Although initially the Sivulf submarines were supposed to track down Soviet surface ships and submarines, today they have not lost their importance. That's what the lead submarine of this class did the other day.
The Seawolf-class submarines are one of the most expensive classes of ships ever built for the U.S. Navy. Initially, it was planned that there would be 29 such nuclear-powered high-speed attack submarines, but since the Cold War was over, and each such submarine cost $ 3 billion, the United States built only three Seawolf-class submarines.
Compared to the Los Angeles-class submarines they were supposed to replace, the Seawolf-class submarines are larger and faster, and they carry more weapons. Each Seawolf submarine is equipped with eight 21-inch torpedo tubes, while the Los Angeles submarines have only four such torpedo tubes. Each Seawolf carries 50 torpedoes on board, and although these submarines are not equipped with vertical launch facilities, they are capable of launching Tomahawk cruise missiles with their torpedo tubes.
One of the Seawolf submarines, the USS Jimmy Carter, is about 30 meters longer than the other two Seawolf submarines. It is believed that it has several unique characteristics. She is also one of the newest submarines of the US Navy - she was commissioned in 2005.
Auxiliary thrusters are installed on the bow and stern of the Jimmy Carter, which provide this huge submarine with excellent maneuverability, especially at low speeds. This ability is due to the presence of an additional section in the hull, which is probably needed to listen to underwater cable lines. It is believed that the Jimmy Carter is also capable of placing a group of navy seals and remote-controlled underwater vehicles on board.
Continued benefits
The lead submarine of the Sivulf class, named, as it should be, Sivulf, recently approached the coast of Norway and made a "short stop" near Tromso in northern Norway. This submarine is part of the 6th Fleet of the U.S. Navy, based in Naples, Italy, and its recent appearance near Russian waters is of great importance.
Commenting on the recent appearance of the Sivulf off the coast of Norway, representatives of the US Navy simply said that "the arrival of the Sivulf submarine complements our already powerful means of warfare underwater and demonstrates our readiness to ensure safety at sea and deterrence throughout the region." However, in their statement, representatives of the US Navy never mentioned Russia.
Simultaneously with the short stop of the Sivulf submarine in Norwegian waters, six B-52 bombers flew near Tromso on their way to England, accompanied by Norwegian F-16s. Although the Royal Norwegian Navy does not have bases this far north, the Norwegian Armed Forces are already rumored to be in talks with the Tromso authorities on the use of a civilian port in that city to support nuclear submarine missions. This will simplify resupply operations, because submarines will be able to enter the port, and Norwegian Navy vessels will no longer have to service them far from shore.
Fighting in the Arctic
Earlier, Russia had already expressed its protest against American submarines approaching the shores of Norway, accusing Oslo of exacerbating tensions and increasing the likelihood of mistakes and accidental collisions. Russia is also likely to respond to this appearance of an American submarine off the coast of Norway with similar objections. But as the Arctic region continues to melt, Norway is likely to host submarines and other United States and NATO ships in the future.
