Celebrating the Day of Rusian Navy. Presidential Library tells about famous navy commander, admiral - Fyodor Ushakov

This year, on July 28th, Russia will celebrate the 85th anniversary of the start of the Navy Day celebrations.

In honor of this occasion, a monument to Admiral Fyodor Ushakov was erected in St. Petersburg. This is not a coincidence, as the future admiral's journey to the sea began in the Northern Capital. From 1761 to 1766, Ushakov studied at the Naval Cadet Corps in St. Petersburg and after graduation, he joined the Baltic Fleet. He gained his first officer experience there and served in almost every sea where Russia had a fleet or had interests. As the commander of the Black Sea Fleet from 1790 to 1798 and the Russian-Turkish Squadron in the Mediterranean from 1798 to 1800, Ushakov won five major battles and never suffered a defeat.

The Presidential Library's portal offers rare books and documents on the history of the navy. One can also find a description of the achievements of great Russian naval commanders, including Admiral Fyodor Ushakov. He described his mission in these words: "I dedicate my soul and all my wealth to service."

In the book The Exploits of Russian Admirals, written by Maria Lyalina in 1900, she states that "the long wars during the reign of Empress Catherine the Great provided many remarkable individuals with the opportunity to excel. Admiral Ushakov is one of these individuals, who has been illuminated by fame and immortalized by history."

She goes on to explain that Ushakov was "destined to serve under three different rulers and actively participate in the war waged by Emperor Paul against the French Republic." She describes how he carried the Russian flag with "majesty across the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, just as he had once protected the Black Sea against Turkish naval forces."

In addition to his military accomplishments, Admiral Ushakov also proved himself as a "talented administrator and skilled diplomat." The skill with which he upheld the dignity of the Russian flag during difficult times adds to the significance of his character and gives special significance to all aspects of his multifaceted career.

After the end of the Russo-Turkish War, when one of the most powerful Turkish fleets of that time was completely destroyed, Ushakov was summoned to St. Petersburg in 1792. "The great Catherine wanted to see the hero who had gained such great fame. The humble admiral, who was created for the seas, turned out to be shy and awkward among the brilliant salon heroes." In 1793, Fyodor Ushakov was promoted to Vice Admiral, and in 1799 he became Admiral.

The Russian naval commander, Fyodor Ushakov, was admired by his opponents and legends were formed around his name. His exploits during the Mediterranean campaign in 1798-1800, when he liberated the Ionian Islands from French troops together with the Ottoman Empire, left a deep mark on history.

Ushakov's activities contributed to the development of the Russian state and he took a worthy place among historical figures. The Russian Orthodox Church canonized him as a general church saint, and his name, Theodore, is sacred for all Orthodox Christians, not only for those who defend the Fatherland at sea, preserving and continuing the traditions of Ushakov's valor, honor, and mercy.

More information about Fyodor Ushakov is available on the Presidential Library's portal in the section titled Fyodor Ushakov (1745-1817) in the collection Persons of Russia, as well as through watching the video lecture titled Serving with My Soul and All My Fortune...: Fyodor Ushakov, and a segment of the program "History Film. Discussion", which includes a video recording from the film "Admiral Ushakov" (1953), directed by Mikhail Romm.

Virtual tours provide information on the history and development of the Russian Navy, including The Russian State Archives of the Navy: 300 Years of History, Vice Admiral Stepan Osipovich Makarov: A Distinguished Sailor and Scientist, and There Should Be Sea Vessels!": To the 325th Anniversary of the Founding of the Navy and 115 Years of the Submarine Fleet.