Russia's Pacific Fleet turns 279

21.05.2010 A wreath laying ceremony was held at the Pacific Fleet Battle Fame Memorial in Vladivostok on Friday; the event was associated with 279th anniversary of establishment of Russian fleet at the Far East, informs RIA Novosti.

Russian Senate decreed on May 21, 1731 to establish Okhotsky naval port at the Pacific; that port was the first Russian permanent naval formation at the Far East. This date is traditionally considered as Pacific Fleet's (PF) birthday.

Defending the state border and holding anti-poaching operations, warships of Okhotsky port had become an initial segment in Russian naval force at the Far East and laid the foundation of Pacific Fleet.

Among attendants of the festive ceremony were PF commanding officers, veterans of the Navy, PF servicemen, and the youth of Vladivostok. They honored memory of sailors lost in actions and died in the line of duty.

Pacific Fleet's birthday began on Friday with dress parade of crews and hoisting national flags and dressing banners, reports RIA Novosti citing a representative of PF press service.

"On May 21 all units and formations of Pacific Fleet will hold festivities associated with 279th anniversary. In this day flowers and wreaths will be laid at military memorials and communal graves of Pacific mariners. There will be meetings between veterans and young sailors, concerts, and other festivities", said the interviewee.

According to him, Pacific Fleet has passed several stages in its history – sailing, artillery, and missile-nuclear. To defend Russia's eastern frontiers, PF has ballistic missile nuclear submarines; attack nuclear and diesel submarines; ocean-going and littoral zone surface ships; naval strategic, antisubmarine, and fighter aviation; land and coastal troops.

"PF mariners carry out long cruises to various regions of the World Ocean, participate in international naval exercises, and take active part in UN anti-piracy mission near the Horn of Africa", pointed out the interviewee.