The 1942 withdrawal forced Gorshkov's Azov Flotilla, including many improvised craft, through the constricted route into the Black Sea. After the flotilla disbanded, he became deputy naval commander in the defense district and took charge of active 47th Army troops in the Battle of the Caucasus. That appointment is unusually strong evidence of confidence in a naval officer's joint-command ability. Gorshkov then returned to a reformed Azov Flotilla for further landings and coastal support in 1943.
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The Azov breakout led Gorshkov into army command
After extracting roughly 150 vessels from the Sea of Azov, Gorshkov was trusted with active troops of the 47th Army during the Caucasus campaign.