On Thu, 14 Aug 2008 10:37:22 -0400, Wayne.B
wrote:

On Thu, 14 Aug 2008 09:53:05 -0400, hk wrote:

I was discussing the vulnerability of carriers. They are
sitting ducks for ballistic missiles.

Not really. A ballistic missile, by definition, can do little or
nothing to alter course after the launch phase. That's why they are
called "ballistic".

An aircraft carrier on the other hand is constantly on the move.
Where it is at launch time is not where it is going to be 15 or 20
minutes later when the missile arrives.

When I was on my can we joked about a torpedo coming through the hull
into our fireroom. And we were ASW. We all figured we'd be sitting
ducks for missiles and jets if a real war broke out.
One Russian tactical nuke getting just close could sink our carrier
and its escorts. If you got a warning for that incoming the advice
was to squat down on flexed knees with your head between your knees -
and kiss your ass goodbye.
Movie recommendation: Bedford Incident.
Richard Widmark, Sidney Poitier. I think it was filmed on a DDG like
mine. But I like Richard Widmark anyway.

--Vic