One of our readers, Marco Gibellini, sent us this interesting photo taken on Tuesday.
The subject of the shot is a submarine leaving Souda Bay in Crete. Although the photo was not taken from a close distance, the cylinder behind the sail is clearly visible, which could help us identify the vessel as the USS Georgia (SSGN-729), whose presence in Souda was confirmed until recently.
SSGNs are one of the most versatile platforms in the fleet, equipped with superior communications capabilities and the ability to carry up to 154 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles. The platform can also be configured to host up to 66 Special Operations Forces.
The submarine is likely operating in the Eastern Mediterranean or the Persian Gulf as a deterrent against a potential Iranian attack on Israel.