Originally Posted by
Asturias56
"There was a suggestion that Astute was supposed to accompany CG25, but returned early"
Operating a CDG without an SSN? Interesting................ better not tell the PLA (N)
Given the area CSG 25 is operating and frequency of interaction with USN surface groups, it is possible/probable that one or more USN SSNs are always close by CSG 25, if not part of what is a multinational force by design. I assume
Astute's return on 30 June prior to her MLRP was planned long since, and the arrival of
Anson just after
Astute decommissioned probably wasn't coincidental.
As I said in April an SSN being deployed away from (what to this old git is still) EASTLANT waters for a long time was my one capability concern in connection with Op Highmast. I am also concerned effects of having one operational SSN from a fleet of 5 will have on crew currency and retention but
nil desperandum to borrow a phrase.