20 June, the Russian Navy celebrates the professional holiday of mine and torpedo service specialists. It was approved by order of the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy in 1996 year.
The memorable date was timed to coincide with the first successful use of mines by the Russian fleet. This significant event took place in the Baltic Sea 20 June 1855 of the year. Then there was the Crimean War, and a powerful Anglo-French squadron sought to defeat the Russian naval bases in the Baltic, the largest of which was Kronstadt. Russian sailors planted mines to protect them.. Without knowing it, enemy squadron stumbled upon minefields, which led to the undermining of four ships. Such heavy losses forced the enemy to change their plans and abandon the attack on Russian ports..
And the first successful use of torpedo weapons by our sailors took place in 1877 year during the Russian-Turkish war. Then, not far from Batum, Russian boats under the command of S.. Makarova, who would later become vice admiral, with the help of a torpedo they sank the Turkish warship "Intibah".
And although today missile weapons have begun to play a key role in the navy, it cannot replace mines and torpedoes. The Mine and Torpedo Service of the Russian Navy is today engaged in the storage and maintenance of these weapons. In addition, service specialists train the crews of warships to properly use mines and torpedoes to perform their combat missions..
20 On June, specialists of the mine and torpedo service accept sincere congratulations on their professional holiday from the command, co-workers and family members. The editors of the "Military Review" join them and want to wish these real professionals in their field health and success in their service..
