Russia's Black Sea Fleet has Target Practice

07/27/2014 -- Russia's Black Sea Fleet conducts target practice in Crimea's Sevastopol. The Black Sea Fleet is a sub-unit of the Russian Navy operating in the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea since the 18th century. One of the most important bases is in Crimea's Sevastopol. On May 13, 1783, a detachment of Russian ships under the command of Admiral Fyodor Klokachov entered the Akhtiarsky Bay, and the construction of the naval base and city of Sevastopol began a month later. The Black Sea Fleet is a crucial element in the system of defense of Russia’s southern frontiers. It also commits its ships to Russia’s operative naval grouping in the Mediterranean. Russian ships of the Black Sea Fleet have been engaged in is escorting Syrian chemical weapons to the sites of destruction. Besides, the fleet’s ships have taken part in the international antipiracy operation in the Gulf of Aden. All in all, they made nine long-distance cruises in 2013 and visited 37 ports in thirteen countries. Best photos of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in this photo gallery by ITAR-TASS. Check out photos from a more recent exercise at http://en.itar-tass.com/russia/721411