"A… new command? Sir?"
"How would you like to command the Virginia?"
The Virginia! First of a brand new class of attack submarines! She was smaller than Seawolf and had only half the weapons. But she was brand, spanking new, with fully computerized controls and all of the incredible stealth characteristics of the Seawolf, and more. She was the lead boat of a whole new generation of submarines, a weapons platform designed to operate in utter stealth and invisibility, close in to enemy shores. She would be an invaluable addition to America's arsenal in the War on Terrorism… and against any other enemies who sought to challenge America at sea.
"I… I… don't know what to say!"
"Try 'thank you.' Actually, I think Seawolf is too much the Golden Fish to entrust to sub drivers like you."
Garrett was able to chuckle at the gentle dig. "Golden Fish" was the nickname the Russians had hung on their Alfa-class attack subs. Faster than anything else in the ocean, and deeper-diving, the Alfas had also been incredibly expensive. Like Seawolf. The Virginia and her sister boats were each a fraction of the cost of a Seawolf.
It wouldn't make them expendable by any means. But in modern war, Navy vessels were expected to go into harm's way. Less expensive meant more flexibility in their deployment. More daring. More resourcefulness. A wider range of mission options.
And greater responsibilities for their skippers and crews.
"Thank you, sir!"
"No, Commander. Thank you. And well done." He extended a hand. "Congratulations. Just don't run into anything else, okay?"
"I think, sir, that my driving is a lot better now."
And Garrett shook the admiral's hand.
About the Author
H. JAY RIKER has written five books in his submarine warfare series, The Silent Service, and ten books in his bestselling military fiction series, SEALs, The Warrior Breed. Retired from the U.S. Navy, he has been writing fiction for more than a decade, and his novels have been highly praised for both their nail-biting action and remarkable authenticity.