Baltic Fleet celebrates 308th birthday

18.05.2011 This day 308 years ago, on May 18, 1703 Russian sailors under command of Peter the Great gained the first victory in sea battle; they attacked and captured two Swedish sailing ships. That victory was historically significant for Russia, since all participants received specially designed medals with inscription "Impossible happens".

Today's Baltic Fleet (BF) is a multi-branch strategic formation including ship force, naval aviation, aerospace defense force, coastal force, command and logistic authorities. Through the three centuries, geopolitical situation has proved that presence of Baltic Fleet is objective and historically justified necessity, one of essential conditions for Russia's security at western frontiers. During reforms in Russian Armed Forces organizational structure of Baltic Fleet has been optimized and combat readiness has been improved. Today all BF units are maintained in constant alert and capable to accomplish any prescribed missions in the shortest time.

Re-armament of BF units is being intensively conducted. The nearest prospects are to arm BF ships with high-precision weapons, integrate new corvettes and landing ships into the fleet's structure.

Several up-to-date ships equipped with newest weapons and facilities joined Baltic Fleet in the recent years. They are frigate Yaroslav Mudry, corvette Stereguschiy, and diesel submarine St. Petersburg. The fleet expects for commission of serial corvettes Soobrazitelny and Boiky. Later on, Baltic Fleet will be supplemented by a number of landing ships and boats, as well as Stereguschiy class corvettes.

Crews of BF warships regularly conduct combat training and keep combat watches worldwide. Joint naval exercises play important role in extension of contacts and confidence building between Baltic Fleet and foreign navies. Since 1993 BF warships are regular participants of the BALTOPS joint exercise, and since 2003 – of the Open Spirit exercise. After Russia's joining the Partnership for Peace program, Baltic Fleet increases its participation from year to year. Almost every year BF warships and naval aviation practice joint actions with foreign naval forces.

Baltic Fleet servicemen worthily perform their duties, improve professional skills, and conscientiously serve for Russia's state interests and its security.

Congratulation of BF Commander

Dear colleagues and comrades-in-arms!

On behalf of Baltic Fleet Military Council, allow me to extend my sincere congratulations on the 308th anniversary of the fleet foundation.

Baltic Fleet today is Russia's impregnable outpost in the western region maintaining stability of politico-military situation and protecting national interests.

The present generation of BF seamen worthily continues glorious traditions of their predecessors, performs combat and training missions displaying excellent naval skills during exercises and long cruises, and directs all energies and knowledge at keeping high combat worthiness.

I sincerely wish you and your families robust health, buoyancy and optimism, well-being and happiness.

Vice Admiral Viktor Chirkov