Kursk Down by Clyde Burleson Read Free Book Online Page B

array of underwater detection devices, they had released free-floating sensors that enhanced their information-gathering/processing techniques. After two days of intense activity, technicians on board were functioning at peak efficiency. Keeping a respectable distance from the action, they were intercepting all manner of radio communications.
    1104 Hours—Aboard the USS Memphis
    Following standing orders, the
Memphis
had taken station for a regular duty tour in the Barents Sea. As a matter of course, the United States maintains two submarines in this area year round. For the war games, a third submarine, the British
Splendid
, had been brought in to perform added reconnaissance duties.
    Having so many Russian vessels together in a relatively small zone offered an irresistible intelligence opportunity. One of the most useful surveillance sources for submarines is a library of digitally recorded sounds of individual ships and undersea boats moving through the water. The noise from a given vessel is unique to that vessel. So each electronic “fingerprint” can be automatically accessed and matched against real-time incoming sonar data. These data profiles allow accurate identification, which, in turn, provides information on the combat capabilities of the ship or submarine in question.
    During the
Kursk
’s Mediterranean cruise, her distinctive sound pattern had been captured. This allowed operators on the
Memphis
to single her out from background disturbances and readings from other boats. Trailing the
Kursk
from a safe distance became a relatively simple matter.
    One submarine tailing another while underwater is a dangerous game. According to Russian reports, during the years between 1967 and 2000, there were 11 documented collisions between Russian subs and those of other nations. Eight of those incidents took place in Northern Fleet test areas. The most recent accidents occurred in the early 1990s. The USS
Baton Rouge
, a Los Angeles-class boat, crashed with a Russian Sierra-2-type boat in February 1992. Both subs were severely damaged. Then in March 1993, the USS
Greyling
collided with a Russian Delta-3 class. Again, both suffered significant damage.
    In order to prevent such incidents, and to keep U.S. submarines out of the Russian firing ranges, parameters had been established for proximity to other vessels. These mandated a safe margin of distance while still allowing for continuous observation.
    1105 Hours—Aboard the Kursk
    The practice torpedoes were in their loading racks and one would be transferred into its tube and made ready to shoot when directed. The captain had to be mentally focused on the tactics and countertactics of the mock attack. Like the rest of the crew, he undoubtedly craved action. Orders were orders, though, so for a while longer it was a waiting game. And waiting was hard.
    Visual and electronic scans of the assigned sector still indicated no sign of the
Peter the Great
and her protective cordon of ships. Yet all on board the
Kursk
knew they were coming and what a reception they were going to get.
    1109 Hours—Aboard the Peter the Great
    Prepping a missile before a shoot is a complex procedure involving three separate teams. The launch party conducts the actual liftoff. While the projectile is in flight, the control party directs its attitude, altitude, speed, and path through the air. The target designation party has the responsibility for precisely defining where the warhead should strike. Bringing all these elements together takes time. If a single person involved in the process is even a little out of practice, the entire operation is drastically slowed. Rehearsal on dry land with simulators is not a strong substitute for performing the tasks on a moving, rocking ship. And sea time had been cut.
    Due to this handicap and other equipment difficulties, the missile parties, by some reports, took longer than anticipated to set up their shots. So they found themselves in a serious