D+23 (1 August, 1987) 1215-1500 Zulu

Moscow, USSR 1215 Zulu (1615 Local) The mid-afternoon session of the Politburo concluded earlier than anticipated. The mood had soured very early on and before anyone could think of containment it was too late. Vladimir Dolgikh was the figure that the opposition rallied around, somewhat to Romanov’s surprise. He’d expected another twenty-four hours to pass …

The North Atlantic D+21 (30 July, 1987) Part III

0545 Hours- COMSUBLANT presents his command’s latest estimates on dispositions and defensive strength of the Soviet SSBN bastions to the National Security Council. The ballistic missile submarines assigned to the Red Banner Northern Fleet were all at sea by 0100 hours of D+21 with the exception of four submarines down for long-term maintenance. The SSBNs …

The Northern Flank D+17 (26 July, 1987) Part II

F SACLANT approved a request from Naval Forces North Norway (NAVNON) for it to assume temporary control of the HMS Illustrious and her escorts. NAVNON planned to use the Sea Harriers embarked on the British carrier against Soviet warships when the next round of naval skirmishes in North Cape waters started. They carried the Sea …

The North Atlantic D+11 (20 July, 1987) Part III

It had taken longer than expected but on D+11 SACLANT secured HMS Illustrious and her escorts for operations in the Norwegian Sea and Barents. After the loss of Invincible, the British government became extremely reluctant to risk another Royal Navy aircraft carrier. Morale in Great Britain had taken a hit when news of Vince’s sinking …