Assad knew what would happen so I assume he has access to 19 subs and

[CK_John]

will try to sink several of our big ships.

Plan B starts the minute Plan A starts. I hope they are ready.

[BainsBane]

1. He's not stupid.

He's not going to sink an American warship.

[CK_John]

2. Pray tell why not?

[cherokeeprogressive]

3. 19 subs. Diesels, or nukes? I'm guessing diesels?

This former sailor is thinkin' they're ready.

[The Straight Story]

5. 2 diesel (see my post below) (nt)

[The Straight Story]

4. The Syrian Defense:

Main rundown here:
http://www.nationmaster.com/red/country/sy-syria/mil-military&all=1


It also appears that they have 2 older subs:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syrian_Navy

Would guess with our satellite technology and such we would know the whereabouts of most their defenses that pose a direct threat to our ships and would, in an initial strike, aim to remove such defenses (using both cruise missile and bombers). We would also utilize a slew of overlay maps to best pinpoint where essential services are that maintain and support their navy (diesel subs need fuel, crews need food, etc).

[CK_John]

7. And where are the Iranian 18 subs that may be in play. Assad is reported in Iran tonight.

[The Straight Story]

10. If you think Iran is going to risk their subs I would disagree

The us has roughly 72 subs. And if you want to count allies as you are doing with Iran then we have a lot more to add.

We have one of the best sub hunting fleets in the world, and Iran cannot afford losses of them over Syria. Their subs would be patrolling the gulf of Oman and perisian gulf. They would take time to get to the Mediterraen sea (and would have to pass some of our ships and our allies' ships to get there, not an easy route there).

We could place a few subs strategically to intercept them leaving their main areas and most likely have already done so.

[CK_John]

14. They do not have to go to the Med to use them.

[Spider Jerusalem]

6. ...

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/syria/navy.htm

[Recursion]

8. Anybody have a Jane's subscription? Looks like mine finally expired

But, unless a lot has changed in just a few months, he has nowhere near 19 subs.

[NutmegYankee]

9. It appears they don't have any operational submarines.

Two old inactivated subs, but it's unknown how soon they could be brought into service (if at all).

If they try to sink ships, it will be by missiles.

[CK_John]

11. Please note access in the OP.

[NutmegYankee]

13. I highly doubt Iran is going to attack us with their subs.

[David__77]

12. Everyone assumes that Syria (or any country the US attacks) will do nothing.

I mean, how could they DARE retaliate, even if they could? Unthinkable!!!

It would be through asymmetrical warfare, if anything. Stupid, stupid 9 percenters (those who want war against Syria).