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When would a CSG run sonar active?

Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2023 12:53 am
by Mickeys91
I know depending on EMCON there are many variables but during both peace and wartime when would a Carrier Strike Group or just independent naval ships in general be scanning for enemy subs in high threat areas (Gulf of Persia or South China sea in example) with active sonar? Would they usually be a escort sub with the CSG? especially in wartime?

Re: When would a CSG run sonar active?

Posted: Mon Mar 20, 2023 3:45 am
by artao5
You'd run active sonar in order to drive underwater contacts in the direction you'd like or away from an area for area denial. Like driving game when hunting or herding sheep. Also to make it exceedingly difficult to get past the pickets, forcing them to take time to attempt to go around the pickets, if even possible. Or under, which is very risky for them with active sonar pinging away; even with a layer.
Set up destroyers with active ping like 20+nm ahead of and offset from the rest of the CSG (running EMCON silent) and the hunting sub will get the wrong situational picture. Or one ASW asset can tool about actively pinging away while another drifts, just listening.
Also, sending out helos/planes to drop both passive and active sonobuoys both above and below the layer is very effective. The sudden appearance of active sonars might panic the captain causing a maneuver that the passive sonars can pick up. Also, get the helos even further away from the rest of the group. And wider coverage. They can get to new areas FAST to both search for and prosecute contacts. And don't forget to check behind you. We sub drivers like to come in from that direction. ;)

Incidentally, active radar pickets can also be effective to misdirect your opponent. Especially when using intermittent radar with alternating units separated by a wide area, moving in directions NOT consistent with the rest of the battlegroup. Planes and helos can also be effective for the same purpose.