Day of the Northern Fleet of Russia

Northern FleetSince the 15th century, the White and Barents Seas have played an important role for the Russian merchant fleet. Access to the ice-free harbors of the northern seas was one of the most important components of Russia’s maritime strategy after Germany became a strong maritime power on the Baltic Sea. In 1895, the construction of the first military port (base) in the North began. In the Soviet period, after Stalin’s visit to the Arctic in the summer of 1933, the Northern Fleet was created, which in 1937 was transformed into the Northern Fleet.

A severe test for the young Northern Fleet was the Great Patriotic War. From June 22, 1941 to May 9, 1945, the Northern Fleet continuously operated in the open sea theater, which was distinguished by its huge size and severe physical and geographical features. Unlike other fleets, the Northern Fleet increased its forces during the war. Thus, by the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, it had 15 submarines, eight destroyers, seven patrol ships and other classes of ships, its aviation consisted of 116 combat aircraft. By 1945, the SF had a battleship, a cruiser, 17 destroyers, 51 patrol boats, 45 submarine hunters, 43 minesweepers, 56 torpedo boats, 42 submarines, 718 aircraft of various classes, 256 coastal artillery guns and more than 25,000 marines.

During the war, the fleet reliably covered the coastal flank of the 14th Army from landings and shelling of enemy ships, defended its naval communications, violated enemy transport and deprived it of initiative at sea by continuous strikes on enemy communications.

The Marines of the Navy acted courageously and heroically during the restoration of constitutional order in the Chechen Republic. Ten of them were awarded the title of Heroes of the Russian Federation, more than a thousand soldiers were awarded orders and medals. The high combat skill of the Black Berets was appreciated by the President of the Russian Federation.

During his visit to the Northern Fleet in April 2000, V.V. Putin said at the presentation of state awards to the Marines: In Dagestan and Chechnya, the Marines fought valiantly. The bandits did not fear you in vain and still fear you, because the “black berets” really do not know fear. I sincerely thank you for your selfless military work, loyalty to the oath, for your devotional service to the Fatherland. I am sure that as long as people like you are in the ranks, our homeland, Russia, will be invincible.

In total, in the postwar period, for selfless fulfillment of military duty, courage and heroism, the title of Heroes of the Soviet Union was awarded to 41 North Seamen, 26 Navy soldiers became Heroes of the Russian Federation.

As history shows, at all times the Northern Fleet has been and continues to be a reliable stronghold of our Motherland, its hope and pride.