Establishment and subsequent development of the marine corps in Russia resulted primarily from the necessity for Russia to win access to the sea and defend its maritime boundaries and naval interests afterwards.
The marine corps was established during the North War (1700-1721) to bolster Russia's endeavor to gain access to the Baltic Sea.
By Emperor Peter the Great's decree, the first regiment of marine soldiers was set up on November 16, 1705. The regiment served as the basis for subsequent development of the country's marine corps. The soldiers recruited for the first marine regiment were all young men of exceptional physique, morale and fighting spirit. They were also to be psychologically stable and patriotically motivated.
The regiment's personnel were trained primarily for serving in the assault-and-grapple units assigned to most naval vessels at the time.
The regiment took part in its first battle in October 1706 when in the Vyborg Bay of the Baltic Sea 51 marines in two row-boats heroically attacked two Swedish ships, carrying each over 100 men aboard, grappled with one and seized it in a fierce fight.
The marines especially glorified themselves during the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945) against nazi Germany. They fought both at sea and on land, distinguishing themselves with courage and determination.
Dozens of the marine corps' units gained the country's top military honors and were conferred the title of Marine Guards, with 150 marines awarded the supreme title of the Hero of the Soviet Union.
At present, the marine corps' primary objective is to ensure success of amphibious assault operations as well as to guarantee reliable defense of naval bases, coastal facilities and seashores. Over the past decade marines, together with other branches of the country's armed forces, have been engaged in combat operations conducted in "hot spots" in southern Russia.
21 marines have been awarded the title of the Hero of the Russian Federation for heroism displayed in the course of these operations, with over 6,000 decorated with military orders and medals.
Lately, the marine corps has been increasingly involved in international naval exercises.
According to the Navy's press service, special events and ceremonies are going to take place in the Russian Armed Forces' Culture Center to mark the 299th anniversary of the country's marine corps.
Vladimir Kuroyedov, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy, has congratulated all Russian marines on the anniversary.
"Russian marines have always been distinguished with professionalism, high training standards, courage and absolute loyalty to Motherland. I am certain that the Navy's marines will honorably sustain the glorious traditions of the Russian military and will continue to be the best-trained vanguard of the country's armed forces," the official congratulatory address reads.
