On board the American cruisers Princeton Princeton and and Gettysburg, Gettysburg, an air of tension ran through the control rooms. Their SPY-1B multifunction radars were doing exactly what they were designed to-track the incoming Chinese missiles and calculate optimal intercept locations for the cruisers' SM-2 surface-to-air missiles. The four Chinese missiles were closing in at just under the speed of sound, which left only a few minutes of reaction time. an air of tension ran through the control rooms. Their SPY-1B multifunction radars were doing exactly what they were designed to-track the incoming Chinese missiles and calculate optimal intercept locations for the cruisers' SM-2 surface-to-air missiles. The four Chinese missiles were closing in at just under the speed of sound, which left only a few minutes of reaction time.

Less than thirty seconds after the Chinese ships had launched their four HY-2s, the fire-control systems had their data and the two Aegis cruisers began launching their SM-2 SAMs at the incoming missiles. Gettysburg Gettysburg was the first to fire, her fore Mk 41, sixty-one-cell launcher shooting off six missiles one after another. Six more SAMs leapt from the deck of was the first to fire, her fore Mk 41, sixty-one-cell launcher shooting off six missiles one after another. Six more SAMs leapt from the deck of Princeton, Princeton, all twelve heading straight for the speeding Chinese HY-2s. all twelve heading straight for the speeding Chinese HY-2s.

Within seconds, the SPG-62 missile illuminators on board the cruisers began directing the American missiles. These illuminators, four of which were on each ship, switched guidance controls from missile to missile, providing minute flight changes so that the missiles would know exactly where to fly in order to intercept the incoming targets.

Approximately ninety meters above the surface of the sea, thirty miles from Benthic Adventure Benthic Adventure and her escorts, the first SM-2s began to detonate around the incoming Chinese targets. and her escorts, the first SM-2s began to detonate around the incoming Chinese targets.

The first explosions occurred near two of the HY-2s, throwing them off target and then destroying them with shrapnel from the warheads. The remaining two HY-2 missiles were destroyed outright by the American SAMs targeted in their direction.

Three minutes after the launch of the Chinese HY-2 missiles, what was left of all four of them lay scattered on the surface of the sea, floating briefly before slipping beneath the waves.

On board Cheyenne, Cheyenne, Mack had no idea how things were progressing above the surface, and no chance to try and find out. Mack had no idea how things were progressing above the surface, and no chance to try and find out. Cheyenne Cheyenne outmanned, outgunned, and simply outperformed the two Romeos, but that didn't mean he could afford to treat them lightly. outmanned, outgunned, and simply outperformed the two Romeos, but that didn't mean he could afford to treat them lightly.

Mack ordered one Mk 48 targeted at each Romeo. With their antiquated Feniks sonar systems, he doubted that the Romeos would even detect the torpedoes before they had acquired. If one of them were to miss, however, he knew that Cheyenne Cheyenne would still be out of range of the Chinese weapons and could re-attack at will. would still be out of range of the Chinese weapons and could re-attack at will.

After establishing firing point procedures, the Mk 48 in tube one was launched at Master 83 and the one in tube two at Master 84. His officers and crew had recently had far too much practice at this, and performed their duties as flawlessly as ever.

The Mk 48s closed the gap and detonated beneath the unaware Romeos, sending both to the bottom, but Mack's pride and pleasure in their performance was short-lived.

Cheyenne had just secured from battle stations and begun to head back to her escort position near had just secured from battle stations and begun to head back to her escort position near Benthic Adventure Benthic Adventure when she received a sonar detection indicating that she had trouble. when she received a sonar detection indicating that she had trouble.

"Conn, sonar. We just picked up two possible submarine contacts on the towed array."

Five minutes later, the sonar supervisor had an updated report for Mack, who had gone to his place in the sonar room.

"Captain, I'm classifying the possible submarine contacts as one Akula II class SSN based on its tonals, and one Kilo class SSK based on his single 6-bladed screw. Both are headed in the direction of the Ticonderoga group. The Kilo just started running at three knots. The Akula's bearing is remaining constant. Captain-I'm pretty sure that they heard us."

Mack acknowledged the report. He was certain that the sonar supervisor was correct, and that the Chinese submarines had heard them. Launching two Mk 48s, both of which detonated at their intended targets, was bound to attract some attention.

Mack had a hard decision to make. Cheyenne Cheyenne could take on the two enemy submarines herself, with a fair chance of surviving-but a fair chance wasn't good enough for Mack. Not when he had a better option. could take on the two enemy submarines herself, with a fair chance of surviving-but a fair chance wasn't good enough for Mack. Not when he had a better option.

Cheyenne worked best when she worked alone. The Los Angeles class 688Is were designed to work covertly, without help from any other vessel. worked best when she worked alone. The Los Angeles class 688Is were designed to work covertly, without help from any other vessel. Cheyenne Cheyenne could work in tandem with other ships, but her biggest strength was her independence. could work in tandem with other ships, but her biggest strength was her independence.

But that didn't mean that she wouldn't accept assistance when it was offered ... and when it was needed. And as much as he hated to admit it, Mack believed that Cheyenne Cheyenne needed some now. needed some now.

"Radio Gettysburg," Gettysburg," Mack ordered the communicator, "and give them our best locations of the Kilo and the Akula II. Tell them that we will handle the Akula, ask them to send some SH-60s to help us out with that Kilo. And man battle stations," he added to the OOD. Mack ordered the communicator, "and give them our best locations of the Kilo and the Akula II. Tell them that we will handle the Akula, ask them to send some SH-60s to help us out with that Kilo. And man battle stations," he added to the OOD.

"Aye, Captain."

In order to transmit this information to Gettysburg, Cheyenne Gettysburg, Cheyenne needed to come to periscope depth, which made her much easier to detect by the Chinese submarines. But Mack felt he had to take that chance. Two helicopters and needed to come to periscope depth, which made her much easier to detect by the Chinese submarines. But Mack felt he had to take that chance. Two helicopters and Cheyenne Cheyenne were better odds against the two Chinese submarines than were better odds against the two Chinese submarines than Cheyenne Cheyenne by herself. by herself.

As soon as word reached Princeton Princeton and and Gettysburg, Gettysburg, two of the SH-60s were launched in the direction of the Kilo. They dropped line after line of sonobuoys, some of them directly on top of the Chinese submarine. Right now, however, Mack could not pay attention to the Seahawks' fight with the Kilo. He needed to concentrate on his silent foe, the Akula II. two of the SH-60s were launched in the direction of the Kilo. They dropped line after line of sonobuoys, some of them directly on top of the Chinese submarine. Right now, however, Mack could not pay attention to the Seahawks' fight with the Kilo. He needed to concentrate on his silent foe, the Akula II.

The one thing that was bothering Mack was that the Akula hadn't fired yet. He was sure the Chinese captain had a pretty good idea of where Cheyenne Cheyenne was, especially after Mack had launched his two Mk 48s and then went to periscope depth to radio for assistance. was, especially after Mack had launched his two Mk 48s and then went to periscope depth to radio for assistance.

With both submarines within torpedo range of each other, Mack could only assume that the Akula captain was waiting for exactly the right moment to strike. What Mack didn't know-and what he couldn't know, especially given Cheyenne's Cheyenne's successes in these waters, and the notoriety she had gained from killing so many Chinese submarines-was that the Akula wasn't hunting her at all. The Akula captain was hunting successes in these waters, and the notoriety she had gained from killing so many Chinese submarines-was that the Akula wasn't hunting her at all. The Akula captain was hunting Benthic Adventure. Benthic Adventure. He had wanted to avoid He had wanted to avoid Cheyenne Cheyenne at all costs. at all costs.

That little bit of caution was going to cost him his mission, his command, and the lives of himself and his crew.

"Captain," the fire-control coordinator reported to Mack, "we've got the firing solution to the Akula II, Master 90."

Mack immediately ordered firing point procedures. On his command, tubes one and two were immediately readied and fired.

The Akula captain quickly realized that he had been discovered and that his sneak attack had failed. Hearing the American torpedoes enter the water, he did the only thing he could ... he turned and ran.

The Akula was fast. It turned and increased speed to over thirty-five knots as the Mk 48s closed in on its tail. And its captain was smart. As he fled, he launched several noisemaker decoys in an attempt to throw the Mk 48s off course.

But neither the submarine's speed nor its captain's experience was enough. The first Mk 48 fell for the decoy. The second continued on, until it finished the job.

The incredible explosion tore open the hull of the Akula and sent it to the bottom. The explosion was so loud that it almost masked the two subsequent explosions that soon followed-the sound of two American helicopter-dropped Mk 50s exploding under the hull of the Chinese Kilo submarine.

As soon as the two latest kills were confirmed, Cheyenne Cheyenne and and Princeton Princeton exchanged radio messages congratulating each other on yet another successful combat operation. exchanged radio messages congratulating each other on yet another successful combat operation.

Once things began to calm down, a helicopter was flown out to the location of the downed SH-60. The remains of the destroyed Seahawk could be seen clearly from the sky. There were no survivors. Wartime losses were to be expected, but they were never without pain and sadness.

With the danger eliminated, Cheyenne Cheyenne was free to return to her position, directly west of the Ticonderoga cruiser escort group. Mack gave the order to move out in front once more. was free to return to her position, directly west of the Ticonderoga cruiser escort group. Mack gave the order to move out in front once more.

He was beginning to understand why "May you live in interesting times" was considered a curse in China. Things had been too interesting for too long. With luck, they would be allowed to take things a little bit slower before their next mission.

He knew, though, as the crew of the downed SH-60 had found, that in war luck was a rare and fragile thing.

Battle Royale Something was wrong. Cheyenne Cheyenne had completed her refit, and once again had as many Mk 48 ADCAPs on board as had completed her refit, and once again had as many Mk 48 ADCAPs on board as McKee McKee could give her-which was still less than Mack would have liked. could give her-which was still less than Mack would have liked.

But that wasn't what was bothering him. He was still thinking about their battle with the Chinese Hainan attack boats that, along with the four submarines, had been sent after Benthic Adventure.

The thing was, both Cheyenne Cheyenne and the surface group had been lucky. Mack knew that, and he'd admit it if he had to. But luck alone didn't account for everything. Since they had destroyed the Chinese surface and submarine group sent to attack and the surface group had been lucky. Mack knew that, and he'd admit it if he had to. But luck alone didn't account for everything. Since they had destroyed the Chinese surface and submarine group sent to attack Benthic Adventure, Benthic Adventure, all aspects of the escort mission were proceeding far better than planned, and that was what was bothering Mack. all aspects of the escort mission were proceeding far better than planned, and that was what was bothering Mack.

Cheyenne, Princeton, and and Gettysburg Gettysburg had not picked up any Chinese submarine or surface contacts for quite a long time now, and while Mack was happy to get the rest, it just wasn't right. The Chinese navy relied almost entirely upon numbers to accomplish their missions, and yet they had sent only five surface ships and four submarines to attack one of their prized targets. had not picked up any Chinese submarine or surface contacts for quite a long time now, and while Mack was happy to get the rest, it just wasn't right. The Chinese navy relied almost entirely upon numbers to accomplish their missions, and yet they had sent only five surface ships and four submarines to attack one of their prized targets.

Mack didn't buy it. Something was wrong with that picture. Cheyenne Cheyenne should have detected at least several more Chinese surface or submarine contacts probing should have detected at least several more Chinese surface or submarine contacts probing Benthic Adventure's Benthic Adventure's defenses. defenses.

Where, thought Mack, had the Chinese navy gone?

He was about to find out, and he-along with the entire American command-was not going to like the answer.

[image]

At Zhanjiang Naval Base in southern China, a massive force of over sixty ships and submarines was being readied. Their mission was simple: destroy the American aircraft carrier Independence Independence and her entire Battle Group. and her entire Battle Group.

The Independence Independence Battle Group consisted of a rather large contingent of ships. This force included three Ticonderoga class Aegis Cruisers, Battle Group consisted of a rather large contingent of ships. This force included three Ticonderoga class Aegis Cruisers, Bunker Hill Bunker Hill (CG-52), (CG-52), Mobile Bay Mobile Bay (CG-53), and Port (CG-53), and Port Royal Royal (CG-73); two Arleigh Burke Aegis destroyers, (CG-73); two Arleigh Burke Aegis destroyers, John Paul Jones John Paul Jones (DDG- 53) and (DDG- 53) and Paul Hamilton Paul Hamilton (DDG-60); three Spruance ASW destroyers, (DDG-60); three Spruance ASW destroyers, Hewitt Hewitt (DD-966), (DD-966), O'Brien O'Brien (DD-975), and (DD-975), and Fletcher Fletcher (DD-992); and three Perry class frigates, (DD-992); and three Perry class frigates, Rodney M. Davis Rodney M. Davis (FFG-60), (FFG-60), Thach Thach (FFG-43), and (FFG-43), and McClusky McClusky (FFG-41). Patrolling beneath them was (FFG-41). Patrolling beneath them was Columbia Columbia (SSN- 771), a Los Angeles class submarine like (SSN- 771), a Los Angeles class submarine like Bremerton Bremerton and and Cheyenne. Cheyenne.

Within hours of their preparation, American satellites had detected the change in operating tempo at the Chinese naval base. While naval intelligence was not exactly sure what was going on, they did know that it was something major.

As soon as the ships began to leave port, naval intelligence alerted Independence Independence of this major movement. A force that size could only have one mission in mind-attack the American carrier group, destroy of this major movement. A force that size could only have one mission in mind-attack the American carrier group, destroy Independence, Independence, and sink the remainder of her escorts. and sink the remainder of her escorts.

When Independence Independence received this message, she immediately went to her highest defensive level. At the same time, the Navy started trying to provide the carrier all the backup available. USS received this message, she immediately went to her highest defensive level. At the same time, the Navy started trying to provide the carrier all the backup available. USS Cheyenne Cheyenne was one of the first ships outside the was one of the first ships outside the Independence Independence Battle Group summoned to assist in her defense. Battle Group summoned to assist in her defense.

Cheyenne was running deep, and the only way the Navy could reach her was through the extremely low frequency band of communications. ELF messages took so long to send that they were invariably short-just long enough to alert the submarine to proceed to periscope depth for a longer message. was running deep, and the only way the Navy could reach her was through the extremely low frequency band of communications. ELF messages took so long to send that they were invariably short-just long enough to alert the submarine to proceed to periscope depth for a longer message.

"Captain," reported the communicator, "we just received an emergency message via ELF requesting us to come to periscope depth in order to receive an urgent message."

"Come to periscope depth," Mack ordered the OOD immediately.

It took several minutes to make it to periscope depth. As soon as Cheyenne Cheyenne was shallow enough she began receiving the important message via SSIXS. was shallow enough she began receiving the important message via SSIXS.

Mack looked at the printout and immediately ordered the communicator to summon a meeting in the wardroom. Mack wanted the combat systems officer, executive officer, navigator, sonar officer, and the communicator there in ten minutes. Mack himself headed straight for the wardroom.

When the officers were assembled, Mack wasted no time. "We have just received an emergency change of orders," he said. "Naval intelligence believes that the USS Independence Independence is about to come under a massive attack by the Chinese navy. Several hours ago, over sixty Chinese surface ships and submarines left Zhanjiang Naval Base headed in a southerly direction." is about to come under a massive attack by the Chinese navy. Several hours ago, over sixty Chinese surface ships and submarines left Zhanjiang Naval Base headed in a southerly direction."

The room had grown quiet. Mack hadn't been the only one to notice that the Chinese hadn't gone after the recaptured prospecting ship as heavily as expected, and now many officers' suspicions were being confirmed.

"Independence is currently sailing in the southwestern portion of the South China Sea," Mack went on. "She has been instructed to move slightly east in order to head toward deeper water where her weapons systems and aircraft can be used to the best advantage. We have been ordered to leave the is currently sailing in the southwestern portion of the South China Sea," Mack went on. "She has been instructed to move slightly east in order to head toward deeper water where her weapons systems and aircraft can be used to the best advantage. We have been ordered to leave the Benthic Adventure Benthic Adventure convoy and head southwest. We are to meet up with the convoy and head southwest. We are to meet up with the Independence Independence Battle Group south of Vietnam. Our orders are to protect Battle Group south of Vietnam. Our orders are to protect Independence Independence at all costs." at all costs."

Mack paused to let that sink in. The very idea that the carrier group herself could be in danger took some getting used to.

After a moment he went on, "Independence "Independence will not be sitting still, waiting for our arrival. She has been ordered to close to within aircraft range of the Chinese task force. Once her aircraft are within range, they will begin a preemptive attack on the Chinese fleet. Our job then will be to assist in the ASW efforts." will not be sitting still, waiting for our arrival. She has been ordered to close to within aircraft range of the Chinese task force. Once her aircraft are within range, they will begin a preemptive attack on the Chinese fleet. Our job then will be to assist in the ASW efforts."

The executive officer spoke up then. "Will we have other submarine assets in the area?" he asked.

"Yes," Mack said. "We will be assisted in our operations by our sister ships USS Columbia Columbia (SSN 771) and USS (SSN 771) and USS Bremerton Bremerton (SSN 698). (SSN 698). Columbia Columbia is currently operating with the is currently operating with the Independence Independence group. group. Bremerton Bremerton will be running at flank speed and will be joining us from the Indian Ocean, where she had been sent to check on an unidentified submarine contact reported by the Australians." will be running at flank speed and will be joining us from the Indian Ocean, where she had been sent to check on an unidentified submarine contact reported by the Australians."

There were no further questions, and Mack dismissed his officers. They all had a lot of work to do before Cheyenne Cheyenne arrived on station. arrived on station.

This was not the first time Independence Independence had been targeted by the Chinese, but Mack knew that this was by far the most serious threat yet. Several weeks earlier, had been targeted by the Chinese, but Mack knew that this was by far the most serious threat yet. Several weeks earlier, Independence Independence had come under heavy air attack by the Chinese air force. At that time, however, had come under heavy air attack by the Chinese air force. At that time, however, Independence Independence had been operating at ranges far in excess of most Chinese tactical aircraft and had escaped unscathed. This time the Chinese would have learned their lessons and would be sending both surface and submarine forces to attack the carrier. had been operating at ranges far in excess of most Chinese tactical aircraft and had escaped unscathed. This time the Chinese would have learned their lessons and would be sending both surface and submarine forces to attack the carrier.

Cheyenne was running deep at flank speed in an attempt to reach was running deep at flank speed in an attempt to reach Independence Independence before the shooting started. Mack knew that the Battle Group commander would not just sit and wait for the Chinese task force to steam closer and closer to them. That was not the American style of fighting. Mack knew that before the shooting started. Mack knew that the Battle Group commander would not just sit and wait for the Chinese task force to steam closer and closer to them. That was not the American style of fighting. Mack knew that Independence Independence would take the initiative and attack as soon as the moment was right. He just hoped that he would be able to get would take the initiative and attack as soon as the moment was right. He just hoped that he would be able to get Cheyenne Cheyenne there in time. there in time.

Hours later, Cheyenne Cheyenne proceeded to communications depth to receive the latest intelligence on the Chinese task force. The fleet was heading south in the direction of the Spratly Islands. The latest reports, which came from proceeded to communications depth to receive the latest intelligence on the Chinese task force. The fleet was heading south in the direction of the Spratly Islands. The latest reports, which came from Independence Independence herself, indicated that the Chinese task force was making every effort to close on the herself, indicated that the Chinese task force was making every effort to close on the Independence Independence Battle Group, but they were not very well organized. Battle Group, but they were not very well organized.

As the sixty-odd Chinese surface and submarines sped south toward Independence, Independence, there was as close to zero coordination as a fleet could attain. Each Chinese ship was operating at what their captain felt was the optimal speed for his ship, with no attempt to maintain order or grouping with the other ships in the task force. The fleet consisted of nearly every type of vessel known to be operational within the Chinese navy, from fast attack craft to destroyers, and from reserve Romeo diesel submarines to the newly acquired Akula SSNs. there was as close to zero coordination as a fleet could attain. Each Chinese ship was operating at what their captain felt was the optimal speed for his ship, with no attempt to maintain order or grouping with the other ships in the task force. The fleet consisted of nearly every type of vessel known to be operational within the Chinese navy, from fast attack craft to destroyers, and from reserve Romeo diesel submarines to the newly acquired Akula SSNs.

This battle plan was something of a desperation move on the part of the Chinese. The Americans were accustomed to more orderly warfare, but the Chinese group had not planned on attacking the Americans in an organized fashion. Instead, their orders were for each ship to slowly approach the Spratlys, refuel, and then head for Independence Independence without waiting for support. As soon as any given ship was within maximum range of the Battle Group, it would fire its weapons. without waiting for support. As soon as any given ship was within maximum range of the Battle Group, it would fire its weapons.

Obviously, the Chinese were expecting to take terrific losses. If they failed, they would be facing a major action by the United Nations, who had ruled since the beginning of hostilities that the Chinese were to blame. The United States had begun rallying NATO members in favor of launching an offensive against the Spratly Island chain. If the Chinese failed here, they could face international humiliation if NATO or UN forces captured the islands. But if they succeeded, if they sank Independence, Independence, the entire operation would be worth any risk. the entire operation would be worth any risk.

As Mack had predicted, the Chinese had learned from their previous attack on the carrier. Their last attempt had been a fiasco. They had flown sixty H-6 bombers, Chinese versions of the TU-16 Badger, against Independence, Independence, but the American F-14s had been able to attack the bombers long before any of them were able to launch their C-601 antiship missiles. The Chinese had lost nearly fifty aircraft. The Americans had lost nothing but some AMRAAM and Phoenix missiles. but the American F-14s had been able to attack the bombers long before any of them were able to launch their C-601 antiship missiles. The Chinese had lost nearly fifty aircraft. The Americans had lost nothing but some AMRAAM and Phoenix missiles.

This time, however, things would be different. Since the failed attack on Independence, Independence, China had begun basing large quantities of tactical aircraft on several of the larger Spratly Islands. The Americans were unaware of the large numbers of aircraft China had been able to store at these tiny airfields in the Spratlys. While several of the bases had been hit by Tomahawk cruise missiles, several more had stayed intact, and they would now be used to their fullest advantage once the new attack began. And, the Chinese hoped, the Americans would have no idea of the battle they were about to enter into. China had begun basing large quantities of tactical aircraft on several of the larger Spratly Islands. The Americans were unaware of the large numbers of aircraft China had been able to store at these tiny airfields in the Spratlys. While several of the bases had been hit by Tomahawk cruise missiles, several more had stayed intact, and they would now be used to their fullest advantage once the new attack began. And, the Chinese hoped, the Americans would have no idea of the battle they were about to enter into.

Cheyenne was still running at thirty-two knots when Mack asked for the ETA on their rendezvous with was still running at thirty-two knots when Mack asked for the ETA on their rendezvous with Independence. Independence.

"If we maintain our current speed, Captain, we should be there in six and a half hours," answered the OOD.

"Very well," Mack said. "Maintain flank speed and heading."

The transit to the South China Sea to meet with Independence Independence was filled with tension. All on board was filled with tension. All on board Cheyenne Cheyenne had been informed of the large attack group heading their way and they were not exactly sure of how their submarine fit into the equation. They knew that they would be playing an essential role in the operation, but they also knew that they would not find out what that role was until their new orders were radioed to them from the surface. had been informed of the large attack group heading their way and they were not exactly sure of how their submarine fit into the equation. They knew that they would be playing an essential role in the operation, but they also knew that they would not find out what that role was until their new orders were radioed to them from the surface.

The Americans were not like the Chinese when it came to fleet cooperation. The U.S. Navy put a great emphasis on intership communications. They had learned that through digital data-links and satellite communications, that so-called information warfare could mean the difference between failure and success in a major battle.

"We just picked up Mobile Bay Mobile Bay on sonar bearing 286," reported one of the sonar operators to his sonar supervisor. The BSY-1 operators immediately set to work to determine on sonar bearing 286," reported one of the sonar operators to his sonar supervisor. The BSY-1 operators immediately set to work to determine Cheyenne's Cheyenne's range to the cruiser. range to the cruiser.

"Come to periscope depth," Mack ordered.

"Come to periscope depth, aye, sir." The repeated order was such a part of Navy life that few even realized that they were saying it.

After four minutes the captain ordered one of the communications masts raised. When that order had been acknowledged and carried out, he instructed radio to transmit a message to Independence, Independence, indicating that indicating that Cheyenne Cheyenne had arrived on station and was awaiting their new orders. had arrived on station and was awaiting their new orders.

It took a few minutes for the new orders to come in, but Mack didn't mind the wait-especially once he got a look at exactly what those new orders were.

Cheyenne was to take up position approximately one hundred miles in front of the Battle Group. This would get her away from the noisy surface ships and allow her to do what she did best: hunt down and destroy any enemy submarines in the area. was to take up position approximately one hundred miles in front of the Battle Group. This would get her away from the noisy surface ships and allow her to do what she did best: hunt down and destroy any enemy submarines in the area.

When the final message traffic had come in, Mack ordered Cheyenne Cheyenne to once again proceed below four hundred feet. His normal routine was to call a meeting in the wardroom, but these orders had been expected and did not require a full meeting. Instead, he then instructed the communicator to type up a summary and distribute it to the appropriate officers. to once again proceed below four hundred feet. His normal routine was to call a meeting in the wardroom, but these orders had been expected and did not require a full meeting. Instead, he then instructed the communicator to type up a summary and distribute it to the appropriate officers.

To: All officers on board USS Cheyenne Cheyenne From: Captain Mackey RE: Combat operations We have just been radioed our new orders. As you are all aware, the Independence Independence Battle Group had been tasked with a preemptive attack on the Chinese task force currently heading for the Spratly Islands. Battle Group had been tasked with a preemptive attack on the Chinese task force currently heading for the Spratly Islands.

Cheyenne has been tasked with running out in front of the has been tasked with running out in front of the Independence Independence Battle Group on course 090. Once we are in position, west of the Spratlys, we have been ordered to wait for the Chinese submarines to exit the shallow waters near the islands. If we encounter any such contacts, which we invariably will, we have been granted permission to break off from the Battle Group and pursue the contacts. Battle Group on course 090. Once we are in position, west of the Spratlys, we have been ordered to wait for the Chinese submarines to exit the shallow waters near the islands. If we encounter any such contacts, which we invariably will, we have been granted permission to break off from the Battle Group and pursue the contacts.

We have been offered any support that Independence Independence can provide. This may come in the form of S- 3s, SH-60s, a surface ship, or even a submarine. However, if the battle becomes heavy, and we expect that it will, we may have to operate on our own. can provide. This may come in the form of S- 3s, SH-60s, a surface ship, or even a submarine. However, if the battle becomes heavy, and we expect that it will, we may have to operate on our own.

Bremerton and and Columbia Columbia will remain with will remain with Independence, Independence, protecting her port and starboard flanks. Because of the successes we've had in these waters, we have been given a great amount of authority to operate independently from the carrier. So let's stay cautious and keep on our toes. protecting her port and starboard flanks. Because of the successes we've had in these waters, we have been given a great amount of authority to operate independently from the carrier. So let's stay cautious and keep on our toes.

Mack finished the letter with his plain, recognizable signature and had the communicator run off the appropriate number of copies.

On board Independence, Independence, flight operations were beginning to take on a tone of tension as well. While all carrier flights involved a fairly high level of risk, combat operations increased this risk. On top of that, within the past hour an ES-3 electronic warfare aircraft flying from the carrier had detected strong Chinese radio activity coming from the direction of the Spratly Islands. Since the invasion of the islands, this had frequently been the case, except that this time the heavy traffic was coming from naval vessels, not ground units. flight operations were beginning to take on a tone of tension as well. While all carrier flights involved a fairly high level of risk, combat operations increased this risk. On top of that, within the past hour an ES-3 electronic warfare aircraft flying from the carrier had detected strong Chinese radio activity coming from the direction of the Spratly Islands. Since the invasion of the islands, this had frequently been the case, except that this time the heavy traffic was coming from naval vessels, not ground units.

Currently, two of Independence's Independence's E-2Cs were operating around the carrier, providing radar coverage out to many hundreds of miles. F-14Ds, armed with AMRAAM and Phoenix missiles, were providing air cover around the clock for the Battle Group. This was all happening while two dozen F/A-18s were being armed with two Harpoon antishipping missiles, two underwing fuel tanks, and two Sidewinder missiles each, in an effort to prepare them for the ensuing battle. Twelve F/A-18s also were being kept in reserve in case the air battle got too sticky for the F-14s to handle alone. E-2Cs were operating around the carrier, providing radar coverage out to many hundreds of miles. F-14Ds, armed with AMRAAM and Phoenix missiles, were providing air cover around the clock for the Battle Group. This was all happening while two dozen F/A-18s were being armed with two Harpoon antishipping missiles, two underwing fuel tanks, and two Sidewinder missiles each, in an effort to prepare them for the ensuing battle. Twelve F/A-18s also were being kept in reserve in case the air battle got too sticky for the F-14s to handle alone.

On board the carrier's escorts, their crews were preparing as well. The entire group's radars, including the Aegis radars, were shut down. The surface group was relying entirely on the APS-145 radars flying overhead on board the E-2 Hawkeyes. The Battle Group commander wanted to deny the Chinese the opportunity to detect American radar waves via ESM. Without an exact location on the American warships, the Chinese would not be able to launch their missiles until they came within either visual range or their own radar range-and the commander did not intend to allow them to get anywhere near that close.

Beneath the surface, operating twenty miles away from the carrier on either side, were the USS Bremerton Bremerton and the USS and the USS Columbia. Columbia. These submarines were playing defense to These submarines were playing defense to Cheyenne's Cheyenne's ASW offense. They waited just far enough away from the carrier to not be affected by the group's noise while staying close enough to attack incoming threats such as Romeo class submarines armed with shorter-range torpedoes. Both ASW offense. They waited just far enough away from the carrier to not be affected by the group's noise while staying close enough to attack incoming threats such as Romeo class submarines armed with shorter-range torpedoes. Both Bremerton Bremerton and and Columbia Columbia were aware that the newer Akulas carried several long-range torpedoes, including the 65cm Type 65 wake homing torpedo, which had a range in excess of fifty nautical miles. These longer-range threats would have to be handled by were aware that the newer Akulas carried several long-range torpedoes, including the 65cm Type 65 wake homing torpedo, which had a range in excess of fifty nautical miles. These longer-range threats would have to be handled by Cheyenne Cheyenne or the S-3 Viking aircraft. or the S-3 Viking aircraft.