Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: Dr.Zoidberg
And what? Exchange insurance information?

Ensure that they didn't require assistance to prevent loss of life. That is the norm when ships collide.

I'm going to assume nuclear missile boats are under orders to avoid conforming their location to anyone, even allies when at sea. If there were enemy attack boats lurking about and the captain uses the sea phone to contact the froggie, he has just identified his boat and the enemy can now identify by name the boat by its sound profile.

And you're assuming that the sound of two large vessels colliding went unnoticed. If an enemy SSN was in the area he heard the collision and had the position. If he couldn't hear anything accept for the underwater phone, then he still wouldn't have anything would he?

Operational security trumps all other concerns.

Actually, it usually doesn't during peace time. Its not like the Captain was having to "give up the ship". He would have at most given away a position that was already compromised by the collision.

43 posted on 02/16/2009 11:34:52 AM PST by SampleMan (I'm not drinking the kool aid! Is it 2013 yet?)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 40 | View Replies ]


To: SampleMan
Ensure that they didn't require assistance to prevent loss of life. That is the norm when ships collide.

Nuclear submarines aren't normal surface ships.

The captain certainly had his sonar techs scanning to identify damage like flooding compartments, a ballast purge should the ship need to emergency surface, etc. If the froggie didn't sound like it was in danger, what good would come of a "Hey buddy, you alright? When he could already tell?

And you're assuming that the sound of two large vessels colliding went unnoticed.

Not at all. I'm assuming it WAS heard and would have drawn attention. Then as I mentioned before, if the captain indentified himself and his boat, then he has just told the third boat who he is, who the ship is and put a confirmed name to the sound profile the enemy boat would be generating.

Actually, it usually doesn't during peace time. Its not like the Captain was having to "give up the ship".

In fact that's exactly what he would be doing. Not in the manner of a surrender, but by giving a tangible advantage to anyone who is listening.

In the end, it all comes down to what orders he was under. If he is told to maintain silence, he maintains silence or he finds himself cashiered out of the service with dishonor.
44 posted on 02/16/2009 11:53:22 AM PST by Dr.Zoidberg
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 43 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson