It was clear to both the captain and the executive officer that the Chinese commander-in-chief had ordered drastic measures. Both Alfas had continued on course right at Cheyenne's Cheyenne's datum without trying to turn away, even with Mk 48s coming their way. datum without trying to turn away, even with Mk 48s coming their way.

Mack had always hated the Soviet Crazy Ivan maneuvers, but this was even worse. It was more like the Japanese kamikaze, the "Divine Wind" World War II pilots.

When the officers finally got together in the wardroom, the sonar supervisor and his chief petty officer were there with their tape analysis. They had been able to determine that two of the explosions were Mk 48 ADCAP PBXN-103, one in the baffles and the one bearing 175. The third explosion, originally in the baffles, was from a 53cm torpedo warhead. They were able to determine the difference in kilogram yield based on the duration and decibels of the reverberations.

Their reconstruction of the target courses and torpedo courses proved almost conclusively that the two Alfas had suffered one hit apiece. As for the remaining Chinese torpedoes, in their professional opinion either the 53cm torpedo explosion had destroyed them or they had run themselves to exhaustion while circling Cheyenne's Cheyenne's countermeasures. The torpedoes, once decoyed, would have waited for the countermeasures to exhibit some doppler-something they had been programmed not to do. countermeasures. The torpedoes, once decoyed, would have waited for the countermeasures to exhibit some doppler-something they had been programmed not to do.

[image]

In keeping with his policies, Captain Mackey used the 1MC to inform the entire crew of the reconstructed results of their battle. This time, he told them, the Chinese commander-in-chief's orders had helped Cheyenne. Cheyenne. The Alfas had been more intent on the kill than on their own survival. But next time... well, he didn't want there to be a next time. The Alfas had been more intent on the kill than on their own survival. But next time... well, he didn't want there to be a next time.

From now on, he told them, Cheyenne Cheyenne would launch her torpedoes at longer ranges, shooting on towed-array bearing solutions whenever possible. In fact, he added, he was contemplating shooting with the section fire-control tracking parties if need be. Mack had no desire to be rammed by the crazy Chinese COs on a vendetta and who apparently had no respect for their own men's lives. With what he knew of the Chinese, he could only assume that they figured posthumous glory was better than returning to a firing squad. would launch her torpedoes at longer ranges, shooting on towed-array bearing solutions whenever possible. In fact, he added, he was contemplating shooting with the section fire-control tracking parties if need be. Mack had no desire to be rammed by the crazy Chinese COs on a vendetta and who apparently had no respect for their own men's lives. With what he knew of the Chinese, he could only assume that they figured posthumous glory was better than returning to a firing squad.

The crew was silent after the captain finished talking on the 1MC. Each and every man on board Cheyenne Cheyenne realized that this could be a long war unless they put more rounds into the Chinese, both above and beneath the surface of the sea, and they couldn't help wondering when realized that this could be a long war unless they put more rounds into the Chinese, both above and beneath the surface of the sea, and they couldn't help wondering when Columbia Columbia and and Bremerton Bremerton would be sent to help. Being kept informed was the name of the game on board would be sent to help. Being kept informed was the name of the game on board Cheyenne, Cheyenne, and the executive officer had passed on the sister ship information at quarters prior to getting under way. and the executive officer had passed on the sister ship information at quarters prior to getting under way.

Cheyenne's second patrol area was located two hundred nautical miles south-southeast of Macclesfield Bank, a spot that shoaled rapidly from over two thousand fathoms to depths of less than forty feet. The transit there was fast and silent and uneventful. second patrol area was located two hundred nautical miles south-southeast of Macclesfield Bank, a spot that shoaled rapidly from over two thousand fathoms to depths of less than forty feet. The transit there was fast and silent and uneventful.

On arrival near the southwest corner of the area, the captain ordered the OOD to launch an SSXBT. This submarine bathythermograph device was designed to rise to the surface and then drop to the bottom, collecting data on temperature versus depth information through the water column. The SSXBT would send this data back over a thin wire, similar to the torpedo guidance wire, to an onboard recorder in the control room. The information from the SSXBT would be input to the BSY-1 for use by the sonar and fire-control systems. It also would provide layer depth information so that Cheyenne Cheyenne could effectively hide beneath the layer, or even a second, deeper layer. could effectively hide beneath the layer, or even a second, deeper layer.

Mack had not had time upon arrival in the first patrol area to obtain the SSXBT information. Cheyenne Cheyenne had encountered the two Alfas too quickly. But that wouldn't be the case this time. He was planning the long-range shots now, and the information collected by the SSXBT would be vital to their accuracy. had encountered the two Alfas too quickly. But that wouldn't be the case this time. He was planning the long-range shots now, and the information collected by the SSXBT would be vital to their accuracy. Cheyenne Cheyenne would get more SSXBT information at other locations, just in case horizontal gradients were present that could significantly affect the fire-control solution. would get more SSXBT information at other locations, just in case horizontal gradients were present that could significantly affect the fire-control solution.

Three of the four planned SSXBT "shots" had been completed when the OOD informed the captain that sonar had gained weak, but slowly closing, Alfa-like tonal contacts to the north, possibly three separate contacts.

Mack acknowledged the information, but he didn't like what it meant. These contacts couldn't have been the Alfas from the south, so Russia really was dumping nuclear attack submarines on China.

Minutes later, while he was talking with the executive officer outside the exec's stateroom, the OOD told Mack over the exec's sound-powered phone that he had incoming flash VLF traffic over the floating wire. Mack and the executive officer proceeded to the radio room forward of the control room.

Bad timing, Mack thought as he read the message. As if the inbound Alfas weren't enough, Mack thought as he read the message. As if the inbound Alfas weren't enough, Cheyenne Cheyenne had just received orders to prepare to launch their Tomahawks. To do that, they would have to proceed to periscope depth to copy the IPAC Tomahawk targeting data over SSIXS. had just received orders to prepare to launch their Tomahawks. To do that, they would have to proceed to periscope depth to copy the IPAC Tomahawk targeting data over SSIXS.

Mack didn't like it. Ideally, they would do that quickly, get to periscope depth, copy lengthy SSIXS traffic, and get back down before they lost the long-range shot advantage against the Alfas. Unfortunately, this situation was far from ideal. Launch directives were also coming in over the floating wire, and those launch directives wouldn't allow him that luxury. Cheyenne Cheyenne was to remain at periscope depth and launch all twelve missiles as soon as the download was complete and pre-Palawan Island waypoints had been inserted into the CCS Mk 2 console. was to remain at periscope depth and launch all twelve missiles as soon as the download was complete and pre-Palawan Island waypoints had been inserted into the CCS Mk 2 console.

Mack didn't like it, but his orders didn't give him any choice. Wasting no time, he ordered the OOD to take Cheyenne Cheyenne up to periscope depth. up to periscope depth.

As soon as Cheyenne Cheyenne started copying the targeting data, the captain ordered, "Man battle stations, missile," then explained the situation to the crew. started copying the targeting data, the captain ordered, "Man battle stations, missile," then explained the situation to the crew. Cheyenne Cheyenne was to launch the TLAM-Cs to take out aircraft on the ground before they moved from their current revetments. She was also to launch the TLAM-Ds to crater the new runways so additional fighter aircraft, the SU-27 Flankers, could not be so quickly repositioned from the Paracels. was to launch the TLAM-Cs to take out aircraft on the ground before they moved from their current revetments. She was also to launch the TLAM-Ds to crater the new runways so additional fighter aircraft, the SU-27 Flankers, could not be so quickly repositioned from the Paracels.

This was a one-shot opportunity. The Chinese would be asleep when the missiles reached their targets-they didn't like to fly at night any more than the ex-Soviet pilots did. And the attack had to take place tonight because the Fleet Numerical Weather Center was projecting rainsqualls for the next two days, starting before daybreak.

The captain also prepared the crew for possible attack by the incoming Alfas. The noise of the VLS launches would not go undetected by them. And in addition, if there were surface ships and aircraft with the submarines, the booster rockets' last-minute illumination of the darkness would provide them with Cheyenne's Cheyenne's location, the proverbial "flaming datum" with location, the proverbial "flaming datum" with Cheyenne Cheyenne at the wrong end of the weapon's track. at the wrong end of the weapon's track.

It was a dangerous mission, no doubt about it. And, if they were unlucky, it would be more than merely dangerous. It could be deadly.

The combat systems officer at the CCS Mk 2 reported that he had completed powering up each missile, downloaded the mission plans and flight profile, and verified proper weapon receipt of the data. He had then powered down the missiles until the captain was ready to start the automatic launch sequence. All plans and Cheyenne's Cheyenne's launch location fit the mission parameters, especially the range of flight to the airfields and the initial waypoint prior to Palawan Island TERCOM and DSMAC updates. Flight time would be just in excess of two hours. launch location fit the mission parameters, especially the range of flight to the airfields and the initial waypoint prior to Palawan Island TERCOM and DSMAC updates. Flight time would be just in excess of two hours.

"Firing point procedures, TLAM-C and TLAM-D, VLS tubes five through sixteen," ordered the captain. The open mike heads-up to sonar and the short delay as the combat systems officer reapplied power to the missiles, inserted the launch key, and pressed the firing button, gave the sonar operators time to prepare their ears for the six to seven minutes of noise that would follow.

Mack wasn't worried about that, though. He was worried that the noise would start those three Alfas cavitating toward Cheyenne. Cheyenne. Sonar wouldn't be able to hear that cavitation, but then it wouldn't have to. Mack knew they'd be coming, and they'd be coming fast. Sonar wouldn't be able to hear that cavitation, but then it wouldn't have to. Mack knew they'd be coming, and they'd be coming fast.

The hatch of VLS tube five opened hydraulically, freeing the interlock to detonate an explosive charge. The first TLAM-C burst upward through the thin plastic membrane of the loading canister that had helped to keep the missile dry until now.

The TLAM-C covered the short trip to the surface, less than thirty feet away, quickly. Just before the missile broached the surface, its booster rocket fired, drying quickly as it cleared the water.

The booster rocket used up the last of its fuel and the missile pitched down closer to the horizontal. Dropping its spent booster, the TLAM-C started its non-illuminating turbojet engine, accelerating to over five hundred knots as it turned toward the first waypoint.

On board Cheyenne, Cheyenne, tube five backfilled with water to compensate for the loss of the ejected missile's weight and then the hatch shut automatically. That freed the interlock for VLS tube six. tube five backfilled with water to compensate for the loss of the ejected missile's weight and then the hatch shut automatically. That freed the interlock for VLS tube six.

One down, and only eleven more to go, Mack thought. For once he was grateful for the relative slowness of submarines. Even the Alfa's 40 knots were nothing compared to the Tomahawks. Mack thought. For once he was grateful for the relative slowness of submarines. Even the Alfa's 40 knots were nothing compared to the Tomahawks.

The launch sequence seemed to take forever, but the Alfas were able to close the noisy datum by only four nautical miles. By the time the Chinese submarines had closed an additional two miles, Cheyenne Cheyenne had already secured periscope depth operations and had proceeded deep beneath the second layer. There she slowed, tracking the three noisy Alfas, still at battle stations and readying all four torpedo tubes, including opening the outer doors on tubes one and two. had already secured periscope depth operations and had proceeded deep beneath the second layer. There she slowed, tracking the three noisy Alfas, still at battle stations and readying all four torpedo tubes, including opening the outer doors on tubes one and two.

The Chinese submarines had run too fast for too long. When they finally slowed to listen, the sounds of the Tomahawk launches had ceased.

Cheyenne, too, had lost most of her contacts. Due to the range, she had lost all but tonal contact on the towed array when the Chinese slowed. Which was just what Mack had intended. The Alfa class SSN had no towed array, so they couldn't gain tonal contact on the extremely quiet too, had lost most of her contacts. Due to the range, she had lost all but tonal contact on the towed array when the Chinese slowed. Which was just what Mack had intended. The Alfa class SSN had no towed array, so they couldn't gain tonal contact on the extremely quiet Cheyenne. Cheyenne.

It was now a waiting game, and Mack knew the game was rigged. The smart thing would have been for the Alfas to slow and attempt to reacquire Cheyenne, Cheyenne, but they didn't have that choice. Under their new rules of engagement, Mack knew that they would continue to close on but they didn't have that choice. Under their new rules of engagement, Mack knew that they would continue to close on Cheyenne's Cheyenne's last datum... which would bring them right into Mk 48 ADCAP range. last datum... which would bring them right into Mk 48 ADCAP range.

The three Alfas were approaching within range, running at fifty meters' depth, abreast of one another and only four thousand yards apart. Mack waited awhile longer. He had six torpedoes planned for them, and he could afford to wait.

Cheyenne fired tubes one and two-first, at a range of 25,000 yards, with both torpedoes initially running in slow speed. At 18,000 yards, Mack ordered tubes three and four fired, with the torpedoes initially running in medium speed. At 10,000 yards, fired tubes one and two-first, at a range of 25,000 yards, with both torpedoes initially running in slow speed. At 18,000 yards, Mack ordered tubes three and four fired, with the torpedoes initially running in medium speed. At 10,000 yards, Cheyenne Cheyenne launched two more torpedoes from the reloaded tubes one and two after cutting the guidance wires to the first two from these tubes, which had still been communicating their search data, on track for intercept. These last torpedoes, the second set from tubes one and two, started their journey at high speed. The result of this salvo was that all six would arrive within their acquisition cone ranges at slightly staggered intervals, and with full depth and azimuthal coverage. launched two more torpedoes from the reloaded tubes one and two after cutting the guidance wires to the first two from these tubes, which had still been communicating their search data, on track for intercept. These last torpedoes, the second set from tubes one and two, started their journey at high speed. The result of this salvo was that all six would arrive within their acquisition cone ranges at slightly staggered intervals, and with full depth and azimuthal coverage.

Sonar reported the first two torpedoes increasing speed, signifying acquisition. Minutes later, three of the other four acquired targets, passing the good news over their guidance wires.

On board the Alfas, the Chinese were dumbfounded as the ocean in front of them turned from silence into the nerve-racking, high-frequency pinging of attacking torpedoes. Even their prearranged depth excursions and course changes to prevent their own mutual interference were to no avail.

The oncoming torpedoes had passed through both thermal layers and were already locked on, refusing to be fooled by the myriad of noisemakers launched by the fleeing Chinese SSNs. The circuitry of the ADCAP torpedoes allowed them to "see through" the noisemaker jamming, and to remain locked on their intended targets.

It was over within minutes. All three Alfas had been damaged severely, forcing them to emergency-blow to the surface. Two of them never made it. In those two, seawater leaking through the broken engine room piping caused such an up angle that water filled the steam piping. With the turbine generators damaged by the water from the steam generator, their reactors lost power and shut down.

The two dead Alfas sank stern first to the bottom, more than 12,000 feet below.

Cheyenne returned to periscope depth to report the successful Tomahawk launch and the attack on the Chinese Alfas. Although it seemed like forever, less than two hours had passed since their launch. The missiles were still flying in single file, having completed the final DSMAC updates shortly before, and were now relying on GPS updates during the overwater ingress to the airfields. returned to periscope depth to report the successful Tomahawk launch and the attack on the Chinese Alfas. Although it seemed like forever, less than two hours had passed since their launch. The missiles were still flying in single file, having completed the final DSMAC updates shortly before, and were now relying on GPS updates during the overwater ingress to the airfields.

Cheyenne and her crew would have to wait for the bomb damage assessment (BDA) to learn the results of the attacks-and they might have to wait a long time. If the rainsqualls precluded the satellite imagery for a number of days, the BDA would not be able to be sent to them via message traffic during the four-day patrol in their third patrol area. If that happened, they would have to wait for their return to alongside and her crew would have to wait for the bomb damage assessment (BDA) to learn the results of the attacks-and they might have to wait a long time. If the rainsqualls precluded the satellite imagery for a number of days, the BDA would not be able to be sent to them via message traffic during the four-day patrol in their third patrol area. If that happened, they would have to wait for their return to alongside McKee. McKee.

Cheyenne's SSIXS traffic was receipted for, so Captain Mackey directed the ship below the layer for the short transit to the third patrol area. Located to the northeast of the shoal areas and southwest of Subic Bay, this had been a refit site for U.S. and allied non-nuclear submarines until 1992. This patrol was designed to ensure that Chinese submarines would not try to interdict the arrival of the floating drydock, Arco. SSIXS traffic was receipted for, so Captain Mackey directed the ship below the layer for the short transit to the third patrol area. Located to the northeast of the shoal areas and southwest of Subic Bay, this had been a refit site for U.S. and allied non-nuclear submarines until 1992. This patrol was designed to ensure that Chinese submarines would not try to interdict the arrival of the floating drydock, Arco.

After its rest stop in Yokosuka following the long open ocean tow, Arco would be towed southward, west of the Philippines, to meet up with McKee. Its course would be through the Sulu Sea, away from possible Chinese submarines, which were still swarming in and around the Spratlys.

During the few sane moments aboard Cheyenne, Cheyenne, afforded by wardroom meals between battle stations, one of the topics of interest among the crew had been the newly instituted political talks between the United States and the Philippines. As one of the original claimants to the contested Spratly Islands, the Philippine government was now showing their appreciation for the submarine war being waged by afforded by wardroom meals between battle stations, one of the topics of interest among the crew had been the newly instituted political talks between the United States and the Philippines. As one of the original claimants to the contested Spratly Islands, the Philippine government was now showing their appreciation for the submarine war being waged by Cheyenne. Cheyenne. They had earlier agreed, in a secret Navy summit at CINCPACFLT's headquarters in Makalapa, to the Tomahawk missile flights over Palawan. Not that it would have made any difference, since the missiles would have been programmed to overfly Palawan anyway. Nevertheless, not having to deal with interfering Philippine aircraft ensured there would not be any international bickering over the flight path. They had earlier agreed, in a secret Navy summit at CINCPACFLT's headquarters in Makalapa, to the Tomahawk missile flights over Palawan. Not that it would have made any difference, since the missiles would have been programmed to overfly Palawan anyway. Nevertheless, not having to deal with interfering Philippine aircraft ensured there would not be any international bickering over the flight path.

The crystal-balling by some of the Cheyenne Cheyenne junior officers included bets that the Philippines would offer to reopen Subic Bay, at least for the duration of the war against China's submarines and encroaching warships and aircraft. If the price were right-for free-then the United States might even agree. junior officers included bets that the Philippines would offer to reopen Subic Bay, at least for the duration of the war against China's submarines and encroaching warships and aircraft. If the price were right-for free-then the United States might even agree.

Mack listened to his officers with interest. He knew that putting Arco Arco in Subic Bay would provide a nuclear repair capability closer to in Subic Bay would provide a nuclear repair capability closer to Cheyenne's Cheyenne's current patrol area. Of course, if they did that, then they would be farther away from current patrol area. Of course, if they did that, then they would be farther away from Cheyenne's Cheyenne's next war patrol assignment and her patrol areas south of the Spratlys. next war patrol assignment and her patrol areas south of the Spratlys.

Mack grinned to himself and shrugged. Pay now or pay later, Pay now or pay later, he thought. In the end, though, it didn't really matter. he thought. In the end, though, it didn't really matter. Arco Arco or no or no Arco, Arco, SEALs or no SEALs, SEALs or no SEALs, Cheyenne Cheyenne would go where she was ordered and carry out the orders she was given. would go where she was ordered and carry out the orders she was given.

The Fourth Patrol: From Russia with Love The third patrol area was quiet. Cheyenne Cheyenne detected no submarines during her short duration patrol. Which was good, Mack thought. It gave his officers and crew the opportunity to catch up on their paperwork. More important, the respite allowed the newest crew members to finally complete their submarine qualification check-outs with the designated subsystem experts. detected no submarines during her short duration patrol. Which was good, Mack thought. It gave his officers and crew the opportunity to catch up on their paperwork. More important, the respite allowed the newest crew members to finally complete their submarine qualification check-outs with the designated subsystem experts.

Before reaching that stage, each enlisted man had to complete certain at sea and in port watch-stander qualifications required by his department-engineering, weapons, or operations. Qualification boards for the enlisted were held in the "goat locker," the chief petty officer (CPO) lounge, mess area, and bunk room, all rolled into one small, but cozy space.

These qualification boards were run by several of Cheyenne's Cheyenne's senior personnel. The top two were the chief of the boat (COB), who was also the master chief petty officer of the command, and senior personnel. The top two were the chief of the boat (COB), who was also the master chief petty officer of the command, and Cheyenne's Cheyenne's qualification officer, the combat systems officer. The qualification officer was responsible to the executive officer, in the executive officer's role as the ship's training officer, for ensuring the timely submarine qualification of each and every enlisted man. The rest of the qualification boards were made up of selected qualification petty officers, the designated subsystem experts, and the individual candidate's leading petty officer and division officer. qualification officer, the combat systems officer. The qualification officer was responsible to the executive officer, in the executive officer's role as the ship's training officer, for ensuring the timely submarine qualification of each and every enlisted man. The rest of the qualification boards were made up of selected qualification petty officers, the designated subsystem experts, and the individual candidate's leading petty officer and division officer.

Once this board made its recommendation to the executive officer, Mack was always quick to hold a ceremony in the crew's mess. He enjoyed pinning the coveted silver dolphins on each sailor's uniform, conferring the right for the crewman to add "SS" to his official title.

[image]

Officer qualification in submarines included qualification as engineering officer of the watch (EOOW) and officer of the deck, as well as the in port engineering duty officer (EDO) and ship's duty officer responsibilities. These required the captain's certification, as did other senior enlisted watch stations.

Other officer qualifications included candidates for engineer officer of a nuclear-powered ship. Completion of this was generally put on hold during wars because the candidate officer was unable to return to Washington, D.C., to be interviewed by the head of Navy Nuclear Propulsion, NAVSEA 08.

For the officers, the same qualification petty officers checked out the candidates, as did the responsible department heads. Once the senior watch officer and the navigator, who was Cheyenne's Cheyenne's third senior officer, made their recommendation to the executive officer and captain, a qualification board was held in the wardroom. third senior officer, made their recommendation to the executive officer and captain, a qualification board was held in the wardroom.

The reward for these officer qualifications were the much rarer and even more coveted gold dolphins, which designated the officer as "submarine warfare qualified." After Cheyenne's Cheyenne's most recent war patrols, Mack felt that all her hands had earned this designation, and he was pleased that they had gotten the chance to catch up on this. most recent war patrols, Mack felt that all her hands had earned this designation, and he was pleased that they had gotten the chance to catch up on this.

In addition to catching up on paperwork and officer qualifications, the respite also gave Mack the chance to have his junior officers practice their surfacing and diving of the submarine. But Mack didn't let that go too far. This was war, after all, and there was always the chance that some of those pesky Chinese Kilo SSKs were lurking about, so he instructed his junior officers to only simulate blowing the main ballast tanks. That restriction kept Cheyenne Cheyenne safe, and it didn't affect the quality of their practice at all. safe, and it didn't affect the quality of their practice at all.

Mack wasn't worried about their knowledge. He knew that they had learned, at least on a theoretical level, how to handle the boat. All the officers on Cheyenne Cheyenne were nuclear trained-training which had required all officers to complete Nuclear Power School in Orlando, Florida, along with training at one of the reactor prototypes, either in West Milton, New York; Arco, Idaho; or Windsor, Connecticut. This training had taken a year to complete, and it was so intense that they'd had to memorize volumes of information that, when stacked on top of each other, easily reached over six feet high. And it didn't end there. It was followed by a stint at the Naval Submarine School in Groton, Connecticut. were nuclear trained-training which had required all officers to complete Nuclear Power School in Orlando, Florida, along with training at one of the reactor prototypes, either in West Milton, New York; Arco, Idaho; or Windsor, Connecticut. This training had taken a year to complete, and it was so intense that they'd had to memorize volumes of information that, when stacked on top of each other, easily reached over six feet high. And it didn't end there. It was followed by a stint at the Naval Submarine School in Groton, Connecticut.

This was all before they ever got to their first submarine. Once on board, they had new reactor and propulsion plant manuals to study, supplemented by ship's information books, weapons manuals, and at least twenty more documents related to operations against what was now the enemy.

After all this, Mack wasn't worried about what they knew, but they needed practice and experience to go with all that book knowledge. It was the procedural steps and the feel of the ship under their feet that the JOODs needed to learn well enough so that they could surface and dive the ship in their sleep. And even more important, they needed to learn how to think on their feet, in case the unusual were to happen, which might not be covered in books.

Cheyenne's junior officers weren't the only ones boning up for qualification boards, either. Her executive officer was shooting for the "qualified for command" designation-but he didn't know that Mack had recommended him to CTF 74 prior to their last underway. His first hint that he'd better ready himself for the qual-for-command board was a message stating that their commodore, Commander Submarine Squadron Eleven (CSS 11) in San Diego, would be on board Arco, the floating repair dock, medium (ARDM-5). junior officers weren't the only ones boning up for qualification boards, either. Her executive officer was shooting for the "qualified for command" designation-but he didn't know that Mack had recommended him to CTF 74 prior to their last underway. His first hint that he'd better ready himself for the qual-for-command board was a message stating that their commodore, Commander Submarine Squadron Eleven (CSS 11) in San Diego, would be on board Arco, the floating repair dock, medium (ARDM-5).

Upon receiving that message, the executive officer initially expected that the board would consist of CTF 74, his CSS 11 commodore, and the captain of McKee. That expectation changed, however, when Cheyenne Cheyenne received an operations directive routing them to Subic Bay instead of the safe anchorage off Brunei, where they had originally expected received an operations directive routing them to Subic Bay instead of the safe anchorage off Brunei, where they had originally expected McKee McKee and and Arco Arco to be located. Based on the rest of the message traffic, the executive officer wasn't sure there would be time for his qual board. to be located. Based on the rest of the message traffic, the executive officer wasn't sure there would be time for his qual board.

Message traffic indicated that IUSS (Integrated Undersea Surveillance System) had sniffs of a number of the newest operational class of Russian SSNs, the Akula II, heading south from the Sea of Okhotsk area toward the South China Sea-and the numbers did not match naval intelligence's initial expectations. Satellite imagery of Vladivostok showed three submarines missing, and data from Petropavlosk added another missing sub, for a total of four, but IUSS was picking up seven different Akula class SSNs.

New data, however, showed three more missing from the Russian base in the Kola Peninsula. Naval intelligence had been concentrating on the Pacific theater and had missed the departure of the North Fleet Akula II SSNs the week before. These Akulas had completed an under-ice transfer through the Bering Straits before they were detected in the Bering Sea, and had rendezvoused with the PACFLT Akulas east of the Kurile Islands.

According to the message traffic, Arco was being diverted to Subic Bay for safety. Had she stuck to her original orders, she would have made a long transit at sea protected only by Cheyenne, Cheyenne, and the risk of being overwhelmed by the sheer number of Akulas was simply too great. and the risk of being overwhelmed by the sheer number of Akulas was simply too great.

On a similar note, in order to avoid a repeat of the Chinese Kilo SSK attacks on McKee McKee that that Cheyenne Cheyenne had fought off after returning from the first patrol, the submarine tender was now en route to the safety of Subic Bay via the Philippine Sea. She was scheduled to arrive the day before had fought off after returning from the first patrol, the submarine tender was now en route to the safety of Subic Bay via the Philippine Sea. She was scheduled to arrive the day before Cheyenne. Cheyenne.

Sino-Soviet trade relations were obviously booming, Captain Mackey realized as he read the message traffic. The Russian president, Gennadi Zyuganov, was allowing his navy to supply the Chinese with the Akula IIs. That was bad enough. Worse, though, was the fact that these sales were being consummated so quickly that China could not crew the SSNs, and Russia had wholeheartedly agreed to supply Russian "observers." These observers had turned out to be nearly the entire crew. The only real exceptions were some Chinese interpreters for their Chinese message traffic.

The Russian president had, of course, initially denied these sales at all. Then, when the crewing reports surfaced through the CIA, he tried to use the "observer" gambit. The United States had recognized this for what it was-a feeble attempt for Russia to avoid its own war with the United States-and Mack couldn't help wondering how his own government would respond to this.

But for now, at least, he didn't have to worry about it. All he had to do was to carry out his orders and to execute the missions he was tasked with.

Several days later, as Cheyenne Cheyenne "steamed" past Grande Island inbound to the Subic Bay complex, Mack was saddened at the sight of the once-proud base. The buildings and guest cottages were run down and dilapidated, and even the swimming pool was empty and cracking. "steamed" past Grande Island inbound to the Subic Bay complex, Mack was saddened at the sight of the once-proud base. The buildings and guest cottages were run down and dilapidated, and even the swimming pool was empty and cracking.

It was clear that nothing had been done to take care of the Grande Island after the departure of the United States five years before. Mack expected that the same would be true of the airfield at what was once the Cubi Point Naval Air Station. That airfield had once been busy bringing in supplies as well as being the launch and recovery field for carrier-based aircraft leaving and returning to Subic Bay.

When Cheyenne Cheyenne rounded the point of the airfield and headed for the gaping jaws of the now-flooded-down rounded the point of the airfield and headed for the gaping jaws of the now-flooded-down Arco, Arco, Mack saw how right his guess had been. At the sight of jungle growth overrunning the Cubi Point Officers' Club, Mack felt a wave of nostalgia and regret wash over him, and he was glad that Mack saw how right his guess had been. At the sight of jungle growth overrunning the Cubi Point Officers' Club, Mack felt a wave of nostalgia and regret wash over him, and he was glad that Cheyenne Cheyenne had only two days in the Philippines to reload and resupply. had only two days in the Philippines to reload and resupply.

Since the refit crew was on board McKee, McKee, which was still in transit to Subic Bay, Mack and the executive officer had informed which was still in transit to Subic Bay, Mack and the executive officer had informed Cheyenne's Cheyenne's crew that they would remain on board, for sleeping and security purposes, until the tender arrived. Seeing the devastation that had occurred since the United States left the Philippines, Mack could see that he had made a wise decision. The CPO and enlisted barracks, as well as the Submarine Sanctuary (where the officers used to partake of rest and recreation), had been looted and destroyed by vandals. crew that they would remain on board, for sleeping and security purposes, until the tender arrived. Seeing the devastation that had occurred since the United States left the Philippines, Mack could see that he had made a wise decision. The CPO and enlisted barracks, as well as the Submarine Sanctuary (where the officers used to partake of rest and recreation), had been looted and destroyed by vandals.

Captain Mackey had also informed the engineer officer and auxiliary division officer-who also was the SUBSAFE (submarine safety) officer-that Cheyenne Cheyenne would take the opportunity to complete some of the SUBSAFE maintenance requirement card (MRC) inspections. With the ongoing war against the Chinese, these inspections, which could only be completed while in drydock, were in danger of becoming overdue. Taking care of it now, with the drydock capabilities that would take the opportunity to complete some of the SUBSAFE maintenance requirement card (MRC) inspections. With the ongoing war against the Chinese, these inspections, which could only be completed while in drydock, were in danger of becoming overdue. Taking care of it now, with the drydock capabilities that Arco Arco offered, would ensure that offered, would ensure that Cheyenne's Cheyenne's SUBSAFE certification remained in force and they would have no restrictions in depth during upcoming operations. SUBSAFE certification remained in force and they would have no restrictions in depth during upcoming operations.

Maintaining certification during a war was not just a perfunctory administrative paper drill. It was extremely important. The certification meant that the home which protected the men of Cheyenne Cheyenne from the perils of the sea was satisfactory for keeping water out of the "people locker." from the perils of the sea was satisfactory for keeping water out of the "people locker."

The SUBSAFE criteria, which began in Cheyenne's Cheyenne's new construction period and continued for the life of the ship, included the capability of various important components to withstand underwater explosive shock without endangering the lives of the crew. Integrity of these components was paramount if the crew was to survive the rigors of enemy attacks and reach the surface safely. new construction period and continued for the life of the ship, included the capability of various important components to withstand underwater explosive shock without endangering the lives of the crew. Integrity of these components was paramount if the crew was to survive the rigors of enemy attacks and reach the surface safely.

Mack planned to avoid that situation, of course, but with the reports of seven Akula II SSNs en route to the South China Sea, he knew Cheyenne Cheyenne would have her work cut out for her. And so did her well-informed crew, who set about their inspection duties as soon as the drydock was pumped down. would have her work cut out for her. And so did her well-informed crew, who set about their inspection duties as soon as the drydock was pumped down.

The late arrival of McKee McKee meant that meant that Cheyenne Cheyenne would have only one day to reload the vertical-launch tubes with Tomahawk missiles and the torpedo room with Mk 48s. Arco had no capability to reload SSN weapons, other than small-arms ammunition. So far, would have only one day to reload the vertical-launch tubes with Tomahawk missiles and the torpedo room with Mk 48s. Arco had no capability to reload SSN weapons, other than small-arms ammunition. So far, Cheyenne Cheyenne had not had to resort to that limited method of warfare, and Mack didn't intend to need them in the near future, either. had not had to resort to that limited method of warfare, and Mack didn't intend to need them in the near future, either.

Arco, like all the floating drydocks in the fleet, did not have a formal commanding officer. Drydocks, which were not commissioned as United States ships and so did not receive the "USS" designation, had officers-in-charge instead. like all the floating drydocks in the fleet, did not have a formal commanding officer. Drydocks, which were not commissioned as United States ships and so did not receive the "USS" designation, had officers-in-charge instead.

In talking with Arco Arco's officer-in-charge, Mack learned that Arco had managed to off-load some Navy Construction Battalion equipment and a small contingent of Seabees at a pleasure boat launch ramp near the Cubi airfields. That would have been very good news if they were on a longer timetable. As it was, repair of the runways would probably be too late for Cheyenne Cheyenne to count on any air support in her upcoming missions. Besides, Mack thought, deciding to forget about having to coordinate operations with aircraft, even if the Seabees got the runways repaired, it wouldn't do much good. The supporting infrastructure that had once been at the airfield, as well as the air-traffic controllers and radars, had been spread to other airfields around the world. to count on any air support in her upcoming missions. Besides, Mack thought, deciding to forget about having to coordinate operations with aircraft, even if the Seabees got the runways repaired, it wouldn't do much good. The supporting infrastructure that had once been at the airfield, as well as the air-traffic controllers and radars, had been spread to other airfields around the world.

Which was fine with Mack. This was a submarine war; it was Cheyenne's Cheyenne's submarine war. He did appreciate, however, that Arco had brought a replacement screw for submarine war. He did appreciate, however, that Arco had brought a replacement screw for Cheyenne. Cheyenne. She didn't need it yet, but there was always the outside chance that Chinese torpedo shrapnel would get close enough to cause damage to the screw. The "singing" screw that could develop from that would limit She didn't need it yet, but there was always the outside chance that Chinese torpedo shrapnel would get close enough to cause damage to the screw. The "singing" screw that could develop from that would limit Cheyenne's Cheyenne's speed, and that was worse than a SUBSAFE depth restriction to one-half test depth. Singing screws were a condition that could not be tolerated even in peacetime. speed, and that was worse than a SUBSAFE depth restriction to one-half test depth. Singing screws were a condition that could not be tolerated even in peacetime.

Arco also had brought the "ship's key," the huge wrench needed to remove and replace the screw's hub nut. also had brought the "ship's key," the huge wrench needed to remove and replace the screw's hub nut.

The following morning, McKee McKee arrived in Subic Bay under the cover of darkness. She didn't moor at the sea wall, but instead moored outboard of arrived in Subic Bay under the cover of darkness. She didn't moor at the sea wall, but instead moored outboard of Arco Arco at the SRF (ship repair facility) just down the street from the old Naval Forces headquarters building. Mack knew that the captain of at the SRF (ship repair facility) just down the street from the old Naval Forces headquarters building. Mack knew that the captain of McKee McKee would consider moving his ship after would consider moving his ship after Cheyenne's Cheyenne's departure, and after his men were able to assess the safety of the previously normal berth for large ships like departure, and after his men were able to assess the safety of the previously normal berth for large ships like McKee. McKee. Those berths had been unattended for nearly five years, and he would want to be sure of the sea wall's status, including the mooring bollards, before he felt comfortable enough to moor there for the duration of the war. Those berths had been unattended for nearly five years, and he would want to be sure of the sea wall's status, including the mooring bollards, before he felt comfortable enough to moor there for the duration of the war.

There was another good reason for that choice. As Mack knew, the sea wall was located across the relatively narrow channel from the aircraft carrier mooring at Cubi Point, and tending submarines there had never been done before. In the old days, when the United States was maintaining and operating this base, submarine upkeeps always had been conducted within the SRF gates both for security purposes and because it was near the SRF shops and weapons-storage areas.

At daylight, McKee McKee slacked its mooring lines to slacked its mooring lines to Arco Arco for the flooding down of the drydock and the "dead stick" move of for the flooding down of the drydock and the "dead stick" move of Cheyenne Cheyenne to outboard of to outboard of McKee. McKee. For safety reasons, the two captains agreed not to load weapons while For safety reasons, the two captains agreed not to load weapons while Cheyenne Cheyenne was still inside the drydock. was still inside the drydock.

When the drydock was flooded and seawater systems were once again flooded and vented of any entrapped air, Cheyenne Cheyenne received the word "prepare to snorkel" and passed it along, internally, over the 1MC. With no current to contend with, this move went smoothly and safely. received the word "prepare to snorkel" and passed it along, internally, over the 1MC. With no current to contend with, this move went smoothly and safely. Cheyenne's Cheyenne's diesel generator provided power to the emergency propulsion motor (EPM) and to the ship's vital electrical loads, which remained energized during "rig ship for reduced electrical power." Had this been done in San Diego, without diesel generator provided power to the emergency propulsion motor (EPM) and to the ship's vital electrical loads, which remained energized during "rig ship for reduced electrical power." Had this been done in San Diego, without Cheyenne's Cheyenne's reactor power and steam in the engineering spaces, it would have required at least one tug, and maybe two if reactor power and steam in the engineering spaces, it would have required at least one tug, and maybe two if Cheyenne Cheyenne had needed to make the move at other than slack tide. had needed to make the move at other than slack tide.

When Cheyenne Cheyenne was positioned properly, the combat systems officer, engineer officer, and their other division officers remained on board was positioned properly, the combat systems officer, engineer officer, and their other division officers remained on board Cheyenne Cheyenne to take care of the weapons loading and reactor start-up preparations. Captain Mackey, along with his executive officer, operations officer, and navigator, proceeded to to take care of the weapons loading and reactor start-up preparations. Captain Mackey, along with his executive officer, operations officer, and navigator, proceeded to McKee's McKee's war room for their pre-underway briefing. war room for their pre-underway briefing.

There was a new face at this meeting: the CSS 11 commodore was present-which, Mack knew, could mean major changes, or it could mean nothing. Either way, he'd know soon enough.

Once the formalities were out of the way, the briefing officer again took control of the meeting. He informed Mack and the other officers of Cheyenne Cheyenne that, with that, with McKee McKee no longer requiring air protection from the Carrier Battle Group, CINCPACFLT had decided to move no longer requiring air protection from the Carrier Battle Group, CINCPACFLT had decided to move Independence Independence and his other surface forces to an area west of the Spratly Islands. USCINCPAC, with JCS approval, had concurred. Which meant that there would be a change in the location of and his other surface forces to an area west of the Spratly Islands. USCINCPAC, with JCS approval, had concurred. Which meant that there would be a change in the location of Cheyenne's Cheyenne's next patrol. next patrol.

Mack's earlier orders had been to patrol south of the islands, but those orders were no longer valid. His new orders were for Cheyenne Cheyenne to transit to a patrol area located about four hundred nautical miles to the north-deep waters with which to transit to a patrol area located about four hundred nautical miles to the north-deep waters with which Cheyenne Cheyenne was now familiar. However, the briefing officer went on, if the inbound Akulas were detected heading for the Paracels, was now familiar. However, the briefing officer went on, if the inbound Akulas were detected heading for the Paracels, Cheyenne Cheyenne was expected to cut them off before the three Akulas from the North Fleet could resupply. was expected to cut them off before the three Akulas from the North Fleet could resupply.

Captain Mackey, his executive officer, and Cheyenne's Cheyenne's navigator all knew that this would introduce additional hazards to their mission. At the very least, they would have to contend with the neutral shipping and the oil rigs situated off the northern slopes of the Macclesfield Bank. navigator all knew that this would introduce additional hazards to their mission. At the very least, they would have to contend with the neutral shipping and the oil rigs situated off the northern slopes of the Macclesfield Bank. Cheyenne Cheyenne had managed to avoid those problems during the last patrol by staying south of the banks, but that was no longer an option. had managed to avoid those problems during the last patrol by staying south of the banks, but that was no longer an option.

After relaying that information, the briefing officer brought up some older intel, emphasizing the information contained in Cheyenne's Cheyenne's latest message traffic. In particular, he reminded them that the Akulas were not manned by inexperienced Chinese crews, but had come complete with their normal Russian crews. experienced with their own submarines. And, the briefing officer continued, since the protests from Washington were falling on deaf ears in Russia, latest message traffic. In particular, he reminded them that the Akulas were not manned by inexperienced Chinese crews, but had come complete with their normal Russian crews. experienced with their own submarines. And, the briefing officer continued, since the protests from Washington were falling on deaf ears in Russia, Cheyenne Cheyenne was being tasked as an instrument of diplomacy: sink the Akulas and Russia would probably stop supplying assets, ships, and men to the Chinese. was being tasked as an instrument of diplomacy: sink the Akulas and Russia would probably stop supplying assets, ships, and men to the Chinese.

Mack spoke up at that. With the dwindling supply of torpedoes aboard McKee, McKee, the tender was practically rationing them. For this loadout, the tender was practically rationing them. For this loadout, Cheyenne Cheyenne was receiving only twenty Mk 48s, and while he understood the rationale for it, that amount was far short of a full complement, and not enough to go against all seven Akulas. was receiving only twenty Mk 48s, and while he understood the rationale for it, that amount was far short of a full complement, and not enough to go against all seven Akulas.