Nenashev: Russia does need fleet

21.10.2010 Russia does need to have the national fleet, reported ER.ru citing Mikhail Nenashev, member of parliamentary committee on defense affairs.

"October 20 is a historical date; it is a birthday of Russian regular fleet. At the suggestion of Peter the Great, in 1696 Council of Boyars decided that "marine vessels must exist". It is believed that since that moment Russia started to acquire its own regular fleet. Sure, our country had a fleet before that decree, too. Cossacks had been sailing seas on their small crafts; Novgorod seafarers had been plowing Arctic waters reaching Spitsbergen and Grumant settlement. But only Peter the Great laid the foundation of Russian regular fleet.

In summer we celebrate the Navy Day, the Sea Fleet Day, the River Fleet Day, but there's no a holiday uniting them. That is why October 20 is celebrated as the Day of Russian Fleet, integrating all its components.

It so happed that today we consider the budget for 2011-2013. It will provide over RUR 500 bln for all elements of national fleet: Navy, Coast Guard, seagoing transport fleet, fishing fleet, river fleet, marine sciences, shipbuilding and ship-repair industry. Those funds will be oriented for various target programs. The sum can be increased for some purposes, but final decision will be made after budget adoption in the third reading.

We do need national fleet, both to protect national interests and fight piracy. Navy provides defense from potential enemy; transport fleet, river fleet, shipbuilding industry, and marine sciences provide economy and welfare in general. Russian fleet was established over three centuries ago and should continue to exist in excellent state.

I congratulate all seamen, rivermen, shipbuilders and ship-repairmen. On behalf of United Russia party I wish all of you buoyancy and confidence in tomorrow".

Recall that on Oct 20, 1696 Council of Boyars issued a decree to establish Russian regular fleet on the insistence of Peter the Great. Although the date of Oct 20 was indicated by the old calendar and historians date "marine decree" differently, it is customary in Russia to celebrate the Day of Russian Fleet on October 20.

Celebration of national fleet's jubilee – 300th anniversary – was finished at parliamentary session on Oct 18, 1996. Russian government finally summarized the nationwide campaign on Oct 19, 1996.

Public movement in honor of 300th anniversary of Russian fleet started on Oct 20, 1991 at Sukharevskaya Square, Moscow with the meeting of representatives of Russian community and maritime authorities. A memorable sign in honor of the Russia's great jubilee was established in the same day in 1996 with participation of Navy Command, directors of other maritime authorities, and Moscow city administration.