June 1 is the Day of the Northern Fleet in Russia: the history and traditions of the military holiday

Russia celebrates the Day of the Northern Fleet on June 1, a professional holiday for military personnel of the most powerful formation of the Russian Navy, which remains the country's reliable shield in the northern seas. In 2025, the celebrations will take place on Sunday. Izvestia tells about the history and traditions of this significant date.

The history of the Russian Northern Fleet Day holiday

The Day of the Russian Northern Fleet was established by the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, Admiral Felix Gromov, in 1996. The date of June 1, 1933, served as the basis for the celebration. It was on this day that the Northern Flotilla was formed in Murmansk, consisting of part of the ships of the Baltic Fleet, which was later transformed into a fleet.

Thanks to this event, until recently, the Northern Fleet was considered the youngest among the four Russian military fleets. However, in 2014, the date was changed to 1733, when, by decree of Empress Anna Ioannovna, the Arkhangelsk Military Port was established and the first full-time naval unit in the Russian North was formed. The squadron existed for more than 130 years and was abolished in the middle of the 19th century.

The Navy command considered it more correct to count down the history of the Northern Fleet from this year, but the date of the celebration itself remained the same — June 1. In addition, Russia celebrates Navy Day, a holiday for all military sailors. Celebrations are held in many cities of the country on July 30.

Minesweeper Polyarny will serve in the Northern Fleet

The tenth ship in the series will join the Navy by the end of the year.

Russia's Northern Fleet Day in 2025: the date of tradition

The main celebrations traditionally take place in Severomorsk, where the main base of the Northern Fleet is located. A naval parade is held here every year with the participation of warships, submarines and various military equipment. The celebrations begin with the solemn raising of the state and St. Andrew's flags.

The best sailors are rewarded and promoted. The soldiers accept congratulations not only from the command, but also from colleagues and loved ones. Guided tours of warships are organized for local residents. However, due to the closed status, not everyone can attend the events.

This day also honors the memory of the sailors who fell in battle during the Great Patriotic War. Flowers are being laid at memorials and monuments, and new plaques are being unveiled. The celebration ends with a festive concert and an artillery salute.

The celebrations are widely covered in the media. There are stories from Severomorsk on television and in newspapers, including stories about the history of the navy and the exploits of sailors.

Naryshkin called the Northern Sea Route one of the most promising transportation arteries in the world

Interesting facts about the Russian Northern Fleet

The first ships in the Barents and White Seas began to appear by decree of the young tsar Peter I. This region has long required careful study, but the main task of the fleet was to protect the territory.

The Navy played a particularly important role during the Soviet-Finnish War (1939-1940) and the Great Patriotic War. The ships guarded the seashore of the Russian Arctic, supported the ground forces and provided transportation for military units. The Northern Fleet was awarded the Order of the Red Banner for its military services.

In the post-war period, the Northern Fleet became the most powerful operational and strategic association of the Russian Navy, ensuring the protection of the country's national interests in the Arctic and other regions of the World Ocean. Its forces were based on multipurpose and nuclear-powered missile submarines.

So, in the mid-1950s, the world's first ballistic missile launch from a submarine was carried out in the White Sea — from a surface position. Five years later, the soldiers of the Northern Fleet successfully conducted the first targeted launch of a ballistic missile from underwater. In 1962, for the first time in the history of the Russian submarine fleet, sailors reached the North Pole, passing under the Arctic ice.

Today, the Northern Fleet patrols 13 seas around Russia's borders. Military personnel continue to build up their military skills and conduct exercises involving surface ships, submarines and aircraft. The fleet also participates in environmental events in the Far North.

Earlier, on May 21, Russia celebrated the Day of the Pacific Fleet. "Izvestia told us how the celebrations in honor of one of the oldest military units in the country are taking place.