An annual holiday celebrated in honor of the creation of the Baltic Fleet. Established by order of the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy of the Russian Federation dated 1996 No. 253.
(7) On May 18, 1703, a flotilla of 30 boats with soldiers of the Preobrazhensky and Semenovsky regiments under the command of Peter I won their first military victory, capturing two Swedish warships, the Gedan and the Astrild, at the mouth of the Neva River.
It must be said that the history of the formation of the Baltic Fleet is closely connected with the history of St. Petersburg. After all, the city on the Neva began to be built in May 1703, and in 1704 the Admiralty Shipyard began to be built here, which later became the center of shipbuilding in Russia. Since then, the Baltic Fleet has been brilliantly fulfilling the task of protecting Russia’s borders from the northwestern direction.
During the Northern War (1700-1721), the Baltic won many more victories over the Swedish fleet. During the Crimean War (1853-1856) they valiantly defended the Baltic coast, thwarted the Swedes' attempts to capture Kronstadt, and prevented the capture of Gangut, Sveaborg and St. Petersburg. They fought valiantly during the First World War and, of course, during the Great Patriotic War. The fleet took part in the heroic defense of Leningrad (1941-1944), supported the offensive of the Red Army in the Baltic states (1944), East Prussia, and East Pomerania (1944-1945). During the Great Patriotic War, the Baltic Fleet destroyed more than 1,200 enemy warships, transport and auxiliary vessels, and over 2.5 thousand aircraft with its surface and submarine fleets and naval aviation. More than 100 thousand Baltic people fought on the land fronts.
The fleet played an equally important role in scientific expeditions and discoveries. The Baltic Fleet became the founder of long-distance and round-the-world voyages of the Russians - 432 geographical discoveries were made on the world map, which bear the names of 98 admirals and officers of the Baltic Fleet.
The great naval commanders, the heroes of naval battles, the admirals - F.F. considered themselves Baltic. Ushakov, M.P. Lazarev, P.S. Nakhimov, V.A. Kornilov, S.O. Makarov and N.O Essen, discoverers and travelers - V.Y. Bering, F.F. Bellingshausen, G.I. Nevelskoy, scientists - A.S. Popov, B.S. Jacobi and many other outstanding people.
Today, the Baltic Fleet - the oldest fleet of Russia - is a large multi-service operational-strategic territorial association of the Navy of the Russian Federation in the Baltic Sea, capable of operating effectively at sea, in the air and on land and incorporating naval forces, naval aviation, and aerospace and air defense, and coastal troops.
The main bases for troops are Baltiysk (Kaliningrad region) and Kronstadt (St. Petersburg). The headquarters of the Baltic Fleet is located in Kaliningrad.
The main tasks of the Baltic Fleet of the Russian Navy are currently: protecting the economic zone and areas of production activity, suppressing illegal production activities; ensuring navigation safety; carrying out foreign policy actions of the government in economically important areas of the World Ocean (visits, business visits, joint exercises, actions as part of peacekeeping forces, etc.).
Great, battle-hardened,
St. Petersburg stronghold!
Never been defeated
Ancient Baltic Fleet!
Your father Peter the Great,
You are a participant in two terrible wars,
But never, never broken by anyone
On guard of the Baltic waves.
Are you standing proudly on the roadstead,
Or are you on duty?
We believe in our safety
And you won't let us down!
Let the banners fly proudly
The whole country congratulates you!
Continue to be undefeated
Let's shout "HURRAY" three times!
The creation of this fleet began in 1703. The Baltic Fleet was created by Peter I during the Northern War of 1700-1721. It appeared much earlier than the Black Sea and is considered the oldest fleet in our country.
On this holiday, the ceremonial raising of St. Andrew's flags traditionally takes place on ships and in formations of the Baltic Fleet, and formations of personnel take place. Flowers and wreaths are laid on the mass graves of Baltic sailors.
History of the Baltic Fleet
May 18 1703, at the mouth of the Neva, 30 boats under the command of Peter I captured two Swedish ships, which were called “Gedan” and “Astrild”.
Soldiers from the Preobrazhensky and Semenovsky regiments took part in this military operation. After its completion, they were awarded insignia on which it was written: “The unthinkable happens.”
9 days after these events, a fortress was founded on Zayachiy Island, from which the history of St. Petersburg began.
The new city and the fleet were inseparable from each other. We can say that the beginning of the Baltic Fleet was laid by warships that were built at the shipyard on the river. Syas and Olonets shipyard (Lodeynoye Pole) on the river. Svir. The 28-gun frigate Shtandart is considered to be the first-born of the Baltic Fleet.
The Admiralty Shipyard was built on the left bank of the Neva the very next year. By this time, the Baltic Fleet included 29 pennants, including 9 frigates.
The Baltic Fleet was created in conditions of constant hostilities. The fleet was expanded by transferring ships from the White Sea, and ships were also purchased from other countries. At the same time, a rowing fleet was built for operations in skerry areas.
During the Northern War, the Baltic Fleet largely contributed to the capture by Russian troops of the Vyborg fortress, the ports of Revel (Tallinn), Riga, Pernov (Pärnu), as well as the Moonsund Islands.
In 1714, the Baltic Fleet won the Battle of Gangut, in 1719 - in the Battle of Ezel, in 1720 - in the Battle of Grengam. After this, our country managed to establish itself in the Baltic Sea, it became one of the important maritime powers.
In 1721, the Baltic Fleet included 32 battleships, about 100 other sailing ships and up to 400 rowing ships.
In 1861, construction of a steam-powered armored fleet began. By the end of the century, the Baltic Fleet included: 19 battleships, 4 coastal defense battleships, 4 armored cruisers and 39 destroyers.
Ships of the Baltic Fleet They became famous in peacetime; they also participated in numerous scientific expeditions. Over the course of 10 years, seven teams discovered and described dozens of islands, straits, and bays.
The scientific expeditions of I. F. Kruzenshtern and Yu. F. Lisyansky, F. F. Bellingshausen and M. P. Lazarev, F. P. Litke, G. I. Nevelsky turned out to be especially successful.
During the Russo-Japanese War, the 2nd Pacific Squadron was formed from the Baltic Fleet. She fought heroically at Tsushima, but was defeated.
During the First World War, the Baltic Fleet carried out large mine-laying operations, prevented the German fleet from breaking through into the Gulf of Finland and the Gulf of Riga, helped ground forces, and defended the sea approaches to the capital.
The sailors of this particular fleet played a major role in the October armed uprising in Petrograd. On November 7, 1917, the signal for the assault on the Winter Palace was a gun salvo from the famous cruiser Aurora.
The role of the Baltic Fleet was also great during the Great Patriotic War. His ships took an active part in the defense of Liepaja, Tallinn, and Hanko. The first strikes on Berlin in August 1941 were carried out by long-range fleet bombers. Almost all ships, aircraft and personnel of the Baltic Fleet took part in the battle for Leningrad.
In February 1946, the Baltic Fleet was divided into two independent operational formations - the 4th and 8th fleets. It was restored to its original form in December 1955.
Currently, the Baltic Fleet is a multi-service operational-tactical formation. It includes more than 100 warships, more than 150 naval aircraft and helicopters.
The ground and coastal forces of the Baltic Fleet include tank and missile formations, air defense units and marines. The Baltic Fleet is the most important link in the national security system, because it is located at the forefront of Europe in constant contact with NATO forces.
WITH Baltic Fleet The names of such famous naval commanders as: Ushakov, Lazarev, Nakhimov, Kornilov, Makarov and Essen are associated.
Ships Baltic Fleet Since 1993, they have regularly participated in the Baltops exercises, which are held in the Baltic Sea under the auspices of the United States.
After our country joined the Partnership for Peace program, the Baltic Fleet is increasing its participation in its events every year.
TFR Neustrashimy, TFR Druzhny and TN Lena also participated in multilateral international exercises.
Since 1996, Russia has celebrated Baltic Fleet Day. The date was dedicated to the historic victory won in 1703 over Swedish warships. This date is officially considered the birthday of the Baltic Sea fleet. BF Day in Russia has the status of a public holiday and is celebrated annually on May 18. The Baltic fleet is the oldest fleet of Russia. Over the more than 300-year history of its existence, it has gone through a rather difficult path and became the main test and training base of the Russian Navy. The formation and development of the fleet is inextricably linked with the history of the Russian Empire and its first capital.
BF - history of formation
The formation and development of the fleet in the Baltic is inextricably linked with the history of the city, which was built by one of the great Russian tsars - Peter I. The Admiralty shipyard, which later became the center of shipbuilding for the entire empire, was founded immediately after the laying of the first city buildings. The Baltic Fleet was and is of quite important strategic importance for Russia. For a long time, from 1700-1721, when the Northern War took place, to the present day, it continues to be a powerful strategic unit.
The first ship of the Baltic Fleet was a frigate called "Standart". The first ships of the Russian Empire were designed by Peter I himself. The first frigate of the fleet combined the concepts of two shipbuilding schools of that time - English and Dutch. The warships under construction met all the requirements of that time. The main type of rowing vessel in the fleet was the scampaway. This type of vessel was superior to Western European galleys in its seaworthiness and maneuverability. The ship had up to 150 crew members and could be equipped with 3 to 5 guns. The caliber of the guns varied from 3 to 12 pounds.
The importance of the fleet in scientific discoveries
In addition to important strategic tasks, representatives of the fleet made a great contribution to the development of shipbuilding and science. The fleet played a special role in the matter of new geographical discoveries. Thus, as a result of the Great Northern Expedition, the implementation of which fell on the shoulders of the officers of the Baltic Fleet, a huge territory was surveyed and mapped. In the first half of the 19th century, Kronstadt, which was the main base of the Baltic Fleet, became the main center for preparing scientific expeditions.
Through the efforts of naval sailors, Russia has taken one of the leading places in the exploration of seas and oceans. The sloops "Nadezhda" and "Neva", which left the port of Kronstadt, became the first Russian ships to sail around the Earth. The captains of these sloops laid down a special maritime tradition - “Serve the fleet and science!” The invaluable contribution to cartography is evidenced by the fact that 432 geographical discoveries bear the names of officers and admirals of the Russian Baltic Fleet. Thus, the modern borders of Russia were drawn by the sides of the ships of its first fleet.
During the First World War, the Baltic Fleet, despite its superiority in strength, sank about 100 German ships, thereby winning the battle for the Baltic and Germany. In World War II he played a significant role in the defense of Leningrad. In addition, he undertook active combat operations on the high seas. The ships and personnel heroically fought with enemy submarines and warships. A large number of Baltic sailors were involved in the ground units of the armies.
In August 1941, the first bombing raid on Berlin was carried out. It was carried out by pilots of the mine and torpedo regiment, which is part of the Baltic Fleet. The military merits of the Baltic Fleet were highly appreciated by the state. 23 fleet units received the rank of guards.
In the post-war years, after the fleet was replenished with new ships with fairly powerful weapons. Missiles capable of carrying a nuclear charge have become a powerful deterrent and are a guarantor of stability in the region. The composition included naval aviation jets based directly on ships. Thus, the fleet's capabilities have increased significantly. The new ships began to successfully carry out combat service in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, the Mediterranean and North Seas. The flagship of the Baltic Fleet is the destroyer "Nastoychivy". This squadron destroyer is one of the 10 most powerful ships of the Russian Navy.
Strategic objectives of the Baltic Fleet
The territory, which allowed free access to the sea, has always been the cause of conflicts and strife. During the times of Ancient Rus', the famous trade route “from the Varangians to the Greeks” began from this sea. In addition to the fact that this route was of rather great economic importance, it served as a geographical core around which the ancient Russian lands actively developed. The sea, both previously and now, fulfills major economic and strategic tasks for Russia. Important routes pass through its waters, connecting the ports on its shores with the Atlantic Ocean.
This importance of the sea at all times, from the Vikings to modern times, has given rise to the desire of various states to have free access to the sea. Currently, nine countries have direct access to the Baltic Sea. This:
- Russia (ports: St. Petersburg, Ust-Luga, Primorsk, Vysotsk, Vyborg, Kaliningrad)
- Germany
- Poland
- Sweden
- Denmark
- Finland
- Lithuania
- Latvia
- Estonia.
Modern Russian Baltic Fleet
The modern fleet, based in the Baltic Sea, performs the tasks of protecting the economic zone, the safety of maritime shipping routes and carrying out foreign policy actions of the state in economically important areas of the world's oceans. The modern Baltic Fleet is positioned as an army unit united on a territorial basis. It, in addition to military ships and submarines, includes the following units:
- Sea-based aviation
- Air defense systems
- A group of troops whose task is to protect the coastal territory
- Bodies of operational command, technical and logistical support.
Since 2000, Baltic Fleet ships have visited more than 100 ports in Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. The fleet's military patrol ships take an active part in international projects. One such project is the protection of shipping lanes in the Gulf of Aden. This is a kind of outpost of the state in the region. Thanks to the existence of such a fleet, with its powerful weapons, the stability of the military and political situation is ensured. In this way, the BF protects state interests.
The Russian Navy, and the Baltic Fleet in particular, is annually replenished with new ships and submarines. These ships are built using the latest technologies. Thus, in 2016, the Baltic Fleet was replenished with the ship "Alexander Obukhov". A special feature of the ship is that its hull is made of fiberglass. This is the first time such technologies have been used in Russia. The material makes the ship's hull more durable, while significantly reducing its weight. A fiberglass housing has very significant advantages in terms of the presence of a magnetic field. Such a field for ships is much smaller. This fact provides additional safety during mine sweeping operations. The ship is unique with the world's largest hull made of non-traditional materials that were not previously used for their manufacture.
Holiday traditions
On this day, solemn ceremonies for the formation of ships and fleet crews take place. On ships, in a solemn atmosphere, the flags of the fleet are raised. Traditionally, wreath-laying ceremonies are held at graves and memorials dedicated to the exploits of Baltic sailors. The command congratulates the personnel. The best sailors and employees are awarded new ranks and expressed gratitude for their service. At the main base, which is located in Baltiysk, certain traditions have developed throughout the celebrations. Thus, the celebration, without fail, begins with a ceremony of visiting the monument to the founder of the fleet of Peter the Great. In addition, at the main bases of the Baltic Fleet, on the day of celebration, an open day is held on warships.
The main celebration events take place in Baltiysk and Kronstadt. This holiday, although celebrated at the state level, is not an official day of rest.
On May 18, our country celebrates the Day of the Baltic Fleet of the Russian Navy. The holiday received official status only in 1995, after the order of the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy. But the roots of the holiday go back to the times of Peter the Great, when the Tsar, amazed by what was lost in Europe, returned to Russia with full confidence that he would create a domestic merchant and military fleet.
History of the Baltic Fleet
The very first naval victory in the Baltic took place on May 18. This happened in 1703, when several dozen boats filled with soldiers of the Semenovsky and Preobrazhensky regiments defeated two large Swedish ships and captured the mouth of the Neva. Tsar Peter the Great himself personally commanded the army. It is curious that a special medal was issued in honor of the winners, with the inscription: “The unthinkable happens.” It sounds a little un-Russian; here it would be more appropriate: “The impossible is possible.”
Saint Petersburg
The Baltic has always been connected with the city of Petrov; it was here that the Russian fleet took its first steps, and the birth of the naval armada happened a year later than the appearance of the city itself. It turns out that Petersburg was founded in 1703, and the first shipyard appeared a year later and as a result it became the most important shipyard of the renewed Russian state.
First test
The Baltic Fleet first showed its worth during the Northern War, when numerous victories were won over the formidable Swedish fleet. A century later, the Baltic fleet gave a serious rebuff during the Crimean War, and thwarted all attempts by the Swedes to take control of the northwestern borders of the empire. Thus, Kronstadt finally passed to Russia, and the danger of losing St. Petersburg and other important cities in the border territories disappeared.
Baltic during World War II
In the first years of the war, the fleet actively resisted the enemy's invasion from the Baltic and until the last held back the enemy's power in relation to Leningrad. The Baltic Fleet supported the front in the direction of East Prussia and Pomerania. In total, during the Great Patriotic War, the forces of the Baltic Fleet destroyed more than 1,200 enemy ships, including combat, transport and service equipment. There were great victories both on land and on the ground, for example, the Baltics destroyed more than 2.5 thousand enemy aircraft, and over 100 thousand soldiers fought against Germany during ground operations.
Scientific base
The fleet in the Baltic is no less credited for its numerous scientific works, research and expeditions. It was from the Baltic Sea that domestic explorers set off in search of new lands and riches. We have to admit that almost 500 new geographical discoveries were made by our great navigators, and as a result, each of them received the name of a Russian navigator.
Our era
Nowadays, the Baltic Fleet should not be perceived only from the point of view of naval purposes, it is also a research base, an industrial zone and a training facility for exercises. Baltic Fleet Day is celebrated by everyone who works in the Baltic, and not only those associated with the water element. We can also distinguish naval pilots, infantrymen, missilemen who make up the air defense forces, as well as ground forces.
When is Baltic Fleet Day of the Russian Navy in 2019
The Baltic Fleet is the territorial structure of the Russian Navy. It represents a powerful strategic military unit. It includes the capacity of naval forces, aerospace and air defense, naval aviation and ground forces. The oldest fleet of the Russian state has all the capabilities of effective action in any combat conditions. A holiday has been established in honor of its creation.
When is it celebrated?
Baltic Fleet Day of the Russian Navy is celebrated annually on May 18. The holiday was established by order of the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy on December 19, 1995.
Who's celebrating
The Day of the Baltic Fleet of the Russian Navy in 2019 is traditionally celebrated by all its representatives, including the military leadership.
History of the holiday
The date May 18 was not chosen by chance. On this day in 1703, the Russian flotilla became the winner in the battle, capturing two Swedish warships. The small fleet of 30 boats was commanded by Peter I. All participants in the famous event received medals with the inscription “The Unprecedented Happens” engraved on them, and Russia gained access to the Gulf of Finland.
The formation and development of the Baltic flotilla is directly related to the city of St. Petersburg. They were created almost simultaneously. In 1704, a year after the foundation of the first buildings of the city on the Neva, the construction of the Admiralty Shipyard began, which later became the stronghold of shipbuilding in the Russian state. Since then, many glorious pages about the military merits of the Baltic Fleet have been written into the historical chronicle. All these years he has been guarding the northwestern borders of Russia. Navy personnel demonstrated unparalleled bravery and bravery during the Great Patriotic War, defending their homeland on water and land.
About the Baltic Fleet
The Baltic Fleet of the Russian Navy solves the problem of protecting areas of economic security of the state and strategic production activities. The composition of its military units ensures the security of controlled water areas and fulfills the foreign policy obligations of the Russian government in relation to significant areas of the World Ocean, and takes part in protocol events.
In peacetime, the Baltic Fleet carried out many scientific expeditions. On his ships, Russian scientists traveled around the world and discovered 432 new geographical places, some of which were named after the admirals of the famous flotilla. Today it is based in the ports of Baltiysk and Kronstadt, reliably protecting the borders of Russia in the northwestern direction.
