That’s what we do for Presidents. Protect them.

Harpoon isn’t the only game in town anymore. TacTom has a range of over 800 miles, SM6 (mach 3.5) around 300 miles, and LRASM around 300 miles as well. LRASMs can also be launched from F/A-18s which have quite a low signature themselves.

Russian naval doctrine?

That assumes the Kirov survived the USN SSN lurking behind it, when ever it leaves port, IF it leaves port.

The Kirov would probably never get that close to a US carrier. Battleships and carriers didn’t even get that close in WWII.

Maximum engagement range is only significant if you have ability to use it at that range. The Kirovs very much don’t as there sensors and electronic warfare capabilities are laughable. Even most of the non stealth warships in NATO will be well inside the engagement envelope of their own weapons before a Kirov cam do…

A single Kirov-class carries more ordnance than an entire American carrier group, for starters

The Kirov outranges and outguns everything in NATO. A full salvo would wipe out an entire carrier group in seconds.

A single Kirov-class carries more ordnance than an entire American carrier group

That first and last punch is what it’s all about.

Most modern warships eschew large ammunition stores for good reason. A modern naval engagement is not the multiday slugging match of the past. A modern naval engagement is one of gamesmanship and once metal starts flying it’s over in minutes one way or the other. Frankly the Kirovs don’t stand up well to most modern…

Hell, raw firepower is only a small part of the equation. Effective tactics and adequate intelligence is a huge force multiplier. All the Israeli wars are a great example of this effect in terms of tanks. The kill ratios in those were embarrassing to Israel’s enemies, despite overwhelming numerical superiority.

70 Arleigh-Burke destroyers > 4 Kirov battle cruisers.

That’s 3 people. I don’t think that qualifies as a rally.

You are correct.

And if Trump did not accept the call from President Tsai Ing-wen, the press would be calling him a puppet for China.

What the fuck is Russia’s problem?

So, Ukraine fires off some fireworks in their own territory and Russia whines. But no bitching from the world about Russia battle hardening their troops in the Ukraine. So sad.

How high is the Clinton body count now 46?, 47? ??

Has anyone questioned Hillary yet?

I mean, we can wait a few months until the emails leak, but I feel we should probably find out more ASAP.