country in 1996 after the signing of the order of the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy. The starting point was the Okhotsk flotilla, which was created in 1731 to protect the Far East. At the same time, a military port is being created, which became the first combat unit of the Russian fleet in this region. The basis of the flotilla were small-tonnage ships. In 1850, the base was relocated to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Within two years, Nikolaevsk-on-Amur became the main port, and the unit was renamed the Siberian Military Flotilla. Vladivostok became a base point in the second half of the 19th century. The flotilla's capabilities were small. Everything changed with the arrival of the Mediterranean squadron. Having become part of the unit, it significantly increased its combat power. The war with Japan showed the weakness of the Russian fleet in the Pacific Ocean. By the beginning of the First World War, the composition was reinforced with two cruisers, nine destroyers, ten destroyers and eight submarines. During the war, some of the ships fought in the North and in the Mediterranean. The remainder of the flotilla escorted transports with military supplies that were supplied from the United States. During the Civil War, the ships were captured, Soviet Russia lost almost its entire fleet. Sailors and officers fought the invaders on the land fronts. With the advent of peacetime, the Vladivostok detachment was formed from the remains of the ships, which later became part of the Naval Forces in the Far East. The period between the world wars passed in strengthening the composition and rearmament. The conflict with Japan tested the Pacific Fleet's combat readiness. With the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, the fleet was in combat readiness to repel the Japanese attack. Personnel are partially transferred to other units and to ground theaters of combat. In the final month of World War II, the Pacific Fleet landed troops in enemy ports. Fleet aircraft attack Japanese military targets in North Korea. The feat of the sailors and officers was appreciated by the Motherland: 30,000 were awarded orders and medals, 43 sailors received the highest award - the Star of the Hero. The military merits of the Pacific Fleet units were also recognized - 19 of them were awarded the title of Guards, 16 received orders, 13 received honorary titles. The post-war years are spent in global reorganization, the Pacific Fleet has been replenished with missile ships, nuclear submarines, jet fighters and other weapons. In the early 70s, a powerful nuclear missile fleet operated in the Pacific region. The ships participate in long voyages and large-scale exercises. The modern Pacific Fleet ensures the security of the Russian Federation in the Asia-Pacific region. There is no other such fleet in the Navy - the bases and main formations are located in different climatic zones. APRK, nuclear and diesel submarines, and ships of various classes are on combat duty. Ground units and aviation are capable of repelling attacks from any potential enemy. The official tasks of the fleet, set by the command: • Constant readiness of nuclear forces; • Ensuring the protection of Russia's economic interests; • Protection of civil navigation in areas of responsibility; • Conducting foreign policy events (visits, exercises, peacekeeping missions and other activities). Pacific Fleet combat units make a great contribution to the anti-terrorist and anti-piracy activities of the Russian Federation. The ships are constantly on duty at the Strait of Malacca, protecting merchant ships. A special group of ships supports the operation against terrorists in Syria. The St. Andrew's flag over the ships of the Pacific Fleet makes it clear that our fleet is a serious force that can repel any threats to the country. Hard everyday life in combat finds support from society. On this day, we congratulate Pacific Islanders, both active duty and veterans, on their professional holiday!