The Soviet navy was part of the structure of the Armed Forces throughout the entire period of the existence of the USSR. The ships of the USSR Navy were always ready to defend the borders of the state. Many sailors distinguished themselves during the Great Patriotic War.
Flag of the Soviet Navy
Throughout the existence of the Soviet fleet, the colors of the flag changed several times. This was due either to the creation of new fleets, or to a change in the geopolitical situation.
The first flag of the Soviet Navy was officially approved in 1923. What did he look like? A rectangular cloth of red color was taken, in the middle of which the sun with 8 rays was depicted. Since this flag was to some extent similar to the national symbol of Japan, after the formation of the Pacific Fleet in 1932, Soviet sailors initiated the development of a sketch of a new flag. Such actions were logical in the light of Japan's certain hostility towards our state. The naval ensign of the USSR in a new design was approved by a government decree of May 27, 1935. The coloring has not changed fundamentally. Now it was a white canvas with a blue stripe at the bottom. In the center of the flag was a five-pointedstar, as well as sickle and hammer. It can be seen that more traditional Soviet elements appeared on the flag. The general appearance of the flag was changed in 1950. No new symbols were added, but the party leadership decided to change the position of the star and sickle in places.
Honorary Flag of the Soviet Navy
There was also an Honorary Naval Ensign. It was used during ceremonies or given to the captains of particularly distinguished ships. Its appearance also changed several times during the existence of the Soviet fleet. For example, the first version of this flag was very similar to the usual flag of the Soviet Navy, except that a large white cross was placed in the upper left corner.
What do the flags on the ship mean?
There are different situations at sea, so a special warning system has been developed in the form of flags on ships. This includes up to 80 different characters. These can be flags-commands (give reverse or low speed, etc.), warnings (for example, the course of the ship is in a dangerous direction), warnings (a person fell overboard, a distress signal on the ship). Flags can also signal ship turns. A special distinctive sign was necessarily raised on a duty border ship.
Also, the ship must have the flag of the state under whose jurisdiction the ship is located. As you know, the territory of the ship is equated to the land territory of the home country.
