Nikolai Kuznetsov

Kuznetsov was appointed People's Commissar of the Navy of the USSR at age 35. He oversaw the modernization and expansion of the Soviet fleet, including the construction of new battleships and submarines.

On June 21, 1941, Kuznetsov ordered the Soviet Navy to move to operational readiness, anticipating the German invasion. This action prevented the fleet from being caught by surprise, saving many ships and personnel.

Kuznetsov was dismissed from his post as Navy Commander-in-Chief and demoted to vice-admiral by Stalin. This was part of a purge of military leaders, with Kuznetsov accused of insufficient political loyalty.

After Stalin's death, Kuznetsov was rehabilitated and reinstated as Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union. He resumed leadership of the navy, advocating for a balanced fleet including aircraft carriers.

Kuznetsov was again dismissed by Khrushchev after disagreements over naval strategy, particularly the role of surface ships versus submarines. He was demoted to vice-admiral and forced into retirement.