Beyond Duty

By James Devries

BEYOND DUTY
The continuing story of Lt. Jeff Lacy is dangerous and sad. The story opens with Jeff's participation in a Top Secret mission to observe Russian Submarine missile tests. When he has a change of duty station Jeff lands in the middle of a dangerous plot and his beloved wife Molly is killed. In despair Jeff retires from the Navy and soon finds himself working as an agent for the CIA in the United Arab Emirates. While there he becomes partners in the Mid East Construction Company which leads him into unexpected and interesting situations. Jeff finally tracks down Molly's killer.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jun 7, 2007
• ISBN: 9780595888023

James Devries

Lt. James DeVries, USN, Retired, served 21 years in the Navy, 10 years in the submarine force and time in Special Warfare. The last year was with a Navy SEAL platoon setting up and operating a training facility on the island of Crete in the Mediterranean. Jim's retired years have been spent working as an International Field Service Engineer and 16 years for Fluor Daniel, Inc. as a Project Manager. Now fully retired Jim spends his spear time involved with amateur radio and writing. Jim and his Red Headed wife Claire live in Salem, Oregon in the summer and Mesa, Arizona in the winter.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

I am Jeff Lacy, an active duty lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. At the moment, I am having dinner with a friend who is the resident CIA agent in Istanbul, Turkey, Nick Letosis. For cover we are discussing a construction project, while quietly and unobtrusively watching five Russians sitting at a table across the room. Why are we in this particular restaurant? Because Nick and his partner Ted, who is eating alone a couple tables away, have been watching this restaurant for many months and have concluded that it is frequently visited by Russians KGB when in Istanbul. My job is to identify a Russian Colonel named Vladimir Grushavsky, whom I knew as the Commandant of Camp Khabarovsk, a Russian prison in North Eastern Russia, where I had been an unwilling resident. It is our plan that by pointing out the Colonel to Nick and Ted plus possibly getting a photograph, the CIA will be able to sidetrack a troublesome KGB agent who is closing in on one of our key informants working in the submarine development section.

This assignment for me started a week ago when Captain Hill, who works in the COMSUBLANT Intelligence Office called and asked if I could come to his office for a meeting the following morning. The next morning I arrived promptly at 0800. The Marine at the door escorted me down the hall to Captain Hill’s office. The secretary had me take a seat and called Captain Hill on the intercom, and I heard, Yes, please send in Mr. Lacy.

It was nice to see Captain Hill again, I had only seen him a few times following the debriefing of Chief Davy Black and I after our escape from the Russian prison in Khabarovsk, Russia and our long trek to North Korea where we were captured, this time by the North Koreans.

Captain Hill came around his desk to greet me, Good morning Jeff, its so good to see you again, here have a seat while I turn up the radio and we can have a talk. The old radio sitting on a shelf behind Captain Hill’s desk plays snappy jazz music and works to screen our conversation from any listening ears or devices. Captain Hill joins me at his small round conference table and leans toward me, Jeff, this information is Classified TOP SECRET, limited distribution, OK?. I nod my head showing my understanding. Do you recall the name Vladimir Grushavsky? We believe he was the Commandant of Camp Khabarovsk while your team was at the prison.

Yes Sir, I am sure Vladimir Grushavsky was the Commandant at the prison. Where are you headed with this, Sir?

Jeff, we have a delicate situation where Vlad may be playing an important role. What we have is an excellent source providing us highly reliable information and your old enemy Vlad is getting close to exposing our source. Its critical that we protect our source. Our problem is that we have three or four possible KGB agents that fit the general description and we need to be sure we can identify Vlad. To the best of my knowledge, Jeff, you are the only person I know of who can positively identify him.

And that’s how it started. Next day Captain Hill and I fly up to DC, rent a car and drive down to CIA Headquarters in Langley, Virginia and meet with my friend Wally who fills us in on the most recent details he has. Plans are made for me to meet the resident CIA agent in Turkey and also one from Greece. The three of us are to meet in Istanbul at the Intercontinental Hotel as soon as I can get there. Wally and Captain Hill are taking care of my civilian passport, other identification papers, airline and hotel reservations needed for the trip. Wally gives me explicit instructions, Jeff, you are to identify Vlad, nothing more, is that clear? We particularly do not want you to have any contact with him. We have other ways of dealing with him on our time schedule.

I catch a flight directly from Dulles to Istanbul. Meet Ted Kontoletis and Nick Letosis in the Intercontinental Hotel in Istanbul as arranged from Langley. We are a little shy with one another at first. Ted suggests we find a nearby cantina where we can talk and get better acquainted. We head out of the hotel with Nick leading the way and down the street find a local cantina, filled with acrid smoke and loud talking customers.

We settle into a back both. The first thing Ted says is, Jeff, why aren’t you in disguise? My response is, Ted, how do you know this is not a disguise? Ted looks at Nick with a look on his face that says, Can I be wrong." only they see I am laughing. It is a perfect ice breaker.

After the laughter quiets down, I explain that later I will make some changes in my looks, however I will continue to look like an American, however I will be an American Expatriate construction worker.

Apparently, Ted and Nick have information about our target group of KGB agents expected to be in Istanbul by the end of the week. I ask, How sure are you that our target group will have dinner as expected?

Ted does not respond to my question, instead, Mr. Jeff, you must be aware of the inherent dangers of our line of work? Have you and our leaders in Virginia, who have sent you out here, considered the possible ramifications if your KGB Colonel should recognize you?

I wait a moment to let them see that I am not taking their question lightly, We discussed this particular issue in detail. The final decision was for me to not hide my identity and if perhaps our KGB Colonel recognizes me, we hope it might cause him to redirect his attention. Our leaders however, authorized me to make the final decision, based upon information you guys have that was not available to us earlier. What are your opinions? please consider both scenarios, open identity or a disguise.

Ted, who appears to be the dominant personalty also was slow in responding, "You know Jeff, if the KGB Colonel recognizes you, he could take immediate action to retire you from this line of work. On the other hand, he may not be sure of your identity and search for more positive identification. Or, to our KGB Colonel you are a fugitive from a Russian prison and he may feel strongly that he has every right to retire you. There are any number of scenarios that we should consider. perhaps our leaders have also considered them. You said that by being open about your identity, it could or should cause our KGB Colonel to redirect his attention. Jeff, do you have any reason to believe this will happen?

After listening to Ted and looking at Nick to see if he has something to add, I respond, My only orders are to identify our KGB Colonel, nothing more. Ted, I agree with your excellent assessment, however I am compelled to at least show enough to make the Colonel suspect that he knows me. If perhaps he positively recognizes me, he would intuitively know that if I am sitting in this room, that I am aware of his presence, that its not a coincidence and may then fall into one of your scenarios Ted. I think we will use a little disguise, maybe some hair or facial hair or even some glasses. What do you think?

I can see Ted is once again giving this discussion his full attention and what he has to say will be worth the wait. Do you feel free to tell Nick and myself if perhaps you have a personal agenda?

I show my surprise at Ted’s perception of my situation. You may already know some of what I am going to tell you. I will briefly tell you that our KGB Colonel was the Commandant of a Russian prison where I was a guest. While there we were subjected to near inhumane interrogation sessions. Our team leader lost his life during one of these interrogation session under orders and personal supervision of the Colonel. Two of us were able to escape and spent several months hiking towards South Korea, however the North Korean border guards captured us and we were ultimately repatriated as prisoners of war. You ask, do I have a personal agenda? Perhaps I do. I have searched my heart attempting to find a little goodness to limit my contact to simply identifying him for you guys. At this moment I am not positive that I can look at him and not shoot him.

Jeff we can see that you are carrying a heavy burden, one that each of us might have under similar circumstances, however I am reminded of my training where they kept reminding us that we are here not to carry out a personal vengeance but for the good of all. My friend Jeff, I suggest that you consider what is best for all.

I can see that Ted has taken my story to heart, I have touched a tender spot in his heart and Ted has exposed a little of his real self, not the tough exterior. Thank you for your timely words of wisdom Ted, I shall keep it in mind. What disguise would you experts in deception suggest I employ when we go to dinner?

With that statement, Ted and Nick are smiling and happy. Apparently, my disguise or lack of one, was a real concern.

First, it was a rather detailed ribald joke from Ted and the evening went downhill from there. Following an excellent Turkish meal we left the restaurant, heading for Nicks place of business, which was walking distance down the street. Nick is proud of his assortment of disguises and we had fun mixing and matching, finally settling on a wig to cover my short military haircut and a large matching mustache frequently seen in Istanbul.

Next we sat down at a small round table that Nick obviously used a conference table and discussed our plan. Nick has a young man on retainer working at the restaurant, he will keep us informed of any apparently Russian customers. More than that we must wait. We discussed the possibility of gambling on the possibility of having dinner at the restaurant for several nights if necessary and wait for them ourselves. We finally decided that because Nick has some other sources available, we should get into position in the restaurant if the collaborating information warrants.

We decide that we should attempt to get a table away from the entrance, to show our KGB agents that it’s a dumb way to conduct surveillance. After some discussion we decide that Ted should be sitting at a separate table, providing a different angle to the target I am to identify. Nick produces two very small cameras, one can sit openly on the table and focused from behind the table by pointing down the line or sight on top. Ted will also have a small camera as a backup.

Following all these preparations, I ask Ted and Nick the obvious question, Can either of you tell me why I am involved with your surveillance? Why don’t you guys take some pictures and then I can pick out my KGB Colonel? Why put me in the middle of what could turn out to be a very serious situation?

Ted is quick to respond, My friend Jeff, you are here because of the importance the master minds in Virginia place on this KGB Colonel. They want him positively identified, no mistake. I am not fully aware of the ramifications of our endangered source, but rest assured that source is extremely valuable. That is all the information I have Jeff.

Before we leave Nick’s place of business, Nick presents me with a shoulder holster, modified as I like it, and my favorite 9 mm Biretta model 94 with a silencer attached, I ask Nick, Do you perhaps have a suitable knife which I can attach to the shoulder holster? With a smile Nick produces a razor sharp double edged knife with a blade about four inches long. I attach the knife to the harness. I remove my coat and put on the shoulder holster, making some minor adjustments and somehow feel better.

Two days later, I am contacted by Ted on the hotel telephone. Good morning Mr. Jeff, our mutual friend tells me we have reason to believe tonight is the night. Would it be acceptable for Nick to pick you up at your hotel at 8 p.m.? I respond, Thank you. I will be pleased. and hang up the telephone.

Nick is prompt and I am able to walk to his car and climb in. As we start moving, Nick says, Jeff, tonight we will have dinner in the Padisah Restaurant, located on the second floor, one of several restaurants in the Ottoman Hotel Imperial near the City Center. We may be able to see the lights of the Caferaga Medrese which is the historical handicraft center built by the famous Ottoman architect Sinan in 1576. That is enough of a history lesson. Your disguise looks authentic Jeff, you must remember to sort of naturally pull lightly on the ends of your mustache and not to press it against your face in fear it will fall off, it’s a dead give away.

We arrive at the Ottoman Hotel Imperial, a valet parks Nick’s car and we walk into the huge ornate hotel lobby. I follow Nick to our left to a large circular staircase and we slowly ascend the stairs, talking all the while. Once we arrive at the restaurant, Nick speaks briefly with one of the waiters who then directs us to our table which Nick apparently had reserved earlier. I notice Ted sitting a couple tables away enjoying a glass of wine and looking every bit the gentleman at ease.

Nick and I are dressed in business suits, nothing formal yet acceptable attire for the occasion. As we take our seats, Nick indicates that I should sit facing the room. Once seated Nick orders drinks for us and I casually look over the other patrons. No where in site do I see anyone that I would take for a Russian KGB agent. Apparently they have not arrived as yet.

About fifteen minutes after we arrived, I see five broad shouldered men enter the dinning room. I say to myself bingo! The third man who is approaching their table is none other than Vlad or Colonel Vladimir Grushavsky formerly of Camp Khabarovsk. I mention to Nick, There’s our man Nick, the middle man in line coming into the dinning room. Nick glances to his right and can see the five being lead to their table. His face is expressionless as he continues his conversation with me.

Because I am facing their table, I can see everything they do without turning my head very much while carrying on a conversation with Nick. Vlad ends up taking a seat more facing Ted’s table than ours. Nick is playing with his camera on the table taking a series of pictures of Vlad and his companions, when done, he puts it in his pocket.

I notice Vlad occasionally sneaking glances in my direction, I will be surprised if he could recognize me, yet I will not underestimate a KGB agent. Their training is superb and they never turn off. The restaurant slowly starts filling up, within half an hour all the tables are filled. I look over to Ted’s table and am frankly surprised to see an attractive lady sitting with Ted, they appear to be enjoying themselves. I look at Nick who has a sly little smile on his face and says, Jeff, you surely know that in our line of work we do become lonely on occasion. Ted being personable easily attracts friends.

We finish our meal, Nick pays the waiter. As we stand to leave, I glance at Vlad and to my surprise see him looking intently at me, there is no mistaking the look on his face, he is searching his memory for a time and place where he knew that face. We continue walking between the tables and out of the restaurant. I am almost expecting to see Vlad follow, however when I finally look his direction, his back is to me.

Nick hands his parking stub to the valet who disappears, heading for the parking lot. Nick turns to me glancing around as he says, What do you think Jeff, did Vlad recognize you? I consider the question a moment all the while feeling uncomfortable, confirming no one is near enough to hear us. If he hasn’t put a name and place to my face yet, I would be surprised. I am feeling uncomfortable and until my departure flight I will be on the alert.

On the way back to my hotel I ask, Nick, have you any idea what kind of a manpower the KGB has stationed here? What would you think is the probability that Vlad can find out my whereabouts and attempt to pick me up?

Nick was quiet for several blocks when he responds, You realize that Istanbul’s proximity to Russia in essence provides an open door, in fact the senior KGB officers have for years used Istanbul as their own private city for vacationing. In my opinion there are most likely 20-30 KGB agents here at the moment. Jeff the probability that Vlad can indeed have you picked up is almost certain. If Vlad has connected your face to a name and location, I may be the first to warn you to expect company before your flight leaves Ataturk Airport.

I am listening to Nick’s comments and a thought comes to mind, Nick, can we set a trap with me as the bait? Vlad may appear and your assets can take care of him. What do you think?

It is quiet in the car as Nick contemplates my proposed plan, finally, You know Jeff, you may have come up with a solution to our main problem. I see a couple advantages of your suggestion. First, if we can take care of Vlad it will look like a personal issue between Vlad and yourself. Second, we can remove the problem agent as well, and third, we may be able to pick when and where they attempt their strike. Jeff, I we must meet with Ted and work on a plan for our idea. We must think on this.

Nick and I went to his shop. We left a note for Ted to call us, on a message drop as Nick called it. It was an answering machine at an unlisted number they use. Apparently, Ted was busy with his young lady. It was nearly midnight when Ted arrives and we can get his input in our planning.

My return flight reservations is 7 a.m. day after tomorrow, which could work out. Nick and I had already been working on a plan, focusing on how to get the KGB to take the bait. It seems best to us to go back to the Padisah Restaurant at the Ottoman Hotel Imperial, if perhaps the KGB thinks we are stupid, we might return for another meal. Its after the meal that has us concerned, where can we go to set a trap that doesn’t look like a trap.

The idea of playing dumb to the Russians keeps returning to my thought process, I ask, The Ottoman Hotel Imperial is a huge place, does it have more than one restaurant? Nick responds, Yes, it has the Sadrazam Restaurant, with a great buffet and an ornate garden area and it would also be a natural place for the KGB to make their move and we can set up a counter attack as well.

Ted asks, Nick do you have some local assets that we can call on for a little extra help? We must be careful and keep Jeff completely out of sight until then or Vlad may develop some other plans to surprise us.

Nick is silent a few moments, thinking. Yes, I do have several others I use occasionally and can call upon for assistance, however Ted, I think it would be prudent for the two of us to have lunch at the Sadrazam so we can make detailed plans. In the mean time, Jeff if you look behind that door you will find a nice sleeping room with an adjacent private bathroom, everything you will need to be comfortable until dinner time tomorrow evening. How does that suit you?

Our planning meeting is over, Ted and Nick leave and I head for the sleeping room and spend a comfortable night. Ted arrives the next morning about 10 a.m. with a smile on his face and a small bag of pastry’s from the bakery down the street where he routinely makes a stop.

It’s a long day for me as I wait for the Ted and Nick to get back from lunch at the Sadrazam and we can discuss details. Upon their arrival, Ted says, Jeff, we have a very good plan for you, we have picked a table which can be completely protected and we have reserved the table plus couple other tables for friends. Because Nick and I were at the Padisah Restaurant with you last evening, we think its best for us to stay out of sight, in the background. What do you think of our plan Jeff?

That’s very interesting, can you draw for me the floor plan of the restaurant so I can get an idea of what to expect? And by the way, who will I have dinner with?

Once again Ted smiles with a little nod of his head, Jeff, we have here a floor plan which Nick and I have painstakingly drawn for you, which we knew you would want to study. Now as for who will be having dinner with you. Do you recall the young lady with me last evening? She has a sister, Sophia, who has worked with Nick before, she knows how to conduct herself in such situations, so do not be concerned for her safety.

We spend some time reviewing the floor plan of the Sadrazam. We discuss the table which Nick and Ted believe would put me at the best advantage in a hostage situation, one which provides the best protection by others without being at risk if shooting should take place. We agree that we have a plan.

That evening Nick didn’t have to pick me up, because I had not returned to my hotel. We went to pick up Sophia, who was waiting for us in front of her home. Nick took care of the introductions and I moved to the back seat of the car with Sophia. We were getting along like old friends by the time we arrive at the Ottoman Hotel Imperial, Nick dropped Sophia and I off in front of the hotel and we headed for the Sadrazam Restaurant where the waiter checks our reservation and shows us to our table.

We played the role of a couple on their first date, which was fun I think, for both of us. We ordered drinks, followed by some refreshing aperitif, leading into dinner. By this time between us we had spotted a couple of Nicks assets and also identified a couple suspected KGB agents, who were very careful to not look at us.

We were discussing what we should order for desert when I see Colonel Vladimir Grushavsky walking towards our table. I say to Sophia, bingo, here he comes. Working hard to keep any change in my expression from showing, I only glance at Vlad as he walks up to our table. I purposed to look up and see a determined individual standing next to our table, looking at me, he says, You are Lacy, are you not?

I push back my chair and stand, a bit surprised that I am actually taller than he is by maybe an inch or two. No, I am Allen Robbins, apparently you have made a mistake, how may I help you?

Vlad steps back as if to be better positioned to throw a punch, I was ready, however he didn’t. Instead he said, Have you ever been to North Eastern Russia, Mister Robbins? He stands there with a slight smile on his face as if to say I gotcha.

I gave him what I consider my most winning friendly smile, Why no my friend, I have never been to Russia, though I hear its covered with snow and cold all the time. Is that why you are in Istanbul, to get out of the cold?

As I watch Vlad, he appears to be losing some of his confidence, yet because he is used to being in command of every situation he is able to hide his feelings. Russia is not covered in snow Mr. Robbins, I think you are attempting to play word games with me, because my English is not as good as a native American. I assure you Mr. Robbins, my question is not idle talk, we are looking for an escaped prisoner from a Russian Prison and you fit his description perfectly.

Mr. who ever you are, I am not your escaped prisoner and if I were, you would have no jurisdiction in Turkey. Therefore this conversation is over, if you will excuse me, I will continue the discussion with my lady friend as to what kind of desert we will order. Good night. I turned slightly to sit down, with my right hand discretely moving towards my under arm weapon.

As I was taking my seat I could see the shock and disbelief on his face as I casually dismissed him. I notice that he is reaching under his arm and am able to turn as I am on my way to my chair, pulling my gun and have it pointed at his stomach. Vlad is in complete shock as I softly say, Mr. who ever you are, please do not draw your weapon, for if you do, I will shoot you. Now please turn around and quietly walk like a gentleman for the exit on your right, do not turn, I will be directly behind you and wouldn’t want to shoot you in the back.

Sophia moved into position to my left as we walked Vlad to the exit. She said, I am watching the big guy on your left, Allen. Thank you Sophia. The three of us proceeded to the exit where Ted appeared from beside the buffet table, setting down his plate and joined us as we went through the exit door.

As we walked Vlad out to the parking lot, I could see Nick coming with his car, Sophia opened the back door and I said, Mr. who ever you are, please stop for a moment while we take your weapon and right leg gun. Please put your hands behind your back, thank you. I stepped back and Ted came forward with a nylon tie wrap and using it as a handcuff, had Vlad cuffed. I continue, I want you to get into the car. Ted quickly followed him into the car and Sophia got in the front passenger seat and Nick moved the car quickly out of the parking lot and into the street.

I was left standing in the parking lot, surely not alone because I could count at least three other assets Nick and Sophia had pointed out to me. A commercial taxi came up to the hotel and I climbed in and we headed back to my hotel. Its time for some sleep before my morning flight home.

It was 08:00 local time in Norfolk when I walked up to the Marine’s desk at the COMSUBLANT Intelligence office. He checked my ID card and lead me down the hall to Captain Hills office. The secretary spoke into the intercom, Mr. Lacy is her. We hear Thank you, please ask him to come in.

I went into Captain Hills office and he came around his desk and we shook hands, it was always a pleasure seeing this man who has become my friend, even though he is several pay grades senior to me. Welcome back Jeff, I hear your trip was successful, yet not without some excitement. Well done. We can do your debriefing here and save you a trip back up to Langley. We should be done today. You know Jeff, because you guys were able to shut down Vlad, we are able to continue reaping the benefits of the work of a very prolific and reliable resource that could have gone away, you have done a great service for the country.

We completed my debriefing by mid afternoon and I was released back to my command at the Beach Jumpers.

Captain Hill, the Intelligence Officer for COMSUBLANT is scheduled today to present his case for observing a new Russian Delta I Class SSBN and the launching of their new ICBM. The Russians have scheduled initial launching tests of their newest version of a submarine launched ICBM in the Black Sea. In the intelligence community this is like getting two for the price of one, both the new submarine and new missile.

The Special Intelligence Committee meeting at the CINCLANT Intelligence office is one of those regularly scheduled meetings each Tuesday afternoon at 14:00 hours. These meetings are attended by the eight regular members of the Special Intelligence Committee. Each member of this Special Intelligence Committee is the resident Intelligence Officer representing one of the three of the U.S. military commands in the Atlantic Fleet Region, CINCLANT, CINCLANT-FLT and COMSUBLANT.

The staff of this Special Intelligence Committee have been heard to say that the meetings are generally a bit boring, they generally include presentations of the members pet programs, such as a report on a Risk Probability Study or an analysis of a new missile, weapons system or submarine threat.

Captain Hill from COMSUBLANT is an impressive speaker, he is very knowledgeable and always well prepared on his topic. He stands five feet eight inches tall, his weight is near 160 pounds, he has a neatly trimmed mustache and could pass for anyone’s favorite uncle. He is also recognized as being one of the top intelligence experts in the United States military.

At the moment, Captain Hill is standing at the podium and is speaking, "The tests which we are interested, is a new class of Russian submarine and its missile. We have reliable information that leads us to believe the Russians are planning to test this new missile launching submarine, which is designated a ‘Delta I. It is the first Russian SSBN of this class and has been constructed specifically for launching this missile. The test Missile is their latest version of an SLBM, NATO has assigned the designation SAWFLY. It is not often that we have the opportunity to observe both a new class of Russian submarine launch its first missile and a new missile as well, thus, it is imperative that we observe these tests.

Our information suggests the SAWFLY is the first Soviet sea-based ICBM. It will be deployed on the Delta-class submarines beginning in 1973, the missile’s long range allows submarine patrols in the Soviet arctic littoral, including the Norwegian and Barents seas. Consequently, Soviet submarines no longer need to pass through our SOSUS barriers to come within range of their targets. This means the Russian submarines can be deployed close to home, protected in bastions by the rest of the Soviet Navy."

After a pause Captain Hill continues. "Here is some information we know about the SAWFLY, it’s a two-stage missile with liquid-propellant, carrying a single warhead. The missile has an aluminum magnesium alloy body with integrated fuel tanks. The first stage sustainer and the second stage propulsion system are located inside the fuel tanks, thus reducing the external dimensions of the missile. The conical blunt shaped re-entry vehicle is also located in the second stage fuel tank. With a launching weight of 33.3 tons the SAWFLY is capable of delivering a 1,100 kg reentry vehicle to a maximum range of 7800 km, three times greater than the R-27 missile. Thus its patrolling zones are substantially enlarged. The SAWFLY is equipped with ballistic missile defense countermeasures, Decoys are carried in a cylindrical container in the fuel tank of the second stage, and released during nose cone separation.

These tests are to be conducted in the Russians Black Sea Missile Test Range. We are fortunate to have firm dates for their test schedule. These dates are out approximately 60 days from today. These are the initial tests of an accelerated testing phase by the Russians and it could well be our only opportunity to observe this new class of nuclear powered ballistic missile submarine, let alone launching a new missile. COMSUBLANT considers observation of these tests, imperative and of the highest priority. We need to confirm this new SSBN submarine has the capability to successfully launch its missiles."

One of the Admirals in attendance, Vice Admiral Bishop, responds, Captain Hill, exactly how do you plan to observe these tests. It would appear to me that our best chance would be to get one of our submarines in position in the Black Sea, they can then observe these tests. Have you considered the use of one of our submarines or possibly some other craft?

Yes Sir, Admiral Bishop, one of the most reliable and discrete platforms for observing a submarine test firing its missiles, is from one of our own submarines, however we have several problems using one of our submarines to accomplish this task, the most significant is getting one of our submarines discretely into the Black Sea. Let me make two points, Sir. First, the Bosporus connects the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea, it is narrow and so shallow a submarine is unable to transit submerged and thus arrive in the Black Sea undetected by the Russians. U.S. Navy ships regularly steam into the Black Sea, to demonstrate freedom of navigation and exercise the provisions of the Montreaux Convention which governs passage through the Dardanelles and Bosporus Straits. Secondly, we have information that the Russians have a portable radar site located on the Eastern shore of the Bosporus, that radar would most certainly observe a passing surfaced U.S. submarine.

Admiral Bishop comes back with, Why not take the radar site out, you know, destroy it or perhaps covertly put it out of operation long enough for our submarine to transit the Bosporus unobserved?

After a few seconds to consider, Captain Hill responds, Yes Sir, your second plan may be the most feasible of the two you have suggested. We know the Russian Radar Site is located on the Eastern or Asian side of the Bosporus in Turkey, on land owned by a private Turkish citizen. The Turkish government is not happy about the presence of a Russian radar site there and may be willing to look the other way and allow us to covertly put the site out of operation for perhaps several days or at the least a few hours. This would provide enough time for our submarine to make the transit on the surface, hopefully undetected. As an alternative Sir, we may consider taking the radar site out as you suggest, however I have another thought on that subject which I am not prepared to discuss at this time, Admiral.

Captain Hill, please proceed with the plan of putting this radar site temporarily out of operation and coordinate the submarines transit with your operations people. We will keep this plan as our first choice and hold the second plan in reserve, which is taking the site out completely or modified as you guardedly suggest, in case it’s needed. Do you need any other authority to proceed, Captain? If not, I will clear the plan with the Pentagon.

Thank you Admiral, we will proceed with plans to put the pesky Russian radar site, temporarily out of operation, as you have outlined. Let’s hope, we do not need to use the alternate plan. I will keep you informed, Sir.

The meeting was then concluded and the committee members were dismissed.

Following the Staff Intelligence meeting, Captain Hill met with his staff at COMSUBLANT to work on the details and planning this new mission. He opened the meeting with, Time may well become the driving force behind some of our decisions. During the subsequent planning meetings, it was decided to use the Naval Special Warfare Group stationed at Little Creek, Virginia to perform this operation.

The Special Warfare Group consists of several separate special warfare commands, which include, a SEAL team, UDT teams, a specialized Boat Group, and the Beach Jumpers. For this operation, the Beach Jumpers come to mind, as its mission is special warfare electronics and has a sizeable cadre of highly qualified electronics technicians that know how to perform such operations. These persons have been trained in basic SCUBA, parachute jumping and HALO parachute jumping, plus skills in basic arms and other physical training as needed, however

Beach Jumpers have not received the specialized training in handling explosives, swimmer and physical training of UDT or SEAL personnel.

As Captain Hill mentally steps through his plans for the operation he is convinced the technical details of temporally decommissioning or at the least putting the radar site out of operation, can be accomplished by the Beach Jumpers and the SEAL Team can provide personnel with the necessary skills for such a politically sensitive clandestine operation.

Captain Hill places a call to the Special Warfare Group and asks for Commodore Webber, they chat a moment then Captain Hill suggests lunch tomorrow at the officer’s club. The Commodore has learned that when Captain Hill calls and suggests lunch, it generally means more than simply lunch, so they agree to meet for lunch the next day. The next day, following lunch they take a walk along the adjacent Linnhaven Inlet and the Commodore says, OK Bill, what’s on your mind today? You have not exactly made it a habit to call me for lunch without some good reason.

Commodore what I have in mind is a clandestine operation, which your people are, in my opinion, the most qualified to perform. Let me give you a little background. This is TOP SECRET information. We have solid information, that the Russians are planning to test fire some missiles from a new Delta I Class SSBN, these tests will take place at their missile test range in the Black Sea. We would like to monitor these tests from one of our submarines. However, here we have a couple problems. You know that to get into the Black Sea with a submarine, we must transit from the Mediterranean to the Sea of Marmara via the Bosporus. That should normally be no problem, except the Bosporus is to shallow for a submarine to transit submerged. Again it should be no problem for a submarine to transit on the surface, say in the middle of some dark night, however this is where your guys come in. The Russians have a portable high definition radar site sitting on the East or Asian side of the Bosporus watching all the passing ships. We would like to put that radar site out of operation for a few hours or maybe several days.

The Commodore responds with, I suspect you have considered other methods of monitoring the missile tests and this is your first choice, is that correct? Yes Sir, Have you considered the international implications that may be raised by Turkey? Yes Sir, Have you considered simply taking out the site? Captain Hill responds with, Yes Sir, however that will be a fall back position for the time being. To answer your other question, the radar site is sitting on privately owned property and radiating, without permission of the Turkish government. My source’s report that we have, let us say, discrete approvals from the Turkish government. If we proceed with this mission, they plan to maintain a ‘look the other way’ attitude.

What do you need from me, Bill? I would like your support by providing me on TAD (Temporary Addition Orders) Lt. Lacy once again, to lead the mission, he is technically qualified and has some unique personal experience. We will need at least two SEALS to accompany him on the mission. We will need these guys to plan the operation and describe how they want to conduct the mission. They may need additional assets, such as boats, aircraft and whatever else they may identify in their planning sessions.

The Commodore responds, When do you need Lacy and the SEAL’s? After a few seconds pause, Right away Commodore, the time line is such that we may be able to get a quick look at the site before the actual mission, but we are not sure yet how best to accomplish that reconnaissance mission. With the mission team identified, they should become part of this decision process.

I like that process Bill, you have my support, I’ll contact Ron Moody, Lt. Lacy’s C.O. and have Ron ask him to meet us. Lacy may have an idea which SEAL’s he will want to take on the mission. How would day after tomorrow at 14:00 in my office, be? Thanks Bill, that’s great, I’ll send you an official request and funding authorization, it will come from CINCLANT, please hold it outside your regular filling system, because we may want to remove it at a later date. I suggest, that you issue TAD orders to an appropriate training command in Turkey or Greece, with an unspecified reporting date and interim verbal instructions to report to me at COMSUBLANT. The TAD orders should include, authorization to carry weapons, on commercial aircraft, rental cars, wearing civilian clothes and using civilian hotels, as well. I will provide expense funds. Can you think of anything, I have left out, Sir?

I think that pretty well covers the mission plans for now and the administrative stuff, anything else that comes to mind, we can discuss day after tomorrow, OK?

Later that afternoon, I get called into Ron Moody’s office, the CO at the Beach Jumper Unit and I am told, Jeff, I received a call from the Chief of Staff and you are to report to the Commodore’s office at 14:00 tomorrow to discuss an upcoming operation. How is your schedule?

My schedule is open Sir, and I will be pleased to attend the meeting. Have you any idea as to what this operation is about? You know Sir, this may be the long range planning meeting the Chief of Staff was mentioning the other evening at the O Club. That could be it, Jeff, however I don’t know for sure.

The next day at 14:00, I arrive at the Special Warfare Group Headquarters and am invited into the Commodore’s Office, to my surprise meet my friend, Captain Hill of COMSUBLANT Intelligence. After congenial greetings are exchanged, the Commodore has the door closed and the three of us gather around a round conference table in his office. The Commodore starts with, Jeff, we have a clandestine mission that may have a place in it for you. We are aware that you have some unique recent experience and your considerable electronics background suggests that you may be the right guy for this job. I am compelled to advise you however, that this mission may be dangerous. We are not sure how dangerous. If you are not interested, please say so now. If your decision is not to accept, it will not be held against you or if you choose to participate, it’s strictly voluntary. Captain Hill will explain the details, as we know them today and then you can let us know if you agree to participate, is that clear? Yes Sir.

Captain Hill proceeds to describe the mission. Jeff, this is TOP SECRET information. We have good information that the Russians are going to test fire some missiles from a new Delta I Class SSBN at their test range in the Black Sea. We need to get a submarine into the Black Sea to observe these tests and that is our problem. The Bosporus, which connects the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea is too shallow for a submarine to transit submerged, so one of our submarines will be forced to transit on the surface. Here is the problem as we see it. We have identified a portable high definition radar site operated by the Russians on the East side of the Bosporus, it looks at the high volume of ship traffic along the channel, which means we can not sneak one of our submarine into the Black Sea unobserved, running on the surface. Our plans are to covertly approach the radar site and temporarily put it out of commission for maybe a couple hours or even days and then get away, undetected. We want you to lead this mission Jeff, will you accept this assignment?

Yes Sir, thank you for your concern however, this sounds like a mission that we can accomplish and I will jump at the chance to make it happen. Have your plans included who else will go with me and how we will make the insertion and extraction? Captain Hill, smiles with satisfaction, "Jeff, thank you for accepting this assignment. We have given the plan some thought. However, the Commodore and I believe you should pick your mission team from the SEAL team. Once you have your team, we as a team,