On 29 Jan 2005 02:15:00 GMT, isme (NimBill) wrote:

From: (Pechs1)

The submarines from other countries are diesel and noisy and
therefore not all that much of a threat.

Not a bubblehead but the biggest threat today is from Chinese diesels,
runningon battery power, in the Tiawan straights, waiting for a CV..P. C.
ChisholmCDR, USN(ret.)Old Phart Phormer Phantom, Turkey, Viper, Scooter and
Combat Buckeye Phlyer

Whoever wrote what you replied to is an idiot. Diesel subs are noisy only while
surfaced to recharge batteries but once submerged are extremely difficult to
detect.

I seem to recall that they are rather loud when snorting, too.

China being so close to Taiwan could launch Diesl subs carrying ground troops
all the way across the straights in numbers large enough to take over Taiwan
with few being detected.

How about the number we would detect in port loading out? Then
there's the problem of getting them ashore without their rubber boats
being sunk by guys on the beach with rifles.

Or, put another way, I hope this is some sort of exercise of poetic
license.

As a former member of VS-29 I can assure you submarines are hard to find and
submerged diesels are very hard to find.

As a former member of VS-27, VS-30, VS-73, VP-93, and a couple of
FASODETs I agree with you. But a diesel on batteries is also slow
and, consequently, limited in mobility. Armed with long range
torpedos or missles they are a real threat. But it is not an
insurmountable threat.

Bill Kambic