Submarine Capabilities

In “Hunting Beyond Red October” (Oct. 21), Tony Perry provides a one-sided report concerning the U.S. Navy’s formidable submarine force.

A more balanced treatment would have noted that the U.S. Navy currently operates the world’s most powerful submarine force, consisting largely of the most effective submarines ever built, the Los Angeles (688) class. Nor is there any mention that the U.S. Navy plans to build 30 new attack submarines at a cost of $67 billion, even though it will mean that many of these superb 688s must be scrapped while they still have at least 15 years of useful service life remaining.

Furthermore, funds are already being spent on this new sub building program even though the Navy is undecided about what the new design will be or the mission to be performed against what enemy or enemies.

A final comment concerns the exaggerated threat presented in the table, “Where the Subs Are.” For example, North Korea is shown as possessing 90 submarines. No note is made that 48 of the total are midget subs with four-man crews while another 20 are tiny coastal subs with 14-man crews. The 22 ancient USSR and Chinese subs that can operate in open seas have absolutely no anti-submarine warfare capability. In short, their number may be 90 but their military potential is essentially zero. The 68 Chinese subs represent approximately the same threat to our superior submarine and surface forces.

EUGENE J. CARROLL JR.

Rear Admiral, USN (Ret.)

Deputy Dir., Center for Defense

Information, Washington

Two Oct. 21 articles attracted my attention. On the front page there was an account of the escalating Third World submarine arms race, with a chart showing that North Korea has more functioning submarines than any other country. A submarine can be purchased for $650 million. Inside the front section was an article about a severe famine in North Korea, and the difficulty of getting donated food to the people in need.

DANIEL DIAMOND

Santa Barbara