Admiral Vitaly Fokin. The cruiser Admiral Fokine

One of the most outstanding and talented military figures of our country is Admiral Fokin. He introduced order and strategy into the structure of the naval forces. His accomplishments and exploits during the service and during the war are an example for many who begin their careers in military affairs. The navy is the protection of the country from the sea, its proper organization and control of forces are the most important strategic element. Admiral Fokine understood this very well and made effective changes in the functioning and organization of naval forces. He was known as a wise, calm and simple person. The admiral's friendliness sometimes puzzled people. He memorized all the names and titles of people he faced during his military service. It does not matter who was before him - a simple sailor or commander - Fokin Vitaly Alekseevich all magnified by name and remembered their slightest achievements. This helped him establish good and good relations with all the employees in the fleet. The exploits of this great man are imprinted in the names of cities, streets and cruisers.

The beginning of the path of Admiral Fokine

Date of birth of Vitaly Alekseevich falls on March 4, according to the old calendar of 1906. The future hero was born in a simple, working family. His father was a stove-maker, nothing indicated that the born boy would step on the military career ladder. In 1922, Vitaly's service in the navy began, to which he dedicated his whole life. Young Fokin graduated from the naval school and a navigational team. Admiral Fokin carried his service on the cruiser Aurora as commander, later as navigator. Service on the cruiser was considered necessary, as it prepared the train in the best way because of the multifunctionality of the ship. "If you have served on a cruiser, then you know the ship's charter thoroughly," the sailors said just like that.

Ranks and promotions

After the service on the cruiser Vitaly Alekseevich was transferred to the guard ship as commander. Further, Fokine was entrusted with the command of the destroyers' battalion, the Northern Fleet. During the war, in 1942, under the leadership of Fokine, ground troops and northern convoys were supported. Also with his help the landing was conducted. In the same year, the admiral was wounded and received a concussion. Recovering from the wounds received, Vitaly Vasilievich heads the headquarters of the Caspian Flotilla. Later, at the end of the war, he was transferred to the Northern Fleet as commander of a squadron.

At the end of the war, he occupies mainly staff posts. The title of Admiral Vitaly Vasilievich was in 1953. The Navy of the USSR and its main headquarters for several years were under the experienced leadership of Fokine. The Pacific Fleet came under the command of the admiral a few years later. As first deputy commander-in-chief (Navy of the USSR) he served for two years since 1962. Later he ran for the deputies of the Supreme Council, where he always carried out the orders of voters honestly and regularly.

Achievements during the Great Patriotic War

During the service Vitaly Alekseevich distinguished himself by an ideally built strategy. He best proved himself a talented naval commander. In just a few months, the ships under his command successfully installed six minefields. Exterminated more than two thousand Germans, two dozen artillery batteries and several enemy warehouses with ammunition. The fast and effective military tactics of the admiral brought him many awards. During the war he got seriously injured, after which he served in the headquarters.

Admirals Awards

Vitaly Vasilyevich earned many awards and medals in the military field. He was awarded for courage, courage and contribution to the development of the navy. His achievements in the war also did not go unnoticed. Admiral was presented to the orders:

• Lenin.
• The Red Banner (four awards).
• Nakhimova (first degree).
• Ushakov (second degree).
• The Red Star.

In addition to his services to his native fatherland, the admiral was presented to international awards. On his dress uniform, there was no place for medals. Fokine became the pride of the country and an example for imitation.

The legendary cruiser named Admiral Fokine

The history of the famous ship began in 1960 (the date of laying the cruiser in the Northern shipyard). A year later the ship was launched. Prior to joining the Pacific Fleet (1964), the ship was called Vladivostok. After it was renamed in honor of Admiral Fokine. RKK "Admiral Fokin" carried his watch in the open spaces of the Pacific and Indian Oceans for the purpose of friendly visits to the ports of Asia. All those present at the appearance of the cruiser in the port were admired by the power and military bearing of the personnel. The cruiser Admiral Fokine was considered a prestigious ship for service. On long voyages the ship left under the command of MF Pichkur, captain of the first rank.

Features of the cruiser

In the course of the arms race with the NATO bloc, the Soviet command made a decision to create a ship not only inferior in technical characteristics to similar vessels of the enemy, but also superior to it. Our ships were distinguished by the lack of airplanes and the inability to protect themselves from the air. It was decided to create a missile cruiser - Project 58. Initially, it was planned to lay more than a dozen ships, but as a result, only four missile cruisers were launched onto the water. A feature of this type of ship was the design of the hull, which had no analogues even abroad. The project 58 cruiser was considered the most efficient, powerful and unmatched. The series of these ships included Grozny, Admiral Golovko, Varyag and Admiral Fokin. In our time, cruisers are no longer used, their service time is over.

Service life of the cruiser

For the first time on water the ship named after Fokin was lowered in 1961. Three years later, the cruiser joined the Pacific Fleet, where he served until the cancellation. The Pacific and Indian oceans have shrouded. The main task of the cruiser was the defense of the country. The ship was famous for its unmistakable aim. At the exercises, the first launched missile struck an accurate strike, striking the enemy's conventional goal. The accuracy of missile guidance and the military bearing of service-bearing sailors brought the cruiser popularity and admiration for both compatriots and neighboring countries. In 1993, the path of the great cruiser ended. He was disarmed and sent for recycling.

The last years of Admiral's life

In the circles of the naval forces there are many legends and gossips about the demise of the admiral. It is believed that the trigger for a large heart attack was a fiasco when carrying out the transfer of naval forces to Cuba. In 1962, an operation was planned for the redeployment of naval forces through the penetration of submarines through US antisubmarine obstacles on a narrow front. For readiness and control over the operation, Vitaliy Alekseevich answered. The transfer of forces to Cuba was not crowned with success. Fokine became the culprit of failure and non-execution of the plan. The situation around the admiral was the most deplorable, she pressed on him and his reputation for two years. As a result, Vitaly Alekseevich died of a massive heart attack in 1964. His grave can be found at the Novodevichy Cemetery in Moscow.

The life of the admiral, hard but crowned with awards and recognition, will always be an example of selfless service to the Motherland for future defenders of the Fatherland. In honor of him, streets and cities are named, his name cruiser plowed the expanses of the oceans, carrying a hard watch to protect their home borders, fulfilling their international duty.