Russia’s increased presence under sea is “definitely on the minds” of U.S. submariners, according to a CNN report set to air on Thursday.
Leaders and crew aboard the Virginia-class submarine Missouri told CNN’s Jim Sciutto that an uptick in Russian submarine activity is “a challenge for them.”
“They’re not nervous about it, they’re not cowed by it, but it’s a big part of the reason why they are staying constantly alert and constantly training because of that activity,” Sciutto told the Washington Examiner about his recent overnight on the Missouri.
On a recent deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility, the submarine was underwater for 163 days of its 181-day deployment.
“They talked a lot about how they are in higher demand than they’ve ever been as a result in large part due to Russian presence,” Sciutto said.
Asked if submariners were getting run down due to the high operational tempo, Sciutto said he didn’t see any signs that the sailors were fraying at the edges.
Still, he said many military officials he’s talked to have emphasized the need to invest to stay ahead of the Russians, who have always had a capable submarine force that they are now growing in size and capability.
“When you talk to them, I haven’t heard a current U.S. Navy commander say we need X amount of money, we need X amount of subs, but clearly part of message is tempo is up and we have to stay ahead of it,” he said.
