VLADIVOSTOK, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Russia's Pacific Fleet celebrated its 287th anniversary, spokesman Nikolai Voskresensky said Monday.

"The best servicemen were awarded with the medals" in honor of the holiday, said Voskresensky, adding that a festive concert dedicated to the anniversary was held.

Voskresensky also noted that now the Pacific Fleet is one of the largest operational and strategic components of the Russian Navy. It provides protection for state interests in the Asia-Pacific region.

The fleet is equipped with atomic strategic and multipurpose submarines, surface combat ships of various classes and naval aircraft. Its personnel includes marines and coastal rocket and artillery units.

The founding of the fleet dated back to May 21, 1731 when the Russian Empire established the Okhotsk Port. It was the first stage in the development of Russia's naval forces in the Far East.

The Russian Pacific Fleet is a part of the Russian Navy, based in the the city of Vladivostok. It belongs to the Russian Eastern Military District.