Fyodor Ushakov's early service included a Baltic galley, the Don flotilla, Catherine II's yacht, and merchant protection during the First League of Armed Neutrality. After Russia conquered Crimea, he supervised naval-base construction at Sevastopol and docks at Kherson. Victories in the Russo-Turkish War established him as an experienced Black Sea commander before the Corfu expedition. In the Mediterranean he helped take the Ionian Islands, blockaded French bases in Italy, and supported attacks on Naples and Rome before his recall with the fleet in 1800. He later left command, withdrew to a monastery, and declined command of the local militia in 1812. Russian records credit him with 43 naval battles without losing a battle or a ship. Later Russian and Soviet warships carried his name, including a coast-defence ship lost at Tsushima.
Chapter · 47:16-51:38
Ushakov's career from the Black Sea to retirement
Ushakov built his reputation through Black Sea victories, naval construction and Mediterranean operations, with Russian records crediting him with an undefeated career.