Peering out from the western facade of the Nakhimov Naval School stands the bust of a celebrated naval commander. This is the P. S. Nakhimov Bust. It commemorates Admiral Pavel Stepanovich Nakhimov. The bust was initially installed in 2004 to mark the school’s 60th anniversary.
Originally, this bronze bust of P. S. Nakhimov stood proudly in front of the western facade. However, in 2017, it was relocated to make way for a life-size monument. This new monument was a gift from the Russian Club of Orthodox Philanthropists and was crafted in Germany. The P. S. Nakhimov Bust now resides near another building.
Pavel Nakhimov was born in 1802 and died in 1855. He served as an admiral in the Imperial Russian Navy. Nakhimov is most famous for his victory at the Battle of Sinop. He also played a key role in the Siege of Sevastopol during the Crimean War.
Nakhimov joined the Imperial Russian Navy. He quickly rose through the ranks. He participated in the Greek War of Independence and the Russo-Turkish War. At the start of the Crimean War, he won a major victory at the Battle of Sinop against the Ottoman Empire. Later, he became a leader in the defense of Sevastopol. He defended the city against British, French, and Ottoman forces. A sniper fatally wounded him during this defense.
After his death, Nakhimov became a national hero. Medals and ships were named in his honor. This was especially true during the Soviet era, starting with Stalin. In 1947, a Soviet film titled “Admiral Nakhimov” was released. It depicted his life.
Born into a noble family, Nakhimov came from the Smolensk Governorate. He was one of eleven children. Interestingly, six of his siblings died in infancy. He and his four brothers all pursued careers as seamen. One brother even became Vice Admiral Sergei Stepanovich Nakhimov.
In 1817, Nakhimov entered the Naval Academy for the Nobility in St. Petersburg. During that year, he embarked on his first sea voyage. He sailed aboard the frigate “Feniks” to the shores of Sweden and Denmark. Soon after, he earned a promotion to non-commissioned officer. By February 1818, he passed his examinations to become a midshipman. He was then assigned to the second Fleet Crew of the Baltic Fleet.
Nakhimov’s early naval experience involved voyages in the Baltic Sea. He also took an extensive trip from Arkhangelsk to Kronstadt. His big opportunity arrived in 1822. He was assigned to the frigate “Kreiser”. This vessel participated in a round-the-globe expedition. The expedition was commanded by Mikhail Petrovich Lazarev.
During this three-year voyage, Nakhimov was promoted to lieutenant. After the voyage, he received the Order of Saint Vladimir IV degree. He then returned to Smolensk and was assigned to the warship “Azov”.
In 1853, during the Crimean War, Nakhimov distinguished himself. He decisively defeated the Ottoman fleet at Sinope. Before the battle, the Russian fleet divided into two groups. Nakhimov led one group. On November 30, 1853, Nakhimov’s squadron entered the bay where the Ottoman fleet was stationed. After the Ottomans refused to surrender, a fierce battle ensued. The Russian guns proved too powerful. In just a few hours, the Ottoman fleet was ablaze.
Nakhimov’s legacy lives on through monuments like this bust. He also has naval schools named after him. These schools continue to train future officers for the Russian Navy. The P. S. Nakhimov Bust serves as a reminder of his courage. It also honors his strategic brilliance. It inspires those who pass by to remember his contributions to Russian naval history.