They've been around since 1700 or so. Have fought in all Russian Wars. Served with great honor/distinction.
Merely wanted to point out many Russian Marines (Naval Infantry) are presently onshore-Crimea. Others waiting for orders offshore. This fact is us course known by Ukrainians in Crimea and elsewhere...
Therein is some of the problem. The Admirals have been wanting a chance to not only move, but to shoot. They instigated this Crimea Affair, and they are impatient.
The air borne troops were brought in, so as to be a barrier between the Admirals and the Ukrainians; but already, the Admirals intend to start something by working around the edges.
They’ve already blown some comm. centers of the Ukrainian forces.
If Putin is able, despite his Admirals, there will be no shooting ... just waiting ... and the Crimea will be Russia’s.
If the Admirals get their way, there will be a [race] war ignition and ripple effect all around the Sea, and probably thence to the Med.
Putin has to go along, in order to maintain some control.
But the problem is, the revolt by the Russian Admirals.
I am guessing.