Soviet Fleet Admiral. He was born in the Ukrainian city of Kamenets-Podolski of Russian nationality. He joined the Russian Navy in 1927, graduating from the Frunze Naval Academy in 1931. Following graduation he was appointed commander of a torpedo squadron, and led in the naval defense of Odessa during the Second World War. He joined the Communist Party in 1942, becoming a permanent party member in 1961. He served as chief of staff from 1948 to 1951, commander of the Black Sea Fleet from 1951 to 1955 and commander in chief of Soviet naval forces from 1956 to 1985. In May 1965 he was awarded the title of "Hero of the Soviet Union" for his contributions in defending the motherland against Nazi aggression. Two years later he was promoted to the rank of admiral of the fleet of the Soviet Union. As admiral, he is credited with developing the Soviet Navy from a small coastal force into a modern global nuclear threat and power, second only to that of the United States Navy. In 1979 he authored "Sea Power of the State" which became required reading for many U.S. naval war scholars. Highly decorated in his career, he was a five time recipient of the Order of Lenin, and a four time recipient of the Red Banner.
Soviet Fleet Admiral. He was born in the Ukrainian city of Kamenets-Podolski of Russian nationality. He joined the Russian Navy in 1927, graduating from the Frunze Naval Academy in 1931. Following graduation he was appointed commander of a torpedo squadron, and led in the naval defense of Odessa during the Second World War. He joined the Communist Party in 1942, becoming a permanent party member in 1961. He served as chief of staff from 1948 to 1951, commander of the Black Sea Fleet from 1951 to 1955 and commander in chief of Soviet naval forces from 1956 to 1985. In May 1965 he was awarded the title of "Hero of the Soviet Union" for his contributions in defending the motherland against Nazi aggression. Two years later he was promoted to the rank of admiral of the fleet of the Soviet Union. As admiral, he is credited with developing the Soviet Navy from a small coastal force into a modern global nuclear threat and power, second only to that of the United States Navy. In 1979 he authored "Sea Power of the State" which became required reading for many U.S. naval war scholars. Highly decorated in his career, he was a five time recipient of the Order of Lenin, and a four time recipient of the Red Banner.
Bio by: Nils M. Solsvik Jr.
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