The President held his hand up. “But we weren’t planning a move into the Black Sea.”
“Mr President. If I may sum up,” said The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. “The Russians have long wanted to reaffirm their control of the Black Sea and to dominate or nearly so, the Eastern Mediterranean. The Ukraine situation aided by Sevastopol and the Kilo gives them a way to do it.”
“Our analysis backed up by our asset’s contacts with the Ukraine resistance, reinforces this,” added the Director of the CIA.
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, went on. “Think of it this way. You wish to dominate the Black Sea, Ukraine and the eastern Mediterranean. Your push into the Ukraine puts the west’s nose out of joint. They run a recce into Sevastopol with one of their nukes, you chase it out and, in the process, you lose a Kilo. Now you have your justification. It was the west’s provocation; we were just ensuring our southern flank’s stability. That’s it gentlemen. They have their justification for Black Storm. They’ll say, the west caused us to do it.”
“We have to warn our forces,” said the NSA.
“Also reinforce the 6th Fleet and USEUCOM European command.” The Chairman added.
“We’ll ratchet up our readiness posture. I’ll see what we have immediately available to help protect the Bosporus.”
USS NEW YORK CITY MADE her way slowly near the surface, her masts protruded above the waves.
“What’s our position update?” asked Franks.
“Sir, we’re approx 100 miles west north west of Istanbul.”
Franks considered the situation. What would the Russians be up to now? It was time to head north west off the Russian coast, towards the Crimea, then sit there quietly, listen and watch.
“Flood forward. Open and trim vents fore and aft. Make for depth. Planesman, down bubble 15, make your depth 360. Speed 15 knots. What’s my course to Sevastopol?”
“Forty three degrees Sir.”
“Planesman, you heard the man.”
“Forty three at fifteen knots, Aye Sir.” The boat vented air and started its descent.
“Sir,” said Commander Krupa, the boat’s Communications Officer. He handed Captain Franks a communications slip. “This just came in from CINCUSNAVEUR sir.”
PRIORITY RED
B 86833571Z JUN 45 ZY87
CINCUSNAVEUR NAVAL FORCES EUROPE. NAPLES ITALY//E1//
TO NEW YORK CITY
EURFLT// ID E947QV54//
NAVAL OPS/31
MSGID/EUROPS 6722/CINCUSNAVEUR ACTUAL//
MSG BEGINS://
ATTACHED IS A TRANSMISSION FOR YOUR EYES ONLY. ACKNOWLEDGE WHEN READ.
MSG END//
Franks read the document, then opened the transmission on his monitor. He frowned and read it again. Then detached his tablet.
“Commander Krupa. Acknowledge transmission.”
“Aye sir.”
Franks turned and walked aft, he looked over his shoulder.
“XO, Blake. Wardroom, now. War committee.”
THE THREE MEN SAT AT the table. They were the war committee, the boat’s unofficial inner circle. They’d discuss freely and informally the boat’s offensive and defensive options. First names were used. Captain Franks had spent time on exchange with a Royal Navy submarine, and he’d learned the practice there, where they conducted what they called a Chinese Parliament. You could say what you wished, rank didn’t matter. If you thought the Captain was wrong, you’d say so.
The Captain passed out the document for the two of them to read.
He waited until they completed it, then let them both see the document on the tablet.
“So,” said Franks, “the Russians have set what they call War Condition Two, meaning war is expected and imminent. All units are weapons free. ROE unlimited. They expect the Ukraine crises to get worse and the situation to provoke a full mobilisation by NATO. It’s got out of hand. The Arbat staff have the button under their finger. What do you say?”
General Staff wass located in Moscow on Znamenka Street in the Arbat District. With the Ministry of Defense building and several staff directorate office buildings nearby, it forms what’s known as the "Arbat military district." Often referred to by military personnel as the supreme command of the Russian Armed Forces.
“HAVE WE RESPONDED?” asked the XO.
“We’ve gone to DEFCON 3. Some Chiefs wanted to go to DEFCON 2, so I think we can call it DEFCON 3+. The shit’s hanging and is ready to drop.”
“And the fan’s spinning fast, ” Lieutenant Commander Nathan Blake added.
“Full mobilisation of the Black Sea Fleet is a worrying sign,” said Franks.
“Have they ever carried out this Eastern flood deployment before? As an exercise?” asked Blake.
“No,” said Franks. “They intend to deploy all surface and subsurface units out into the Black Sea, through the Bosporus and into the Med. All units are ROE free. If you look at appendix 2, they have advanced plans to deploy the VDV — they’re airborne units — to the Bosporus. The 56th Brigade at Kamyshin in the Southern Military district has been mobilised.” Franks sat forward and fixed Cortez and Nathan with a hard stare. “If you’re going to move your Fleet through the Bosporus, you need to control it. For that, you need boots on the ground.”
“Surely Karl, the Turkish army would defeat them? It’s their largest city,” said the XO.
“The Turks will throw their rattles out of their cots.”
Franks nodded. “They would defeat the Russians, the document agrees. However, how quickly? They only have to occupy the strait for long enough to get the Fleet through.”
“Can you imagine?” said Cortez. “The whole Black Sea Fleet, ROE free, and sailing by Istanbul. It’s like the Russian Pacific Fleet sailing under the Golden Gate bridge.”
Cortez shook his head. “Not much we can do about it. The whole Black Sea Fleet against us; just one boat.”
Nathan grinned. “Gabriel, maybe there is something we can do?”
“Yeah, like what?”
At length Nathan explained his plan; there was a growing incredulity, followed by some shock.
Cortez leaned across the table. “Blake. That’s fucking madness.”
“But it might work.” Nathan smiled.
The XO looked to the Captain. “Karl. It’s crazy.”
“It is,” Franks agreed. “But work it out, Nathan. Write it up. It’s a long shot, but it’s a possibility. I’ll contact CINCUSNAVEUR and ask her to work directly with you.” He sat back and stared at the ceiling. “Nathan, you have a way of summing the situation up.” He smirked. “A lesson from history.” Franks looked pensively into the distance, then turned and looked at Nathan. “Let’s hope it works out better than the first time, because you know what? I think we might just have to do it.”
Chapter 8
LATER THAT SAME WATCH, Nathan approached Captain Franks at his Conn. “Sir, I’d like some advice.”
“Ok Lieutenant Commander, we’ll go into my cabin.”
Nathan had never been in Captain Franks’ cabin. Franks pointed to a small chair, while he sat on his bunk.
“Sir, it’s looking like a big one. CINCUSNAVEUR is committing the 6th Fleet, there’s an MEU in the area. Nothing’s been said, but it’s certain that the USAF will be involved. I’d like some direction, sir.”
Franks pursed his lips and looked into the distance. “It’s a big picture operation. That’s bigger than you’ve been used to, so just assume you’re up to it. I think you’ll do well. But if you don’t, then they’ll know it was a lot for a Commander in the USN submarine service to take on. You’ll be given some slack. As far as the op’s concerned, we’re taking on a superior foe, so play to our strengths. Let them think they’re winning. They’ll be overconfident. Appear weak against their strength. If you get the chance, read up on Hannibal.”