Admiral Vladimir Masorin Dismissed

SteelJawScribe has the details from various angles, a good read for the whole story.

This is certainly a strange story. While it is true that Masorin only had 2 years when appointed before mandatory retirement, according to the Russian press he was basically replaced unceremoniously. It is also strange that the Russian media speculates the reason he got the rude end of the boot was because of he was honored by Admiral Mullen last month. The message there seems pretty clear, don't be nice to Yanks.

As I mentioned back in July, some officers I have interacted with who had met Masorin had nothing but respect for the guy. When I read SJS's story on Monday, I made a few calls asking about Vice-Admiral Vladimir Visotskiy, who is Masorin's replacement.

The word I'm getting is that he is "an aggressive, cold man; and yes the word cold applies to cold war." That is one European officers opinion, but it is a well informed opinion. For those keeping score at home, that means the Russians are probing the NATO defenses by air, while replacing Admirals in their Navy services who are more aggressive towards the west at sea.

Until a few weeks ago I was in denial regarding Russia wanting to bring back the cold war, but I'm starting to believe Putin has every intention to sell the image. Too bad they are spending all their money on their SSBNs, or I might take the threat posed by their sea services seriously.

Instead the Russians are participating in Operation Active Endeavor, probably hoping NATO will teach them how to sail their fleet. Yes, that was a cheap shot, but until I see more than 70% of their entire naval budget for the construction new SSBNs forgive me if I remain unimpressed by the Russian Fleet full of sailors who rarely see the sea.

Just keeping it real. Ships don't determine how good a Navy is. Sailors do.