The Black Sea example points to a long-running problem of fleet basing. During the First World War, the Royal Navy explored an aerial torpedo attack on the German High Seas Fleet at Wilhelmshaven, but the capability was not ready in time. British work continued through the interwar years and helped produce the attack on Taranto. Taranto bought the Royal Navy valuable months of control without permanently destroying the Italian fleet. Cape Matapan then extended that advantage. The lesson predates modern drones: ships tied up within enemy air reach are especially vulnerable unless the harbour has strong defences. A warship group at sea can manoeuvre, build layered defence, and provide mutual support.
Notable Point · 19:09-20:41
Why warships are vulnerable when tied up in harbour
The Black Sea discussion becomes a historical lesson in harbour vulnerability, linking current attacks to British planning against Wilhelmshaven and the later operations at Taranto and Cape Matapan.