USS Helena confronts Kazan sub in high-stakes present of power

The usHelena, a high-speed assault submarine, has made its method to Guantanamo Bay, in response to the announcement from the U.S. Southern Command on the social community X. This transfer coincides with the go to of Russian Navy ships to Cuba. 

Picture credit score: VKontakte

“The quick assault submarine USS Helena is presently at Guantanamo Bay as a part of a routine go to. This space falls inside the U.S. Southern Command’s jurisdiction. […] The situation and transit of the ship have been deliberate prematurely,” states the official launch.

Nevertheless, the Related Press studies that the united statesHelena’s arrival at Guantanamo Bay serves as a “present of power” amid the Russian warships’ presence within the area. Extra US Navy ships are additionally conserving a detailed eye on the maneuvers of the Russian vessels, which, in response to Pentagon officers, don’t pose a menace to america. 

Russian Navy drills for long-range strikes before nearing US coast
Picture credit score: Reddit

On June 12, the Russian Ministry of Protection introduced that its naval fleet had accomplished high-precision weapons workouts and had arrived on the port of Havana. This fleet contains the frigate “Admiral Gorshkov,” the nuclear-powered submarine “Kazan,” the medium sea tanker “Akademik Pashin,” and the rescue tug “Nikolay Chiker.” In keeping with Cuba’s army division, these Russian vessels will stay in Havana till June 17. 

On June 11, social media buzzed with the phrase “The hunt is on!” accompanying screenshots of world air visitors monitoring apps. This exercise notably highlighted areas off the southern coast of america. 

Following the arrival of a part of the Russian Northern Fleet in Cuba, the U.S. Navy deployed its P-8 Poseidon “submarine hunter” plane on June 10 and 11. The U.S. Civil Protection News X account reported, “U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon ‘Sub hunter’ flies over Florida coast searching for a rogue Russian submarine.” The report additionally famous that “Russian Navy nuclear submarine Kazan, positioned 66 miles off the coast of Florida, is provided with 4,500-kilometer Kalibr-M missiles close to Cuba! A brand new Cuban Missile Disaster?” 

US P-8 Poseidon searches for Russian sub 66 miles off Florida
Picture credit score: Boeing

American consultants have famous shut cooperation with the Royal Canadian Navy in search operations. Ottawa has deployed the Lockheed P-3 Orion plane, which enhances the American P-8 Poseidon’s efforts. 

Screenshots from air visitors monitoring apps reveal these planes circling inside a particular quadrant, diligently conducting their search missions. Official particulars on the result of this Canadian-American naval search are nonetheless pending.

Beforehand, BulgarianMilitary.com shared that the Russian Navy frigate Admiral Gorshkov and the nuclear submarine Kazan, accompanied by a tanker and tug, have been both en path to or had already arrived in Cuba. This transfer is perceived as an influence show, with the Zircon missile-equipped ships probably unsettling the US. 

Raytheon to supply APY-10 radars for German P-8A Poseidon fleet
Picture by Greg L. Davis

The US response to Russia’s latest actions will be described as vigilant however not overly alarmed. The proximity of Russia’s latest vessels to the US Navy has heightened tensions. Nevertheless, the implications for Russia’s allies must also be thought of. 

Deployment of Zircon missile launchers in Cuba, a nation that hasn’t overtly endorsed Russia’s actions in Ukraine, alerts that the Kremlin is assessing potential reactions. Whereas Cuba formally holds a impartial stance, Ukrainian consultants spotlight that this hasn’t stopped the recruitment of mercenaries for Russia. Consequently, this naval maneuver may function a strategic affect on Cuba itself.

John Kirby, the coordinator of strategic communications on the White Home Nationwide Safety Council, has acknowledged that america presently lacks any info on nuclear weapons being current on Russian vessels. Nevertheless, U.S. intelligence factors out that the submarine is provided with a nuclear set up, Kirby talked about. 

Russian submarine K-561 Kazan strikes in Barents with Kalibr
Video screenshot

The usHelena [SSN-725], a Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered assault submarine of america Navy, has been in service since July 11, 1987, and is called after the town of Helena, Montana. Measuring 360 toes [110 meters] in size and 33 toes [10 meters] in beam width, the united statesHelena’s draft—which signifies the vertical distance from the waterline to the underside of the hull—stands at roughly 32 toes [9.8 meters]. 

The submarine is powered by a single S6G nuclear reactor, which runs two steam generators and a single shaft. This permits the united statesHelena to realize submerged speeds of over 25 knots [46 km/h]. 

On board, you’ll discover a devoted crew of about 140 people, together with each officers and enlisted sailors. This staff is tasked with working and sustaining the submarine’s advanced programs, making certain it stays mission-ready always. 

USS Helena confronts Kazan sub in a high-stakes show of force - USS Helena
Picture credit score: US Navy

The usHelena boasts an array of superior programs, from sonar arrays for detecting underwater objects to classy navigation programs for pinpoint positioning. It additionally options digital warfare programs for defensive measures and strong communication programs to remain in touch with different naval models and command facilities. 

In terms of firepower, the submarine isn’t any slouch. It’s outfitted with 12 vertical launch system [VLS] tubes for Tomahawk cruise missiles and 4 21-inch [533 mm] torpedo tubes able to firing Mk-48 torpedoes. These torpedo tubes are designed for each anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. 

Due to its nuclear propulsion, the operational vary of the united statesHelena is nearly limitless, permitting it to remain submerged and operational for prolonged durations with out the necessity for refueling. Nevertheless, different elements like meals provides and the bodily and psychological well being of the crew finally restrict its endurance. 

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