Vice Admiral Valery Isak died at the age of 74, leaving behind a long and storied career in the Russian Navy. He reportedly passed away at home, with Izvestia noting his passing, and he was remembered by colleagues including the President of the St. Petersburg Submarine Club, First Class Captain Igor Kurdin, who spoke of Isak as a dedicated leader and steadfast servant of the sea.
The official cause of death was not disclosed, but the maritime community reflected on a life spent at sea and at the helm of important naval programs. Isak had retired from active service in 2005 after a career that spanned several decades and included leadership roles that shaped Russia’s deep-sea capabilities.
Born on January 25, 1949 in Baku, Isak began his journey toward the oceanic forces with training at the Higher Naval Forces Radio Electronics School, from which he graduated in 1971. That education laid a foundation for a career that would blend technical expertise with strategic command, a combination that defined his impact on naval operations and research.
In 2000 Isak was promoted to the rank of vice admiral, signaling recognition of his responsibilities and leadership within the Russian Navy. From 2000 to 2005, he led the Main Directorate of Deep Sea Research of the Russian Ministry of Defense, directing efforts that advanced undersea science, exploration, and capabilities. A landmark moment in his tenure came in 2003 when he oversaw the tests of the first nuclear deep-sea station, known by the nickname Losharik, an asset in deep-sea research and operations that drew international attention for its ambitious scope.
Earlier in his public career, the defense community also mourned other notable figures. Among them was the former Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation, Army General Igor Puzanov, who passed away on October 22 at the age of 76. In addition, the military world remembered General Anatoly Kvashnin, who had served as the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. Their passing was noted as the loss of senior leaders who helped shape the modern structure and strategy of Russia’s armed forces.
Valery Isak’s life illustrates a path from technical training to strategic leadership, marked by a commitment to the exploration and security of Russia’s maritime domains. His work with deep-sea research and his role in advancing high-profile tests reflect a career that intersected science, defense priorities, and the evolving needs of the navy. The community of officers and engineers who collaborated with him during his years of service continues to remember the dedication he brought to every mission and project, from classroom lectures to field operations beneath the waves.
As the naval world looks back on Isak’s contributions, it also recognizes the broader context of Russia’s maritime ambitions during his era. The Losharik program, with its specialized deep-sea platform, stands as a milestone in attempts to push the boundaries of underwater science and national defense technology. Those who worked alongside Isak describe a leader who valued precise planning, rigorous testing, and the steady pursuit of progress—even when challenges arose along the way. In retirement, the focus on education, mentorship, and maintaining connections within the naval community continued to reflect the ethos he carried forward throughout his career.