Posted on 08/25/2012 10:56:46 AM PDT by DeaconBenjamin
Akula class submarine
An unusual story has been circulating of an Akula class Russian submarine lurking in the Gulf of Mexico for weeks, evidently undetected by the U.S.
The story is odd not only because such a mission would be unusual and alarming, but also because of the source — in this case, veteran national security reporter and former Washington Times columnist Bill Gertz.
While the Russian navy under Putin and Medvedev has undertaken well advertised “symbolic” missions, such as a 2008 visit by a contingent of its weathered North Sea Fleet to Venezuela, these have generally not been much more than extremely visible ways to demonstrate displeasure with U.S. and NATO policy and/or maintain good relations with its arms customers.
Likewise, when Russia’s air force deploys its ancient propeller-driven Tupolev Tu-95 “Bear” bombers to buzz close to American airspace, the U.S. deploys fighter jets to intercept.
So, then, would Russia be willing to escalate the situation by sailing an attack sub into the Gulf of Mexico?
Two U.S. officials confirmed that the Akula’s incursion took place at the same time that Russia once again trotted out its Tupolevs into restricted airspace in June and July.
Requests for confirmation of the story from the Navy were declined, the Pentagon has thus far denied the incursion, and the Russian Defense Ministry will not disclose information either way.
Meanwhile, Republican Senator John Cornyn, a member of the Armed Services Committee, sent a letter to the Pentagon’s Chief of Naval Operations demanding clarification, stating that the incident “is especially troubling given the drastic defense cuts sought by President Obama, which include reductions in funding for antisubmarine defense systems.”
(Excerpt) Read more at businessinsider.com ...
Russia is going to put bases in Cuba or Venezuela or something, will BO even consider voicing opposition?
The Akula shouldn’t be even close to “undetectable” with the detection arrays that were in use once. Should be tracked as it left home base.
The "learned" Oliva no doubt characterizes the BUFF as a dinosaur.
You kidding??...The Russians are Obama’s commie calvary.
Protecting Cuba’s drilling interests no doubt
They ought to be getting friendly with us, rather than continuing to be an adversary. We don’t have our eyes on Siberia’s wide open spaces like China does. They are pairing with the wrong side.
He will have more flexibility after his reelection
/johnny
Red August?
They are pairing with who they see as the likely winner if we don’t turn things around.
My thoughts exactly. They are hanging around with the hope to exercise their “flexibility” if Obama remains in the WH.
TU-95 carries 30k in bombs, top speed of 575mph, and flies 9000 miles unrefueled. B-52 carries 70k in bombs, top speed 650 mph, and goes a little over 8700 unrefueled.
B-52 is better, but the TU-95 doesn’t rate any sort of booby prize.
The writer sounds not too bright.
How long before one is seen cruising up the Chesapeake Bay?
Who says this sub was “undetected”?
Hunt for Red Obama.
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