Kapitan
09-14-05, 05:32 PM
BADGES AND MEDALS OF RUSSIAN SUBMARINES
Saint Petersburg
CENTRAL DESIGN BUREAU “RUBIN”
BADGES AND MEDALS OF RUSSIAN SUBMARINES
HISTORY OF CREATION, TRADITIONS AND DEVELOPMENT OF SYMBOLICS
1909 – 2002
THE SCIENTIFIC-HISTORICAL DIRECTORY
APPENDIX 4
SAINT PETERSBURG
2002
The scientific editor of the directory “Submarines of Russia” – Russian Academy of Science Professor I. D. Spassky
Picture: The author-composer A. A. Dimitriev
This appendix no. 4 to the directory “Submarines of Russia” represents a compilation of memorable insignia, badges and medals related to significant events in the history of the submarine forces of Russia. The major part of the collection is compiled by employee of Central Design Bureau “RUBIN” engineer-designer Arcady Anatolevichem Dimitriev with additional badges from the central naval museum and St. Petersburg collectors L. I. Gurevich, V. V. Down, U. V. Kusannikovym and A. V. Panovym.
Cover C. B. Lindorf
The exclusive right to the material in this directory belongs to Central Design Bureau “RUBIN”. Publication of materials of the directory without permission from author and Central Design Bureau “RUBIN” will be pursued in accordance with the law
© A. A. Dimitriev, 2002.
© Central Design Bureau “RUBIN”
ISBN 5-9384-30070
Translated by Cdr (s.g.) Torkil L. Nissen, Denmark [tlnissen@vip.cybercity.dk]
August 2004.
INTRODUCTION
The history of the Submarine Forces of Russia is reflected not only in archive documents and literary works. One of the traditions, which started in the 1950’s, is the production of commemorative badges, insignia and medals, dedicated to major events in the life of the Submarine Forces of Navy. Some of these signs had official status, others were the creation of submarine personnel, naval relations and design and plant associations. By the beginning of the third quarter of the 20th century, such events, like the launching of the constructed submarines, their admission into the structure of the Navy or the completion of complex cruises began to be noted on a regular basis by commemorative badges, which became a unique and colourful historical calendar.
One of the enthusiast medal and insignia collectors, engineer Arcady Anatolevichem Dimitriev, a designer of the highest qualification for more than 11 years at the Central design Bureau “RUBIN”, was able to gather a unique collection of commemorative badges, from which it is possible to obtain considerable and interesting information on the history of the Submarine Fleet of our motherland. This collection became the basis of the proposed appendix (№ 4) to the scientific history reference book "Submarines of Russia". Due to the additions made by the Central Naval museum and colleagues of A. A. Dimitriev - the St. Petersburg collectors L. I. Gurevich, V. V. Pukhov, J. V. Kusannikovym and A. V. Panovym, the directory is not only a significant contribution to domestic medals and insignia, but also a visual illustration of the history of Submarine Forces of Russia.
The author and publishers of the directory - one of the first editions, dedicated to naval medals and insignia - will be grateful to the readers for their observations and additions, especially with regards to the unidentified signs.
1. OFFICIAL SIGNS OF THE SUBMARINE FLEETS OF RUSSIA THE USSR
In 1906 submarines were declared to be an independent class of ships. At that time the Russian Navy had a total of more than 20 Submarine. For training of lower ranks of crews a special diving training facility was created in Libave. At the same place officer diving training was conducted. Already in 1907 the first submarine officers graduated. Together with cadets having passed examinations and those officers who already served on Submarines and had experience with diving, 68 officers successfully passed examinations and in accordance with a special decree issued by the Main Naval Staff they received the rank "Diving Officer". Since 1909 submarine officers acquired the right to carry a special breast badge. This badge also became the first badge related to the Russian Submarine Forces. With the coming of the revolution carrying of regimentals sign of any kind was cancelled. This lasted until the 21st of May 1942 when a decree by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, among others, founded the badges "Excellent Submariner" and "Excellent Torpedo Man". These badges were issued "to encourage particular outstanding submariners and torpedo men from the lower ranks of the Navy". One of the first became the rewarding of crew members of Red Banner Submarine K-21. At the same time in 1942 the Naval High Command founded the badge "Submarine Commander". This sign underwent insignificant changes in 1943 (the sickle and hammer was removed from star in the centre of the Submarine).
The awards "Excellent Submariner" and "Excellent Torpedo Man" were barely issued in the post-war period. However, for encouraging outstanding submariners the Naval High Command in May 1961 issued the medal "For Distant Cruise". Until now this continues to be honourable and desirable for the submariners. In the times of the USSR the official year of the creation of the Submarine Forces was considered to be 1918. At the 50th anniversary of the Soviet Army and Navy in 1968 the badge "Veteran Submariner" was founded. After 10 years, in 1978, the date was changed on the badge. In 1970 the Navy conducted the series of large exercises "OCEAN"; in order to distinguish outstanding seamen in these exercises (in official documents the badge was designated a medal) the badge "For Distant Cruise" was introduced with a tag carrying the inscription "OCEAN". Subsequently, in January 1976, the shape of the badge "For Distant Cruise" was substituted with a pentagonal shield with the silhouette of a Submarine. During October 1987 the rank "Ship Commander" was founded, however the badge "Submarine Commander” was not changed. The badge “For Distant Cruise” returned to the original model 1961 shape at this time. Under the initiative of the 3rd Submarine Flotilla of the Northern Fleet a version of the “Submarine Commander” badge was prepared, into which they attempted to introduce the number of combat missions of the commander (being an analogy to the sign of SSBN commanders of in the USA), however, this initiative was not further developed. Although the shapes and sizes may differ from the authorised versions, there is a large quantity of different versions of similar signs; this is partly due to different production locations, and partly an attempt to highlight individuality of different types of submarines.
The decorations of submariners did not change after the disintegration of the USSR. The badges “Submarine Commander”, "Veteran Submariner" and "For Distant Cruise" began to be made using Russian symbolism while preserving old Soviet traditions. The eagles and the white-blue Andreev's Ensigns appeared on these signs. Also beginning in 1994 attempts to introduce an official sign for Submarine Officers, preserving the form and symbolism of the model 1909 badge was initiated. In spite of the fact that it has not been authorised, many submariners bear it on their uniforms.
1-1. Chest badge for Submarine Officer from 1909
“Excellent Submariner” And “Excellent Torpedo Man” badges from 1942
1-2, 1-3.
“Submarine Commander” badges
1-4. “Submarine Commander” badge from 1942
1-5. “Submarine Commander” badge from 1943 to 1987
1-6. “Submarine Commander” badge from 1994. (Not officially authorised)
1-7. Unauthorised variant of a “Submarine Commander” badge with number of patrols on the lower part
“For Distant Cruise” badge from 1961 to 1987
1-8 to 1-11.
1-12. “For Distant Cruise” badge for participants in the OCEAN exercises of 1970.
“For Distant Cruise” badge made on Base Ravianta 1976
1-13 to 1-17.
Various variants of “For Distant Cruise” badges made after 1991
1-18 to 1-25.
1-26. Modern Submarine Officer badge (not officially authorised) made since 1994
Various variants of the badge “Veteran Submariner”, manufactured at different workshops and at different times.
1-27 to 1-36.
Veteran Submariner badges from different fleets.
1-37 to 1-41.
Submarine Commemoration badges from different fleets.
1-42 to 1-46.
Commemoration badges “Submariners of the Soviet Union”
1-47 to 1-56.
Commemoration badges “Submariners of the Soviet Union” (cont.)
1-57 to 1-60.
Variants of the commemoration badges “Submariners of the Soviet Union”, with small differences due to different production locations
1-61 to 1-63.
Variants of the commemoration badges “Submariners of the Soviet Union”, with small differences due to different production locations (cont.)
1-64 to 1-69.
2. DEVELOPMENT OF THE SUBMARINE FLEET IN TSARIST RUSSIA
In a petition sent in 1719 to Tsar Peter І, the Russian peasant Yefim Nikon wrote, that it would make "to the military case a useful vessel, by quietly attacking and separating enemy ships at sea" and "slashing their bellies” thus guaranteeing the success of the planned operation. From the building of a model of this "hidden vessel" domestic submarine building began. However, due to the death of Peter the issue of Nikon was forgotten. Then in the 1830's Russian military engineer K. A. Schilder in 1834 designed and built a submarine on Aleksandrovsk Shipyard in St. Petersburg. This submarine can be considered the first missile ship, since in addition to mines it was also armed with equipment for firing solid-propellant rockets. The following stage in the development and building of submarines in Russia is very much connected with the name of S. K. Dzhevetskogo. Submarines constructed according to this project in 1881 became the first series built domestic submarine. Following this project S. K. Dzhevetskogo subsequently designed and built several additional types of submarines.
At the turn of the 20th centuries, there was a significant quantity of submarines, built in different countries. In Russia a directive was issued in December of 1900 for the design and building of submarines under the management of the outstanding engineer I. G. Bubnova. Following trials the submarine DOLPHIN entered the Russian Fleet in 1904; according to many characteristics for its time this submarine exceeded foreign models. Following this project Russian engineers designed and constructed submarine projects "KASATKA", "LAMPREY", "SHARK", "CRAB" and others.
The highlight of engineering skills became submarine project "LEOPARD". This project possessed good seaworthiness and for the first time in the World diesel engines were installed in a submarine. Another distinctive feature of submarine “LEOPARD” was the powerful torpedo armament (12 torpedoes). This submarine project became the last to be developed and constructed in Russia until 1917.
Submarines constructed in imperial Russia continued to serve the country after the revolution. An example of this is submarine “PANTHER” of the type "PANTHER". After entering into the Navy in 1916, it participated in three wars, passed a number of modernizations and finished its service as late as 1955. The first fighting success of Soviet submariners is also associated with this submarine. In 1919 "PANTHER" sank the British destroyer “VICTORIA".
Commemoration badges dedicated to the first Russian Submarines
2-1. The first Russian submarine constructed by K. A. Shildera in 1834.
2-2. The first series production submarine constructed by S. K. Dzhevetskogo in 1881.
Commemoration badges dedicated to submarine PANTERA (Panther) of the Project BARS (Leopard)
2-3. Submarine “PANTERA” souvenir badge of (with the silhouette before modernization)
2-4. Submarine “PANTERA” commemoration badge with dates of the active service with the Navy
2-5. Commemoration badge dedicated to the 50 years anniversary of the sinking of the destroyer “VICTORIA”
2-6. Submarine “PANTERA” 75 years anniversary commemoration badge. Issued with the introduction of the modern nuclear submarine “PANTERA” of the Project 971.
2-7. Submarine “PANTERA” 75 years anniversary commemoration badge. Issued with the introduction of the modern nuclear submarine “PANTERA” of the Project 971.
2-8. Submarine “PANTERA” 75 years anniversary commemoration badge. Issued with the introduction of the modern nuclear submarine “PANTERA” of the Project 971. (with dates mistaken by the engraver)
3. THE SUBMARINES OF THE USSR IN WORLD WAR II
Leading up to 22nd of June 1941 the USSR had 211 submarines in the Navy. They were distributed to the fleets as follows: Baltic Fleet - 65 units, Black Sea Fleet - 44 units, Pacific Fleet - 85 units and Northern Fleet - 17 units. From this distribution it is evident that the naval planning of the USSR anticipated fighting primarily in the Baltic region (in the European theatre) and also in the Pacific Ocean (against Japan). However the course of operations overturned pre-war theories. The loss of bases and submarines in the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea in the initial stages of the war led to dislocation of the majority of submarine operations to the North Sea battlefield. During the war a total of 103 submarines were lost due to various causes. During the same period 56 new submarines were built. The Red Banner Baltic Fleet faced the most complex conditions for submarine operations, therefore this fleet sustained the heaviest losses.
In spite of the severe conditions, Soviet submariners made a distinguishable contribution to the cause of victory. More than 300 enemy ships were sunk. The country highly estimated the actions of the submariners: 26 submariners were honoured for courage and heroism with the title “Hero Of The Soviet Union” (A. Marinesko was honoured with the title in 1990, A. Matiyasevich became the “Hero of Russia” in 1995 - both being posthumous for their merits in the World War II). Four related submarines were rewarded with awards. 12 submarines were honoured the title of “Guard” and 26 additional submarines were rewarded with the “Order of the Red Banners” (the S-1, Щ-311 and Щ-324 were rewarded for participation in the Finnish campaign).
4 additional submarines: D-3 "Red Guard", S -56, Щ-402 and M-172 - simultaneously became “Guards Red Banner Submarines”. The following submarines distinguished themselves during the war, having establishing a number of achievements: M-32 (Baltic Fleet) completed 32 combat patrols with total duration of 291 days; Щ-209 (Baltic Fleet) was deployed at sea 337 days during 18 combat patrols; L-3 (Northern Fleet) destroyed 14 enemy ships with mines and torpedoes. The greatest quantity of sunken enemy ships was achieved by commanders of mine layers A. M. Matiyasevich and M. P. Augustinovich. Greatest success by Soviet submariners was achieved by submarine S-13 (Baltic Fleet). During a combat patrol in the winter of 1945 this submarine, under the command A. I. Marinesko, on 30th of January 1945 audaciously attacked and sank the large transport "WILHELM GUSTLOV", on board which Germany evacuated trained German submarine crews. Later on 10th of February 1945 S-13 destroyed one additional large transport "GENERAL STOYBEN". Thus, during one deployment S-13 sent to the bottom more than 40000 GRT. An illustrious page in the history of World War II came with the passage in 1942 of a group of 6 submarines from Vladivostok to the polar region, during which only the submarine L-16 was lost.
At the end of war and after dismissal from the Navy some submarines were mounted on pedestals, and now serve as monuments and museums of the glories of Soviet submariners. In Vladivostok S-56 stand on a pedestal. In St. Petersburg and in Severomorsk museums submarines D-2 and K-21 are displayed. In Tallinn submarine LEMBIT is displayed. The exploits of Soviet submariners will remain illustrious in the history of the Russia Fleet.
Souvenir signs, dedicated to submariners, participated in the World War II.
3-1. Souvenir sign with the image of monument to Black Sea - submariners in Sevastopol
3-2. Souvenir sign, dedicated to submariners having taken part in World War II
3-3. Souvenir sign, dedicated to the 40-anniversary of victory in World war II
Badges, dedicated to submarines constructed under projects participating in World War II.
3-4, 3-5, 3-6. Big submarine type “K”
3-7, 3-8, 3-9. Medium submarine type “Щ”
Mining submarine type “Л”
3-10, 3-11, 3-12
Small submarine type “M”
3-13, 3-14, 3-15
Commemoration badges dedicated to submarines participating in World War II from the Northern Fleet
3-16. Anniversary badge, "30 years of the crushing defeat of Fascist aggressors in the Trans-arctic”
3-17. Anniversary badge, "35 years of the crushing defeat of Fascist aggressors in the Trans-arctic”
3-18. Anniversary badge, "40 years of the crushing defeat of Fascist aggressors in the Trans-arctic”
Commemorative badges dedicated to the passage of a submarine group from Vladivostok in the Polar Region
3-19. Submarine “S-51”
3-20. Submarine “S-54”
3-21. Submarine “S-55”
3-22. Submarine “S-56”
3-23. Submarine “L-15”
3-24. Submarine “L-16” (Lost on 11th of October 1942)
Commemorative badges for submarine “S-56”
On 4th of March 1944 it was awarded the “Order Of The Red Banner”. On 23rd of February 1945 it was awarded the honorary title “Guards”. It is now positioned on land at Vladivistok.
Commemorative badges for submarine “D-3” “Red Guards”
On 17th of January 1942 it was awarded the “Order Of The Red Banner”. On 3rd of April 1942 it was awarded the honorary title “Guards”. On 30th of June 1942 it was lost due to a mine.
3-32 to 3-35.
Commemorative badge for submarine “K-22”.
3-36. On 3rd of April 1942 it was awarded the honorary title “Guards”. On 5-6th of February 1943 it was lost due to a mine.
Commemorative badges for submarine “K-21”.
3-37, 3-38. On 23rd of October 1944 it was awarded the “Order Of The Red Banner”. It is now positioned on land at Severomorsk.
Commemorative badge, dedicated to the Hero of Soviet Union Magometu Gadjiev
3-39.
Commemoration badges dedicated to submarines participating in World War II from the Baltic Fleet
Commemorative badges for submarine “S-13”. On 30th of April 1945 it was awarded with the Order Of The Red Banner.
On 30th of January 1945 it attacked and sank the large transport ship WILHELM GUSTLOV.
3-40 to 3-45.
Commemorative badge for submarine “Щ-301”
(It is wrongly designated “Щ-1”). On 28th of July 1941 it was lost due to a mine.
3-46.
Commemorative badges for submarine “D-2” “NARODOVOLEC”
It is currently positioned on land at Saint Petersburg
3-47 to 3-49.
Commemorative badge for submarine “LEMBIT”
On 23rd of October it was awarded with the “Order Of The Red Banner”.
3-50.
Commemorative badges of schools and clubs for young seamen named after submariners, having participated in World War II
3-51. Badge of School no. 44.
3-52 to 3-54. Badges of Leningrad School no. 269.
3-55. Badge of young seamen club named of submariner – Hero of The Soviet Union Feodor Vidiaev.
BLANK
4. SUPERVISION OF VLKSM (ALL-UNION LENIN YOUNG COMMUNIST LEAGUE) ASSOCIATED WITH THE SUBMARINE FORCES
On 16th of October 1922 the V congress of the RKSM accepted patronage over the Red Navy. The slogan "Youth in the Navy" was introduced. However, Komsomol did not only mobilize young people on the execution of ship-building programmes, but also rendered material aid in the building of fleet. In 1934 with the means, assembled by Komsomol members, submarine Щ-304 was built and transferred to the Baltic Fleet with the designation "KOMSOMOLETS". During the war other submarines were built by means provided by Komsomol.
This way M-104 "YAROSLAV KOMSOMOLETS", M-106 "LENINIST KOMSOMOL" and M-108 "PENZA KOMSOMOLETS" materialized in Northern Fleet. Komsomol member communications with the submarine forces were strengthened in the post-war time. The fleets of the USSR counted more than 30 submarines, which fitted the designations of Leninist Komsomol and local organizations of VLKSM - All-Union Lenin Young Communist League. As a rule these were primarily ships, with the honour of carrying out difficult tasks. Special reputation obtained nuclear submarine K-3 "LENINIST KOMSOMOL". This nuclear submarine was the first in the domestic fleet to pass the North Pole submerged and carry out surfacing in the Polar region. After the changes affected by the political situation in the country, the reference of VLKSM - All-Union Lenin Young Communist League and CPSU - Communist Party Of The Soviet Union in the designations of warships became unimportant, and all such designations were removed toward the end of 1991. Thereby one of the glorious pages in the history of submarine fleet was closed.
Commemorative badges on Komsomol Conferences with association to submarines
Commemorative badges devoted to VLKSM sponsorship of submarines of the Navy
S-191 construction № 459 of Diesel Submarine Project 613 “PSKOV KOMSOMOLETS” of the Baltic Fleet
4-11. Anniversary badge 30 years S-191
4-12, 4-13. Crew badges of S-191
4-14. Anniversary badge 25 years S-191
S-283 construction № 124 of Diesel Submarine Project 613 “VLADIMIR KOMSOMOLETS” of the Northern Fleet
4-15. Commemorative badge S-283
4-16. Anniversary badge 30 years S-283
4-17. Crew badge S-283
S-357 construction № 151 of Diesel Submarine Project 613 “ULYANOVSK KOMSOMOLETS” of the Baltic Fleet
4-18, 4-19. Crew badges S-357
S-300 construction № 164 of Diesel Submarine Project 613 “BRYANSK KOMSOMOLETS” of the Baltic Fleet
4-20. Crew badge S-300
4-21. Anniversary badge 30 years S-300
B-26 construction № 817 of Diesel Submarine Project 641 “YAROSLAV KOMSOMOLETS” of the Northern Fleet
4-22. Anniversary badge 10 years B-26
4-23. Crew badge B-26
4-24. Commemorative badge B-26
Diesel Submarine “PERM KOMSOMOLETS”
4-25. Crew badge Diesel Submarine “PERM KOMSOMOLETS”
B-4 construction № 788 of Diesel Submarine Project 641 “CHELYABINSK KOMSOMOLETS” of the Northern Fleet
4-26. Crew badge B-4
4-27. Anniversary badge 5 years B-4 (Wrongly designated Nuclear Submarine)
4-28. Anniversary badge 10 years B-4
4-29. Anniversary badge 20 years B-4
4-30. Anniversary badge 25 years B-4
4-31. Commemorative badge B-4
S-156 construction № 502 of Diesel Submarine Project 613 “KOMSOMOLETS KAZAKHSTAN” of the Baltic Fleet
4-32. Crew badge S-156
B-380 construction № 133 of Diesel Submarine Project 641B “GORKI KOMSOMOLETS” of the Black Sea Fleet
4-33. Commemorative badge B-380
B-319 construction № 125 of Diesel Submarine Project 641B “KOMSOMOLETS CHUVASHIYAS” of the Northern Fleet
4-34. Commemorative badge B-319
BS-486 construction № 940 of Diesel Submarine Project 641B “KOMSOMOLETS UZBEKISTANA” of the Pacific Ocean Fleet
4-35. Crew badge BS-486
S-211 construction № 433 of Diesel Submarine Project 613 “KOMSOMOLETS TAJIKISTAN” of the Pacific Ocean Fleet
4-36. Crew badge S-211
B-396 construction № 123 of Diesel Submarine Project 641B “NOVOSIBIRSK KOMSOMOLETS” of the Northern Fleet
4-37. Crew badge B-396
4-38. Anniversary badge 10 years B-396
B-437 construction № 103 of Diesel Submarine Project 641B “MAGNITOGORSK KOMSOMOLETS” of the Northern Fleet
4-39. Commemorative badge B-437
4-40. Crew badge B-437
Commemoration badges for Nuclear Submarines named in honour of Komsomol
4-41. K-3 Project 627, Northern Fleet
Badge text: “LENINIST KOMSOMOL”
4-42. K-42 Project 627A, Pacific Ocean Fleet
Badge text: “ROSTOV KOMSOMOLETS”
4-43. K-278 Project 685, Northern Fleet
Badge text: “KOMSOMOLETS”
4-44. K-119 Project 627A, Northern Fleet
Badge text: “70 YEARS OF KOMSOMOLETS”
4-45. B-358 Project 671RTM, Northern Fleet
Badge text: “MURMANSK KOMSOMOLETS”
4-46. K-206 Project 949, Northern Fleet
Badge text: “MINSK KOMSOMOLETS”
Commemoration badges for Diesel Submarines named in honour of Komsomol
4-47. B-61 Project 613, Northern Fleet
Badge text: “KOMSOMOLETS”
4-48. S-191 Project 613, Baltic Sea Fleet
Badge text: “PSKOV KOMSOMOLETS”
4-49. S-156 Project 613, Baltic Sea Fleet
Badge text: “KOMSOMOLETS KAZAKHSTAN”
4-50. S-283 Project 613, Northern Fleet
Badge text: “VLADIMIR KOMSOMOLETS”
4-51. S-300 Project 613, Baltic Sea Fleet
Badge text: “BRYANSK KOMSOMOLETS”
4-52. S-357 Project 613, Baltic Sea Fleet
B-400 Project 641, Baltic Fleet
Badge text: “CHELYANOVSK KOMSOMOLETS”
4-53. B-78 Project 611, Northern Fleet
Badge text: “MURMANSK KOMSOMOLETS”
4-54. B-4 Project 641, Northern Fleet
Badge text: “CHELYABINSK KOMSOMOLETS”
4-55. B-26 Project 641, Northern Fleet
Badge text: “YAROSLAV KOMSOMOLETS”
4-56. B-380 Project 641B, Black Sea Fleet
Badge text: “GORKI KOMSOMOLETS”
4-57. B-437 Project 641B, Northern Fleet
Badge text: “MAGNITOGORSK KOMSOMOLETS”
4-58. B-396 Project 641B, Northern Fleet
B-401 Project 877, Pacific Ocean Fleet
Badge text: “NOVOSIBIRSK KOMSOMOLETS”
4-59. B-405 Project 877, Pacific Ocean Fleet
Badge text: “TYUMEN KOMSOMOLETS”
4-60. S-211 Project 613, Pacific Ocean Fleet
B-394 Project 877, Pacific Ocean Fleet
Badge text: “KOMSOMOLETS TAJIKISTAN”
4-61. BS-486 Project 940, Pacific Ocean Fleet
Badge text: “KOMSOMOLETS UZBEKISTAN”
4-62. Badge text: “PERM KOMSOMOLETS”
BLANK
5. LARGE NUCLEAR TORPEDO SUBMARINES OF PROJECTS 627 AND 627A “KIT” ["WHALE"], WITH NATO DESIGNATION "NOVEMBER"
This Large Nuclear Submarine was designed at Design Bureau SKB -143 "MALAKHIT". Chief designer was V. N. Peregudov.
Building of the first domestic Large Nuclear Submarine of Project 627 – the K-3 – began on 24th of September 1954 in the shipyard of the Northern Machine-Building Enterprise. It was launched on 9th of August 1957 and accepted into the Navy on 17th of January 1959. In all of the shipyards of the Northern Machine-Building Enterprise (at Severodvinsk) a total of 13 vessels of this project were built in the period from 1954 to 1964.
The Large Nuclear Submarine of Project 627 was constructed as an experimental warship. In this case problems concerning a fundamentally new type of submarine were solved, while taking into account the specific character of the use of nuclear energy combined with the special features of the formation of all TTE. In spite of the errors committed with the design, the work of project originators and builders as a whole must be regarded as outstanding. A new stage of domestic submarine building was begun. Already beginning with K-5 (2nd hull of the series) work on modernization was initiated with the designation Project 627A.
After transfer to the Navy the Large Nuclear Submarines of Project 627A were assigned the Northern Fleet at Naval Base West Lica. Here they formed the 3rd Submarine Division of the 1st Submarine Flotilla. During the service Large Nuclear Submarines of Project 627A repeatedly carried out the patrols into the Arctic. On 17th of July 1962 K-3 passed the North Pole and carried out surfacing in the Polar region. Also in 1962 it surfaced at the North Pole together with K-181. In 1966 K-133 in a group together with Project 675 submarine K-16 completed a round-the-world inter-theatre passage to the Pacific Fleet around Africa.
At different times inter-theatre trans-arctic passages were completed by K-14, K-115 and K-42. Large Nuclear Submarines of Project 627A carried out service in the structure of the Northern Fleet’s 3rd and 17th Submarine Divisions, and also in the structure of the Pacific Ocean Fleet’s 45th Submarine Division.
For the service to the Motherland and in the honour of the VLKSM - All-Union Lenin Young Communist League 40-anniversary of the supervision of the fleet K-3 in 1962 obtained the designation "LENINIST KOMSOMOL". K-42 had the designation "ROSTOV KOMSOMOLETS".
On 8th of April 1970 while returning from the exercises “OCEAN” a fire broke out on K-8. After a prolonged fight with the fire and attempts to tow the Large Nuclear Submarine to the base K-8 sank on 12th of April 1970 with the loss of 52 crewmembers.
Presently all Large Nuclear Submarines of Project 627 have been decommissioned from the Navy and has by a large part already been scrapped.
Commemoration badges dedicated Nuclear Submarine K-3 of the Project 627 construction № 254
(1st unit in the series) Northern Fleet “LENINIST KOMSOMOL”
5-1 to 5-6. Crew badges and commemoration badges K-3
5-7 to 5-11. Crew badges and commemoration badges K-3
5-12 to 5-14. Anniversary badges “10 years K-3”
5-15. Anniversary badge “15 years K-3”
5-16. Anniversary badge “20 years K-3”
5-17. Anniversary badge “20 years K-3”
5-18. Anniversary badge “25 years K-3”
5-19. Anniversary badge “30 years K-3”
5-20 to 5-22. Anniversary badges “40 years K-3”
5-23. Commemoration badge “10 years of K-3 cruise to the North Pole”
5-24. Commemoration badge “20 years of K-3 cruise to the North Pole”
5-25. Commemoration badge “30 years of K-3 cruise to the North Pole”
Commemoration badges dedicated Nuclear Submarines of the Project 627A
K-5 construction № 260 (2nd unit in the series) Northern Fleet
5-26. Anniversary badge “20 years K-5”
5-27. Anniversary badge “25 years K-5”
5-28. Anniversary badge “30 years K-5”
K-21 construction № 284 (6th unit in the series) Northern Fleet “Red Banner”
5-29. Anniversary badge “15 years K-21”
5-30. Anniversary badge “20 years K-21”
K-52 construction № 283 (5th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
5-31. Anniversary badge “15 years K-52”
5-32. Anniversary badge “20 years K-52”
5-33. Anniversary badge “25 years K-52”
5-34. Anniversary badge “15 years 184 crew Nuclear Submarine Project 627A”
K-133 construction № 286 (8th unit in the series) Pacific Ocean Fleet
5-35. Commemorative badge Trans-Ocean Deployment K-133
5-36. Anniversary badge “35 years Trans-Ocean Deployment K-133”
5-37. Crew badge K-133
5-38. Anniversary badge “20 years K-133”
K-159 construction № 289 (11th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
5-39. Anniversary badge “15 years K-159”
5-40. Anniversary badge “20 years K-159”
K-11 construction № 285 (7th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
5-41. Anniversary badge “15 years K-11”
5-42. Anniversary badge “20 years K-11”
K-181 construction № 287 (9th unit in the series) Northern Fleet since 1968 “Red Banner”
5-43, 5-44. Anniversary badge “15 years K-181”
5-45. Anniversary badge “20 years K-181”
5-46. Anniversary badge “25 years K-181”
K-42 construction № 290 (12th unit in the series) Pacific Ocean Fleet
5-47. Commemorative badge K-42
K-50(60) construction № 291 (13th unit in the series) Northern Fleet ,
since 1960 changed to K-60
5-48. Anniversary badge “15 years K-50”
5-49. Anniversary badge “20 years K-60”
5-50. Anniversary badge “25 years K-60”
Unidentified badges, possibly dedicated Nuclear Submarines of the Project 627A
5-51 to 5-54.
Unidentified badges, possibly dedicated Nuclear Submarines of the Project 627A
5-55 to 5-60.
6. LARGE NUCLEAR TORPEDO SUBMARINES OF PROJECTS 705 AND 705K "LIRA", WITH NATO DESIGNATION "ALFA"
This Large Nuclear Submarine was designed at Special Design Bureau - 143. Chief designer was M. G. Rusanov.
Building of the first Large Nuclear Submarine of Project 705 – the K-64 – began on 2nd of June 1968 and after a year on the building berths of Leningrad Admiralty Plant it was launched on 22nd of April 1969 and accepted in the system on 31st of December 1971. However, after an emergency in 1972, related with thickening of the liquid-metal heat-transfer agent in reactor circuit 1, K-64 for a long time underwent repair and from the 19th of August 1974 it was removed from the operational structure of the Navy. Subsequently, on 9th of February 1978 it was decommissioned.
Later 6 additional Large Nuclear Submarines of this project were built - 3 units in each of Leningrad Admiralty Plant and Northern Machine-Building Enterprise (at Severodvinsk). Building was conducted from December 1967 (laying of K-123), until December 1981 (acceptance of K-493).
Since 1990 gradually all Large Nuclear Submarines of this project have been removed from the structure of the Navy and transferred to scuttling facilities for dismantling and recycling.
All Large Nuclear Submarines of this project were attached to the Northern Fleet’s 1st Submarine Flotilla. The first units entered into the 3rd Submarine Division, subsequently Large Nuclear Submarines of this series entered into the 6th Submarine Division.
Commemorative badges, dedicated Nuclear Submarines of Project 705 and 705K
6-1. Launching badge K-432 (construction № 106)
4th unit in the series
6-2. Anniversary badge “15 years crew K-432”
6-3. Anniversary badge “20 years crew K-432”
6-4. Anniversary badge “20 years crew K-316”
6-5. Anniversary badge “20 years 32TE” (Technical Crew)
6-6. Anniversary badge “15 years 313 crew” (2nd crew K-316)
6-7. Anniversary badge “10 years 537 crew” (2nd crew K-432)
6-8. Anniversary badge “15 years 537 crew” (2nd crew K-432)
Unidentified badges, possibly relating to Nuclear Submarines of Project 705 and 705K
6-9 to 6-15.
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7. LARGE NUCLEAR SUBMARINES OF PROJECT 671 "RAG BOLT", WITH NATO DESIGNATION "VICTOR-I"
These Large Nuclear Submarines were designed at the Special Design Bureau - 143. Chief designer was G. N. Chernishev.
Building of the first Large Nuclear Submarine of Project 671 – the K-38 – began on 12th of April 1963 on the shipyards of Leningrad Admiralty Plant. It was launched on 28th of July 1966 and was accepted into the Navy on 5th of November 1967. A total of 15 Large Nuclear Submarines of this project were built at the shipyards of Leningrad Admiralty Plant in the period from 1963 to 1974.
Together with Projects 670 and 667A, Project 671 is one of the first 2nd generation Large Nuclear Submarines. As submariners note, on Project 671 a "golden mean" was achieved: all basic mechanisms and devices had been automated and remotely controlled with relatively simple design concepts and reliability of the devices themselves.
These Large Nuclear Submarines became part of the 3rd Submarine Division of the Northern Fleet’s 1st Submarine Flotilla based in West Lica. Subsequent Large Nuclear Submarines of Project 671 were transferred to other parts of the Northern Fleet, with 6 in each of the 24th and 33rd Submarine Divisions.
In September - October of 1971 K-38 and K-323 conducted autonomous cruises to the Arctic, with visits to the polar regions. On 20th of December 1972 K-323 obtained the honourable designation "50 YEARS OF THE USSR". Out of the total of 15 units of this series 3 were transferred to the Pacific Fleet (K-314, K-454 and K-469). Doing this K-314 completed the passage around Africa, and K-469 completed the inter-theatre passage to the Pacific Fleet through the Drake Passage.
In general the Large Nuclear Submarines of Project 671 showed themselves to be sufficiently reliable vessels. This project is the only of the 2nd generation vessels that has not completely been decommissioned. However, in spite of the completely satisfactory fate of Project 671, the collision of K-314 with the aircraft carrier "KITTY HAWK" on 20th of March 1983 must be noted.
At the start of the 1990’s the Large Nuclear Submarines of Project 671 began to be withdrawn from the structure of the Navy.
Commemorative badges, dedicated Large Nuclear Submarine Project 671
K-38 construction № 600 (1st unit in the series) Northern Fleet
7-1. Anniversary badge “10 years K-38”
7-2. Commemorative badge for 1971 missions in the Arctic
7-3. Anniversary badge “15 years K-38”
7-4. Anniversary badge “25 years K-38”
K-53 construction № 603 (4th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
7-5, 7-6. Anniversary badge “20 years K-53”
K-306 construction № 604 (5th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
7-7. Anniversary badge “20 years K-306”
K-323 construction № 605 (6th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
On 20th of December 1972 renamed “50 YEARS OF USSR”
7-8. Anniversary badge “10 years K-323”
7-9. Anniversary badge “15 years K-323”
K-369 construction № 601 (2nd unit in the series) Northern Fleet
In 1976 re-designated K-69
7-10. Anniversary badge “5 years K-69”
K-370 construction № 606 (7th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
7-11. Anniversary badge “10 years K-370”
7-12. Anniversary badge “20 years K-370”
K-438 construction № 608 (8th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
7-13. Anniversary badge “10 years K-438”
7-14. Anniversary badge “20 years K-438”
K-314 construction № 610 (10th unit in the series) Pacific Ocean Fleet
7-15. Anniversary badge “10 years K-314”
7-16. Anniversary badge “20 years K-314”
7-17. Commemorative badge to the inter-theatre passage in 1972 of K-314 from the Northern Fleet to the Pacific Ocean Fleet around the Arctic
7-18. Anniversary badge “15 years K-314”
K-462 construction № 01613 (13th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
7-19. Crew badge K-462
7-20. Anniversary badge “5 years K-481”
K-481 construction № 01615 (15th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
7-21. Anniversary badge “10 years K-481”
7-22. Anniversary badge “20 years K-481”
K-469 construction № 01614 (14th unit in the series) Pacific Ocean Fleet
7-23. Commemorative badge to the inter-theatre passage in 1976 of K-469 from the Northern Fleet to the Pacific Ocean Fleet through the Drake Passage
7-24. Anniversary badge “15 years 289 crew” Large Nuclear Submarine Project 671
7-25. Anniversary badge “20 years 289 crew” Large Nuclear Submarine Project 671
Unidentified badges, possibly relating to Large Nuclear Submarines of Project 671
Unidentified badges, possibly relating to Large Nuclear Submarines of Project 671 (cont.)
8. LARGE NUCLEAR SUBMARINES OF PROJECT 671RT "GREY MULLET", WITH NATO DESIGNATION "VICTOR-II"
These large Nuclear Submarines were designed by Design Bureau “MALAKHIT”. Chief designer was G. N. Chernishev.
Building of the first Large Nuclear Submarine of Project 671RT – the K-387 – began on 2nd of April 1971 on building berth of the shipyard "Red Sormovo". It was launched on 2nd of September 1972 and accepted into the Navy on 30th of December 1972. A total of 7 submarines were build on the shipyards of Leningrad Admiralty plant and "Red Sormovo" (at Gorky) during the period 1971 to 1978 (respectively 3 and 4 units).
Project 671RT was a further development of design 671. However, the building of the Large Nuclear Submarines of project 671RT coincided in the time with the introduction of new, more effective and powerful weapons, which could not be fitted in the overall size of the existing project. Therefore this series was limited to 7 vessels.
These Large Nuclear Submarines became part of the 6th and 33rd Submarine Divisions of the Northern Fleet’s 1st Submarine Flotilla based in West Lica. Subsequently Large Nuclear Submarines of project 671RT were transferred to other Northern Fleet units including the 17th and 24th Submarine Divisions.
In August - September of 1981 K-517 completed autonomous cruises into the Arctic and carried out 17 surfacings, including at the North Pole. The Large Nuclear Submarines of Project 671RT recommended themselves excellently in the period of service with the Northern Fleet. No special emergencies with vessels of this project were noted.
At the beginning of the 1990’s the Large Nuclear Submarines of project 671RT began to be withdrawn from the Navy.
Commemorative badges, dedicated Large Nuclear Submarine Project 671RT
K-387 construction № 801 (1st unit in the series) Northern Fleet
8-1. Anniversary badge “10 years K-387”
K-371 construction № 802 (2nd unit in the series) Northern Fleet
8-2. Anniversary badge “5 years K-371”
8-3. Anniversary badge “10 years K-371”
8-4. Commemorative badge to the disbandment of crew 532 of Large Nuclear Submarine Project 671RT
K-495 construction № 01621 (5th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
8-5. Anniversary badge “15 years K-495”
8-6. Anniversary badge “20 years K-495”
K-467 construction № 803 (3rd unit in the series) Northern Fleet
8-7. Anniversary badge “15 years K-467”
Unidentified badges, possibly relating to Large Nuclear Submarines of Project 671RT
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9. LARGE NUCLEAR SUBMARINES OF PROJECT 671RTM "PIKE", WITH NATO DESIGNATION "VICTOR-III"
These large Nuclear Submarines were designed by Design Bureau “MALAKHIT”. Chief designer was G. N. Chernishev.
Building of the first Large Nuclear Submarine of Project 671RTM – the K-247 – began on 15th of July 1976 on the building berth of the Leninist Komsomol shipyard. It was launched on 13th of August 1978 and accepted into the Navy on 30th of December 1978. A total of 26 submarines were built on the Leninist Komsomol shipyard (at Komsomolsk-on-Amur) and the Leningrad Admiralty shipyard (at Leningrad) during the period from 1976 to 1992 (respectively 13 and 13 units).
Project 671RTM continued the development of designs 671 and 671RT. The base solutions from these projects, made it possible in a simple way to proceed to the next modification of multipurpose nuclear missile-torpedo submarines. On the tactical data these Large Nuclear Submarines form an intermediate link to the 3rd generation of nuclear submarines. New communications and tactical equipment were installed, which surpassed the capabilities of the previous equipment three times. Measures for reduction of the acoustic field were also carried out.
The last 5 Large Nuclear Submarines at the Leningrad Admiralty shipyard were built in accordance with Project 671RTMK with the installation of the newest “Grenade” missile complex, making it possible to employ Strategic Cruise missiles.
Large Nuclear Submarine of Project 671RTM became part of the 33rd, 11th and 7th Submarine Divisions of the Northern Fleet, and also the 45th Submarine Division of the Pacific Ocean Fleet.
In September 1981 K-255 completed a trans-arctic inter-theatre passage from the Pacific Ocean Fleet to the Northern Fleet. During this transit surfacing at the North Pole was carried out. Also K-324 transited under the Arctic ice to the composition of the Northern Fleet (September of 1982).
The military characteristics of this project were demonstrated by the results of operations "APORT" in 1985 and "ATRINA" in 1987. These were carried out by forces of Large Nuclear Submarines, primarily of Project 671RTM from the 33rd Submarine Division of the Northern Fleet’s 1st Submarine Flotilla. The unexpected appearances of the Large Nuclear Submarines near the bases of the fleet of the USA caused significant disturbances amongst the potential enemy. The analysis of the received results of these operations made the General Staff of the Navy of the USSR come to the unequivocal conclusion, that in case of a mass deployment of our Large Nuclear Submarines from the bases, the USA did not have enough forces for counteraction.
Reliability of construction, operational simplicity and thorough consideration of the solutions has provided the Large Nuclear Submarines of Project 671 RTM long service without heavy failures. However time prevails and gradually the vessels of this project are decommissioned from structure of the Navy. From the 29th of August 1991 the project was reclassified as Large Nuclear Submarines 1st rank with change of letter designations in the tactical numbers (the letter K was substituted with the letter B).
At various times certain Large Nuclear Submarines of this project were given the following designations: K-242 - "50 YEARS KOMSOMOLSK-ON-AMUR"; K-524 - "60 YEARS OF SUPPORT OF VLKSM”; K-358 - "MURMANSK KOMSOMOLETS" (until August 1992); B-448 - "TAMBOV" (from the 10th of April 1995); B-414 - "DANIEL MOSKOVSKIY" (since 1996); B-502 - "VOLGOGRAD" (from the 21st of March 1998) and B-138 - "OBNINSK" (since 2000).
Commemorative badges, dedicated Large Nuclear Submarine Project 671RTM
Built at Leninist Komsomol shipyard (at Komsomolsk-on-Amur)
K-412 construction № 304 (4th unit in the series) Pacific Ocean Fleet
9-1. Launching badge K-412
K-215 construction № 295 (5th unit in the series) Pacific Ocean Fleet
9-2. Anniversary badge “10 years K-251”
K-255 construction № 296 (6th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
9-3. Commemorative badge to the inter-theatre passage in 1986 of K-255 from the Pacific Ocean Fleet to the Northern Fleet
9-4. Commemorative badge B-255
K-324 construction № 297 (7th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
9-5. Anniversary badge “10 years K-324”
K-355 construction № 299 (9th unit in the series) Pacific Ocean Fleet
9-6. Anniversary badge “5 years K-355”
K-218 construction № 301 (11th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
9-7. Launching badge K-218
9-8. Anniversary badge “10 years K-128”
9-9. Unidentified crew badge for Large Nuclear Submarine Project 671RTM
Commemorative badges, dedicated Large Nuclear Submarine Project 671RTM
Built at Admiralty Association shipyard (Leningrad)
K-525 construction № 01636 (1st unit in the series) Northern Fleet
“60 YEARS OF SUPPORT OF THE VLKSM”
9-10. Crew badge K-525
9-11. Anniversary badge “10 years K-524”
K-298 construction № 01645 (5th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
9-12. Launching badge K-298
9-13. Crew badge K-298
K-254 construction № 01638 (2nd unit in the series) Northern Fleet
9-14. Launching badge K-254
9-15. Anniversary badge “15 years B-254”
9-16. Commemorative badge K-524
K-502 construction № 01641 (3rd unit in the series) Northern Fleet “VOLGOGRAD”
9-17. Launching badge K-502
9-18. Anniversary badge “10 years K-502”
9-19. Anniversary badge “20 years B-502”
K-358 construction № 01647 (6th unit in the series) Northern Fleet “MURMANSK KOMSOMOLETS”
9-20. Launching badge K-358
9-21. Commemorative badge K-358
K-292 construction № 01655 (9th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
9-22. Launching badge K-292
9-23. Commemorative badge K-292
K-299 construction № 01649 (7th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
9-24. Launching badge K-299
K-388 construction № 01657 (10th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
Since 2000 “SNEZHNOGORSK”
9-25. Launching badge K-388
K-138 construction № 01659 (11th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
“OBNINSK”
9-26. Launching badge K-138
K-414 construction № 01695 (12th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
"DANIEL MOSKOVSKIY"
9-27. Crew badge K-414
K-448 construction № 01696 (13th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
“TAMBOV”
9-28. Launching badge K-448
9-29. Crew badge B-448
9-30. Commemorative badge for crew 603 of Large Nuclear Submarine Project 671RTM
9-31. Anniversary badge “20 years crew 188” of Large Nuclear Submarine Project 671RTM
9-32. Anniversary badge “25 years crew 188” of Large Nuclear Submarine Project 671RTM
9-33. Anniversary badge “10 years crew 534” of Large Nuclear Submarine Project 671RTM
Unidentified badges, possibly relating to Large Nuclear Submarines of Project 671RTM
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10. NUCLEAR ATTACK SUBMARINE K-278 CONSTRUCTION № 510 OF PROJECT 685 "PLAVNIK" (“FLIPPER”), WITH NATO DESIGNATION "MІKE"
This Nuclear Attack Submarine was designed by the Central Design Bureau “RUBIN”. Chief designer was N. A. Klimov, followed by Yu. N. Kormilitsin.
Building of this unique experimental submarine began on 22nd of April 1978 at the Northern Machine-Building Enterprise (at Severodvinsk). Launching took place in 1983, and on 20th of October 1983 the completion report for K-278 was signed (this tactical number was allocated the vessel). In the period of operations K-278 confirmed the best expectations. Its diving depth was not exceeded by any submarine in the World and it probably will not be for some time. The Nuclear Attack Submarine carried out complex tests successfully, and it was allocated the honourable designation "KOMSOMOLETS". By 1989 K-278 was transferred from experimental tasks into the regular forces of the 1st Submarine Flotilla of the Northern Fleet. Unfortunately, on 7th of April 1989 while returning to base from a combat patrol, the submarine caught on an intense fire which resulted in the loss of K -278 and 42 submariners.
Mourning badges K-278
10-1. Launching badge K-278
10-2 to 10-5.
11. NUCLEAR ATTACK SUBMARINE PROJECTS 945 "BARRACUDA" AND 945A "KONDOR", WITH NATO DESIGNATION "SIERRA-I, II "
These Nuclear Attack Submarines were designed at the Design Bureau “LAZURIT”. Chief designer was N. J. Kvasha.
Building of the first Nuclear Attack Submarine of Project 945 – the K-239 – began on 08th of May 1982 on the building berths of the “Red Sormovo" shipyard. It was launched on 29th July 1983 and accepted into the Navy on 21st of September 1984. In total the “Red Sormovo” shipyards (at Gorky) built 4 Nuclear Attack Submarines of Projects 945 and 945A during the period from 1982 to 1993 (2 units of each type).
Project 945 is a further development of the 2nd generation of Nuclear Submarines alongside with project 671. However, since it was designed at another design bureau with other traditions, a number of issues were solved in a new fashion. The submarines of this project were made with titanium durable hull, which made it possible to increase the diving depth. Also, in comparison with the Nuclear Submarines of Project 671, the armament was increased and the acoustic field lowered.
Nuclear Attack Submarines of Projects 945 and 945A entered into the composition of the 6th Submarine Division of the Northern Fleet’s 1st Submarine Flotilla. The submarines carried out a large number of combat patrols showing outstanding results. In this case the statements of American submariners about the vulnerability and noisiness of Soviet and Russian submarines were invalidated. This was demonstrated in the 1990’s by the unexpected appearances of Nuclear Attack Submarines of Projects 945 and 945A off the coast of the USA and the immunity from detection by the antisubmarine defences of the USA.
On 11th of February 1992 while being in a training area K-276 "CRAB" collided with the American nuclear submarine “BATON ROUGE” of the “LOS ANGELES” class. The Russian submarine obtained only insignificant damages, while according to some data the "BATON ROUGE" was recognised to be beyond repair and subsequently decommissioned.
Today the Nuclear Attack Submarines of Projects 945 and 945A pass planned repair work in Russia shipyards and in the future, we hope, they will remain vigilant defenders of the interests of Russia.
Commemorative badges, dedicated Nuclear Attack Submarines of Project 945 and 945A
K-239 construction № 301 (1st unit in the series) Northern Fleet “KARP” (“CARB”)
11-1. Crew badge K-239
11-2. Launching badge K-239
11-3. Anniversary badge ”15 years K-239”
K-276 construction № 302 (2nd unit in the series) Northern Fleet “KRAB” (“CRAB”).
From the 15th of November 1996 renamed ”KOSTROMA”
11-4. Necktie clip K-276
K-534 construction № 303 (3rd unit in the series) Northern Fleet “ZUBATKA” (“CATFISH”).
From the 25th of March 1995 renamed ”NIZHNI NOVGOROD”
11-5. Launching badge K-534
11-6. Necktie clips K-534
11-7. Crew badge K-534
K-336 construction № 304 (4th unit in the series) Northern Fleet “OKUN”.
From the 3rd of April 1996 renamed ”PSKOV”
11-8. Launching badge K-336
12. NUCLEAR ATTACK SUBMARINES OF PROJECT 971 "PIKE- B", WITH NATO DESIGNATION "AKULA"
These Nuclear Attack Submarines were designed by Design Bureau “MALAKHIT”. Chief designer was G. N. Chernishev.
Building of the first Nuclear Attack Submarine of Project 971 – the K-284 – began on 6th of November 1983 on the building berths of the Leninist Komsomol shipyard. It was launched on 16th of June 1984 and accepted into the Navy on 30th of December 1984. In total the shipyards Leninist Komsomol (at Komsomolsk-on- Amur) and Northern Machine-Building Enterprise (at Severodvinsk) produced 15 Nuclear Attack Submarines during the period from 1983 to 2000 (7 and 8 units respectively).
Project 971 is a further development of the designs of family 671 and 945. These Nuclear Attack Submarines are vessels of the 3rd generation, but during the process of construction a series of modifications to the original project were introduced by designers and by builders. These changes constantly decreased the noisiness and improved the military characteristics of the submarines. In essence this accomplished a gradual transition to multipurpose Nuclear Submarines of the 4th generation.
The Nuclear Attack Submarines built in Komsomolsk-on-Amur became part of the 45th Submarine Division of the Pacific Ocean Fleet’s 2nd Submarine Flotilla based on Kamchatka. For the Nuclear Attack Submarines, built at the Northern Machine-Building Enterprise a new formation – the 24th Submarine Division – was created in 1985 as part of the Northern Fleet’s 3rd Submarine Flotilla at Naval Base Gadjievo. One should note, that in spite of the disrespectful opinions of American submariners, Project 971 showed itself from the best side in the encounters with the newest Nuclear Submarines of the USA, confirming that correct design solutions had been made.
On 10th of October 1990 under the initiative of crew members of K-317 the vessels was allocated the name "PANTHER". It had been given as a tribute to submariners of submarines such as the "LEOPARD", constructed under J. G. Bubnova's project. Subsequently all Nuclear Attack Submarines of Project 971 including the ones constructed before "PANTHER", have received names of old Russian submarines. For today Nuclear Attack Submarines of this project form a powerful force, capable of solving the various tasks connected with the protection of the sea boundaries of Russia.
Commemorative badges, dedicated Nuclear Attack Submarine Project 971
Built at Leninist Komsomol shipyard (at Komsomolsk-on-Amur)
K-284 construction № 501 (1st unit in the series) Pacific Ocean Fleet “AKULA” (“SHARK”)
12-1. Crew badge K-284
12-2. Launching badge K-284
K-322 construction № 513 (3rd unit in the series) Pacific Ocean Fleet “KASHALOT” (“CACHALOT”)
12-3. Launching badge K-322
K-391 construction № 514 (4TH unit in the series) Pacific Ocean Fleet “KIT” (“WHALE”).
From the 15th of September 1997 “BRATSK”
12-4. Launching badge K-391.
K-331 construction № 515 (5TH unit in the series) Pacific Ocean Fleet “NARVAL”.
From 2000 “MAGADAN”
12-5. Launching badge K-331.
K-419 construction № 516 (6TH unit in the series) Pacific Ocean Fleet “MORZH” (“WALRUS”). From 2000 “KUZBASS”
12-6. Launching badge K-419.
K-295 construction № 517 (7TH unit in the series) Pacific Ocean Fleet “DRAKON” (“DRAGON”).
From 1999 “SAMARA”
12-7. Launching badge K-295
12-8. Commemorative badge crew 518
(K-152 “NERPA” (“SEAL”) 8th unit in the series)
Commemorative badges, dedicated Nuclear Attack Submarine Project 971
Built at Northern Machine-Building Enterprise (at Severodvinsk)
K-480 construction № 821 (1st unit in the series) Northern Fleet
From 1991 named “BARS” (“LEOPARD”).
From 24TH of April 1998 renamed “AK-BARS” (“SNOW LEOPARD”)
12-9. Launching badge K-480
12-10. Crew badge K-480 (variant)
12-11. Necktie clip K-480
12-12. Crew badge K-480 (variant)
12-13. Commemorative badge K-480
K-317 construction № 822 (2nd unit in the series) Northern Fleet
From the 10th of October 1990 named “PANTERA” (“PANTHER”).
12-14. Commemorative badge K-317
12-15. Crew badge K-317
12-16, 12-17. Launching badges K-317 (variants of manufacturing)
12-18. Crew badge K-317
K-317 construction № 822 (cont.)
12-19. Necktie clip K-317
12-20. Commemorative badge K-317
12-21. Necktie clip K-317
K-461 construction № 831 (3rd unit in the series) Northern Fleet
From 1991 named “VOLK” (“WULF”)
12-22. Crew badge K-461
12-23. Anniversary badge “10 years K-461”
12-24. Launching badge K-461
12-25. Anniversary badge “10 years K-461”
12-26. Crew badge K-461
K-328 construction № 832 (4th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
On 24th of January 1991 named “LEOPARD”
From 21st of May 1991 renamed “KRASNOZNAMENNAJA” (“RED BANNER”)
12-27. Launching badge K-328
12-30. Commemorative badge K-328
K-154 construction № 833 (5th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
On 24th of July 1991 January named “TIGR” (“TIGER”)
12-27. Launching badge K-154
12-28. Crew badges K-154 (variants)
12-31. Necktie clips K-154
12-32. Commemorative badge K-154
12-33. Commemorative badge K-154
K-157 construction № 834 (6th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
On 6th of April 1993 named “VEPR” (“BOAR”)
12-34. Launching badge K-157
12-35. Crew badge K-157
12-37. Commemorative badge K-157
K-335 construction № 835 (7th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
“GEPARD”
12-36. Launching badges K-335 (variants)
12-38. Crew badge K-335
12-39. Commemorative badge K-335
12-40. Commemorative badge for commissioning K-335 (”rising of flag”)
Commemorative badges, dedicated Nuclear Attack Submarine Project 971
Built at Leninist Komsomol shipyard (at Komsomolsk-on-Amur)
12-41. Badge text: ”K-284 AKULA” (“SHARK”)
12-42. Badge text: ”K-263 DELFIN” (“DOLPHIN”)
12-43. Badge text: ”K-322 KASHALOT” (“CACHALOT”)
12-44. Badge text: ”K-391 KIT” (“WHALE”)
12-45. Badge text: ”K-391 BRATSK”
12-46. Badge text: ”K-331 NARVAL” (“NARWHALE”)
12-47. Badge text: ”K-419 MORZH” (“WALRUS”)
12-48. Badge text: “K-419 KUZBASS”
Commemorative badges, dedicated Nuclear Attack Submarine Project 971
Built at Leninist Komsomol shipyard (at Komsomolsk-on- Amur) (cont.)
12-49. Badge text: “K-267 DRAKON” (“DRAGON”)
12-50. Badge text: “K-267 SAMARA”
12-51. Badge text: “K-152 NERPA” (“SEAL”)
Commemorative badges, dedicated Nuclear Attack Submarine Project 971
Built at Northern Machine-Building Enterprise (at Severodvinsk)
12-52. Badge text: “K-480 BARS” (“LEOPARD”)
12-53. Badge text: “K-480 AK-BARS” (“SNOW LEOPARD”)
12-54. Badge text: “K-317 PANTERA” (“PANTHER”)
12-55. Badge text: “K-461 VOLK” (“WULF”)
Commemorative badges, dedicated Nuclear Attack Submarine Project 971
Built at Northern Machine-Building Enterprise (at Severodvinsk) (cont.)
12-56. Badge text: “K-328 LEOPARD” (“LEOPARD”)
12-57. Badge text: “K-154 TIGR” (“TIGER”)
12-58. Badge text: “K-157 VEPR” (“BOAR”)
12-59. Badge text: “K-335 GEPARD”
12-60. Badge text: “K-337 KUGUAR”
12-61. Badge text: “K-333 RYS” (“LYNX”)
BLANK
13. NUCLEAR CRUISE MISSILE SUBMARINES OF PROJECT 659, WITH NATO DESIGNATION "ECHO-I"
These Nuclear Cruise Missile Submarines were designed at Central Design Bureau № 18.
Chief designers were P. P. Pustyntsev and N.A. Klimov.
Building of the first Nuclear Cruise Missile Submarine of Project 659 – the K-45 – began on 20th of December 1958 at the Leninist Komsomol shipyard. It was launched on 12th of May 1960 and on 28th of June it became part of the Pacific Ocean Fleet. During the period from 1958 to 1963 the Leninist Komsomol shipyard (at Komsomolsk-on-Amur) built a total of 5 Nuclear Cruise Missile Submarines of Project 659.
This project was the first test of the arrangement of the complex of cruise missiles [“Winged Rockets”] for Nuclear Submarines, therefore it was necessary to develop a lot for the first time. This, naturally, did not have the best effect on the quality and the combat characteristics of these Nuclear Submarines. It is also necessary to note, that the series of Nuclear Cruise Missile Submarines of Project 659 was the first experience of building Nuclear Submarines in the Far East. The first missile complex P-5 proved to be unsuccessful, and since Cruise Missile Submarines of Projects 675 and 661 were already under construction, it was decided to carry out modernization of Project 659 to Project of 659T. This implied dismantling the missile complex and subsequently transferring the submarine to the torpedo submarine category.
At the beginning from 1985 all 5 Nuclear Cruise Missile Submarines of Project 659 were decommissioned from the Navy, however as of 1996 they have not been dismantled and have been stored afloat at temporary basing at the Pacific Ocean Fleet.
Commemorative badge, probably related to Nuclear Cruise Missile Submarines of Project 659
13-1. Anniversary badge “25 years crew”, probably related to K-45 construction № 140 (1st unit in
Saint Petersburg
CENTRAL DESIGN BUREAU “RUBIN”
BADGES AND MEDALS OF RUSSIAN SUBMARINES
HISTORY OF CREATION, TRADITIONS AND DEVELOPMENT OF SYMBOLICS
1909 – 2002
THE SCIENTIFIC-HISTORICAL DIRECTORY
APPENDIX 4
SAINT PETERSBURG
2002
The scientific editor of the directory “Submarines of Russia” – Russian Academy of Science Professor I. D. Spassky
Picture: The author-composer A. A. Dimitriev
This appendix no. 4 to the directory “Submarines of Russia” represents a compilation of memorable insignia, badges and medals related to significant events in the history of the submarine forces of Russia. The major part of the collection is compiled by employee of Central Design Bureau “RUBIN” engineer-designer Arcady Anatolevichem Dimitriev with additional badges from the central naval museum and St. Petersburg collectors L. I. Gurevich, V. V. Down, U. V. Kusannikovym and A. V. Panovym.
Cover C. B. Lindorf
The exclusive right to the material in this directory belongs to Central Design Bureau “RUBIN”. Publication of materials of the directory without permission from author and Central Design Bureau “RUBIN” will be pursued in accordance with the law
© A. A. Dimitriev, 2002.
© Central Design Bureau “RUBIN”
ISBN 5-9384-30070
Translated by Cdr (s.g.) Torkil L. Nissen, Denmark [tlnissen@vip.cybercity.dk]
August 2004.
INTRODUCTION
The history of the Submarine Forces of Russia is reflected not only in archive documents and literary works. One of the traditions, which started in the 1950’s, is the production of commemorative badges, insignia and medals, dedicated to major events in the life of the Submarine Forces of Navy. Some of these signs had official status, others were the creation of submarine personnel, naval relations and design and plant associations. By the beginning of the third quarter of the 20th century, such events, like the launching of the constructed submarines, their admission into the structure of the Navy or the completion of complex cruises began to be noted on a regular basis by commemorative badges, which became a unique and colourful historical calendar.
One of the enthusiast medal and insignia collectors, engineer Arcady Anatolevichem Dimitriev, a designer of the highest qualification for more than 11 years at the Central design Bureau “RUBIN”, was able to gather a unique collection of commemorative badges, from which it is possible to obtain considerable and interesting information on the history of the Submarine Fleet of our motherland. This collection became the basis of the proposed appendix (№ 4) to the scientific history reference book "Submarines of Russia". Due to the additions made by the Central Naval museum and colleagues of A. A. Dimitriev - the St. Petersburg collectors L. I. Gurevich, V. V. Pukhov, J. V. Kusannikovym and A. V. Panovym, the directory is not only a significant contribution to domestic medals and insignia, but also a visual illustration of the history of Submarine Forces of Russia.
The author and publishers of the directory - one of the first editions, dedicated to naval medals and insignia - will be grateful to the readers for their observations and additions, especially with regards to the unidentified signs.
1. OFFICIAL SIGNS OF THE SUBMARINE FLEETS OF RUSSIA THE USSR
In 1906 submarines were declared to be an independent class of ships. At that time the Russian Navy had a total of more than 20 Submarine. For training of lower ranks of crews a special diving training facility was created in Libave. At the same place officer diving training was conducted. Already in 1907 the first submarine officers graduated. Together with cadets having passed examinations and those officers who already served on Submarines and had experience with diving, 68 officers successfully passed examinations and in accordance with a special decree issued by the Main Naval Staff they received the rank "Diving Officer". Since 1909 submarine officers acquired the right to carry a special breast badge. This badge also became the first badge related to the Russian Submarine Forces. With the coming of the revolution carrying of regimentals sign of any kind was cancelled. This lasted until the 21st of May 1942 when a decree by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, among others, founded the badges "Excellent Submariner" and "Excellent Torpedo Man". These badges were issued "to encourage particular outstanding submariners and torpedo men from the lower ranks of the Navy". One of the first became the rewarding of crew members of Red Banner Submarine K-21. At the same time in 1942 the Naval High Command founded the badge "Submarine Commander". This sign underwent insignificant changes in 1943 (the sickle and hammer was removed from star in the centre of the Submarine).
The awards "Excellent Submariner" and "Excellent Torpedo Man" were barely issued in the post-war period. However, for encouraging outstanding submariners the Naval High Command in May 1961 issued the medal "For Distant Cruise". Until now this continues to be honourable and desirable for the submariners. In the times of the USSR the official year of the creation of the Submarine Forces was considered to be 1918. At the 50th anniversary of the Soviet Army and Navy in 1968 the badge "Veteran Submariner" was founded. After 10 years, in 1978, the date was changed on the badge. In 1970 the Navy conducted the series of large exercises "OCEAN"; in order to distinguish outstanding seamen in these exercises (in official documents the badge was designated a medal) the badge "For Distant Cruise" was introduced with a tag carrying the inscription "OCEAN". Subsequently, in January 1976, the shape of the badge "For Distant Cruise" was substituted with a pentagonal shield with the silhouette of a Submarine. During October 1987 the rank "Ship Commander" was founded, however the badge "Submarine Commander” was not changed. The badge “For Distant Cruise” returned to the original model 1961 shape at this time. Under the initiative of the 3rd Submarine Flotilla of the Northern Fleet a version of the “Submarine Commander” badge was prepared, into which they attempted to introduce the number of combat missions of the commander (being an analogy to the sign of SSBN commanders of in the USA), however, this initiative was not further developed. Although the shapes and sizes may differ from the authorised versions, there is a large quantity of different versions of similar signs; this is partly due to different production locations, and partly an attempt to highlight individuality of different types of submarines.
The decorations of submariners did not change after the disintegration of the USSR. The badges “Submarine Commander”, "Veteran Submariner" and "For Distant Cruise" began to be made using Russian symbolism while preserving old Soviet traditions. The eagles and the white-blue Andreev's Ensigns appeared on these signs. Also beginning in 1994 attempts to introduce an official sign for Submarine Officers, preserving the form and symbolism of the model 1909 badge was initiated. In spite of the fact that it has not been authorised, many submariners bear it on their uniforms.
1-1. Chest badge for Submarine Officer from 1909
“Excellent Submariner” And “Excellent Torpedo Man” badges from 1942
1-2, 1-3.
“Submarine Commander” badges
1-4. “Submarine Commander” badge from 1942
1-5. “Submarine Commander” badge from 1943 to 1987
1-6. “Submarine Commander” badge from 1994. (Not officially authorised)
1-7. Unauthorised variant of a “Submarine Commander” badge with number of patrols on the lower part
“For Distant Cruise” badge from 1961 to 1987
1-8 to 1-11.
1-12. “For Distant Cruise” badge for participants in the OCEAN exercises of 1970.
“For Distant Cruise” badge made on Base Ravianta 1976
1-13 to 1-17.
Various variants of “For Distant Cruise” badges made after 1991
1-18 to 1-25.
1-26. Modern Submarine Officer badge (not officially authorised) made since 1994
Various variants of the badge “Veteran Submariner”, manufactured at different workshops and at different times.
1-27 to 1-36.
Veteran Submariner badges from different fleets.
1-37 to 1-41.
Submarine Commemoration badges from different fleets.
1-42 to 1-46.
Commemoration badges “Submariners of the Soviet Union”
1-47 to 1-56.
Commemoration badges “Submariners of the Soviet Union” (cont.)
1-57 to 1-60.
Variants of the commemoration badges “Submariners of the Soviet Union”, with small differences due to different production locations
1-61 to 1-63.
Variants of the commemoration badges “Submariners of the Soviet Union”, with small differences due to different production locations (cont.)
1-64 to 1-69.
2. DEVELOPMENT OF THE SUBMARINE FLEET IN TSARIST RUSSIA
In a petition sent in 1719 to Tsar Peter І, the Russian peasant Yefim Nikon wrote, that it would make "to the military case a useful vessel, by quietly attacking and separating enemy ships at sea" and "slashing their bellies” thus guaranteeing the success of the planned operation. From the building of a model of this "hidden vessel" domestic submarine building began. However, due to the death of Peter the issue of Nikon was forgotten. Then in the 1830's Russian military engineer K. A. Schilder in 1834 designed and built a submarine on Aleksandrovsk Shipyard in St. Petersburg. This submarine can be considered the first missile ship, since in addition to mines it was also armed with equipment for firing solid-propellant rockets. The following stage in the development and building of submarines in Russia is very much connected with the name of S. K. Dzhevetskogo. Submarines constructed according to this project in 1881 became the first series built domestic submarine. Following this project S. K. Dzhevetskogo subsequently designed and built several additional types of submarines.
At the turn of the 20th centuries, there was a significant quantity of submarines, built in different countries. In Russia a directive was issued in December of 1900 for the design and building of submarines under the management of the outstanding engineer I. G. Bubnova. Following trials the submarine DOLPHIN entered the Russian Fleet in 1904; according to many characteristics for its time this submarine exceeded foreign models. Following this project Russian engineers designed and constructed submarine projects "KASATKA", "LAMPREY", "SHARK", "CRAB" and others.
The highlight of engineering skills became submarine project "LEOPARD". This project possessed good seaworthiness and for the first time in the World diesel engines were installed in a submarine. Another distinctive feature of submarine “LEOPARD” was the powerful torpedo armament (12 torpedoes). This submarine project became the last to be developed and constructed in Russia until 1917.
Submarines constructed in imperial Russia continued to serve the country after the revolution. An example of this is submarine “PANTHER” of the type "PANTHER". After entering into the Navy in 1916, it participated in three wars, passed a number of modernizations and finished its service as late as 1955. The first fighting success of Soviet submariners is also associated with this submarine. In 1919 "PANTHER" sank the British destroyer “VICTORIA".
Commemoration badges dedicated to the first Russian Submarines
2-1. The first Russian submarine constructed by K. A. Shildera in 1834.
2-2. The first series production submarine constructed by S. K. Dzhevetskogo in 1881.
Commemoration badges dedicated to submarine PANTERA (Panther) of the Project BARS (Leopard)
2-3. Submarine “PANTERA” souvenir badge of (with the silhouette before modernization)
2-4. Submarine “PANTERA” commemoration badge with dates of the active service with the Navy
2-5. Commemoration badge dedicated to the 50 years anniversary of the sinking of the destroyer “VICTORIA”
2-6. Submarine “PANTERA” 75 years anniversary commemoration badge. Issued with the introduction of the modern nuclear submarine “PANTERA” of the Project 971.
2-7. Submarine “PANTERA” 75 years anniversary commemoration badge. Issued with the introduction of the modern nuclear submarine “PANTERA” of the Project 971.
2-8. Submarine “PANTERA” 75 years anniversary commemoration badge. Issued with the introduction of the modern nuclear submarine “PANTERA” of the Project 971. (with dates mistaken by the engraver)
3. THE SUBMARINES OF THE USSR IN WORLD WAR II
Leading up to 22nd of June 1941 the USSR had 211 submarines in the Navy. They were distributed to the fleets as follows: Baltic Fleet - 65 units, Black Sea Fleet - 44 units, Pacific Fleet - 85 units and Northern Fleet - 17 units. From this distribution it is evident that the naval planning of the USSR anticipated fighting primarily in the Baltic region (in the European theatre) and also in the Pacific Ocean (against Japan). However the course of operations overturned pre-war theories. The loss of bases and submarines in the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea in the initial stages of the war led to dislocation of the majority of submarine operations to the North Sea battlefield. During the war a total of 103 submarines were lost due to various causes. During the same period 56 new submarines were built. The Red Banner Baltic Fleet faced the most complex conditions for submarine operations, therefore this fleet sustained the heaviest losses.
In spite of the severe conditions, Soviet submariners made a distinguishable contribution to the cause of victory. More than 300 enemy ships were sunk. The country highly estimated the actions of the submariners: 26 submariners were honoured for courage and heroism with the title “Hero Of The Soviet Union” (A. Marinesko was honoured with the title in 1990, A. Matiyasevich became the “Hero of Russia” in 1995 - both being posthumous for their merits in the World War II). Four related submarines were rewarded with awards. 12 submarines were honoured the title of “Guard” and 26 additional submarines were rewarded with the “Order of the Red Banners” (the S-1, Щ-311 and Щ-324 were rewarded for participation in the Finnish campaign).
4 additional submarines: D-3 "Red Guard", S -56, Щ-402 and M-172 - simultaneously became “Guards Red Banner Submarines”. The following submarines distinguished themselves during the war, having establishing a number of achievements: M-32 (Baltic Fleet) completed 32 combat patrols with total duration of 291 days; Щ-209 (Baltic Fleet) was deployed at sea 337 days during 18 combat patrols; L-3 (Northern Fleet) destroyed 14 enemy ships with mines and torpedoes. The greatest quantity of sunken enemy ships was achieved by commanders of mine layers A. M. Matiyasevich and M. P. Augustinovich. Greatest success by Soviet submariners was achieved by submarine S-13 (Baltic Fleet). During a combat patrol in the winter of 1945 this submarine, under the command A. I. Marinesko, on 30th of January 1945 audaciously attacked and sank the large transport "WILHELM GUSTLOV", on board which Germany evacuated trained German submarine crews. Later on 10th of February 1945 S-13 destroyed one additional large transport "GENERAL STOYBEN". Thus, during one deployment S-13 sent to the bottom more than 40000 GRT. An illustrious page in the history of World War II came with the passage in 1942 of a group of 6 submarines from Vladivostok to the polar region, during which only the submarine L-16 was lost.
At the end of war and after dismissal from the Navy some submarines were mounted on pedestals, and now serve as monuments and museums of the glories of Soviet submariners. In Vladivostok S-56 stand on a pedestal. In St. Petersburg and in Severomorsk museums submarines D-2 and K-21 are displayed. In Tallinn submarine LEMBIT is displayed. The exploits of Soviet submariners will remain illustrious in the history of the Russia Fleet.
Souvenir signs, dedicated to submariners, participated in the World War II.
3-1. Souvenir sign with the image of monument to Black Sea - submariners in Sevastopol
3-2. Souvenir sign, dedicated to submariners having taken part in World War II
3-3. Souvenir sign, dedicated to the 40-anniversary of victory in World war II
Badges, dedicated to submarines constructed under projects participating in World War II.
3-4, 3-5, 3-6. Big submarine type “K”
3-7, 3-8, 3-9. Medium submarine type “Щ”
Mining submarine type “Л”
3-10, 3-11, 3-12
Small submarine type “M”
3-13, 3-14, 3-15
Commemoration badges dedicated to submarines participating in World War II from the Northern Fleet
3-16. Anniversary badge, "30 years of the crushing defeat of Fascist aggressors in the Trans-arctic”
3-17. Anniversary badge, "35 years of the crushing defeat of Fascist aggressors in the Trans-arctic”
3-18. Anniversary badge, "40 years of the crushing defeat of Fascist aggressors in the Trans-arctic”
Commemorative badges dedicated to the passage of a submarine group from Vladivostok in the Polar Region
3-19. Submarine “S-51”
3-20. Submarine “S-54”
3-21. Submarine “S-55”
3-22. Submarine “S-56”
3-23. Submarine “L-15”
3-24. Submarine “L-16” (Lost on 11th of October 1942)
Commemorative badges for submarine “S-56”
On 4th of March 1944 it was awarded the “Order Of The Red Banner”. On 23rd of February 1945 it was awarded the honorary title “Guards”. It is now positioned on land at Vladivistok.
Commemorative badges for submarine “D-3” “Red Guards”
On 17th of January 1942 it was awarded the “Order Of The Red Banner”. On 3rd of April 1942 it was awarded the honorary title “Guards”. On 30th of June 1942 it was lost due to a mine.
3-32 to 3-35.
Commemorative badge for submarine “K-22”.
3-36. On 3rd of April 1942 it was awarded the honorary title “Guards”. On 5-6th of February 1943 it was lost due to a mine.
Commemorative badges for submarine “K-21”.
3-37, 3-38. On 23rd of October 1944 it was awarded the “Order Of The Red Banner”. It is now positioned on land at Severomorsk.
Commemorative badge, dedicated to the Hero of Soviet Union Magometu Gadjiev
3-39.
Commemoration badges dedicated to submarines participating in World War II from the Baltic Fleet
Commemorative badges for submarine “S-13”. On 30th of April 1945 it was awarded with the Order Of The Red Banner.
On 30th of January 1945 it attacked and sank the large transport ship WILHELM GUSTLOV.
3-40 to 3-45.
Commemorative badge for submarine “Щ-301”
(It is wrongly designated “Щ-1”). On 28th of July 1941 it was lost due to a mine.
3-46.
Commemorative badges for submarine “D-2” “NARODOVOLEC”
It is currently positioned on land at Saint Petersburg
3-47 to 3-49.
Commemorative badge for submarine “LEMBIT”
On 23rd of October it was awarded with the “Order Of The Red Banner”.
3-50.
Commemorative badges of schools and clubs for young seamen named after submariners, having participated in World War II
3-51. Badge of School no. 44.
3-52 to 3-54. Badges of Leningrad School no. 269.
3-55. Badge of young seamen club named of submariner – Hero of The Soviet Union Feodor Vidiaev.
BLANK
4. SUPERVISION OF VLKSM (ALL-UNION LENIN YOUNG COMMUNIST LEAGUE) ASSOCIATED WITH THE SUBMARINE FORCES
On 16th of October 1922 the V congress of the RKSM accepted patronage over the Red Navy. The slogan "Youth in the Navy" was introduced. However, Komsomol did not only mobilize young people on the execution of ship-building programmes, but also rendered material aid in the building of fleet. In 1934 with the means, assembled by Komsomol members, submarine Щ-304 was built and transferred to the Baltic Fleet with the designation "KOMSOMOLETS". During the war other submarines were built by means provided by Komsomol.
This way M-104 "YAROSLAV KOMSOMOLETS", M-106 "LENINIST KOMSOMOL" and M-108 "PENZA KOMSOMOLETS" materialized in Northern Fleet. Komsomol member communications with the submarine forces were strengthened in the post-war time. The fleets of the USSR counted more than 30 submarines, which fitted the designations of Leninist Komsomol and local organizations of VLKSM - All-Union Lenin Young Communist League. As a rule these were primarily ships, with the honour of carrying out difficult tasks. Special reputation obtained nuclear submarine K-3 "LENINIST KOMSOMOL". This nuclear submarine was the first in the domestic fleet to pass the North Pole submerged and carry out surfacing in the Polar region. After the changes affected by the political situation in the country, the reference of VLKSM - All-Union Lenin Young Communist League and CPSU - Communist Party Of The Soviet Union in the designations of warships became unimportant, and all such designations were removed toward the end of 1991. Thereby one of the glorious pages in the history of submarine fleet was closed.
Commemorative badges on Komsomol Conferences with association to submarines
Commemorative badges devoted to VLKSM sponsorship of submarines of the Navy
S-191 construction № 459 of Diesel Submarine Project 613 “PSKOV KOMSOMOLETS” of the Baltic Fleet
4-11. Anniversary badge 30 years S-191
4-12, 4-13. Crew badges of S-191
4-14. Anniversary badge 25 years S-191
S-283 construction № 124 of Diesel Submarine Project 613 “VLADIMIR KOMSOMOLETS” of the Northern Fleet
4-15. Commemorative badge S-283
4-16. Anniversary badge 30 years S-283
4-17. Crew badge S-283
S-357 construction № 151 of Diesel Submarine Project 613 “ULYANOVSK KOMSOMOLETS” of the Baltic Fleet
4-18, 4-19. Crew badges S-357
S-300 construction № 164 of Diesel Submarine Project 613 “BRYANSK KOMSOMOLETS” of the Baltic Fleet
4-20. Crew badge S-300
4-21. Anniversary badge 30 years S-300
B-26 construction № 817 of Diesel Submarine Project 641 “YAROSLAV KOMSOMOLETS” of the Northern Fleet
4-22. Anniversary badge 10 years B-26
4-23. Crew badge B-26
4-24. Commemorative badge B-26
Diesel Submarine “PERM KOMSOMOLETS”
4-25. Crew badge Diesel Submarine “PERM KOMSOMOLETS”
B-4 construction № 788 of Diesel Submarine Project 641 “CHELYABINSK KOMSOMOLETS” of the Northern Fleet
4-26. Crew badge B-4
4-27. Anniversary badge 5 years B-4 (Wrongly designated Nuclear Submarine)
4-28. Anniversary badge 10 years B-4
4-29. Anniversary badge 20 years B-4
4-30. Anniversary badge 25 years B-4
4-31. Commemorative badge B-4
S-156 construction № 502 of Diesel Submarine Project 613 “KOMSOMOLETS KAZAKHSTAN” of the Baltic Fleet
4-32. Crew badge S-156
B-380 construction № 133 of Diesel Submarine Project 641B “GORKI KOMSOMOLETS” of the Black Sea Fleet
4-33. Commemorative badge B-380
B-319 construction № 125 of Diesel Submarine Project 641B “KOMSOMOLETS CHUVASHIYAS” of the Northern Fleet
4-34. Commemorative badge B-319
BS-486 construction № 940 of Diesel Submarine Project 641B “KOMSOMOLETS UZBEKISTANA” of the Pacific Ocean Fleet
4-35. Crew badge BS-486
S-211 construction № 433 of Diesel Submarine Project 613 “KOMSOMOLETS TAJIKISTAN” of the Pacific Ocean Fleet
4-36. Crew badge S-211
B-396 construction № 123 of Diesel Submarine Project 641B “NOVOSIBIRSK KOMSOMOLETS” of the Northern Fleet
4-37. Crew badge B-396
4-38. Anniversary badge 10 years B-396
B-437 construction № 103 of Diesel Submarine Project 641B “MAGNITOGORSK KOMSOMOLETS” of the Northern Fleet
4-39. Commemorative badge B-437
4-40. Crew badge B-437
Commemoration badges for Nuclear Submarines named in honour of Komsomol
4-41. K-3 Project 627, Northern Fleet
Badge text: “LENINIST KOMSOMOL”
4-42. K-42 Project 627A, Pacific Ocean Fleet
Badge text: “ROSTOV KOMSOMOLETS”
4-43. K-278 Project 685, Northern Fleet
Badge text: “KOMSOMOLETS”
4-44. K-119 Project 627A, Northern Fleet
Badge text: “70 YEARS OF KOMSOMOLETS”
4-45. B-358 Project 671RTM, Northern Fleet
Badge text: “MURMANSK KOMSOMOLETS”
4-46. K-206 Project 949, Northern Fleet
Badge text: “MINSK KOMSOMOLETS”
Commemoration badges for Diesel Submarines named in honour of Komsomol
4-47. B-61 Project 613, Northern Fleet
Badge text: “KOMSOMOLETS”
4-48. S-191 Project 613, Baltic Sea Fleet
Badge text: “PSKOV KOMSOMOLETS”
4-49. S-156 Project 613, Baltic Sea Fleet
Badge text: “KOMSOMOLETS KAZAKHSTAN”
4-50. S-283 Project 613, Northern Fleet
Badge text: “VLADIMIR KOMSOMOLETS”
4-51. S-300 Project 613, Baltic Sea Fleet
Badge text: “BRYANSK KOMSOMOLETS”
4-52. S-357 Project 613, Baltic Sea Fleet
B-400 Project 641, Baltic Fleet
Badge text: “CHELYANOVSK KOMSOMOLETS”
4-53. B-78 Project 611, Northern Fleet
Badge text: “MURMANSK KOMSOMOLETS”
4-54. B-4 Project 641, Northern Fleet
Badge text: “CHELYABINSK KOMSOMOLETS”
4-55. B-26 Project 641, Northern Fleet
Badge text: “YAROSLAV KOMSOMOLETS”
4-56. B-380 Project 641B, Black Sea Fleet
Badge text: “GORKI KOMSOMOLETS”
4-57. B-437 Project 641B, Northern Fleet
Badge text: “MAGNITOGORSK KOMSOMOLETS”
4-58. B-396 Project 641B, Northern Fleet
B-401 Project 877, Pacific Ocean Fleet
Badge text: “NOVOSIBIRSK KOMSOMOLETS”
4-59. B-405 Project 877, Pacific Ocean Fleet
Badge text: “TYUMEN KOMSOMOLETS”
4-60. S-211 Project 613, Pacific Ocean Fleet
B-394 Project 877, Pacific Ocean Fleet
Badge text: “KOMSOMOLETS TAJIKISTAN”
4-61. BS-486 Project 940, Pacific Ocean Fleet
Badge text: “KOMSOMOLETS UZBEKISTAN”
4-62. Badge text: “PERM KOMSOMOLETS”
BLANK
5. LARGE NUCLEAR TORPEDO SUBMARINES OF PROJECTS 627 AND 627A “KIT” ["WHALE"], WITH NATO DESIGNATION "NOVEMBER"
This Large Nuclear Submarine was designed at Design Bureau SKB -143 "MALAKHIT". Chief designer was V. N. Peregudov.
Building of the first domestic Large Nuclear Submarine of Project 627 – the K-3 – began on 24th of September 1954 in the shipyard of the Northern Machine-Building Enterprise. It was launched on 9th of August 1957 and accepted into the Navy on 17th of January 1959. In all of the shipyards of the Northern Machine-Building Enterprise (at Severodvinsk) a total of 13 vessels of this project were built in the period from 1954 to 1964.
The Large Nuclear Submarine of Project 627 was constructed as an experimental warship. In this case problems concerning a fundamentally new type of submarine were solved, while taking into account the specific character of the use of nuclear energy combined with the special features of the formation of all TTE. In spite of the errors committed with the design, the work of project originators and builders as a whole must be regarded as outstanding. A new stage of domestic submarine building was begun. Already beginning with K-5 (2nd hull of the series) work on modernization was initiated with the designation Project 627A.
After transfer to the Navy the Large Nuclear Submarines of Project 627A were assigned the Northern Fleet at Naval Base West Lica. Here they formed the 3rd Submarine Division of the 1st Submarine Flotilla. During the service Large Nuclear Submarines of Project 627A repeatedly carried out the patrols into the Arctic. On 17th of July 1962 K-3 passed the North Pole and carried out surfacing in the Polar region. Also in 1962 it surfaced at the North Pole together with K-181. In 1966 K-133 in a group together with Project 675 submarine K-16 completed a round-the-world inter-theatre passage to the Pacific Fleet around Africa.
At different times inter-theatre trans-arctic passages were completed by K-14, K-115 and K-42. Large Nuclear Submarines of Project 627A carried out service in the structure of the Northern Fleet’s 3rd and 17th Submarine Divisions, and also in the structure of the Pacific Ocean Fleet’s 45th Submarine Division.
For the service to the Motherland and in the honour of the VLKSM - All-Union Lenin Young Communist League 40-anniversary of the supervision of the fleet K-3 in 1962 obtained the designation "LENINIST KOMSOMOL". K-42 had the designation "ROSTOV KOMSOMOLETS".
On 8th of April 1970 while returning from the exercises “OCEAN” a fire broke out on K-8. After a prolonged fight with the fire and attempts to tow the Large Nuclear Submarine to the base K-8 sank on 12th of April 1970 with the loss of 52 crewmembers.
Presently all Large Nuclear Submarines of Project 627 have been decommissioned from the Navy and has by a large part already been scrapped.
Commemoration badges dedicated Nuclear Submarine K-3 of the Project 627 construction № 254
(1st unit in the series) Northern Fleet “LENINIST KOMSOMOL”
5-1 to 5-6. Crew badges and commemoration badges K-3
5-7 to 5-11. Crew badges and commemoration badges K-3
5-12 to 5-14. Anniversary badges “10 years K-3”
5-15. Anniversary badge “15 years K-3”
5-16. Anniversary badge “20 years K-3”
5-17. Anniversary badge “20 years K-3”
5-18. Anniversary badge “25 years K-3”
5-19. Anniversary badge “30 years K-3”
5-20 to 5-22. Anniversary badges “40 years K-3”
5-23. Commemoration badge “10 years of K-3 cruise to the North Pole”
5-24. Commemoration badge “20 years of K-3 cruise to the North Pole”
5-25. Commemoration badge “30 years of K-3 cruise to the North Pole”
Commemoration badges dedicated Nuclear Submarines of the Project 627A
K-5 construction № 260 (2nd unit in the series) Northern Fleet
5-26. Anniversary badge “20 years K-5”
5-27. Anniversary badge “25 years K-5”
5-28. Anniversary badge “30 years K-5”
K-21 construction № 284 (6th unit in the series) Northern Fleet “Red Banner”
5-29. Anniversary badge “15 years K-21”
5-30. Anniversary badge “20 years K-21”
K-52 construction № 283 (5th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
5-31. Anniversary badge “15 years K-52”
5-32. Anniversary badge “20 years K-52”
5-33. Anniversary badge “25 years K-52”
5-34. Anniversary badge “15 years 184 crew Nuclear Submarine Project 627A”
K-133 construction № 286 (8th unit in the series) Pacific Ocean Fleet
5-35. Commemorative badge Trans-Ocean Deployment K-133
5-36. Anniversary badge “35 years Trans-Ocean Deployment K-133”
5-37. Crew badge K-133
5-38. Anniversary badge “20 years K-133”
K-159 construction № 289 (11th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
5-39. Anniversary badge “15 years K-159”
5-40. Anniversary badge “20 years K-159”
K-11 construction № 285 (7th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
5-41. Anniversary badge “15 years K-11”
5-42. Anniversary badge “20 years K-11”
K-181 construction № 287 (9th unit in the series) Northern Fleet since 1968 “Red Banner”
5-43, 5-44. Anniversary badge “15 years K-181”
5-45. Anniversary badge “20 years K-181”
5-46. Anniversary badge “25 years K-181”
K-42 construction № 290 (12th unit in the series) Pacific Ocean Fleet
5-47. Commemorative badge K-42
K-50(60) construction № 291 (13th unit in the series) Northern Fleet ,
since 1960 changed to K-60
5-48. Anniversary badge “15 years K-50”
5-49. Anniversary badge “20 years K-60”
5-50. Anniversary badge “25 years K-60”
Unidentified badges, possibly dedicated Nuclear Submarines of the Project 627A
5-51 to 5-54.
Unidentified badges, possibly dedicated Nuclear Submarines of the Project 627A
5-55 to 5-60.
6. LARGE NUCLEAR TORPEDO SUBMARINES OF PROJECTS 705 AND 705K "LIRA", WITH NATO DESIGNATION "ALFA"
This Large Nuclear Submarine was designed at Special Design Bureau - 143. Chief designer was M. G. Rusanov.
Building of the first Large Nuclear Submarine of Project 705 – the K-64 – began on 2nd of June 1968 and after a year on the building berths of Leningrad Admiralty Plant it was launched on 22nd of April 1969 and accepted in the system on 31st of December 1971. However, after an emergency in 1972, related with thickening of the liquid-metal heat-transfer agent in reactor circuit 1, K-64 for a long time underwent repair and from the 19th of August 1974 it was removed from the operational structure of the Navy. Subsequently, on 9th of February 1978 it was decommissioned.
Later 6 additional Large Nuclear Submarines of this project were built - 3 units in each of Leningrad Admiralty Plant and Northern Machine-Building Enterprise (at Severodvinsk). Building was conducted from December 1967 (laying of K-123), until December 1981 (acceptance of K-493).
Since 1990 gradually all Large Nuclear Submarines of this project have been removed from the structure of the Navy and transferred to scuttling facilities for dismantling and recycling.
All Large Nuclear Submarines of this project were attached to the Northern Fleet’s 1st Submarine Flotilla. The first units entered into the 3rd Submarine Division, subsequently Large Nuclear Submarines of this series entered into the 6th Submarine Division.
Commemorative badges, dedicated Nuclear Submarines of Project 705 and 705K
6-1. Launching badge K-432 (construction № 106)
4th unit in the series
6-2. Anniversary badge “15 years crew K-432”
6-3. Anniversary badge “20 years crew K-432”
6-4. Anniversary badge “20 years crew K-316”
6-5. Anniversary badge “20 years 32TE” (Technical Crew)
6-6. Anniversary badge “15 years 313 crew” (2nd crew K-316)
6-7. Anniversary badge “10 years 537 crew” (2nd crew K-432)
6-8. Anniversary badge “15 years 537 crew” (2nd crew K-432)
Unidentified badges, possibly relating to Nuclear Submarines of Project 705 and 705K
6-9 to 6-15.
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7. LARGE NUCLEAR SUBMARINES OF PROJECT 671 "RAG BOLT", WITH NATO DESIGNATION "VICTOR-I"
These Large Nuclear Submarines were designed at the Special Design Bureau - 143. Chief designer was G. N. Chernishev.
Building of the first Large Nuclear Submarine of Project 671 – the K-38 – began on 12th of April 1963 on the shipyards of Leningrad Admiralty Plant. It was launched on 28th of July 1966 and was accepted into the Navy on 5th of November 1967. A total of 15 Large Nuclear Submarines of this project were built at the shipyards of Leningrad Admiralty Plant in the period from 1963 to 1974.
Together with Projects 670 and 667A, Project 671 is one of the first 2nd generation Large Nuclear Submarines. As submariners note, on Project 671 a "golden mean" was achieved: all basic mechanisms and devices had been automated and remotely controlled with relatively simple design concepts and reliability of the devices themselves.
These Large Nuclear Submarines became part of the 3rd Submarine Division of the Northern Fleet’s 1st Submarine Flotilla based in West Lica. Subsequent Large Nuclear Submarines of Project 671 were transferred to other parts of the Northern Fleet, with 6 in each of the 24th and 33rd Submarine Divisions.
In September - October of 1971 K-38 and K-323 conducted autonomous cruises to the Arctic, with visits to the polar regions. On 20th of December 1972 K-323 obtained the honourable designation "50 YEARS OF THE USSR". Out of the total of 15 units of this series 3 were transferred to the Pacific Fleet (K-314, K-454 and K-469). Doing this K-314 completed the passage around Africa, and K-469 completed the inter-theatre passage to the Pacific Fleet through the Drake Passage.
In general the Large Nuclear Submarines of Project 671 showed themselves to be sufficiently reliable vessels. This project is the only of the 2nd generation vessels that has not completely been decommissioned. However, in spite of the completely satisfactory fate of Project 671, the collision of K-314 with the aircraft carrier "KITTY HAWK" on 20th of March 1983 must be noted.
At the start of the 1990’s the Large Nuclear Submarines of Project 671 began to be withdrawn from the structure of the Navy.
Commemorative badges, dedicated Large Nuclear Submarine Project 671
K-38 construction № 600 (1st unit in the series) Northern Fleet
7-1. Anniversary badge “10 years K-38”
7-2. Commemorative badge for 1971 missions in the Arctic
7-3. Anniversary badge “15 years K-38”
7-4. Anniversary badge “25 years K-38”
K-53 construction № 603 (4th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
7-5, 7-6. Anniversary badge “20 years K-53”
K-306 construction № 604 (5th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
7-7. Anniversary badge “20 years K-306”
K-323 construction № 605 (6th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
On 20th of December 1972 renamed “50 YEARS OF USSR”
7-8. Anniversary badge “10 years K-323”
7-9. Anniversary badge “15 years K-323”
K-369 construction № 601 (2nd unit in the series) Northern Fleet
In 1976 re-designated K-69
7-10. Anniversary badge “5 years K-69”
K-370 construction № 606 (7th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
7-11. Anniversary badge “10 years K-370”
7-12. Anniversary badge “20 years K-370”
K-438 construction № 608 (8th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
7-13. Anniversary badge “10 years K-438”
7-14. Anniversary badge “20 years K-438”
K-314 construction № 610 (10th unit in the series) Pacific Ocean Fleet
7-15. Anniversary badge “10 years K-314”
7-16. Anniversary badge “20 years K-314”
7-17. Commemorative badge to the inter-theatre passage in 1972 of K-314 from the Northern Fleet to the Pacific Ocean Fleet around the Arctic
7-18. Anniversary badge “15 years K-314”
K-462 construction № 01613 (13th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
7-19. Crew badge K-462
7-20. Anniversary badge “5 years K-481”
K-481 construction № 01615 (15th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
7-21. Anniversary badge “10 years K-481”
7-22. Anniversary badge “20 years K-481”
K-469 construction № 01614 (14th unit in the series) Pacific Ocean Fleet
7-23. Commemorative badge to the inter-theatre passage in 1976 of K-469 from the Northern Fleet to the Pacific Ocean Fleet through the Drake Passage
7-24. Anniversary badge “15 years 289 crew” Large Nuclear Submarine Project 671
7-25. Anniversary badge “20 years 289 crew” Large Nuclear Submarine Project 671
Unidentified badges, possibly relating to Large Nuclear Submarines of Project 671
Unidentified badges, possibly relating to Large Nuclear Submarines of Project 671 (cont.)
8. LARGE NUCLEAR SUBMARINES OF PROJECT 671RT "GREY MULLET", WITH NATO DESIGNATION "VICTOR-II"
These large Nuclear Submarines were designed by Design Bureau “MALAKHIT”. Chief designer was G. N. Chernishev.
Building of the first Large Nuclear Submarine of Project 671RT – the K-387 – began on 2nd of April 1971 on building berth of the shipyard "Red Sormovo". It was launched on 2nd of September 1972 and accepted into the Navy on 30th of December 1972. A total of 7 submarines were build on the shipyards of Leningrad Admiralty plant and "Red Sormovo" (at Gorky) during the period 1971 to 1978 (respectively 3 and 4 units).
Project 671RT was a further development of design 671. However, the building of the Large Nuclear Submarines of project 671RT coincided in the time with the introduction of new, more effective and powerful weapons, which could not be fitted in the overall size of the existing project. Therefore this series was limited to 7 vessels.
These Large Nuclear Submarines became part of the 6th and 33rd Submarine Divisions of the Northern Fleet’s 1st Submarine Flotilla based in West Lica. Subsequently Large Nuclear Submarines of project 671RT were transferred to other Northern Fleet units including the 17th and 24th Submarine Divisions.
In August - September of 1981 K-517 completed autonomous cruises into the Arctic and carried out 17 surfacings, including at the North Pole. The Large Nuclear Submarines of Project 671RT recommended themselves excellently in the period of service with the Northern Fleet. No special emergencies with vessels of this project were noted.
At the beginning of the 1990’s the Large Nuclear Submarines of project 671RT began to be withdrawn from the Navy.
Commemorative badges, dedicated Large Nuclear Submarine Project 671RT
K-387 construction № 801 (1st unit in the series) Northern Fleet
8-1. Anniversary badge “10 years K-387”
K-371 construction № 802 (2nd unit in the series) Northern Fleet
8-2. Anniversary badge “5 years K-371”
8-3. Anniversary badge “10 years K-371”
8-4. Commemorative badge to the disbandment of crew 532 of Large Nuclear Submarine Project 671RT
K-495 construction № 01621 (5th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
8-5. Anniversary badge “15 years K-495”
8-6. Anniversary badge “20 years K-495”
K-467 construction № 803 (3rd unit in the series) Northern Fleet
8-7. Anniversary badge “15 years K-467”
Unidentified badges, possibly relating to Large Nuclear Submarines of Project 671RT
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9. LARGE NUCLEAR SUBMARINES OF PROJECT 671RTM "PIKE", WITH NATO DESIGNATION "VICTOR-III"
These large Nuclear Submarines were designed by Design Bureau “MALAKHIT”. Chief designer was G. N. Chernishev.
Building of the first Large Nuclear Submarine of Project 671RTM – the K-247 – began on 15th of July 1976 on the building berth of the Leninist Komsomol shipyard. It was launched on 13th of August 1978 and accepted into the Navy on 30th of December 1978. A total of 26 submarines were built on the Leninist Komsomol shipyard (at Komsomolsk-on-Amur) and the Leningrad Admiralty shipyard (at Leningrad) during the period from 1976 to 1992 (respectively 13 and 13 units).
Project 671RTM continued the development of designs 671 and 671RT. The base solutions from these projects, made it possible in a simple way to proceed to the next modification of multipurpose nuclear missile-torpedo submarines. On the tactical data these Large Nuclear Submarines form an intermediate link to the 3rd generation of nuclear submarines. New communications and tactical equipment were installed, which surpassed the capabilities of the previous equipment three times. Measures for reduction of the acoustic field were also carried out.
The last 5 Large Nuclear Submarines at the Leningrad Admiralty shipyard were built in accordance with Project 671RTMK with the installation of the newest “Grenade” missile complex, making it possible to employ Strategic Cruise missiles.
Large Nuclear Submarine of Project 671RTM became part of the 33rd, 11th and 7th Submarine Divisions of the Northern Fleet, and also the 45th Submarine Division of the Pacific Ocean Fleet.
In September 1981 K-255 completed a trans-arctic inter-theatre passage from the Pacific Ocean Fleet to the Northern Fleet. During this transit surfacing at the North Pole was carried out. Also K-324 transited under the Arctic ice to the composition of the Northern Fleet (September of 1982).
The military characteristics of this project were demonstrated by the results of operations "APORT" in 1985 and "ATRINA" in 1987. These were carried out by forces of Large Nuclear Submarines, primarily of Project 671RTM from the 33rd Submarine Division of the Northern Fleet’s 1st Submarine Flotilla. The unexpected appearances of the Large Nuclear Submarines near the bases of the fleet of the USA caused significant disturbances amongst the potential enemy. The analysis of the received results of these operations made the General Staff of the Navy of the USSR come to the unequivocal conclusion, that in case of a mass deployment of our Large Nuclear Submarines from the bases, the USA did not have enough forces for counteraction.
Reliability of construction, operational simplicity and thorough consideration of the solutions has provided the Large Nuclear Submarines of Project 671 RTM long service without heavy failures. However time prevails and gradually the vessels of this project are decommissioned from structure of the Navy. From the 29th of August 1991 the project was reclassified as Large Nuclear Submarines 1st rank with change of letter designations in the tactical numbers (the letter K was substituted with the letter B).
At various times certain Large Nuclear Submarines of this project were given the following designations: K-242 - "50 YEARS KOMSOMOLSK-ON-AMUR"; K-524 - "60 YEARS OF SUPPORT OF VLKSM”; K-358 - "MURMANSK KOMSOMOLETS" (until August 1992); B-448 - "TAMBOV" (from the 10th of April 1995); B-414 - "DANIEL MOSKOVSKIY" (since 1996); B-502 - "VOLGOGRAD" (from the 21st of March 1998) and B-138 - "OBNINSK" (since 2000).
Commemorative badges, dedicated Large Nuclear Submarine Project 671RTM
Built at Leninist Komsomol shipyard (at Komsomolsk-on-Amur)
K-412 construction № 304 (4th unit in the series) Pacific Ocean Fleet
9-1. Launching badge K-412
K-215 construction № 295 (5th unit in the series) Pacific Ocean Fleet
9-2. Anniversary badge “10 years K-251”
K-255 construction № 296 (6th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
9-3. Commemorative badge to the inter-theatre passage in 1986 of K-255 from the Pacific Ocean Fleet to the Northern Fleet
9-4. Commemorative badge B-255
K-324 construction № 297 (7th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
9-5. Anniversary badge “10 years K-324”
K-355 construction № 299 (9th unit in the series) Pacific Ocean Fleet
9-6. Anniversary badge “5 years K-355”
K-218 construction № 301 (11th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
9-7. Launching badge K-218
9-8. Anniversary badge “10 years K-128”
9-9. Unidentified crew badge for Large Nuclear Submarine Project 671RTM
Commemorative badges, dedicated Large Nuclear Submarine Project 671RTM
Built at Admiralty Association shipyard (Leningrad)
K-525 construction № 01636 (1st unit in the series) Northern Fleet
“60 YEARS OF SUPPORT OF THE VLKSM”
9-10. Crew badge K-525
9-11. Anniversary badge “10 years K-524”
K-298 construction № 01645 (5th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
9-12. Launching badge K-298
9-13. Crew badge K-298
K-254 construction № 01638 (2nd unit in the series) Northern Fleet
9-14. Launching badge K-254
9-15. Anniversary badge “15 years B-254”
9-16. Commemorative badge K-524
K-502 construction № 01641 (3rd unit in the series) Northern Fleet “VOLGOGRAD”
9-17. Launching badge K-502
9-18. Anniversary badge “10 years K-502”
9-19. Anniversary badge “20 years B-502”
K-358 construction № 01647 (6th unit in the series) Northern Fleet “MURMANSK KOMSOMOLETS”
9-20. Launching badge K-358
9-21. Commemorative badge K-358
K-292 construction № 01655 (9th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
9-22. Launching badge K-292
9-23. Commemorative badge K-292
K-299 construction № 01649 (7th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
9-24. Launching badge K-299
K-388 construction № 01657 (10th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
Since 2000 “SNEZHNOGORSK”
9-25. Launching badge K-388
K-138 construction № 01659 (11th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
“OBNINSK”
9-26. Launching badge K-138
K-414 construction № 01695 (12th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
"DANIEL MOSKOVSKIY"
9-27. Crew badge K-414
K-448 construction № 01696 (13th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
“TAMBOV”
9-28. Launching badge K-448
9-29. Crew badge B-448
9-30. Commemorative badge for crew 603 of Large Nuclear Submarine Project 671RTM
9-31. Anniversary badge “20 years crew 188” of Large Nuclear Submarine Project 671RTM
9-32. Anniversary badge “25 years crew 188” of Large Nuclear Submarine Project 671RTM
9-33. Anniversary badge “10 years crew 534” of Large Nuclear Submarine Project 671RTM
Unidentified badges, possibly relating to Large Nuclear Submarines of Project 671RTM
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10. NUCLEAR ATTACK SUBMARINE K-278 CONSTRUCTION № 510 OF PROJECT 685 "PLAVNIK" (“FLIPPER”), WITH NATO DESIGNATION "MІKE"
This Nuclear Attack Submarine was designed by the Central Design Bureau “RUBIN”. Chief designer was N. A. Klimov, followed by Yu. N. Kormilitsin.
Building of this unique experimental submarine began on 22nd of April 1978 at the Northern Machine-Building Enterprise (at Severodvinsk). Launching took place in 1983, and on 20th of October 1983 the completion report for K-278 was signed (this tactical number was allocated the vessel). In the period of operations K-278 confirmed the best expectations. Its diving depth was not exceeded by any submarine in the World and it probably will not be for some time. The Nuclear Attack Submarine carried out complex tests successfully, and it was allocated the honourable designation "KOMSOMOLETS". By 1989 K-278 was transferred from experimental tasks into the regular forces of the 1st Submarine Flotilla of the Northern Fleet. Unfortunately, on 7th of April 1989 while returning to base from a combat patrol, the submarine caught on an intense fire which resulted in the loss of K -278 and 42 submariners.
Mourning badges K-278
10-1. Launching badge K-278
10-2 to 10-5.
11. NUCLEAR ATTACK SUBMARINE PROJECTS 945 "BARRACUDA" AND 945A "KONDOR", WITH NATO DESIGNATION "SIERRA-I, II "
These Nuclear Attack Submarines were designed at the Design Bureau “LAZURIT”. Chief designer was N. J. Kvasha.
Building of the first Nuclear Attack Submarine of Project 945 – the K-239 – began on 08th of May 1982 on the building berths of the “Red Sormovo" shipyard. It was launched on 29th July 1983 and accepted into the Navy on 21st of September 1984. In total the “Red Sormovo” shipyards (at Gorky) built 4 Nuclear Attack Submarines of Projects 945 and 945A during the period from 1982 to 1993 (2 units of each type).
Project 945 is a further development of the 2nd generation of Nuclear Submarines alongside with project 671. However, since it was designed at another design bureau with other traditions, a number of issues were solved in a new fashion. The submarines of this project were made with titanium durable hull, which made it possible to increase the diving depth. Also, in comparison with the Nuclear Submarines of Project 671, the armament was increased and the acoustic field lowered.
Nuclear Attack Submarines of Projects 945 and 945A entered into the composition of the 6th Submarine Division of the Northern Fleet’s 1st Submarine Flotilla. The submarines carried out a large number of combat patrols showing outstanding results. In this case the statements of American submariners about the vulnerability and noisiness of Soviet and Russian submarines were invalidated. This was demonstrated in the 1990’s by the unexpected appearances of Nuclear Attack Submarines of Projects 945 and 945A off the coast of the USA and the immunity from detection by the antisubmarine defences of the USA.
On 11th of February 1992 while being in a training area K-276 "CRAB" collided with the American nuclear submarine “BATON ROUGE” of the “LOS ANGELES” class. The Russian submarine obtained only insignificant damages, while according to some data the "BATON ROUGE" was recognised to be beyond repair and subsequently decommissioned.
Today the Nuclear Attack Submarines of Projects 945 and 945A pass planned repair work in Russia shipyards and in the future, we hope, they will remain vigilant defenders of the interests of Russia.
Commemorative badges, dedicated Nuclear Attack Submarines of Project 945 and 945A
K-239 construction № 301 (1st unit in the series) Northern Fleet “KARP” (“CARB”)
11-1. Crew badge K-239
11-2. Launching badge K-239
11-3. Anniversary badge ”15 years K-239”
K-276 construction № 302 (2nd unit in the series) Northern Fleet “KRAB” (“CRAB”).
From the 15th of November 1996 renamed ”KOSTROMA”
11-4. Necktie clip K-276
K-534 construction № 303 (3rd unit in the series) Northern Fleet “ZUBATKA” (“CATFISH”).
From the 25th of March 1995 renamed ”NIZHNI NOVGOROD”
11-5. Launching badge K-534
11-6. Necktie clips K-534
11-7. Crew badge K-534
K-336 construction № 304 (4th unit in the series) Northern Fleet “OKUN”.
From the 3rd of April 1996 renamed ”PSKOV”
11-8. Launching badge K-336
12. NUCLEAR ATTACK SUBMARINES OF PROJECT 971 "PIKE- B", WITH NATO DESIGNATION "AKULA"
These Nuclear Attack Submarines were designed by Design Bureau “MALAKHIT”. Chief designer was G. N. Chernishev.
Building of the first Nuclear Attack Submarine of Project 971 – the K-284 – began on 6th of November 1983 on the building berths of the Leninist Komsomol shipyard. It was launched on 16th of June 1984 and accepted into the Navy on 30th of December 1984. In total the shipyards Leninist Komsomol (at Komsomolsk-on- Amur) and Northern Machine-Building Enterprise (at Severodvinsk) produced 15 Nuclear Attack Submarines during the period from 1983 to 2000 (7 and 8 units respectively).
Project 971 is a further development of the designs of family 671 and 945. These Nuclear Attack Submarines are vessels of the 3rd generation, but during the process of construction a series of modifications to the original project were introduced by designers and by builders. These changes constantly decreased the noisiness and improved the military characteristics of the submarines. In essence this accomplished a gradual transition to multipurpose Nuclear Submarines of the 4th generation.
The Nuclear Attack Submarines built in Komsomolsk-on-Amur became part of the 45th Submarine Division of the Pacific Ocean Fleet’s 2nd Submarine Flotilla based on Kamchatka. For the Nuclear Attack Submarines, built at the Northern Machine-Building Enterprise a new formation – the 24th Submarine Division – was created in 1985 as part of the Northern Fleet’s 3rd Submarine Flotilla at Naval Base Gadjievo. One should note, that in spite of the disrespectful opinions of American submariners, Project 971 showed itself from the best side in the encounters with the newest Nuclear Submarines of the USA, confirming that correct design solutions had been made.
On 10th of October 1990 under the initiative of crew members of K-317 the vessels was allocated the name "PANTHER". It had been given as a tribute to submariners of submarines such as the "LEOPARD", constructed under J. G. Bubnova's project. Subsequently all Nuclear Attack Submarines of Project 971 including the ones constructed before "PANTHER", have received names of old Russian submarines. For today Nuclear Attack Submarines of this project form a powerful force, capable of solving the various tasks connected with the protection of the sea boundaries of Russia.
Commemorative badges, dedicated Nuclear Attack Submarine Project 971
Built at Leninist Komsomol shipyard (at Komsomolsk-on-Amur)
K-284 construction № 501 (1st unit in the series) Pacific Ocean Fleet “AKULA” (“SHARK”)
12-1. Crew badge K-284
12-2. Launching badge K-284
K-322 construction № 513 (3rd unit in the series) Pacific Ocean Fleet “KASHALOT” (“CACHALOT”)
12-3. Launching badge K-322
K-391 construction № 514 (4TH unit in the series) Pacific Ocean Fleet “KIT” (“WHALE”).
From the 15th of September 1997 “BRATSK”
12-4. Launching badge K-391.
K-331 construction № 515 (5TH unit in the series) Pacific Ocean Fleet “NARVAL”.
From 2000 “MAGADAN”
12-5. Launching badge K-331.
K-419 construction № 516 (6TH unit in the series) Pacific Ocean Fleet “MORZH” (“WALRUS”). From 2000 “KUZBASS”
12-6. Launching badge K-419.
K-295 construction № 517 (7TH unit in the series) Pacific Ocean Fleet “DRAKON” (“DRAGON”).
From 1999 “SAMARA”
12-7. Launching badge K-295
12-8. Commemorative badge crew 518
(K-152 “NERPA” (“SEAL”) 8th unit in the series)
Commemorative badges, dedicated Nuclear Attack Submarine Project 971
Built at Northern Machine-Building Enterprise (at Severodvinsk)
K-480 construction № 821 (1st unit in the series) Northern Fleet
From 1991 named “BARS” (“LEOPARD”).
From 24TH of April 1998 renamed “AK-BARS” (“SNOW LEOPARD”)
12-9. Launching badge K-480
12-10. Crew badge K-480 (variant)
12-11. Necktie clip K-480
12-12. Crew badge K-480 (variant)
12-13. Commemorative badge K-480
K-317 construction № 822 (2nd unit in the series) Northern Fleet
From the 10th of October 1990 named “PANTERA” (“PANTHER”).
12-14. Commemorative badge K-317
12-15. Crew badge K-317
12-16, 12-17. Launching badges K-317 (variants of manufacturing)
12-18. Crew badge K-317
K-317 construction № 822 (cont.)
12-19. Necktie clip K-317
12-20. Commemorative badge K-317
12-21. Necktie clip K-317
K-461 construction № 831 (3rd unit in the series) Northern Fleet
From 1991 named “VOLK” (“WULF”)
12-22. Crew badge K-461
12-23. Anniversary badge “10 years K-461”
12-24. Launching badge K-461
12-25. Anniversary badge “10 years K-461”
12-26. Crew badge K-461
K-328 construction № 832 (4th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
On 24th of January 1991 named “LEOPARD”
From 21st of May 1991 renamed “KRASNOZNAMENNAJA” (“RED BANNER”)
12-27. Launching badge K-328
12-30. Commemorative badge K-328
K-154 construction № 833 (5th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
On 24th of July 1991 January named “TIGR” (“TIGER”)
12-27. Launching badge K-154
12-28. Crew badges K-154 (variants)
12-31. Necktie clips K-154
12-32. Commemorative badge K-154
12-33. Commemorative badge K-154
K-157 construction № 834 (6th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
On 6th of April 1993 named “VEPR” (“BOAR”)
12-34. Launching badge K-157
12-35. Crew badge K-157
12-37. Commemorative badge K-157
K-335 construction № 835 (7th unit in the series) Northern Fleet
“GEPARD”
12-36. Launching badges K-335 (variants)
12-38. Crew badge K-335
12-39. Commemorative badge K-335
12-40. Commemorative badge for commissioning K-335 (”rising of flag”)
Commemorative badges, dedicated Nuclear Attack Submarine Project 971
Built at Leninist Komsomol shipyard (at Komsomolsk-on-Amur)
12-41. Badge text: ”K-284 AKULA” (“SHARK”)
12-42. Badge text: ”K-263 DELFIN” (“DOLPHIN”)
12-43. Badge text: ”K-322 KASHALOT” (“CACHALOT”)
12-44. Badge text: ”K-391 KIT” (“WHALE”)
12-45. Badge text: ”K-391 BRATSK”
12-46. Badge text: ”K-331 NARVAL” (“NARWHALE”)
12-47. Badge text: ”K-419 MORZH” (“WALRUS”)
12-48. Badge text: “K-419 KUZBASS”
Commemorative badges, dedicated Nuclear Attack Submarine Project 971
Built at Leninist Komsomol shipyard (at Komsomolsk-on- Amur) (cont.)
12-49. Badge text: “K-267 DRAKON” (“DRAGON”)
12-50. Badge text: “K-267 SAMARA”
12-51. Badge text: “K-152 NERPA” (“SEAL”)
Commemorative badges, dedicated Nuclear Attack Submarine Project 971
Built at Northern Machine-Building Enterprise (at Severodvinsk)
12-52. Badge text: “K-480 BARS” (“LEOPARD”)
12-53. Badge text: “K-480 AK-BARS” (“SNOW LEOPARD”)
12-54. Badge text: “K-317 PANTERA” (“PANTHER”)
12-55. Badge text: “K-461 VOLK” (“WULF”)
Commemorative badges, dedicated Nuclear Attack Submarine Project 971
Built at Northern Machine-Building Enterprise (at Severodvinsk) (cont.)
12-56. Badge text: “K-328 LEOPARD” (“LEOPARD”)
12-57. Badge text: “K-154 TIGR” (“TIGER”)
12-58. Badge text: “K-157 VEPR” (“BOAR”)
12-59. Badge text: “K-335 GEPARD”
12-60. Badge text: “K-337 KUGUAR”
12-61. Badge text: “K-333 RYS” (“LYNX”)
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13. NUCLEAR CRUISE MISSILE SUBMARINES OF PROJECT 659, WITH NATO DESIGNATION "ECHO-I"
These Nuclear Cruise Missile Submarines were designed at Central Design Bureau № 18.
Chief designers were P. P. Pustyntsev and N.A. Klimov.
Building of the first Nuclear Cruise Missile Submarine of Project 659 – the K-45 – began on 20th of December 1958 at the Leninist Komsomol shipyard. It was launched on 12th of May 1960 and on 28th of June it became part of the Pacific Ocean Fleet. During the period from 1958 to 1963 the Leninist Komsomol shipyard (at Komsomolsk-on-Amur) built a total of 5 Nuclear Cruise Missile Submarines of Project 659.
This project was the first test of the arrangement of the complex of cruise missiles [“Winged Rockets”] for Nuclear Submarines, therefore it was necessary to develop a lot for the first time. This, naturally, did not have the best effect on the quality and the combat characteristics of these Nuclear Submarines. It is also necessary to note, that the series of Nuclear Cruise Missile Submarines of Project 659 was the first experience of building Nuclear Submarines in the Far East. The first missile complex P-5 proved to be unsuccessful, and since Cruise Missile Submarines of Projects 675 and 661 were already under construction, it was decided to carry out modernization of Project 659 to Project of 659T. This implied dismantling the missile complex and subsequently transferring the submarine to the torpedo submarine category.
At the beginning from 1985 all 5 Nuclear Cruise Missile Submarines of Project 659 were decommissioned from the Navy, however as of 1996 they have not been dismantled and have been stored afloat at temporary basing at the Pacific Ocean Fleet.
Commemorative badge, probably related to Nuclear Cruise Missile Submarines of Project 659
13-1. Anniversary badge “25 years crew”, probably related to K-45 construction № 140 (1st unit in