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SEA OF SHADOWS 227
Chief McPherson nudged Ensign Cooper’s elbow. “Ask them if it’s
acquired, sir.”
The ensign nodded. “Sonar—USWE. Has the helo’s weapon
acquired?”
“USWE—Sonar. Affirmative, sir. Sounds like it locked on right after
it started up. They must have dropped it right on top of the target.”
Ensign Cooper gritted his teeth and held up his fingers to show that
they were crossed.
The Sonar Supervisor’s next report came over less than a minute later.
“USWE—Sonar. We have a loud underwater explosion, bearing twoeight-two.
Sounds like secondary explosions on the same bearing. I think
Antietam’s helo got themselves a submarine!”
“USWE, aye,” Ensign Cooper said. “I hope you’re right, but we don’t
have any confirmation yet. But even if you are right, there are still three
hostile submarines out there somewhere. This engagement may not be
over, so stay sharp!”
“Sonar, aye!”
But the engagement was over. The ships continued searching, even
while they were rendering assistance to the stricken Antietam, but the
submarines had disappeared again.