Hurt, the leading petty officer in the torpedo room, was confident in the crew's abilities to take on the Hartford.I like to see confidence among young submariners -- I'm sure the crew of the Hartford is looking forward to schooling the crew of the Virginia as well. While the newer boat should have the advantage, I would caution them that there are three submarines out there that are just as quiet, and a lot faster. Quiet is good in submarine combat, but speed is life.
“The only enemy a submarine has is another submarine,” he said. “We know each other's practices, so it's who's got the upper hand, who's faster at the draw, like a showdown at the O.K. Corral. We're going to win.”
There is no comparison acoustically between a Virginia-class submarine like the Virginia and a Los-Angeles-class submarine like the Hartford, Hurt said. He refers to other classes as “Brand X.”
“In the submarine world, if you're the quiet guy you'll come out on top all the time,” he said. “Acoustically we'll tear them up.”
Edited 2156 03 March to correct a typo.
