Valentin M. Pashin (1937-2013) was an outstanding Russian scientist and naval architect, Academician of Russian Academy of Sciences, Professor, Scientific Principal and Director of KSRC, and also the author of numerous articles, monographs and inventions in critical fields of shipbuilding.

He was born on July 25, 1937 in a small workers’ settlement called Alekseevka, in Khvalyn District of Saratov Region. His parents were simple people, and still they managed to arouse in their son the thirst of knowledge and the love to the Motherland that he carried through his entire life. Among his peers, he was always noted for his diligence and curiosity to everything new and unexplored.

In 1960, successfully graduating from Leningrad Shipbuilding University as a naval architect majoring in shipbuilding and ship repair, Valentin Pashin took up his career with Krylov Shipbuilding Research Institute, starting as a part-time technician (at that moment he was still a student) and then going all the way up to the position of Scientific Principal and Director of the institution directly responsible for the Soviet Navy potential. Guided by Academician Pashin, KSRI managed to make Soviet underwater fleet equal to its potential enemy, the fleet of the United States, in terms of stealth and combat power.

A gifted manager, Valentin Pashin built up a team of brilliant scientists and researchers. His leadership was a key to success in breakthrough developments regarding strength, hydrodynamics, acoustics and electromagnetic signatures. The ships developed by his team of experts remain an amazing example of unique performance parameters even today. These ships became a cornerstone for the current generation of researchers and engineers in their efforts towards improvement and progress of ships that now form the backbone of the Russian Navy.

As an outstanding scientist of international magnitude, Valentin Pashin put a strong emphasis on the training of youth. He brought up many researchers and experts who further received PhD and DSc. degrees and now determine the paths of contemporary shipbuilding science.

The merits of Valentin Pashin were duly appraised. For his contribution to the development of modern navy, he was accepted to the Russian Academy of Sciences as its full-fledged member. In recognition of his untiring efforts to the benefit of his country, he received the honourable title of the Hero of Russia.

Academician Valentin Pashin died in St. Petersburg on December 15, 2013 on the 77^th year of his life.

KSRC staff still feels the loss of this outstanding naval architect, but the experts fostered by him as professionals continue his work to the benefit of the Russian Navy.