Piranha: Firing Point

Michael DiMercurio Piranha: Firing Point

For my beloved wife, Patti, The one true love of my life. Patti, although I am the Captain of my soul, You are the Navigator. I love you.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This book is written in remembrance of and reverence for Dolores Quigley, who left this world far too soon, and yet who continues to live among us. Her influence and love are felt and received gratefully every single day. Warmest thanks to Richard J. Quigley, Jr., who is a warm and strong father figure to every soul he touches, and he touches many, including me. Thanks also to Kathy Quigley, who has treated me like one of the family. To Rich and Patty Quigley, Terry Quigley, Tom and Deb Quigley, Chris Quigley, Liz and Jeff Brown, and Brian Quigley, I thank you for making me your brother. Thanks again to the great Nancy Wallitsch, who was a friend when I needed one, a drill sergeant when I needed one, a nurse when I needed one, and a damned good attorney. Deepest thanks to Chris Allgeier, who believed and took action. Thanks to Paul Weiss, who made a huge difference and carried me when I was immobile. Thanks to Craig Relyea, the first reader and an enlightened critic, and to Mike Matlosz, who lended great support. Thanks to Patricia and Dee DiMercurio, Mom and Dad, who kept the porch light on and never gave up hope. Eternal thanks to Matthew and Maria DiMercurio, who have given me love, understanding, and wisdom far beyond their years. And to the late Don Fine, who — whether he knows it or not — made me tough and gave me courage.

EPIGRAPH

“A nuclear submarine fleet is the future of the armed forces. The number of tanks and guns will be reduced as well as the infantry, but a modem Navy is a totally different thing.”

— RUSSIAN ARMY MARSHAL PAVEL GRACEV, FORMER RUSSIAN MINISTER OF DEFENSE, 1993

“It is becoming increasingly clear that the next substantial U.S. naval expedition abroad — the next Desert Storm — may well face an enemy with submarines in its order of battle.”

— CAPTAIN BRUCE LINDER, U.S. NAVY COMMANDER, FLEET ANTISUBMARINE WARFARE TRAINING CENTER U.S. NAVAL INSTITUTE PROCEEDINGS, MAY 1996

“The location where we will engage the enemy must not become known to them. If it is not known, then the positions they must prepare to defend will be numerous … [and] the forces we will engage will be few.”

— SUN-TZU, THE ART OF WAR

“Ex Scientia — Tridens.” (from knowledge — sea power)

— MOTTO OF THE U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY