Ayatollah Khamenei made the remark in a meeting with commanders and officials of The Islamic Republic of Iran's Naval Forces on Tuesday.
He described the 27th of November, known as the National Navy Day in Iran, the day of honor and pride of the Navy and a symbolic day to celebrate its sacrifices.
“The courageous operation of the Navy against the Ba'athist army of Iraq on November 27, 1981, had a lasting impact on the war, and that courage, initiative, planning and action reduced to zero the enemy's dominance to the sea,” he noted.
Stressing the necessity of keeping alive the memory of the operations of November 27 and commemorating the courageous martyrs, Ayatollah Khamenei added martyrdom in the cause of Allah is not a damage, but a trophy, and according to the accurate interpretation of the Imam Khomeini (RH), “the nation that honors martyrdom, will never be captive.”
Pointing to the importance of the Navy, he added the navy is at the forefront of defending the country and must be present in free waters as before.
Leader emphasized the need to boost Navy’s combat capabilities and its facility use to address the shortcomings; he added “an acceptable mobility and growth has begun in the Navy, and today it is much more advanced and capable than 20 years ago, but this level of progress is not convincing, and it should follow a momentous move in all parts with determination and spirit, long-term commitment and action.”
Before the speech of Ayatollah Khamenei, Navy Commander Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi presented a report on the goals and activities of Navy, saying "increasing combat power, effective presence in the Free Seas and the Oceans, protecting the security of the country's maritime lanes, are among topics on the Navy's agenda.
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