Soviet Navy and Naval Infantry Badges
(1979-1991)

 

Late Period Soviet Naval Badges

This section covers some of the many badges that were awarded to members of the Soviet Navy and Naval Infantry during the Afghanistan war period.  In each case we will attempt to give a full history of each badge when possible, and a general description at the very least. The selection of badges we have to view is listed below.

Back to Patches, Badges, Medals and
Awards of the Afghanistan War

 

 

Naval Air Force Officer's Badge (1991)

This brass and enamel badge was one of the last military badges of the Soviet Union.  It was authorized in 1991, but the 3000 badges were actually produced in 1992.  It measures 16 x 61 millimeters.

 

'For Long Voyage' Badges (1976)

These badges were issued to sailors who served on ships or submarines making long voyages.  They replaced the earlier brass and enamel 1961 long voyage badges.  Soviet sailors often nicknamed these badges 'the shovel'.  They are made of aluminum and multicolored enamel.  Some factory variations have also been seen, usually in the enamel work as in the examples below.  The badges are fastened to the uniform by means of a screw back fastener.

Ship Variant (Front)

Ship Variant (Back)
Submarine Variant (Front) Submarine Variant (Back)

 

 

Mine Clearing Badge (1975)

The badge established on 16 May 1975 by Order #141 of the Ministry of Defense of the USSR.  It was designed by A.B. Zhuk and manufactured by the 'Pobeda' factory.  The badge was awarded to sailors for mine clearing operations under combat conditions.  It is a pin back type composed of aluminum and enamel.

 

 

"Ocean 70" Badge (1970)

This badge was awarded to those sailors who took part in the "Ocean 70" naval exercise.  This version was for sailors who served on surface ships during the exercise.  It was the largest naval exercise undertaken by the Soviet Fleet during the Cold War.

The badge is similar to the ''Long Distance Voyage'' badge also awarded by the Navy at the time, but has the name of the exercise below the badge.

 

 

Excellent Sportsman Badge (1964)

These badges were established in 1964 and awarded to soldiers for excellence in physical conditioning and sports activities.  It came in three classes and was worn by both soldiers, airmen, and sailors.  They are screw back badges made of aluminum, white paint, and colored enamel.  They were replaced in 1994 by a new series of Russian badges.
First Class Badge Second Class Badge Third Class Badge

 

  

Nakhimov Navy Cadet School Graduation Badge (1958)

This badge was established in 1958 by Prikaz #179 of the USSR Ministry of Defense on 24 September.  The badge is made of brass and enamel and was given to all graduates of the Nakhimov schools.
  

   

 

Long Service Badge (1957)

Badges for service beyond the mandatory conscription period were authorized by the Ministry of Defense of the USSR Order #146 on 1 April 1957 (1).  They replaced the length of service chevrons for reengaged servicemen that had been in use from 1945 to 1957 (2). 

Early versions were made of brass and enamel, but later ones were made of painted aluminum.  A marker denoting how many years of faithful extended service could be attached to the hangers below the badge itself. This badge is a pin back type.

 

 

Excellence in Service Badges (1957)

This badge was awarded to sailors for excellent service. It was made of aluminum and enamel. The Navy badge says - Excellence in VMF (Troops of Fleet).

 

 

Ship Commander's Badge (1943)

These badges were worn only by the commander of a naval vessel or group of ships. The bottom two are made of German silver and red enamel, while the top two are plated with a gold color.  The original design for the badges below were developed in 1943.

The submarine and ship commander badges shown here are the 1987 reissues that were authorized by Prikaz #233 of the USSR Ministry of Defense on 15 April, 1987.

Ship Flotilla Commander Badge

Submarine Squadron Commander Badge

Ship Commander Badge

Submarine Commander Badge

 

Works Cited

(1) Borisov, V.A., НАГРУДНЫЕ ЗНАКИ СОВЕТСКИХ ВООРУЖЕННЫХ СИЛ 1918-1991, St. Petersburg: FARN, 1994. Print.

(2) Stepanov, A. Encyclopedia of Soviet Militaria - Soviet Arm Badges 1920-91 (I), Moscow: Zeughaus, 1999. Print.