The Bin Laden Plot

66 USS MICHIGAN

“Helm, ahead two-thirds.”

Murray Wilson observed from the Captain’s chair on the Conn as the Officer of the Deck, Lieutenant Brian Resor, slowed Michigan from ahead flank. Based on the Common Operational Picture — a fused sensor display incorporating worldwide assets, including satellites — the merchant ship and its Russian warship escort should be just within sensor range.

It was 3 a.m. and quiet on the mid-watch as Michigan’s crew prepared to engage. Wilson would have preferred to wait until daylight, when periscope observations provided valuable information, helping Michigan’s crew quickly determine the contact’s course and range. However, the merchant ship, Vayenga Maersk, was scheduled to dock at 8 a.m. and would soon enter water too shallow for Michigan and Jimmy Carter to operate effectively.

Jimmy Carter, Michigan’s sister ship in this endeavor, would attempt to capture the Russian submarine crew’s attention, letting Michigan slip within range of its MK 48 torpedoes. It was unlikely that the Russian submarine would fire unless it or one of the surface ships were attacked, so Gallaher’s goal aboard Jimmy Carter was to simply distract the Russian crew. If the Russian submarine fired, however, Gallagher was authorized to sink it.

Gallagher’s submarine was supposedly several thousand yards off the port beam, but Jimmy Carter had been too quiet to track during the high-speed transit as both submarines repositioned to sink the merchant before it reached port. While traveling at ahead flank, the turbulent flow of water across the submarine’s acoustic sensors reduced their effective range. But now, as Michigan slowed to ten knots, her sensors could search farther out.

Sonar reported, “Conn, Sonar. Gained one submerged and five surface contacts, designated Sierra three-one through three-six. Sierra three-one, on the port beam, is Jimmy Carter based on tonals. Sierra three-two, to the east, is classified merchant, and Sierra three-three through three-six, also to the east, are classified surface warships. Analyzing.”

Wilson, who overheard the report, ordered the Officer of the Deck, “Man Battle Stations Torpedo silently.”

The Messenger and the LAN Technician of the Watch spread the word throughout the bunk rooms and common areas of the Operations Compartment, while the Chief of the Watch informed personnel in the Engine Room. Personnel streamed into Control, taking their seats at dormant consoles, bringing them to life as they donned their sound-powered phone headsets, while supervisors gathered behind their respective stations.

After receiving reports from each station, the Chief of the Watch announced, “Battle Stations Torpedo is manned with the exception of the Conning Officer.”

Wilson announced, “This is the Captain. I have the Conn. Lieutenant Resor retains the Deck. Designate Sierra three-two as Master one and Sierra three-three through three-six as Master two through five. Master one is the target of interest, while we must avoid sinking Master two through five if possible.”

He followed up, “Make preparations to proceed to periscope depth. Rig Control for gray.”

The Control Room lights shifted to gray, helping Wilson’s eyes prepare for periscope observations at night.

A moment later, Sonar reported, “Conn, Sonar. Surface warships are classified Russian Admiral Grigorovich and Admiral Gorshkov class, two of each.”

Wilson acknowledged the report, then studied the sonar display on the Conn. The merchant and Russian warship bearings were clumped closely together, which indicated they were a fair distance away. It would take time for the combat control system algorithms to discern their range. In the meantime, Wilson needed to be sure that Master one was indeed the merchant, by examining her navigation and deck lighting arrangement through the periscope.

“Rig Control for black.”

The lights flicked off, enveloping the Control Room watchstanders in darkness, aside from the faint illuminations of their displays and control panel indications. Not long thereafter, Wilson received the report he’d been hoping for.

“Conn, Sonar. Have a new contact designated Sierra three-seven, bearing zero-eight-five, classified submerged. Analyzing.”

They had found the Russian submarine, which was out in front of the merchant and surface warship convoy. He now knew which area to avoid.

Wilson announced, “Designate Sierra three-seven as Master six. Track Master six.”

“Conn, Sonar. Jimmy Carter is increasing speed.”

It seemed Gallagher’s crew had also detected the Russian submarine and were moving out to distract their adversary. It was time for Michigan to engage.

Wilson twisted the periscope ring above his head, then announced, “Raising number two scope.” As it rose from its well, he flipped the handles down and adjusted the optics for his eye prescription.

“All stations, Conn. Proceeding to periscope depth. Dive, make your depth eight-zero feet.”

The Diving Officer complied, and Michigan tilted upward.