Great news: Russian attack subs spotted off east coast of U.S.
posted at 9:55 pm on August 4, 2009 by Allahpundit
You know what this calls for? An Obama speech in Red Square about the common humanity that unites us in a struggle for blah blah blah blah.
But the collapse of the Soviet Union all but eliminated the ability of the Russian Navy to operate far from home ports, making the current submarine patrols thousands of miles from Russia even more surprising for military officials and defense policy experts.
“I don’t think they’ve put two first-line nuclear subs off the U.S. coast in about 15 years,” said Norman Polmar, a naval historian and expert on submarine warfare…
The submarine patrols come as Moscow tries to shake off the embarrassment of the latest failed test of the Bulava missile, a long-range weapon that was test fired from a submarine in the Arctic on July 15. The failed missile test was the sixth since 2005, and some experts see Russia’s assertiveness elsewhere as a gambit by the military to prove its continued relevance…
While the submarines had not taken any provocative action beyond their presence outside territorial waters of the United States, officials expressed wariness over the Kremlin’s motivation for ordering such an unusual mission.
“Any time the Russian Navy does something so out of the ordinary it is cause for worry,” said a senior Defense Department official who has been monitoring reports on the submarines’ activities.
A few possibilities off the top of my head for What This Might Mean in addition to the NYT’s “Bulava missile” theory. (1) Russia wants to see how much The One will let them get away with, just as Biden predicted would happen last year. (2) Russia’s pissed at Biden for his crack a few weeks ago about their economy “withering” and is flexing some muscle in response. (3) Russia’s looking to expand its presence in the western hemisphere more generally, which explains its naval exercises with Venezuela in December. (4) Russia’s gearing up to make another move on Georgia and is putting The One on notice that they’re not to be trifled with when they do. (5) Russia’s got a fee-vah and the only prescription is more bare-chested Putin photos, and a display of military strength in America’s backyard makes for nice optics on the front page tomorrow next to Vlad’s pecs. You’re free to vote for more than one theory — they’re hardly mutually exclusive — but as of right now I’m leaning towards number 4.
Blowback
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Maybe Obama will order Greenpeace into actions. That’ll take care of them Ruskies!
FloatingRock on August 4, 2009 at 11:17 PM
This is not a provocative action, they are just “showing the flag.”
exhelodrvr on August 4, 2009 at 11:18 PM
Yep. Let the Greenpeace zodiacs approach the subs while surfaced. Russians wait till the right moment, go full reverse on the screws…dinner is served.
coldwarrior on August 4, 2009 at 11:19 PM
Russia is just clearing the sea lanes for the attack…..
izoneguy on August 4, 2009 at 11:19 PM
blatantblue on August 4, 2009 at 11:14 PM
Same here! Built into the side of a hill. Air National Guard two miles away. Major air base 90 miles away. Let em have at the coasts their already damn near communists anyway!
Oh and lots of guns and ammo!
dhunter on August 4, 2009 at 11:20 PM
I hope we are subverting the Russians every way we can
On second thought, we’re probably sending them iPods or videos of our Chosen One.
blatantblue on August 4, 2009 at 11:21 PM
With all due respect to the Coast Guard, if there is a threat from Russian subs on the east coast, I’m hoping the filthy liar in the White House is doing more than sending out CG cutters with 50 cal machine guns mounted.
highhopes on August 4, 2009 at 11:14 PM
Mounted Ma-Duces merely reflect SOP “battle-stations” status, astate of readiness that would automatically go into effect on discovery of hostile vessels in territorial waters.
On-site commanders would give this order and report up, which could then be belayed from “on high”. But I personally feel The One will drop the ball upon being informed.
Man, at times like this I miss Reagan, BAD!
Archimedes on August 4, 2009 at 11:22 PM
My two concerns are:
1) a nuke going off in NYC
The eastward winds will bring fall out to our area
2) a CAT 5 hurricane
we’ve had them in the past, but that was decades ago and we are overdue for one
Thankfully there are plenty of high power long guns in our home, and ammo to match to hold off problems
blatantblue on August 4, 2009 at 11:23 PM
CGN-9 was the oddest looking ship ever. The bridge was on something like the 09 level.
I think it was reality, not the bean counters that did away with a nuclear battle group. Beyond the costs, finding the individuals qualified for nuclear squadrons would be daunting.
Likewise the Battleship Battlegroup (based on a BB instead of a carrier) went down to reality since modern warfare has limited cases where air dominance isn’t a key aspect of the battlespace.
highhopes on August 4, 2009 at 11:23 PM
Well, at least they were spotted.
p40tiger on August 4, 2009 at 11:23 PM
Liberal343 and a troll friend of his spotted on the “Hey, liberals: This is what “mob rule” looks like” thread in the headlines.
Punchenko on August 4, 2009 at 11:23 PM
Thanks. The kids are little but the adults are XL. I’m on my way as soon as the crabcakes come out of the broiler. I’ll pick up beer on the way.
Laura in Maryland on August 4, 2009 at 11:24 PM
Woman after my own heart.
I’ll go down to the bulkhead and grab some clammies
We’ll do stuffed clams :P
That way, we’ll be nice and full for when the Russians bend us over and Obama lets them
blatantblue on August 4, 2009 at 11:24 PM
#4
Georgia in Russia land-grab claim
Reported yesterday by the BBC.
Texas Gal on August 4, 2009 at 11:25 PM
Wow Monica, really? Putin is sexy?????? I was waiting to see that /sarc at the end of your post! No offense, but seriously, you think he’s sexy? Heh! (I guess maybe compared to Obama, and maybe a several years ago). He’s gotten to old and mean for me.
Susanboo on August 4, 2009 at 11:25 PM
blatantblue on August 4, 2009 at 11:23 PM
I’m in Iowa! No hurricanes here, tornadoes yes!
Lots of long guns, short guns, shot guns and ammo. Neighbors too!
dhunter on August 4, 2009 at 11:26 PM
From May of this year, Congressional Research Service and the CG(X) program.
Yep, the Long Beach had the tallest superstructure on any navy ship I’ve ever seen.
coldwarrior on August 4, 2009 at 11:26 PM
If things get real bad
I’ll hop in the boat and head towards MA or RI. Maybe stop in the Grand Banks and shoot some codfish for food
the DEC would PROBABLY STILL BE THERE though to punish me
blatantblue on August 4, 2009 at 11:28 PM
EXHELO,
Showing the flag is a provocative act by its very nature. It defines right of free passage and other international maritime issues. It is not a war-like action but it is provacative.
highhopes on August 4, 2009 at 11:28 PM
What a joke you are.
Susanboo on August 4, 2009 at 11:28 PM
Yeah, 2 or 4.
Ronnie on August 4, 2009 at 11:29 PM
And it looked really weird at sea. Not to mention the fact that a giant billboard in the middle of the superstructure made it a prime target.
highhopes on August 4, 2009 at 11:31 PM
You forgot one.
#6: Russia is responding to threatening US attack subs off their coast.
Bill Blizzard on August 4, 2009 at 11:32 PM
CGN-9 was the oddest looking ship ever. The bridge was on something like the 09 level.
I think it was reality, not the bean counters that did away with a nuclear battle group. Beyond the costs, finding the individuals qualified for nuclear squadrons would be daunting.
Likewise the Battleship Battlegroup (based on a BB instead of a carrier) went down to reality since modern warfare has limited cases where air dominance isn’t a key aspect of the battlespace.
highhopes on August 4, 2009 at 11:23 PM
Personally I think mothballing the old girls was seriously short-sighted. Parking them in the Persian gulf or the med would still have a deterrent value, think hezbollah today.
Would they have been so willing to confront the Israeli’s in ’06 if we still had those 16inchers off-shore? I think not!
Archimedes on August 4, 2009 at 11:33 PM
Got here late, has it been said yet?
Change you can’t believe is happening.
Red Alert, Red Alert, the Reset Button has malfunctioned. Smart Power is on life support. The barbarians are at the gate and Obama’s inviting them in for a beer.
(Cheering crowds) OBAMA!!! OBAMA!!! OH SH#T!!!!
Sooooo…. east coast states, how’s that Obama vote working for ya now?
Hog Wild on August 4, 2009 at 11:33 PM
Forgot all about the Bainbridge (CGN-25) also a nuke surface ship. Kennedy-era modernization program…only built two nuke cruisers.
coldwarrior on August 4, 2009 at 11:34 PM
My psychic powers are kicking in. I’m seeing Gibbs speaking tomorrow: “The Russians wouldn’t be doing this if Bush hadn’t provoked them by attacking Iraq.”
Laura in Maryland on August 4, 2009 at 11:35 PM
I wonder what sort of damage radius the nukes on those Russian subbies have
blatantblue on August 4, 2009 at 11:35 PM
The answer is: “none of the above”.
Susanboo on August 4, 2009 at 11:36 PM
Thanks. The kids are little but the adults are XL. I’m on my way as soon as the crabcakes come out of the broiler. I’ll pick up beer on the way.
Laura in Maryland on August 4, 2009 at 11:24 PM
I like a woman who has her priorities straight!
Archimedes on August 4, 2009 at 11:36 PM
You dummies. It’s Bulova, not Bulava. Oy gevalt, no wonder it’s not working. Didn’t Mama Putin ever tell you get what you pay for?
smellthecoffee on August 4, 2009 at 11:36 PM
The Akulas carry torpedoes, maybe cruise missiles, if the Russians have made some real advances lately. But Akula’s do not carry MIRV’s. They are attack subs, not boomers.
coldwarrior on August 4, 2009 at 11:37 PM
BB I’m envious – stuck here in Metropolitan Bloombergia to your west, and unable to arm myself. If the s*** hits the fan I’m hopping the LIRR your way.
Fallen Sparrow on August 4, 2009 at 11:38 PM
When we’re all parked on I-95 waiting for the missiles to rain down trying to evacuate, I wouldn’t want to be in a car with an Obama bumper sticker. There are just enough of us Republicans that it won’t be pretty.
Laura in Maryland on August 4, 2009 at 11:38 PM
Got here late, has it been said yet?
Change you can’t believe is happening.
Red Alert, Red Alert, the Reset Button has malfunctioned. Smart Power is on life support. The barbarians are at the gate and Obama’s inviting them in for a beer.
(Cheering crowds) OBAMA!!! OBAMA!!! OH SH#T!!!!
Sooooo…. east coast states, how’s that Obama vote working for ya now?
Hog Wild on August 4, 2009 at 11:33 PM
ROFLMAO! Stop it already, I just sprayed my screen wiyh quality micro-brew.
Archimedes on August 4, 2009 at 11:40 PM
Stay off the Interstates….95 and 66. There will be no evacuation of the DC-VA-MD area on those routes. A one hundred mile parking lot, nothing less.
coldwarrior on August 4, 2009 at 11:41 PM
Dude
if sh!t hits said fan
you take your loved ones and move eastward, even if you have no destination (you’re welcome here). just get OUT of the metro area
blatantblue on August 4, 2009 at 11:42 PM
Is it a bad thing some of us comment under the influence?
Rightwingguy on August 4, 2009 at 11:43 PM
I’ll never forget how my cousins were caged in Manhattan on 9/11 at their respective high schools for the first part of the day after the attacks
I never want to be trapped like that.
blatantblue on August 4, 2009 at 11:44 PM
What it calls for is an Obama apology to Russia.
“Let me be clear, we apologize for Reagan”
(this wouldn’t surprise me)
wildcat84 on August 4, 2009 at 11:44 PM
Westward seems a bit more prudent…the down side of heading East is prevailing surface winds, winds aloft, precipitation patterns and all that.
Or, stock up on some really fine alcohol…set out the lawn chair, and enjoy the view. Should be awesome.
coldwarrior on August 4, 2009 at 11:45 PM
Better brew than than The Kool Aid. At least we’re influenced by reason, logic and that little thing called the Constitution. No worries.
Laura in Maryland on August 4, 2009 at 11:45 PM
Prolly 10 mirved(1ea)mega-tons 5 mile blast radius a peice if they’re boomers, but they sound like attack subs (I’m a ground pounder so not my AO) which would mean 1 mega max cruise missles.
Archimedes on August 4, 2009 at 11:47 PM
Head south on I-81…give me a call…I can give you and yours a place to crash…
ladyingray on August 4, 2009 at 11:47 PM
Logistically, it’s a mess
He can either try to get through NYC
get stuck
or make it out to me and take a seaside escape either south or north
blatantblue on August 4, 2009 at 11:48 PM
Is it a bad thing some of us comment under the influence?
Rightwingguy on August 4, 2009 at 11:43 PM
From the history of Churchills MO, I’d say it is prolly best advised that way!
Archimedes on August 4, 2009 at 11:48 PM
I hope not!!!
BB would be in serious trouble…
CUI…commenting under the influence…
ladyingray on August 4, 2009 at 11:49 PM
I have to be honest…I just saw the photo of Putin on a horse via Drudge. I wish we had a real man in the White House again! Perhaps we could arrange a trade?
After all, Putin seems to be more aware of the problems associated with socialism than Obama:
http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2009/02/putin-lectures-american-democrats.html
I am sure the Russians could readily generate a fake birth certificate (I am sure Putin meant he was born in Moscow, Idaho…. yes, that’s the ticket).
Bonus: No more mom jeans and good vodka instead of elite beer.
So far, I don’t really see a downside. And, here is something for AP to consider: The first lady is a model dancer. :o
Mutnodjmet on August 4, 2009 at 11:49 PM
Well I think I’m going to move onto something that’s more straightforward and optimistic: Neon Genesis Evangelion. (Link for all those non-otaku out there.) Y’all have a safe and pleasant night!
Rightwingguy on August 4, 2009 at 11:50 PM
Or, stock up on some really fine alcohol…set out the lawn chair, and enjoy the view. Should be awesome.
coldwarrior on August 4, 2009 at 11:45 PM
Oh God forgive me, Ido do love the H/A crowd!
Archimedes on August 4, 2009 at 11:50 PM
Don’t worry the submarines are wind-powered and the nuclear weapons do not harm vegetation or animals.
MaiDee on August 4, 2009 at 11:52 PM
Right now there is a Russian boomer sliding in nice and close while their two attack subs make a lot of distracting noise on purpose.
I’ll just hang out here in Minnesota, comfortably far away from major cities or anything even remotely worthy of a nuclear strike. Big urban areas are not where you want to be pretty much at any time in peace or war.
Bishop on August 4, 2009 at 11:52 PM
fortunately I’m at least in Queens, so I’m already a bit outside the city. I was in Manhattan on 9/11 and that was scary – I wasn’t near Ground Zero at all, but I’ve never seen such a large crowd of people all on foot, almost completely silent. Unreal.
Fallen Sparrow on August 4, 2009 at 11:52 PM
Reason:
Skinny kid with lunch money caught the attention of bully without lunch money.
Limerick on August 4, 2009 at 11:53 PM
above my bed right now is an old pic my dad gave to me from his USAF days
its a shot from their plane under a russian bear
how fitting for tonight
blatantblue on August 4, 2009 at 11:53 PM
My friend lived in the Village on 9/11 and could see the 1st plane in the WTC from the street outside his apartmennt!
They had an 4 month old baby…it was scary…
ladyingray on August 4, 2009 at 11:55 PM
All fun and games until you’re a fixed part of a parking lot
Ugly on August 4, 2009 at 11:55 PM
I can only imagine. It was quiet out here — just an eerie silence. I remember hearing the trucks from the local FD’s screaming out of town towards the city.
It was the strangest feeling — sitting in Latin class, just watching the first tower fall on television
I couldn’t even think, it was so completely surreal
It was so quiet for days
never forget that silence
blatantblue on August 4, 2009 at 11:56 PM
LOL..weird…on my wall is a USAF Nav map of western Russia given to me by a BUFF brother-in-law about 1969 or so.
Limerick on August 4, 2009 at 11:56 PM
Until where you live is a parking lot…
Rightwingguy on August 4, 2009 at 11:56 PM
Big urban areas are not where you want to be pretty much at any time in peace or war.
Bishop on August 4, 2009 at 11:52 PM
Or anywhere in western WA at all! Used to be stationed at Ft. Lewis, heavy concentration of major bases, Everett naval, bangor Submarine, Mc Chord AFB, & Lewis 55,000-troops on station for Korea.
In cold war planning, it was a given, it’d be TOAST!
Archimedes on August 4, 2009 at 11:57 PM
my dad always tells me these stories of flying near russian bears
flipping them off
putting playboy photos against the window to them, etc
seems like fun
man
and being under Reagan too
woo!
blatantblue on August 4, 2009 at 11:58 PM
Me either. My house is in the “take off” path of the airport and after all flights were cancelled, it was so quiet. I mean we never had a lot of noise, but when the 7 AM flights started up again, I realized how quiet it had been the past week…
ladyingray on August 4, 2009 at 11:58 PM
Friday afternoon’s rainstorm caused a 1 1/2 hr backup on the NJ turnpike south. I imagine an attack would make that seem like child’s play.
Fallen Sparrow on August 4, 2009 at 11:58 PM
Problem is, with the Typhoon, they don’t need to move down to the box. All they have to do is move up under the Ice Pack and wait for the message to launch.
AW1 Tim on August 4, 2009 at 11:59 PM
Bush and Cheney kept us safe for seven and a half years. Only Obama would deliberately undo all of the measure they set in place and leave us vulnerable to attack while he warms up for his next campaign stop.
Laura in Maryland on August 4, 2009 at 11:59 PM
Limerick on August 4, 2009 at 11:53 PM
Nice to see you back my man, crack a cold one. As Pacino said in Scent of a Woman, we’re just getting warmed up!
Archimedes on August 5, 2009 at 12:00 AM
Got home about an hour ago. Two gone, ten to go.
Limerick on August 5, 2009 at 12:01 AM
The worst, for me personally, was the funeral of an FDNY member
That was
i don’t even know, just so surreal — it’s the only word that comes to mind
just the silence was so penetrating
you could taste the queasiness of everyone. obviously they were sad, but you could feel the “what’s next?” thoughts in everyone’s minds
blatantblue on August 5, 2009 at 12:01 AM
If we get nuked I’d be willing to take some in here at my place in north eastern Colorado but, I don’t think anyone would be willing to come.
boomer on August 5, 2009 at 12:01 AM
Since Bill helped get the 2 journalists out of N.Korea, Hillary will send him as his reward. You know how much Bill misses flying around the world talking to all his pals.
Susanboo on August 5, 2009 at 12:03 AM
Maybe that’s why I’m a little homesick these days, even though they elected Stewart Smalley. My dad lives out in Michele Bachmann’s district – beautiful countryside and some good conservatives out that way.
Fallen Sparrow on August 5, 2009 at 12:03 AM
Got home about an hour ago. Two gone, ten to go.
Limerick on August 5, 2009 at 12:01 AM
What? You packed light for a recon mission or something?
Archimedes on August 5, 2009 at 12:03 AM
Don’t forget the California and Virginia Class Cruisers of the 70s and 80s. Also Truxtun, the nuke version of the Leahy Class DLG/CG.
TugboatPhil on August 5, 2009 at 12:04 AM
I was in Michigan not too long ago, are you sure the state didn’t actually suffer a few nuclear strikes that no one was aware of?
Bishop on August 5, 2009 at 12:04 AM
Breaking important news…. Paula Abdul is not returning to AI. The world has come to an end. Now what were you guys discussing?
txag92 on August 5, 2009 at 12:04 AM
We’re telling our age!
baldilocks on August 5, 2009 at 12:04 AM
Hey AW I’m pretty sure they’ve scrapped their Typhoons because they are too expensive to maintain and sortie the backbone of their boomer fleet has always been the Delta III’s and IV’s especially after they perfected the solid fuel for their birds.
elduende on August 5, 2009 at 12:06 AM
night all
never forget
blatantblue on August 5, 2009 at 12:07 AM
never ever
blatantblue on August 5, 2009 at 12:07 AM
Good night, dearie.
Laura in Maryland on August 5, 2009 at 12:08 AM
That’s where I live, Michelle Bachman territory; what the Star and Sickle rag paper refers to as “A pocket of deep, deep red voters surrounded by a sea of blue.”
You won’t catch my butt anywhere near the Twin Cities if social upheaval occurs; I will stay put and prepare to provide serious meaning to the term “Get off my lawn.”
Bishop on August 5, 2009 at 12:08 AM
Vodka darling, they drink vodka.
Susanboo on August 5, 2009 at 12:09 AM
We’re telling our age!
baldilocks on August 5, 2009 at 12:04 AM
Unfortunately lass that seems all but a given these days by mere fact that we love our country. Locating a patriot who is not already in uniform and under 30 is an increasinly depressing task.
Archimedes on August 5, 2009 at 12:09 AM
Yep, 29;)
Laura in Maryland on August 5, 2009 at 12:10 AM
Really?
Y’all will be arriving here when? [Kids and rest of the family can take their time....] :-)
coldwarrior on August 5, 2009 at 12:11 AM
We’re telling our age!
baldilocks on August 5, 2009 at 12:04 AM
45ACP being a uniquely American cal I’d say eat, not drink!
Archimedes on August 5, 2009 at 12:12 AM
As far as Allah’s choices I trend toward #4. I’ve been saying all along that Putin would crush Ukraine at the first opportunity. Barry has not just opened the door but also given him a place at the dinner table. The reconstituted USSR will be Barry’s legacy to Europe.
Limerick on August 5, 2009 at 12:12 AM
Twenty-nine? I’d be arrested for whistling at a 29yo.
Limerick on August 5, 2009 at 12:14 AM
The bunions are 29, the rest of me, not so much. Did I mention I use jumbo lump crab meat and Old Bay in those crab cakes?
Laura in Maryland on August 5, 2009 at 12:15 AM
Yep, 29;)
Laura in Maryland on August 5, 2009 at 12:10 AM
Really?
Y’all will be arriving here when? [Kids and rest of the family can take their time....] :-)
coldwarrior on August 5, 2009 at 12:11 AM
Dammit! Now I have to wipe off my screen all over again. And if ’29 is middle aged I am getting depressed.
Archimedes on August 5, 2009 at 12:15 AM
1 – 5 all YES.
I suspect that 4 is the answer though. 1, 2, 3, & 5 are just icing on the cake.
juanito on August 5, 2009 at 12:15 AM
They’re in the area for an emergency pick-up in case things get too hot for Obama or any of their other agents.
cthulhu on August 5, 2009 at 12:16 AM
As far as Allah’s choices I trend toward #4. I’ve been saying all along that Putin would crush Ukraine at the first opportunity. Barry has not just opened the door but also given him a place at the dinner table. The reconstituted USSR will be Barry’s legacy to Europe.
Limerick on August 5, 2009 at 12:12 AM
As your late joining the party Limey, 4 has been the over whelming concensus. FYI me too.
Archimedes on August 5, 2009 at 12:17 AM
That makes two of us.
Laura in Maryland on August 5, 2009 at 12:17 AM
Not sure why, but things like this make me thank God more and more that I live in Texas.
GoodBoy on August 5, 2009 at 12:19 AM
Ain’t crab cakes without the Old Bay. Least that’s the way we made ‘em in Charles County.
And a hint of mustard, right?
I’m a bit older than 29….way older. Raised on Howdy Doody, Captain Kangaroo and Kukla, Fran and Ollie…and Sky King.
coldwarrior on August 5, 2009 at 12:19 AM
LOL…. I’m headin for Frisco, using the back roads, at least as long as one of my trucks starts…
Not paranoid, but I actualy figured out a way I can get on the bike path out my backyard here in South Denver (Highlands Ranch) and make it to the mountains without ever hitting a road…
Romeo13 on August 5, 2009 at 12:19 AM
As one of the resident Cold War oldies I must admit that the Russkies, with all their nukes, tanks, and aircraft never scared me half as much as three jihadis driving an 18 wheeler.
Limerick on August 5, 2009 at 12:21 AM
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