SEVASTOPOL, May 28./ITAR-TASS/. The analysis of military operations during the second defense of Sevastopol makes it possible to draw two vital conclusions concerning fleet deployments and the role of naval aviation, the Black Sea fleet commander, Alexander Vitko, told a historical conference devoted to the 70th anniversary of Crimea’s liberation from fascist occupiers.

“First, it is vitally important (for Russia) to have two huge naval bases: one in the Caucasus and the other in Sevastopol,” Vitko said.

“Second, the success of any military operation depends on air support. That is why aviation is a vital component of any naval assault force,” the commander went on to say.

The construction of a naval base has been under way in Novorossiisk, Northern Caucasus, since 2008. The Russian Defense Ministry will go ahead with that project even now that Crimea has reunited with Russia. Six submarines that are being built for the Russian Black Sea fleet will be deployed in Novorossiisk.