Russia Sends Aircraft Carrier and Warships to Syria

[Doktor]

it does??? how

By selling them weapons, maybe?

[Dreadnought]

Not to nit-pick, but the Annapolis is actually a 688i, not a boomer; I'd think an SSGN would've made more sense than a fast-attack sub.

Correct not exactly a "boomer"

However,
If you look at her stats, perfect for operating in the gulf's confined waters.

Short (360 feet) Fast, and well armed:

Armament: Tomahawk missiles from 12 VLS-tubes, four 533 mm torpedo tubes for Mk-48 torpedoes, Harpoon missiles, ability to lay mines.

What is not known is exactly what varient of the Tomahawks she is presently carrying.

[Dreadnought]

I notice that US destroyers and cruisers are significantly bigger than Loss Angeles-class submarines, why are they not nuclear powered?

IMO, Normally your only nukes are your present day capital ships the CVN's and Subs.

The cruisers normally didnt have the service life expectancy until they got stretched. Like the DDG's and FFG's they are pretty much the greyhounds of the ocean. Even more so now that there are limited FFG's left in service. That and the fact that they are not designed to be nukes. A nuke is designed from the ground up. No retro's.

My guess is that you wont ever see a nuke cruiser of any design or any other of the smaller ships. Only the CVN's and subs. The gas turbines aboard the cruisers and DDG's, FFG's are far less expensive as well and the fuel economy is only getting better with them.

[Stitch]

Correct not exactly a "boomer"

However,
If you look at her stats, perfect for operating in the gulf's confined waters.

Short (360 feet) Fast, and well armed:

Armament: Tomahawk missiles from 12 VLS-tubes, four 533 mm torpedo tubes for Mk-48 torpedoes, Harpoon missiles, ability to lay mines.

What is not known is exactly what varient of the Tomahawks she is presently carrying.

That is true; a 688i would be a better platform in the shallow waters of the Gulf than an SSGN. I know they operated an SSGN in the Med a few months ago, but that's probably the exception.

[kritiana08]

I bet the USN is excited about this - if the Russians try to "block" the USN, it will probably amount to some promotions for sinking their intervention forces. While the Russians maybe a naval power to be reconned with in their home waters - I don't see them effectively thwarting anything the US decides to do in the Med. I doubt they would do more than show their flag and rattle their sabers - opening fire first would be a bad move.

I think the Russian election might have something to do with this....... also an increase in oil price is something Putin does not mind to see.