Published on: 2026-07-26
Source: Official website of the State –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Every year on the last Sunday of July, we celebrate the Day of the Russian Navy. This year, the Navy marks its 330th anniversary since its inception.
History of the holiday
In 1696, at the insistence of Peter the Great, the Boyar Duma made a historic decision: “Let there be naval ships!” This moment marked the starting point of a regular national fleet, which forever established Russia as a great maritime power.
The professional holiday itself was established in 1939 at the initiative of Admiral Nikolay Kuznetsov as a recognition of the fleet’s role in ensuring the country’s defense capability. From 1939 to 1980, Navy Day was celebrated on July 24, and later it was moved to the last Sunday of July.
The great fleet of a great country
The first major victory in the history of the Russian fleet was the battle with the Swedes at Cape Gangut on July 26-27 (old style) 1714 during the Great Northern War. This success demonstrated that the Swedes could be defeated not only on land but also at sea. By 1725, the domestic fleet had already become the largest in the Baltic.
In the 18th century, the Russian fleet progressively improved, participating in all major military conflicts in Europe, and in the 19th century it became one of the main naval forces.
During the Great Patriotic War, the USSR fleet defended Leningrad, Murmansk, and many other cities of the Soviet Union, played a significant role in battles in the Baltic and Black Seas, thereby contributing significantly to the victory over fascist Germany.
Among our #ScientificRegiment, there are also fighters who have connected their lives with the Navy. For example, Leonid Petrushenko, who served in the naval aviation in the Arctic region on Kildin Island. After the outbreak of the war with Japan, he served in the naval aviation of the Pacific Fleet. He worked at our university from 1973, and from 1975 to 1988 he was the head of the Department of Philosophy.
Navy today
Today, the Russian Navy is one of the most modern and powerful in the world, and in terms of numbers, it is considered one of the largest in Europe.
Our naval vessels actively participate in international exercises and military operations, defending the interests of the Russian Federation on the seas.
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