Three naval marshals of the USSR. Ranks in the navy in Russia in order: from sailor to admiral Description of the rank, History

10(22).8.1894—11.10.1967
Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union

Born August 22, 1894, p. Adjikent, Kars region of the Russian Empire. In 1914 he began naval service. During the First World War he served as a midshipman on the destroyer Izyaslav. In the summer of 1917 he took part in revolutionary demonstrations in Petrograd. From the first days of the revolution he was in the ranks of the Red Fleet, taking part in the heroic ice campaign of the ships of the Baltic Fleet from Helsingfors to Kronstadt. During the Civil War, he actively participated in hostilities in the Baltic Sea, on the Volga and the Caspian Sea.

In 1938 he was appointed Deputy People's Commissar of the Navy. During the military conflict with Finland, he coordinated the actions of the Red Banner Baltic Fleet with ground forces.

In 1940 I.S. Isakov was awarded the military rank of admiral.

In July 1941, when a difficult situation arose for our troops and navy in the Baltic states, I.S. Isakov was appointed deputy commander-in-chief of the northwestern direction for the maritime sector.

He took part in helping besieged Leningrad and was one of the active organizers of transportation across Lake Ladoga.

With the formation of the North Caucasus direction in April 1942, I.S. Isakov was appointed deputy commander-in-chief and member of the Military Council of this direction. In October 1942, during another trip to the front lines near Tuapse, in the area of ​​the Goytkh Pass, I. S. Isakov was seriously wounded.

May 31, 1944 By resolution of the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR I.S. Isakov was awarded the rank of Admiral of the Fleet.

In the post-war period I.S. Isakov worked as the Chief of the General Staff of the Navy and Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, and held a number of other responsible positions in the central apparatus of the Ministry of Defense.

In May 1965 I.S. Isakov was awarded the high title of Hero of the Soviet Union.

One of the important aspects of I. S. Isakov’s activity was scientific work. His research works on the experience of World War II were published in maritime magazines and in separate publications. Many of his scientific works (over sixty in total) were used to create regulations and instructions that are still in force in the Navy. Under the leadership of I.S. Isakov, two volumes of the Marine Atlas were prepared and published.

Admiral I.S. Isakov had:

• 6 Orders of Lenin,
• 3 Orders of the Red Banner,
• 2 Orders of Ushakov, 1st degree,
• Order of the Patriotic War, 1st degree,
• Order of the Red Star,
• a number of foreign orders.

Kuznetsov Nikolay Gerasimovich

11(24).07.1904—6.12.1974
Admiral of the Fleet (1944),
Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union (25.5.1945-3.2.1948 and 11.5.1953-3.3.1955 bore the rank "Admiral of the Fleet", equivalent to the rank of Marshal of the Soviet Union;
17.2.1956 demoted to vice admiral; 26.7.1988 posthumously restored),
People's Commissar of the Navy (1939-1946) and Minister of the Navy of the USSR (1951-1953),
Commander-in-Chief of the Navy (1953-1956)

Born in the village of Medvedki, Kotlas district, Arkhangelsk (until 1937, Vologda) region in a peasant family. In the Navy since 1919. In 1926 he graduated with honors from the Naval School named after. Frunze. Participant in the Civil War. Since 1926 he served on ships of the Black Sea Naval Forces. From 1932 he was assistant commander, and from 1934 - commander of the cruiser Chervona Ukraine (Black Sea Fleet).

In 1936 he was sent to the Spanish Civil War, where he was the chief naval adviser to the Republican government. From August 1937 - deputy commander, from 1938 - 2nd rank flagship, commander of the Pacific Fleet. Supported the actions of ground forces in the battles near Lake Khasan. In 1939 he was appointed People's Commissar of the USSR Navy: he was the youngest People's Commissar in the Union and the first sailor in this position. He initiated the opening of new maritime schools and maritime special schools (later Nakhimov schools). In 1940 he was awarded the rank of admiral.

During the Great Patriotic War, he led the fleet, coordinating its actions with the operations of other Armed Forces. He was a member of the Headquarters of the Supreme High Command and constantly traveled to ships and fronts.

Thanks to the system of operational readiness created and tested in the fleet on the eve of the war under the leadership of Kuznetsov, on the day of the attack by Nazi Germany, the fleet did not allow itself to be taken by surprise and met enemy air strikes with organized fire.

A special page of N. G. Kuznetsov’s activity during the war years was his participation in negotiations with the Allied naval missions in 1941-1945, as well as as a member of the Soviet delegation in conferences of heads of state in Yalta and Potsdam. In February 1944, Kuznetsov was awarded the rank of fleet admiral (equal to army general). In 1945 N.G. Kuznetsov became a Hero of the Soviet Union. After the abolition of the People's Commissariat of the Navy in 1946, Kuznetsov remained Commander-in-Chief of the Navy and Deputy Minister of the Armed Forces, but was removed from this post in January 1947.

From February 1950 he commanded the Pacific Fleet. In 1951-1953 - Minister of the Navy.

In 1953-1955. Kuznetsov - Commander-in-Chief of the Navy and Deputy Minister of Defense.

On March 3, 1955, his rank was renamed “Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union” and he was awarded the Marshall Star.

In 1953-1956. - first deputy Minister of Defense of the USSR - Commander-in-Chief of the Navy.

In 1956, he was demoted to the rank of vice admiral and retired. Restored to the rank of Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union in 1988 (posthumously). Author of the books “On the Course to Victory”, “On the Eve”, “Combat Alert in the Fleets”.

Admiral Kuznetsov had:

• 4 Orders of Lenin,
• 3 Orders of the Red Banner,
• 2 Orders of Ushakov, 1st degree,
• Order of the Red Star,
• Order of the Badge of Honor,
• 8 medals,
• a number of foreign awards.

Admiral(Dutch. admiraal, from Old French amiral, admiral, from Arabic. ‏أمير البحر ‎‎ 'amir al-bahr “lord of the sea”) - military rank (rank) of senior officers in navies (forces) . The rank of admiral in the fleet corresponds to the rank of General. Sequence of ranks: Vice Admiral, Admiral, Fleet Admiral until 1955, then Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union.

Description of the rank, History

In the Soviet Union (since 1955), the highest officer rank in the navy was Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union and corresponded to the rank Marshal of the Soviet Union

Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union the highest rank of the USSR Navy, was introduced on March 3, 1955 by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, until that time the rank Fleet Admiral which was introduced on May 7, 1940.

Insignia

The shoulder straps of the Admiral of the Fleet and the Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union were similar, a large five-pointed star with rays emerging from under it and a black anchor on a red background in the middle and the coat of arms of the USSR located along the vertical axis of the shoulder strap. There were 3 color shoulder straps depending on the uniform. Dress, casual white, casual black.

On the sleeves there were 5 stripes, 1 wide and 4 medium, and a star in a laurel wreath, white or black, depending on the color of the jacket.

Title bearers

In the entire history of the USSR, the title of Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union was received and worn by only 3 people: Kuznetsov Nikolai Gerasimovich (March 3, 1955), Isakov Ivan Stepanovich (March 3, 1955) and Gorshkov Sergei Georgievich (October 28, 1967). The title was abolished in 1991 after the collapse of the USSR. The option of creating the Title of Admiral of the Fleet of the Russian Federation was considered, but this did not happen; there is only a draft uniform with insignia from 1994, which is currently in the Museum of the Russian Armed Forces in Moscow.

from March 3, 1955 Kuznetsov N.G. received the rank of Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union, but did not stay there for long; on February 17, 1956, he was demoted to vice admiral and retired. The reason was the aggravation of relations with the USSR Minister of Defense G.K. Zhukov, and the reason was accusations of an explosion on the battleship Novorossiysk. After repeated requests from veterans to restore the rank to Nikolai Gerasimovich Kuznetsov, on July 26, 1988, posthumously, the rank was returned.

Rank in shipbuilding

The modern Russian Navy is the direct successor to the USSR Navy - the fleet of Admiral Gorshkov, who created in fact the most powerful fleet in the world. One of the most modern ships of the Russian Navy - the newest frigate of Project 22350 - "Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Gorshkov" is named after the legendary naval commander.

(in order from sailor to high command) mostly go back to those that appeared during the USSR period.

A little history - naval ranks and tables of ranks

As you know, in the last year of the reign of Peter I, the table of ranks was introduced. It was a table where civil and military service positions were divided into fourteen ranks. However, naval ranks were not included in every row of the table.

The XIV rank among naval ranks was given to a midshipman, corresponding to a collegiate registrar, ensign, cornet and artillery bayonet cadet. At the beginning of the reign of Paul I, the rank of midshipman began to refer to the XII rank. Also included in this rank was the rank of non-commissioned lieutenant, which existed until 1732.

A naval lieutenant was classified as rank X until 1884, after which a midshipman was promoted to this rank. The rank of lieutenant, in turn, began to refer to rank IX.

People who managed to rise to rank VIII in the fleet of the Russian Empire acquired the right to personal nobility. These positions included captains of the first three ranks and a senior lieutenant, who appeared in the navy shortly before the First World War. Rank V included the rank of captain-commander, which was finally abolished in 1827. Among the famous bearers of this title was the pioneer Vitus Bering.

Achieving rank IV in the service opened the door to hereditary nobles for a person. In the navy, people who reached the fourth and higher ranks commanded naval formations: rear admiral, vice admiral, admiral and admiral general.

This also included the rank of Schoutbenacht, who did not take root on Russian soil, and was replaced by a rear admiral. It is noteworthy that this naval rank was used as a pseudonym by the first Russian emperor himself - “Schautbenakht Peter Mikhailov.” The third rank was the General-Kriegskommissar of the Fleet, whose responsibilities included financial support of the naval forces. The title was abolished in 1817. Six people received the highest rank of admiral general in the history of the Russian Empire. Three of them were representatives of the imperial family.

Although the table of ranks ceased to exist after the creation of the USSR, many ranks reappeared in the navy of the Soviet Union and later the Russian Federation.

Main categories of naval ranks

Based on their composition, military personnel can be divided into the following groups:

• Conscript and contract personnel.
• Junior officers.
• Senior officers.
• Senior officers.

Russian citizens undergoing military service in the navy receive the rank of sailor. It roughly corresponds to a private in the ground forces. Sailors appeared in the fleet of the Soviet Union in 1946. Before this, the lowest military rank in the navy was called “red naval officer.”

Next comes the rank of “senior sailor,” which corresponds to the “corporal” of ground forces. The senior sailor commands the group or serves as an assistant to the chief petty officer. The rank of senior sailor can be obtained by employees who comply well with discipline and their duties.

The following four ranks correspond to the sergeant ranks of the ground forces:

• Foreman of the first article.
• Foreman of the second article.
• Chief Petty Officer.
• Chief ship's foreman.

Following the foremen are the “midshipman” and “senior midshipman.” These naval ranks correspond to the ranks of warrant officer and chief warrant officer.

The modern division of naval ranks dates back to the decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, issued in 1943. He approved the division of officers into junior, senior and senior. The decree included titles for each group, which have survived to the present day.

Junior officers of our country's fleet are called: junior lieutenant, lieutenant, senior lieutenant and lieutenant commander. A junior lieutenant can lead a combat post. More senior representatives of this category of officers can be assistant commanders of a ship of the fourth rank or even command such a ship.

Senior officers include captains of the first, second and third ranks. They can also be called captri, kavtorang and caperang. These representatives of the officer corps can command military vessels of the appropriate rank.

In the modern Russian fleet, the rank of a warship is determined based on the complexity of control, the number of personnel and combat power. The first rank includes cruisers, nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers. The second rank includes large landing ships, destroyers, and large missile ships.

The third rank includes small missile and anti-submarine ships, medium landing ships, and minesweepers. The fourth rank includes small landing craft and torpedo boats.

The highest officer ranks of our country's fleet were first established in 1940 by decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Council. This is the system we are familiar with:

In the ground forces, these ranks correspond (in ascending order) to major general, lieutenant general, colonel general and army general. A rear admiral can lead a squadron or serve as an assistant to a flotilla commander. A vice admiral may command a flotilla or operational squadron and also serves as deputy fleet commander. At the head of a separate fleet is an admiral. In modern Russia there is one fleet admiral, who is the commander-in-chief of the naval forces of our country.

The rank of "fleet admiral" was introduced in the Soviet Union in 1940. It corresponded to “general of the army.” None of the naval commanders of the country of the Soviets received it at that moment. In fact, the highest rank was admiral.

In 1944, two naval commanders received it. The first was Nikolai Kuznetsov, who at that time held the post of People's Commissar of the Fleet. He was a member of the Headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, and Nikolai Kuznetsov’s actions in commanding the country’s fleet were successful. In 1945, the title of “Admiral of the Fleet” was given to Ivan Isakov, who led the main naval headquarters during the war before his injury.

In 1955, an additional decree was issued that adjusted the highest naval ranks of the country of the Soviets. To the rank of “Admiral of the Fleet” was added “Soviet Union”. Holders of this rank had the right to wear the “Marshal's Star”, an insignia introduced in 1940.

This highest naval rank was abolished in 1993 because the country referred to in its name no longer existed. The highest rank of naval officers became again "admiral of the fleet".

The rank introduced in 1955 was personal. In the history of the Soviet state, only three people received the title “Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union.” Immediately after the introduction of the new military rank, N.G. received it. Kuznetsov and I.S. Isakov. A year later, Kuznetsov fell into disgrace and lost his highest rank. It was returned to the naval commander posthumously during the years of Perestroika. In 1967, Sergei Gorshkov, who went through the war with the rank of rear admiral and led the construction and rearmament of the fleet in the post-war years, was awarded the highest naval rank.

The rank of Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union corresponded in the 1960-1990s to the rank of Marshal of the USSR. In turn, the “admiral of the fleet”, who was of lower rank, corresponded to the general of the army and the marshal of the military branch.

The Commander-in-Chief of our country's naval forces may bear the rank of admiral or admiral of the fleet. Thus, the first naval officer to hold this position in post-Soviet Russia, Felix Gromov, became commander-in-chief in 1992, being an admiral. He received the rank of fleet admiral four years later, shortly before retirement.

The next commanders-in-chief (Vladimir Kuroyedov and Vladimir Masorin) took this post as admirals, and after that they received a higher rank. Vladimir Vysotsky and Vladimir Chirkov were commanders-in-chief, remaining with the rank of admiral. Also, the current Commander-in-Chief Vladimir Korolev retains the rank of admiral, received in 2013.

The chiefs of the General Staff of the Fleet, who were the first deputies of the commander-in-chief, as a rule, bore the rank of vice admiral or admiral. Andrei Volozhinsky, who began serving in this post in 2016, retains the rank of vice admiral.

The Navy of modern Russia became the successor to the fleet. Most senior naval officers began their service in the Soviet Navy. For this reason, the ranks in the fleet in modern Russia (in order from sailor to admiral) have not undergone fundamental changes compared to the Soviet period.

The history of the military ranks “Admiral of the Fleet” and “Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union” is quite complex and confusing. Suffice it to say that in different historical periods these ranks were equated to various land ranks, and only since 1962 they coexisted with each other (before that there was only one naval class above the rank of “admiral,” corresponding to a colonel general).

When the ranks of general and admiral were established in 1940, the rank of “admiral of the fleet” was introduced, which corresponded to the land rank of “general of the army”, however, unlike the latter, it was not awarded to anyone. Until May 1944, when the People's Commissar of the Navy N.G. Kuznetsov and the Chief of the Main Staff of the Navy I.S. Isakov became admirals of the fleet, the highest naval rank was actually the rank of “admiral”1.

Thus, the ratio of the ranks of senior command personnel in the army and navy in 1940-1945. it was like this:

Marshal of the Soviet Union - (no rank)

Colonel General - Admiral

Here is what Nikolai Gerasimovich Kuznetsov tells about the further history of the titles “Admiral of the Fleet” and “Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union”, without whom the latter, perhaps, would not have appeared:

“In 1944, Stalin unexpectedly raised the question for me at the Supreme Command Headquarters about assigning me another rank. By that time, we did not have a rank above admiral, which means there were no corresponding shoulder straps. I reported that in other fleets there was the rank of admiral fleet. “What will this be equivalent to in our Armed Forces?” Stalin asked. I replied that if we maintain the same sequence as in the army, then the admiral of the fleet should be awarded shoulder straps with four stars, but this then will not be the highest rank , which land military leaders have, that is, the rank of marshal.

At the same time, it was decided to establish for the time being the rank of fleet admiral with four stars on shoulder straps, without indicating to whom this rank is awarded in the ground forces. So, I received another rank of fleet admiral with shoulder straps unusual for the fleet. I wore them for a relatively short time. In May 1944, it was decided to replace these shoulder straps with marshal ones, with one large star. And when the statutory issue was discussed and in the table of ranks it was necessary to decide who the fleet admiral was equal in rights to, it was written in black and white: “Marshal of the Soviet Union.”

Unfortunately, I cannot put an end to this. Later (in 1948) I was stripped of this rank and put on the shoulder straps of a rear admiral for the second time. He received another promotion as commander of the Pacific Fleet (for the second time) in 1950, and after Stalin’s death he was restored to his former rank of Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union (in 1953). After the war, the question arose: should a fleet admiral have and wear a marshal's star? I remember that Marshal Zhukov then proposed changing the name to “Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union.” The government decided to make such an amendment to the highest rank of the Navy, and I, together with a group of marshals, received a marshal’s star from the hands of the Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR K.E. Voroshilov. However, fortune once again turned against me, and I was demoted to the rank of vice admiral. I think this is a unique and only case in the history of all fleets. In the same place where I received the marshal's star, I returned it, retaining the rank of vice admiral..."

Let us give the exact chronology of the events indicated by Kuznetsov: the rank of “admiral of the fleet” and shoulder straps with four stars Kuznetsov and Isakov received on May 31, 1944 (this rank, as we saw, had existed in the Navy for four years, although it was not awarded to anyone - here admiral the memoirist is mistaken), and the shoulder straps were of the marshal type on May 25, 1945, and at the same time the rank of “admiral of the fleet,” as Nikolai Gerasimovich himself writes, was equated to the rank of Marshal of the Soviet Union. He was demoted on February 3, 1948, and restored to his rank on May 11, 1953.

After the rank of “fleet admiral” was equated to the rank of Marshal of the Soviet Union in May 1945, an amazing situation arose: in the navy, no rank any longer corresponded to an army general, that is, the two highest naval ranks were no longer separated by one, but two classes :

Marshal of the Soviet Union - Admiral of the Fleet
army general - (no rank)
Colonel General - Admiral
Lieutenant General - Vice Admiral
Major General - Rear Admiral

The military rank "Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union" was introduced on March 3, 1955; at the same time, the persons to whom it was assigned were instructed to wear the Marshall Star. In fact, this was a renaming of the already existing rank of “fleet admiral”: the new rank was assigned to exactly those military leaders who already had the old one, that is, N. G. Kuznetsov and I. S. Isakov. The addition of the words “Soviet Union” and the introduction of a new insignia in the form of the Marshal Star apparently pursued the goal of further emphasizing equality with the title “Marshal of the Soviet Union.” All that remained was to take the last, logical step and again equate the “vacated” rank of “admiral of the fleet” with the rank of “general of the army.” This, however, was not done in 1955, and for another seven years the indicated “skew” in the Soviet “table of ranks” persisted. It was only in 1962 that the rank of “fleet admiral” was restored and filled the empty cell in the table:

Marshal of the Soviet Union - Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union
General of the Army - Admiral of the Fleet
Colonel General - Admiral
Lieutenant General - Vice Admiral
Major General - Rear Admiral

After Kuznetsov was again demoted in rank (February 17, 1956), Isakov remained the only naval marshal. Two weeks after Isakov’s death, on October 28, 1967, this title was awarded to Kuznetsov’s successor as Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, Sergei Georgievich Gorshkov, who held it until his death in 1988. From that time on, the Admirals of the Fleet of the Soviet Union were no longer listed in the Navy.

The restored rank of "fleet admiral" was awarded more than once in 1962-1989: to Commanders-in-Chief (S.G. Gorshkov and his successor V.N. Chernavin), Deputy Commanders-in-Chief, Chiefs of the Navy General Staff and some fleet commanders. In total (not counting Kuznetsov, Isakov and Gorshkov), the title of “fleet admiral” was held by 9 military leaders.

After the USSR ceased to exist, the rank of Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union was abolished; in the modern Russian fleet, the highest rank is fleet admiral (corresponding to the land rank of army general). Thus, the ratio of the highest ranks of the army and navy, which existed in 1940-1945, has been restored.

In 1962-1997, Soviet (and then Russian) fleet admirals wore insignia close to those of marshals of the military branches. Instead of shoulder straps with four stars, shoulder straps with one large star were introduced, and a “small” Marshall star was worn on a tie in full dress uniform. This change in uniform was intended to overcome the “inequality” between the admirals of the fleet and the marshals of the military branches of equal rank. After the ranks of marshals of military branches in the Russian Federation were abolished in 1993, the reason for special insignia for fleet admirals also disappeared. By decree of the President of the Russian Federation of January 27, 1997, the admirals of the fleet, introduced in 1943/44, were returned. shoulder straps with four stars in a row, and Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated April 15, 1981 N 4735-X “On the marshal insignia “Marshal Star” ...” was declared invalid in the Russian Federation.

1 Before being awarded the rank of "Admiral of the Fleet", the rank of "Admiral" was held by: L. M. Galler, N. G. Kuznetsov, I. S. Isakov (all - June 4, 1940), V. F. Tributs and I. S. Yumashev (31.5.1943).

Russia is a great maritime power. However, historically, access to the seas was thorny, the conquest of space was not easy through expeditions and wars. Courageous and resourceful sailors, simple sailors and talented naval commanders forged the glory of the Russian fleet. Valiant defenders are inscribed in the military annals of our country. They demonstrated the invincible strength of the Russian fleet in the battles of Gangut and Grengam, Chesma and Kerch, Navarino and Sinoia, Sevastopol and Tsushima. Our article is about ten legendary Russian admirals who selflessly served the Fatherland.

Fedor Apraksin

One of the founders of the Russian navy, associate of Peter I, admiral general, first president of the Admiralty Board. The career of Fyodor Matveevich Apraksin began in 1682, when he became Peter’s steward and participated in the creation of the “amusing army” and the flotilla of Lake Pereslavl. In 1693–96 he was appointed governor of Dvina and governor of Arkhangelsk, under his watchful eye the 24-gun frigate “St. Apostle Paul”, laid down by Peter I himself, was being built, the city was acquiring new fortifications, and the Solombala shipyard was expanding. It was Apraksin who laid the foundations for commercial and military shipbuilding and for the first time equipped Russian ships with goods abroad. In 1697, Apraksin controlled shipbuilding in Voronezh, where a fleet for the Sea of ​​Azov was urgently created. Since 1700 F.M. Apraksin is the chief head of the Admiralty Prikaz and the Azov Governor, the main manager of all matters related to the organization and supply of admiralties and ships entering the Azov and Baltic Seas. He was in charge of supply affairs, responsible for the construction of a shipyard at the mouth of Voronezh, the opening of a cannon factory in Lipitsa, access to the open sea for ships, the construction of a harbor and fortifications in Taganrog, the deepening of the shallow estuaries of the Don, and research work at sea.

In 1707, Fyodor Matveyevich was promoted to admiral and president of the admiralty, received personal command of the fleet on the Baltic Sea, and also often commanded ground forces. In 1708, he headed a corps operating in Ingermanland, which repelled a Swedish attack on Kronshlot, Kotlin and St. Petersburg: on September 28, Stromberg’s corps was defeated at Rakobor, and on October 16, Liebecker’s corps in the Kapor Bay (these two corps, according to the Swedes’ action plan, came from two parties and had to eventually unite). For the victory, Fyodor Matveyevich received the status of an actual privy councilor and the title of count. For Apraksin’s services to the Fatherland and the military art he demonstrated, Tsar Peter awarded him a special personalized silver medal, on one side of which Apraksin himself was depicted and the inscription was engraved: “The Tsar’s Majesty Admiral F.M. Apraksin”, and on the other - four military sailing ships against the background of the battle; at the top - two hands, outstretched from the clouds, holding a laurel wreath - a symbol of victory. Along the circumference there is an inscription: “Keeping this he does not sleep; death is better than infidelity.”

Alexander Menshikov

The right hand of Peter the Great, Aleksashka, whose charismatic personality manifested itself in many fields, including in maritime affairs. Almost all instructions and directives that the sovereign sent to the troops passed through the hands of Alexander Danilovich. Often Peter presented an idea, and Menshikov found the best embodiment for it. He had many ranks and regalia, including in 1726 he became a full admiral. On the day of the signing of the Peace of Nystadt, which ended the many years of war with the Swedes, Menshikov received the rank of vice admiral. After that, he focused on the internal structure of the Russian fleet, and from 1718 he was responsible for the arrangement of all Russian armed forces. His great-grandson Alexander Sergeevich Menshikov was also an outstanding admiral who commanded the fleet in the Crimean War.

Ivan Krusenstern

Russian navigator, admiral. He distinguished himself not only in the battles for the North Sea, but also became famous as an explorer of new lands. Ivan Kruzenshtern, together with Yuri Lisyansky, made the first Russian round-the-world expedition. He opened new trade routes for Russia to the East Indies and China. He managed to prove that the sea route is more profitable. During the round-the-world expedition, such Pacific islands as the Kuril Islands, Kamchatka and Sakhalin were explored. In 1827, Krusenstern was appointed director of the naval cadet corps and a member of the admiralty council. 16 years of activity as director were marked by the introduction of new teaching subjects into the courses of the naval corps, the enrichment of the library and museums with its many teaching aids, the establishment of an officer class and other improvements.

Pavel Nakhimov

The famous Russian admiral, perhaps, was able to show his talent for the first time during the Crimean War, when the Black Sea squadron under his command, in stormy weather, discovered and blocked the main forces of the Turkish fleet in Sinop. As a result, the Turkish fleet was destroyed in a matter of hours. For this victory, Nakhimov received the Highest Certificate from His Imperial Majesty Nicholas with the words: “With the extermination of the Turkish squadron, you adorned the chronicle of the Russian fleet with a new victory.” Nakhimov also led the defense of Sevastopol from 1855. Having made the difficult decision to scuttle the Russian fleet, he blocked the path to the bay for enemy ships. The soldiers and sailors who defended the southern part of Sevastopol under his leadership called the admiral a “father-benefactor.”

Fedor Ushakov

Admiral Ushakov commanded the Black Sea Fleet, participated in the Russian-Turkish War, during which he made a huge contribution to the development of tactical warfare by the sailing fleet. He received his first award in 1783 for the successful victory over the plague that raged in Kherson. Ushakov’s actions were distinguished by extraordinary courage and determination. He boldly advanced his ship to the first positions, choosing one of the most dangerous positions and thereby showing an excellent example of courage to his commanders. A sober assessment of the situation, accurate strategic calculation taking into account all factors of success and a swift attack - this is what allowed the admiral to emerge victorious in many battles. Ushakov can also rightfully be called the founder of the Russian school of tactical combat in naval art. For his military exploits, he was canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church.

Vladimir Shmidt

Admiral Schmidt's ancestors were hired in the 17th century by Peter the Great as shipwrights from Frankfurt am Main. Schmidt participated in the Crimean War, defended Sevastopol and led naval operations in the Russian-Turkish War. For his valor in battles, he was awarded the golden broadsword “For Bravery” and the Order of St. George, IV degree. In 1855 alone he was wounded four times: in the right side of the head and chest, in the left side of the forehead with a bomb fragment, in the index finger of the left hand and in the left leg. By 1898, he became a full admiral and knight of all orders existing at that time in Russia. Cape Schmidt on Russky Island is named after him.

Alexander Kolchak

In addition to the fact that Admiral Kolchak was the leader of the White movement and the Supreme Ruler of Russia, he was also an outstanding oceanographer, one of the largest polar explorers, a participant in three polar expeditions, and the author of the monograph “What Fleet Does Russia Need.” The admiral developed the theoretical foundations for preparing and conducting joint army operations on land and at sea. In 1908 he lectured at the Maritime Academy. He took part in the Russo-Japanese War, including its longest battle - the defense of Port Arthur. During the First World War, he commanded a division of destroyer ships of the Baltic Fleet, and from the 16-17s - the Black Sea Fleet.

Vladimir Istomin

Rear admiral of the Russian fleet, hero of the Sevastopol defense. After graduating from the Naval Corps in 1827, as a simple midshipman on the battleship Azov, he set off on a long voyage from Kronstadt to Portsmouth, to the shores of Greece. There he distinguished himself in the Battle of Navarino and received the Insignia of the Military Order of St. George and the rank of midshipman. In 1827-1832, V. Istomin sailed the Mediterranean Sea, improving his naval education in a serious military situation created by long cruising in the Archipelago and participation in the blockade of the Dardanelles and the landing on the Bosphorus. In 1830 he was awarded the Order of St. Anne, 3rd degree. Subsequently he served in the Baltic Fleet, then in the Black Sea. In 1837, he was promoted to lieutenant and appointed commander of the steamship Severnaya Zvezda, on which Emperor Nicholas I and the Empress sailed through the Black Sea ports that same year. Istomin was awarded the Order of St. Vladimir, 4th degree, and a diamond ring. In 1843 he received the Order of St. Stanislaus, 2nd degree. Until 1850, he was at the disposal of the governor in the Caucasus, Prince Vorontsov, taking an active part in joint operations of the army and navy aimed at conquering the Caucasus. In 1846 he was awarded the Order of St. Anne, 2nd degree, and the following year, for actions against the highlanders, he was promoted to captain of the 2nd rank. In 1849 he became captain of the 1st rank. In 1850, he was the commander of the battleship Paris. In 1852 he was presented with the Order of St. Vladimir, 3rd degree. He distinguished himself in the Battle of Sinop on November 18, 1853, for which he received the rank of rear admiral. In a report to the emperor, Admiral P.S. Nakhimov especially noted the actions of the battleship Paris in the Battle of Sinop: “It was impossible to stop admiring the beautiful and calmly calculated actions of the ship Paris.” In 1854, when the siege of Sevastopol began, Istomin was appointed commander of the 4th defensive distance of the Malakhov Kurgan, and then became the chief of staff under Vice Admiral V. Kornilov. On November 20, 1854, Istomin was awarded the Order of St. George, 3rd degree. Istomin was one of the most active and brave participants in organizing this amazing defense. After Kornilov’s death, he literally did not leave his positions for a single day; he lived at the Kamchatka redoubt, in a dugout. On March 7, 1855, 45-year-old V.I. Istomin had his head torn off by a cannonball as he was leaving his dugout. Istomin was buried in the Sevastopol Cathedral of St. Vladimir, in the same crypt with admirals M. P. Lazarev, V.A. Kornilov, P.S. Nakhimov. IN AND. Istomin had four brothers, all of whom served in the navy; Konstantin and Pavel rose to the ranks of admiral.

Vladimir Istomin

The famous Russian naval commander was a graduate of the Naval Cadet Corps. In 1823 he entered the naval service and was the first captain of the Twelve Apostles. He distinguished himself in the Battle of Navarino in 1827, being a midshipman on the flagship Azov. Since 1849 - Chief of Staff of the Black Sea Fleet. Kornilov is actually the founder of the Russian steam fleet. In 1853, he took part in the first historical battle of steam ships: the 10-gun steam frigate “Vladimir”, under his flag as the chief of staff of the Black Sea Fleet, entered into battle with the 10-gun Turkish-Egyptian steamship “Pervaz-Bahri”. After a 3-hour battle, Pervaz-Bahri was forced to lower the flag. During the outbreak of the war with England and France, he actually commanded the Black Sea Fleet, and until his heroic death he was the immediate superior of P.S. Nakhimov and V.I. Istomina. After the landing of the Anglo-French troops in Evpatoria and the defeat of the Russian troops on Alma, Kornilov received an order from the commander-in-chief in the Crimea, Prince Menshikov, to sink the ships of the fleet in the roadstead in order to use sailors for the defense of Sevastopol from land. Kornilov gathered flagships and captains for a council, where he told them that, since the position of Sevastopol was practically hopeless due to the advance of the enemy army, the fleet must attack the enemy at sea, despite the enemy’s huge numerical and technical superiority. Taking advantage of the disorder in the disposition of the English and French ships at Cape Ulyukola, the Russian fleet was supposed to attack first, imposing a boarding battle on the enemy, blowing up, if necessary, its ships along with the enemy ships. This would make it possible to inflict such losses on the enemy fleet that further operations would be disrupted. Having given the order to prepare to go to sea, Kornilov went to Prince Menshikov and announced to him his decision to give battle. In response, the prince repeated the order given - to sink the ships. Kornilov refused to obey the order. Then Menshikov ordered to send Kornilov to Nikolaev, and transfer command to Vice Admiral M.N. Stanyukovich. However, the annoyed Kornilov managed to give a worthy answer: “Stop! This is suicide... what you are forcing me to do... but it is impossible for me to leave Sevastopol surrounded by the enemy! I am ready to obey you." V.A. Kornilov organized the defense of Sevastopol, where his talent as a military leader was especially clearly demonstrated. Commanding a garrison of 7,000 men, he set an example of skillful organization of active defense. Kornilov is rightfully considered the founder of positional methods of warfare (continuous attacks by defenders, night searches, mine warfare, close fire interaction between ships and fortress artillery). V.A. Kornilov died on Malakhov Kurgan on October 5 (17), 1854 during the first bombardment of the city by Anglo-French troops. He was buried in the Sevastopol Cathedral of St. Vladimir, in the same crypt with admirals M.P. Lazarev, P.S. Nakhimov and V.I. Istomin.

Vsevolod Rudnev

Hero of the Russo-Japanese War, rear admiral of the Russian Imperial Navy, commander of the legendary cruiser Varyag. At the beginning of his naval career he took part in a trip around the world. He was one of the first to bring from France a steam warship specially built for Russia. Since 1889 V.F. Rudnev was on a foreign voyage on the cruiser Admiral Kornilov, again under the command of Captain 1st Rank E.I. Alekseeva. On the Admiral Kornilov, Rudnev took part in the maneuvers of the Pacific Fleet and became the ship's senior officer. In 1890 he returned to Kronstadt. Since 1891, he has commanded ships and moved up the ranks. In 1900, dredging work was carried out in Port Arthur on the internal roadstead, the dry dock was rebuilt and expanded, the port was electrified, and coastal defense was strengthened. Rudnev becomes senior assistant to the port commander in Port Arthur. At that time, Port Arthur was the base of the 1st Pacific Squadron, the backbone of the Russian fleet in the Far East. Rudnev was not happy with his appointment, but, nevertheless, he set to work with enthusiasm. In December 1901, he received the rank of captain 1st rank. In December 1902, an order was issued from the Naval Ministry, by which Vsevolod Fedorovich Rudnev was appointed commander of the cruiser Varyag. He came to the Varyag as an experienced naval officer, having served on seventeen ships and commanded nine, being a participant in three trips around the world, one of which he did as the ship’s commander.

The situation in the Russian Far East was deteriorating. Japan accelerated efforts to prepare for war. The Japanese managed to achieve considerable superiority in forces over the Far Eastern group of troops of the Russian Empire. On the eve of the Varyag war, by order of the Tsar's governor in the Far East, Adjutant General Admiral E.I. Alekseev was sent to the neutral Korean port of Chemulpo, where the Varyag was supposed to guard the Russian mission and carry out the duties of a senior stationary on the roadstead. On January 26 (February 7), 1904, the Japanese squadron stopped at the outer roadstead of the bay. On the internal roadstead there were Russians - the cruiser "Varyag" and the gunboat "Koreets", as well as foreign warships. On the morning of January 27 (February 9), 1904, Rudnev received an ultimatum from Rear Admiral Sotokichi Uriu, declaring that Japan and Russia were at war. The Japanese demanded that the Russians leave the raid before noon, threatening otherwise to open fire on them. Such actions in a neutral port would be a violation of international law.

V.F. Rudnev decided to break out of the bay. Before the formation of officers and sailors of the cruiser, he informed them about the Japanese ultimatum and his decision. The Japanese squadron blocked the path to the open sea. The enemy squadron opened fire." The “Varangians” responded, giving a worthy rebuff to the enemy, fighting holes and fires under powerful enemy fire. According to reports from various sources, the Japanese cruisers Asama, Chiyoda, and Takachiho were damaged by fire from the Varyag and one destroyer was sunk. The Varyag returned to port with a strong list on one side. The vehicles were out of order, about 40 guns were destroyed. A decision was made: remove the crews from the ships, sink the cruiser, and blow up the gunboat so that they would not fall to the enemy. The decision was immediately implemented. Wounded in the head and shell-shocked, Rudnev was the last to leave the ship. Captain 1st Rank V.F. Rudnev was awarded the Order of St. George, 4th degree, received the rank of adjutant and became the commander of the squadron battleship "Andrei Pervozvanny". In November 1905, Rudnev refused to take disciplinary measures against the revolutionary-minded sailors of his crew. The consequence of this was his dismissal and promotion to rear admiral. In 1907, the Japanese Emperor Mutsuhito, in recognition of the heroism of Russian sailors, sent V.F. Rudnev, Order of the Rising Sun, II degree. Rudnev, although he accepted the order, never wore it.