May 18 is observed annually in Russia as the Baltic Fleet Day. Founded in the 18th century by Peter the Great, it is the oldest Russian Navy formation and has faithfully served the nation for over 300 years, protecting the country's interests in numerous wars and countless naval engagements.
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© Sputnik / Igor Zarembo
Sailors from Russia's Baltic Fleet take part in a naval review held in the town of Baltiysk during the Russian Navy Day celebration.
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© Sputnik / Igor Zarembo
On May 18, 1703 a group of armsmen led by Tsar Peter the Great himself successfully boarded and captured two Swedish warships, thus securing what can be considered Russia's first naval victory.
Above: General rehearsal of a naval review held on the Russian Navy Day in the town of Baltiysk.
Above: General rehearsal of a naval review held on the Russian Navy Day in the town of Baltiysk.
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© Sputnik / Igor Zarembo
Naval gunner mans a 30mm AK-306 artillery system aboard a minesweeper of Russia's Baltic Fleet during joint Russian-French naval drills in the Baltic Sea.
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© Sputnik / Igor Zarembo
A flock of swans seen at the Baltic Fleet naval base in Kaliningrad region.
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© Sputnik / Igor Zarembo
Kamov Ka-27PL anti-submarine helicopter takes off from aboard a Baltic Fleet warship during tactical drills in the Baltic Sea.
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© Sputnik / Georgii Zelma
Icebreaker Truvor of the Red-Banner Baltic Fleet heads to recover an expedition returning from the North Pole.
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© Sputnik / Igor Zarembo
Sailors of the Baltic Fleet take part in a Victory Day Parade held at the Victory Square in Kaliningrad.
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© Sputnik / Evgeniy Karasev
The fleet's main base is located in the town of Baltiys in Kaliningrad Region; the second operational base is located in Kronstadt.
Above: Warships of Russia's Baltic Fleet take part in a rehearsal of a naval review scheduled to be held on the Russian Navy Day in Baltiysk.
Above: Warships of Russia's Baltic Fleet take part in a rehearsal of a naval review scheduled to be held on the Russian Navy Day in Baltiysk.
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© Sputnik / Igor Russak
Naval special forces operations of the Russian Baltic Fleet conduct an exhibition performance during the 310th Baltic Fleet founding anniversary celebration in St. Petersburg.
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© Sputnik / Alexey Mezhuev
A Baltic Fleet destroyer sets up a smokescreen during a World War II naval engagement.
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© Sputnik / Michael Klimentyev
Operations room of the "Grozny" guided missile cruiser of the Red-Banner Baltic Fleet.
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© Sputnik / Igor Zarembo
Baltic Fleet frigate Neustrashimy returns to the fleet's base in Baltiysk after taking part in an anti-pirate operation off the coast of Somalia.
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© Sputnik / Igor Zarembo
Members of the Song and Dance Ensemble of the Baltic Fleet perform during the celebration of the Russian Navy Day in Baltiysk.
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© Sputnik / Igor Zarembo
Civilians greet the sailors of the Baltic Fleet frigate Neustrashimy that returned to Baltiysk after taking part in an anti-pirate operation off the coast of Somalia.
