What in the world does Al-Qaeda have to do with this discussion of a Russian Submarine possibly having been patrolling in the Gulf of Mexico, and your citation of a source that is over 15 years old in regards to the US Navy’s Submarine Capabilities???
Did you post to the wrong thread?
Yeah, sorry about that.
Anyway, the Seawolf and Virginia classes are much quieter than the Akula and improved Akula. But the improved Akula did pose somewhat a threat in the early 1990’s when it was at parity or slightly quieter than the improved LA class.