Originally Posted by PimTac
Originally Posted by gathermewool
Originally Posted by MolaKule
Originally Posted by redbone3
B52's are configured for cruise missiles. No need to penetrate Iran's air space. Great weapon for a measured response.
It depends on the mission as to what armament they will be carrying, but yes with this mission most likely CM's.
Right, but there's ZERO need to use B52's for deployment of CM's! The purpose of deploying B52's is purely and simply psychological.
The Iranians are on to this, making the deployment more of an exercise and waste more than anything else!
It's all show. All we need to do is communicate that we've got attack subs in the area, ready to deliver munitions, with Amazon speediness, should they be stupid about those narrow seaways! Deploying a large carrier and bombers to the area is all for the cameras - power projection.
Submarines like to stay silent and deep until needed. The element of surprise is their mission. Yes, the rest is a bit of show but sometimes the show of pressure is enough to change the circumstances.
With Iran's USW capabilities, how would they know? We could have an LA or VA-class sub within striking distance at any give time, from any direction, and they'd never know it.
Granted, a daily news show filming the open, empty ocean doesn't exude as much fear as too-big war-planes rolling coal!!!