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Good details.

Notice that the one pocket battleship was defeated, but because it couldn't run (being trapped in port), and had to wait while some 12 total British ships gathered from all over the South Atlantic.

Note to Germans: There were 12 Brit's available, eventually.

Note to Brit's: You got lucky here.

Note to US: If carriers or destroyers are trapped in port, same thing could happen. Mines, block ships (cargo ships sunk in the channel, suicide ships or bots attacking the Cole, and "simple" collisions - 900 foot merchant simply ramming (squishing) a US warship that can't move.

"Note to US: If carriers or destroyers are trapped in port, same thing could happen. Mines, block ships (cargo ships sunk in the channel, suicide ships or bots attacking the Cole, and "simple" collisions - 900 foot merchant simply ramming (squishing) a US warship that can't move."

You bring up an interesting point and also a long-lost but now refreshed memory.

I attended Sonar School or as it was called then, the ASW school, which was immediately on San Diego Bay. There was a very long pier at the school and at the end of each school day many of us would walk out to the end of the pier to watch all of the ship activity in San Diego Bay and the takeoffs and landings of naval aircraft from North Island Navy Base.

I remember one day particularly well. I had bypassed the evening meal on this particular day so that I was out on the end of the pier by myself with my legs dangling over the side of the pier.

As soon as I sat down I looked out into the bay, expecting to see a beehive of naval activity. The bay was silent with NO Navy ships in sight. I glanced toward North Island and it was silent with NO takeoffs and landings.

At the time I did find it unusual but dismissed it and just enjoyed the serenity of the moment.

The next day after class we found out that the blockade of Cuba had commenced.

Then it dawned upon me! THAT is why the bay was devoid of ships the previous day! They had ALL gotten underway. Back then, "Remember Pearl Harbor" was still etched into the minds of the military brass.

Thank you for making me remember that day!

I also remember ships pouring back into port, almost like an "in-the-water" parade, after the Cuban blockade crisis was finished peacefully.