Closed Door Bluff

The transformation of submarines from instruments of fear to essential tools in espionage is explored by The History Channel. The program, based on the book 'Blind Man's Bluff', delves into the shift in submarines' role from World Wars to Cold War espionage, uncovering secret missions and underwater spying activities. American submarines played a crucial role in the collapse of the Soviet Union, with their missions being vital during the Cold War, when the fate of the world was at stake. The revelation of submarine espionage in 1998 brought their secrets to light, including the sinking of Cochino and the heroic rescue efforts of the Tusk crew. The program also highlights how American reconnaissance planes detected evidence of the USSR detonating the first atomic bomb, marking the beginning of a new and frightening era where the future depended on who had the upper hand beneath the sea. The Navy recognized the immense potential of undersea espionage.

Gudgeon encounters peril from Soviet vessels while attempting to surface. Grenades hinder Gudgeon's surfacing efforts. Soviets deploy depth charges, compelling Gudgeon to conserve power and oxygen. Gudgeon becomes the first American submarine to be surfaced by the Soviets. Soviets transmit a taunting message, but both sides agree to leave it at that. The crew of the USS Grenadier successfully surfaces a Soviet submarine and claims a case of Jack Daniels as a reward. Nautilus demonstrates nuclear power, leading to nuclear submarines becoming mainstays of the American fleet. The nukes are ideal for undersea espionage, remaining silently submerged for months at a time. Soviet nuclear accidents resulted in the loss of at least 500 men during the Cold War. The majority of nuclear accidents occurred in the early days of nuclear technology. The USS Thresher disaster prompts the Navy to implement extensive upgrades to undersea safety standards. The mystery of the Scorpion submarine remains unsolved to this day. The Navy declassified a videotape of Scorpion’s wreckage in 1993, discovered after its disappearance in deep water. Numerous theories exist about Scorpion's sinking, including the Navy's leading theory that it was sunk by its torpedo. The Navy accepts the risk of flawed torpedo batteries to meet Cold War demands. The urgency of the Cold War is deemed an acceptable risk for keeping the sub at sea on its mission. Naval regulations are revised to prevent future disasters, and the Navy has not lost another nuclear submarine since the USS Scorpion. American submarine Lay Pond successfully trails the Soviet Yankee in 1969, despite challenges.

The Lay Pond team, led by Captain Whitey Mack, encountered the task of monitoring a new type of submarine with unknown capabilities and activities. They employed a strategy known as 'close in trail' to shadow the silent Yankee for weeks across thousands of miles. Operating solely on sonar, the submarine navigates blindly, relying on acoustic features to discern movements and crew members. Lay Pond operatives gathered intelligence on the Yankee for potential American operations. A collision involving a Soviet submarine resulted in both espionage successes and failures. Survivor Mike Mays witnessed the repercussions of the USS Tao incident. Decades later, revelations emerged regarding Soviet survival and submarine losses during the Cold War. In 1964, John Craven repurposed the Halibut submarine for underwater espionage. The Halibut's spacious missile hatch made it suitable for clandestine missions, enabling personnel and equipment to access underwater areas. Referred to as the Batcave by the crew, the submarine was equipped with state-of-the-art spy technology, including remote submersibles for ocean floor scanning. The Glomar Explorer's covert mission involved retrieving the K-129 from the seabed. The CIA embarked on a daring and costly operation to seize a Soviet submarine grave using the secret steel claw, Clementine but encountered obstacles and ultimately failed. The true purpose of the Glomar Explorer was unveiled in 1975, following the discovery of submarine remnants and a solemn Russian burial conducted by the Low Mars crew.

The surprising response of the Soviet government led to subsequent political negotiations. Bradley's intuition was proven correct when he recalled childhood warnings about cable crossings. He then ordered the Navy's top spy sub to locate and tap the Soviet cable. This successful operation allowed the US to intercept and record Soviet military communications. The tap on the Soviet cable was eventually discovered by the Soviet Union, leading to a reveal of spy betrayal. Ronald Pelton, a former NSA employee, disclosed vital information about the American cable tap in exchange for money. Another spy, Alexander Sokolov, operated a spy ring that could have given the Soviets an advantage in a nuclear conflict. John Walker Jr. had been passing secrets to the Soviets for 18 years, nearly destroying America's undersea advantage. In October 1985, Walker pleaded guilty to espionage charges and was sentenced to life in prison. The Soviets' main priority was to protect their missile subs, as they were not preparing to launch a first strike from the sea. They were focused on safeguarding their own country and perceived the US as a greater threat. Fast attack submarines play a crucial role in ISR missions worldwide.

Employ cutting-edge technology such as stealth missiles for clandestine operations and offensive warfare. Continuously observe global naval movements, particularly those of Russia, through intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance efforts. The international submariners' convention held in Russia strengthens ties between former adversaries from the Cold War era. American and Soviet submariners possessed profound insights into one another, which may have played a role in preventing World War 3. The gathering in St. Petersburg underscores the mutual respect and shared experiences among submariners. The History Channel has unveiled stories of underwater espionage heroes. Appreciation has been conveyed by all participants, ranging from enlisted personnel to high-ranking Navy officials. The narrative of the enigmatic figure known as 'Tango Charlie,' rumored to be an exceptional spy, has also emerged.