InfoHub Logo

Aktau, Kazakhstan – A significant milestone was celebrated in Aktau as Maidan Salmenov, a distinguished naval officer and former commander of nuclear submarines, marked his 80th birthday. His life story is not just a personal achievement but a notable chapter in the history of Kazakhstan's naval forces.

Born on May 9, 1946, in the village of Antonovka, Pavlodar region, Salmenov harbored dreams of the sea from a young age. Despite growing up far from any coast, stories from his grandmother, Lida, about the ocean and ships fueled his aspirations.

Embarking on a Naval Career

After graduating from school, Salmenov was called up for military service and received an opportunity to study in Leningrad. This marked the beginning of his journey as a submariner. He graduated from the Leningrad Komsomol Higher Naval School and later completed advanced courses for submarine commanders.

The transition from a rural Kazakh school to Russian-language education in a military academy was challenging. However, Salmenov demonstrated remarkable perseverance. "I studied at night. Sometimes I even studied in the boiler room. But I always came out on top," he recalled.

A Pride of Kazakhstan's Maritime History

During his studies, Salmenov's neat handwriting was recognized, leading him to help prepare slogans and banners for the school. Today, his portrait is displayed as an example for cadets at his former school and naval academy.

He served in the Pacific Fleet in Kamchatka, dedicating a total of 25 calendar years to the Soviet Navy. Including his service in Kamchatka, his career spanned nearly half a century.

Maidan Salmenov holds the distinction of being the only Kazakh to command a strategic missile nuclear submarine in the Soviet fleet. Though he saw the sea for the first time as a cadet, he later undertook missions lasting 90 and then 60 days at sea. "Inside the 'iron,' meaning the submarine, the pressure is normal. There are all the necessary life support systems," the veteran explained.

A nuclear submarine carried 16 ballistic missiles, and the lives of its 129 crew members depended daily on the commander's decisions. "A normal day on a submarine is constant combat duty. There are no 'normal' days there. There is a lot of equipment, weapons – you have to manage it all," Salmenov stated.

He specialized in the missile combat section, a critical part of the submarine. "On a submarine, there is no room for lies or deception, because it directly affects people's lives," he emphasized.

Founding Father of the Kazakh Navy

Even after retiring at 45, Salmenov continued to serve his country. When the Kazakh Navy was established in 1993, he was recalled to active duty. He led the formation of the Kazakh Navy's headquarters in Aktau, becoming one of the founders of the nation's naval forces.

He later worked in the Ministry of Transport and Communications, contributing to the drafting of Kazakhstan's "Law on Merchant Shipping." He also served as a deputy of the Fort-Shevchenko district maslikhat (local council).

Today, the veteran resides in Astana with his wife, raising six grandchildren. His elder son lives with his family in Aktau, while his younger son followed in his father's footsteps, graduating from the same naval school.

Salmenov admits that if given the chance to relive his life, he would choose the sea again. "I am proud to have been a submariner," the veteran declared.

Kazakhstani naval officers congratulated the birthday celebrant. First Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Kazakh Navy – Chief of the General Staff of the Naval Forces, Captain 1st Rank Daniyar Khairushev, highlighted Salmenov's significant contribution to the development of the country's naval forces.