19.08.2025.
Minister Gašić attends ceremony marking 110th anniversary of River Flotilla
Today, Minister of Defence Bratislav Gašić attended a military ceremony at the Ušće military complex in Belgrade, marking the 110th anniversary of the River Flotilla and River Units Day.
Extending his congratulations on the occasion, Minister Gašić emphasized that the River Flotilla is a vital component of the Serbian Armed Forces. He noted that its members, through their expertise, courage, and discipline, uphold tradition while building new capabilities and adapting to modern security challenges.- The role of the River Flotilla in protecting citizens and property during natural disasters and technological hazards and accidents occurring on or along waterways is of vital importance. In recent years, we have witnessed the skill and capabilities of its members, who have consistently performed at the highest level in times of crisis – emphasized the Minister of Defence.
He wished the members of the River Flotilla excellent health and good fortune that favours true heroes as they continue to safeguard our rivers.
- Serbia’s waterways are not just natural boundaries – they are vital arteries of life, trade, culture, and unity. They have always been safeguarded with exceptional care and dedication, and your role in that mission is indispensable. May the sacrifice and commitment of your predecessors, spanning more than a century, continue to inspire you as you continue to develop and strengthen this distinguished unit – said Minister Gašić.On this occasion, Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Tiosav Janković, emphasized that the history of the unit has been shaped above all by its distinguished predecessors – river warriors, defenders of the freedom of the nation’s waterways and their vessels.
- Today, the River Flotilla stands as an important unit of the Serbian Armed Forces, fully equipped and trained to carry out missions along the nation’s inland waterways. Its members uphold their history and tradition with pride, and, true to the legacy of their predecessors, perform every assigned task with dedication, professionalism, and skill – said Lieutenant General Tiosav Janković.Captain (Navy) Darko Stričić, Commander of the River Flotilla, stated that the unit’s rich history and tradition serve as a strong foundation for building its capabilities in peacetime, in preparation for its primary mission – the defence of the country. On this occasion, Captain Stričić reviewed the unit’s performance over the past year, emphasizing that it successfully maintained a high level of operational readiness. He also outlined the unit’s upcoming tasks, placing particular emphasis on preparations for the upcoming military parade Strength of Unity.
As part of the celebration, Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Tiosav Janković presented awards and commendations to the most outstanding members of the River Flotilla. The ceremony continued with a formal naval parade.The event was attended by the Army Commander, Major General Zoran Nasković, Head of the Human Resources Department (J-1), Brigadier General Slađan Hristov, Head of the Development and Equipment Department (J-5), Brigadier General Stanisav Mijailović, Commander of the First Army Brigade, Brigadier General Jovica Matić, Commander of the Fourth Army Brigade, Colonel Grujica Vuković, and Deputy Head of the Office of the Minister of Defence, Colonel Nikola Matović.
River Units Day and River Flotilla Day are celebrated on August 19, commemorating the launch of Serbia’s first warship – the armoured boat Jadar – from the river bank in Čukarička Padina in 1915. This event marked the beginning of the rich history of Serbia’s flotilla.