The Revolutionary Navy (MGR), a division of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) of the Cuban regime, marked its 61st anniversary with a celebration where officers and cadets were seen dancing energetically, a rare sight for a military body known for its elitism and sobriety.
Officers, troops, and civilian personnel from the MGR unit located at Punta Dos Bahías, Holguín, participated last Thursday in a party organized for the occasion. The music was provided by the band Karachi, and the attendees enthusiastically joined in the dancing, according to images shared on social media.
Official journalist Emilio Rodríguez Pupo posted a series of photos on his Facebook page, showing unit personnel exuberantly celebrating in a way that was unusual for traditionally sober and reserved uniformed individuals. "Confirmed: with Karachi, 'nobody stays still' in Dos Bahías. The Santiago-based band, led by maestro Fernando Álvarez, had officers, sailors, and civilian workers of the Naval Unit dancing today, in honor of the Revolutionary Navy Day. Such was the revelry for those who ensure the safety of Cuban seas," Rodríguez Pupo stated in his post.
The party didn't distinguish between officers and cadets, as everyone in the Dos Bahías Naval Unit gave in to Karachi's music, abandoning all formality and dancing with their hands in the air as if the so-called “revolution” was not experiencing turbulent times.
Comprised of over 20,000 sailors and equipped with 27 ships and 26 aircraft, most of which are outdated technology from the former Soviet Union, the MGR is responsible for "defending the coasts and territorial waters of the Republic of Cuba against any potential military attack by hostile forces," according to the MINFAR.
Cuba boasts 5,746 kilometers of coastline and 28.5 kilometers of borders with the U.S. naval base located in Guantanamo Bay. The Cuban Navy was founded in 1909 as the Constitutional Navy of Cuba. During World War II, the Cuban Navy sank the German submarine U-176 of the Kriegsmarine on May 15, 1943.
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the MGR repurposed a Spanish fishing vessel, which it uses as a frigate. It also maintains 12 Zhuk patrol boats of Ukrainian manufacture and two Russian-made Stenka patrol boats. The fleet is rounded out by six Russian missile boats, eight minesweepers, and a corvette from the same country.
Questions about the Revolutionary Navy's 61st Anniversary Celebration
In light of the recent celebration by the Revolutionary Navy, here are some frequently asked questions that provide further insight into the event and the state of the MGR.
What was unique about the Revolutionary Navy's 61st anniversary celebration?
The celebration was unique because officers and cadets were seen dancing energetically and abandoning their usual formality, which is rare for this traditionally sober and elite military body.
Who provided the music for the celebration?
The music was provided by the band Karachi, led by maestro Fernando Álvarez.
How did the Cuban Navy originate?
The Cuban Navy was founded in 1909 as the Constitutional Navy of Cuba and has a history of significant events, such as sinking the German submarine U-176 during World War II.
What is the current state of the Revolutionary Navy's fleet?
The fleet consists of over 20,000 sailors and includes 27 ships and 26 aircraft, most of which are outdated Soviet-era technology. The MGR also maintains a variety of patrol boats and missile ships.