the pilot said as he swept low over the Tennessee. He could almost see a shadow of the big Trident submarine in the bright midday sunlight.
Comrade Captain, the pilot said to Surovcik, I see a mast or periscope on the surface.
Keep the sub in sight. Stand by, Two, the Russian radio officer directed the Kamov pilot as Surovcik radioed Admiral Botschka.
Comrade Admiral, we believe the American is preparing to surface. A periscope was spotted moments ago, Surovcik reported to the task force commander.
Botschka responded immediately. My orders. Captain, originated in the Kremlin. You must keep the submarine from surfacing until one of our subs is in position to torpedo the Americans. This must happen below the surface. No witnesses.
Any surface action might be detectable by reconnaissance satellite or spy plane. Do you understand? Botschka was adamant.
Yes, Comrade Admiral, replied Surovcik, shaken by the task force commander's intent.
The Akhromeyev captain had not envisioned attacking the American submarine. What would happen to him if he failed to keep the nuclear submarine totally submerged? More importantly, Surovcik thought, what will happen if I inadvertently sink the American? Will the politically inclined admiral back me?
It is possible. Comrade Captain Surovcik, for the Americans to send a message if they surface. The periscope may be an antenna, too. The submarine must be kept entirely under water.
Admiral Botschka paused, Is that clear. Captain?
Yes, very clear. Comrade Admiral, Surovcik replied as he released the microphone transmit button. He looked at his radio officer who had heard the order. The lieutenant's face was ashen, his mouth slightly open, eyes questioning.
Akhromeyev One and Two, this is Captain Surovcik, acknowledge.
Both Russian pilots replied immediately to the demanding voice.
Your orders are to keep the submarine totally submerged.
No mast or periscope. Nothing above the water. Surovcik was absently rubbing his left temple as he stared at the two ASW helicopters circling the American submarine.
Akhromeyev One, understand. The pilot sounded as if he might have a question.
Akhromeyev Two, understand. Comrade Captain. We are cleared to drop depth charges, if any part of the submarine rises from the water?
That is correct. You are to keep the submarine under surveillance until further notice. Use your judgment. The submarine is not to surface or transmit any message. You have your orders, Surovcik ended the conversation and reached for his binoculars, noting that the radio officer was in stunned silence.
Everyone on the bridge had heard Captain Surovcik tell the pilots to use their judgement. He had a way out, an excuse for whatever might happen.
The pilot of Akhromeyev Two armed his number one conventional H-E depth charge pack and rolled into a dive toward the Tennessee, stern to bow, as he lined up with the antenna wake.
He purposely released the charge late, intending to send a message to the captain of the submarine. He had not been ordered to destroy the sub, only keep it below the surface. A failure to carry out orders in a correct manner could end his career, if not his life. Fleet Admiral Vosoghiyan was not a tolerant man.
The depth charge smashed into the water 200 meters in front of the submarine. It was set to detonate at a depth of 150 meters and quickly sank below the Tennessee.
The almost invisible wake of the Trident passed directly through the disturbed water where the depth charge entered the sea.
Defcon One (1989)
USS TENNESSEE
HANG ON, Chief Booker yelled across the control room.
The bastards just dropped on us, Booker continued as Mcconnell barked orders and radioed the Constellation.
We're being attacked! Tennessee under attack! Mcconnell repeated and tossed the microphone down.
Left full rudder, all ahead flank, Mcconnell shouted, as the submarine surged forward and rolled slightly to the right.
All down on the planes! The captain reached for his
Comrade Captain, the pilot said to Surovcik, I see a mast or periscope on the surface.
Keep the sub in sight. Stand by, Two, the Russian radio officer directed the Kamov pilot as Surovcik radioed Admiral Botschka.
Comrade Admiral, we believe the American is preparing to surface. A periscope was spotted moments ago, Surovcik reported to the task force commander.
Botschka responded immediately. My orders. Captain, originated in the Kremlin. You must keep the submarine from surfacing until one of our subs is in position to torpedo the Americans. This must happen below the surface. No witnesses.
Any surface action might be detectable by reconnaissance satellite or spy plane. Do you understand? Botschka was adamant.
Yes, Comrade Admiral, replied Surovcik, shaken by the task force commander's intent.
The Akhromeyev captain had not envisioned attacking the American submarine. What would happen to him if he failed to keep the nuclear submarine totally submerged? More importantly, Surovcik thought, what will happen if I inadvertently sink the American? Will the politically inclined admiral back me?
It is possible. Comrade Captain Surovcik, for the Americans to send a message if they surface. The periscope may be an antenna, too. The submarine must be kept entirely under water.
Admiral Botschka paused, Is that clear. Captain?
Yes, very clear. Comrade Admiral, Surovcik replied as he released the microphone transmit button. He looked at his radio officer who had heard the order. The lieutenant's face was ashen, his mouth slightly open, eyes questioning.
Akhromeyev One and Two, this is Captain Surovcik, acknowledge.
Both Russian pilots replied immediately to the demanding voice.
Your orders are to keep the submarine totally submerged.
No mast or periscope. Nothing above the water. Surovcik was absently rubbing his left temple as he stared at the two ASW helicopters circling the American submarine.
Akhromeyev One, understand. The pilot sounded as if he might have a question.
Akhromeyev Two, understand. Comrade Captain. We are cleared to drop depth charges, if any part of the submarine rises from the water?
That is correct. You are to keep the submarine under surveillance until further notice. Use your judgment. The submarine is not to surface or transmit any message. You have your orders, Surovcik ended the conversation and reached for his binoculars, noting that the radio officer was in stunned silence.
Everyone on the bridge had heard Captain Surovcik tell the pilots to use their judgement. He had a way out, an excuse for whatever might happen.
The pilot of Akhromeyev Two armed his number one conventional H-E depth charge pack and rolled into a dive toward the Tennessee, stern to bow, as he lined up with the antenna wake.
He purposely released the charge late, intending to send a message to the captain of the submarine. He had not been ordered to destroy the sub, only keep it below the surface. A failure to carry out orders in a correct manner could end his career, if not his life. Fleet Admiral Vosoghiyan was not a tolerant man.
The depth charge smashed into the water 200 meters in front of the submarine. It was set to detonate at a depth of 150 meters and quickly sank below the Tennessee.
The almost invisible wake of the Trident passed directly through the disturbed water where the depth charge entered the sea.
Defcon One (1989)
USS TENNESSEE
HANG ON, Chief Booker yelled across the control room.
The bastards just dropped on us, Booker continued as Mcconnell barked orders and radioed the Constellation.
We're being attacked! Tennessee under attack! Mcconnell repeated and tossed the microphone down.
Left full rudder, all ahead flank, Mcconnell shouted, as the submarine surged forward and rolled slightly to the right.
All down on the planes! The captain reached for his
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