Cornyn Demands Answers on Russian Attack Sub in Gulf of Mexico

[BanglaBhoot]

WASHINGTON – Today U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, sent a letter to Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jonathan Greenert requesting more information after it was reported that a Russian nuclear-powered attack submarine recently traveled undetected in the Gulf of Mexico:

“The submarine patrol, taken together with the air incursions, seems to represent a more aggressive and destabilizing Russian military stance that could pose risks to our national security.

“This is especially troubling given the drastic defense cuts sought by President Obama, which include reductions in funding for antisubmarine defense systems.”

A similar incident occurred earlier in the Obama Administration when two Russian nuclear-powered attack submarines were reported patrolling off the East Coast of the United States.

Below is Sen. Cornyn’s letter to Admiral Greenert:

August 17, 2012

Admiral Jonathan Greenert
Chief of Naval Operations
2000 Navy Pentagon
Washington, DC 20350-2000

Dear Admiral Greenert:

According to press reports, a Russian nuclear-powered attack submarine recently traveled undetected in the Gulf of Mexico on a month-long patrol. This submarine activity reportedly occurred in June and July, simultaneously with incursions by Russian strategic bombers into restricted U.S. airspace.

If these reports are accurate, the repercussions are serious. It is my understanding that an Akula-class submarine can be armed with an array of weapons, including torpedoes and long-range cruise missiles, capable of destroying both U.S. nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers.

The submarine patrol, taken together with the air incursions, seems to represent a more aggressive and destabilizing Russian military stance that could pose risks to our national security. This is especially troubling given the drastic defense cuts sought by President Obama, which include reductions in funding for antisubmarine defense systems.

In light of the gravity of this situation, I request a detailed explanation of the facts surrounding these reports. Thank you for your faithful service to our nation, your dedication to our Armed Forces, and your commitment to ensuring the welfare of our men and women in uniform and their families.

Cornyn Demands Answers on Russian Attack Sub in Gulf of Mexico

 

[Vassnti]

let me guess Cornyn has a defense contract that is in danger of being canceled?

If an Akula is patroling the gulf of Mexico undetected for a month one, congratulations to her Captain but two, how the heck does he know about it if no one detected it

As for what it is doing there, exactly what the US subs are doing around Severomorsk

 

[claymore]

Everyone is cruising around everywhere. As long as it stays out in international waters, no big deal.

 

[ahfatzia]

^^^ That's technically true, but powerful countries like the US consider their EEZ as their defensive domain. Any unannounced military incursion, however benign, is viewed as hostile and to be dealt with accordingly.

 

[trinity]

^^^ That's technically true, but powerful countries like the US consider their EEZ as their defensive domain. Any unannounced military incursion, however benign, is viewed as hostile and to be dealt with accordingly.

Yeah nothing is going to happen....China doesn;t respect EEZ so whats the big deal right?

 

[ahfatzia]

Yeah nothing is going to happen....China doesn;t respect EEZ so whats the big deal right?

I'm a little puzzled, where China comes into this conversation. I didn't belittle the US and just point out the fact and used her as an example. If I offended you I can substitute China for the US.