The garrison that initially defended Odessa were made up of the 25th and 95th Rifle Divisions, the 9th Cavalry Division, the 421st Marine Division, the 54th Rifle Regiment and an NKVD Regiment. In total some 34,500 men and 240 artillery gunss. Air support was provided by the 69th IAP, two seaplane squadrons and one bomber squadron. Later, other fighters reinforced the defenders, as did an Il-2 squadron (42 OShAE). Bombers from Crimea and Nikolaev also participated in the defence.