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SEA OF SHADOWS 327
“TAO—EW. I have two active J-band radar seekers! And there’s the
second flight, two more. Make that four inbound Vipers.”
“TAO, aye. Break. Air—TAO. Can you confirm incoming Vipers?”
“Affirmative, sir,” the Air Supervisor said. “SPY confirms, four Vipers
inbound!”
“TAO, aye. Break. EW—TAO. Jam and chaff at will. We won’t be
able to maneuver in the minefield, so forget about minimizing our radar
cross-section.”
“TAO—EW. Copy all. Launching chaff.”
The TAO looked up at the four inbound missile symbols on the tactical
display. “TAO, aye.”
Out on the forecastle, the 5-inch gun continued to pound out highexplosive
shells.
The Sonar Supervisor’s voice came over the 29-MC speakers. “All
Stations—Sonar. Mine off the port bow! Bearing three-one-two.
Recommend turn to starboard!”
Chief McPherson keyed the net. “Bridge—USWE. Emergency Mine!
Come right to new course three-four-zero!”
“Bridge, aye!”
The ship heeled over in nearly instant response to the order. They had
been on the new course less than a minute when the next report came.
“All Stations—Sonar, mine off the starboard bow! Bearing zero-one-five.
Recommend turn to port!”
Chief McPherson keyed the net. “Bridge—USWE. Emergency Mine!
Come left to new course three-one-five!”
“Bridge, aye!”
The ship heeled over to port and began to come about.
The XO looked at their progress on the Aegis display. “This is turning
into a drunkard’s walk.”
“Yes, sir,” the TAO said. “But it looks like it’s working.”
Chief McPherson watched the CDRT. The ship’s track history was
very nearly a blind stagger through the minefield, but they were slowly