Bridge Watch

Captain Ivanov peered into the darkness from watch post 32 on the Crimean bridge. “The waves are fierce tonight, Lieutenant Petrov. Look how they crash against the stanchions. It’s like the sea is angry.”

“Da, Captain. The storm is stronger than we expected. We must keep an eye on the protective floating decoys. If they break away, the bridge could be in serious trouble.”

Captain Ivanov squinting through his many years as Captain of the Midnight Watch. Stiff competition from the enemy has etched lines into his ruddy skin. “I think I see something moving. There, near stanchion 28. Is that one of the decoys?”

Lieutenant Petrov frowned, running a hand through his stiff red hair. “Yes, it looks like it. The waves are tearing it away from the mesh network. We need to report this immediately. If more break away, the bridge will be exposed to drone sub attack.”

“I’ll call it in. Motherland cannot afford any damage to the bridge.” Captain Ivanov shouted over the roar of the storm.

The Lieutenant Petrov watched the waves. “The sea is relentless Captain Ivanov. Let’s hope most of the decoy protective shield holds.

“’Mother’, this is Captain. Ivanov. We have a situation. Protective decoys are breaking away. We will track by beacon and determine how many are currently in the array.”

Captain Ivanov struggled to hear over the crackling radio.

“Mother, reported Captain Ivanov. Out of 300 decoys, 210 remain in protective position. Recommend increasing defensive readiness. This storm is likely to knock more decoys, and live deterrents out.”

Without hesitation, Captain Ivanov shouted “Sound the silent alarm and see what floating and fixed radar detects. The enemy is near, Petrov. I can feel them.”

Lieutenant Petrov nodded, “It’s going to be a long night, my Captain. I agree, we’ll need to stay vigilant.” He tossed the soggy paper coffee cup into the trashcan and raised his binoculars.

“Da, Lieutenant. We’ll get through this. We always do.”

The waves crash against the stanchions with a thunderous roar, each impact resonating like a distant explosion. The sound is a symphony of nature’s raw power, a deep, rumbling bass that vibrates through the air and ground. As the waves break, they create a cacophony of splashes and sprays, the water hissing and fizzing as it collides with the bridge’s structure. The relentless rhythm of the sea is punctuated by the occasional sharp crack of a particularly large wave, sending echoes across the dark, stormy night. The wind howls through the gaps in the bridge, adding a haunting, whistling undertone to the tumultuous orchestra of the storm.

Wave Dancing

The occupying forces note with pride that the Russian Crimean Bridge spans 19 kilometers (12 miles), the longest bridge in Europe, with both road and railway sections. Opened in May 2018 by President Putin to strengthen Russia’s link to Crimea post-2014 illegal annexation. Strategic importance lies in making this structure live up to its vital support for Russian military and civilian logistics; increasingly targeted by Ukrainian attacks from sea, air and land. Enhanced defenses have been fabricated and installed due to conflict, including floating barriers and air-defense systems. Current usage varies due to security threat level and includes reduced freight train traffic, with a shift to passenger and general goods transport.

Ukrainian drone operators use First Person View (FPV) allowing for live streaming video as if one were seeing action from the nose of the flying machine. Cliques of two stealth drones with two payloads per drone are selected after planning an attack over water with challenging wind conditions. The goal is to soften the enemy’s defenses and provide adequate distraction. Dark water goals.

“Eagle One, this is Falcon. Do you copy?” asked drone ops one.

 “Copy, Falcon. What’s your status?”

Falcon paused to confirm location. “I’m in position, but the wind is stronger than expected. It’s pushing the drone off course. How’s your view?”

Eagle One coughed and replied “Same here. The gusts are making it tricky to maintain stability. We need to adjust our approach.” The drone almost flipped twice, halfway to target.

“Agreed, Falcon said. “Let’s lower our altitude to reduce wind impact. Can you confirm the target’s coordinates?”

Coordinates confirmed: 47.1234° N, 37.5678° E. Target is a small enemy vessel near the coastline.”

Falcon pushed his drone stretching wings just meters over the raging black sea. “Roger that. Switching to manual control for precision. Keep an eye on the battery levels; we don’t want to lose power mid-operation”.

Eagle One checked the meter readings, “Understood. Battery at 75%. Engaging manual control now. Visual on the target?”

“Affirmative. Target acquired. Adjusting for wind drift. Prepare to engage on my mark.”

Eagle One steadied his hands on the control device. “Ready. Awaiting your command.”

Falcon counted down. “Three… two… one… Mark! Launching payload.”

“Payload deployed. Direct hit! Target neutralized. Excellent work, Falcon.”

“Good job, Eagle One. Let’s return to base before the wind gets any worse. Mission accomplished.”

Gasping

The Cremean Bridge primary watchtower stands midway across the span. With a height of three stories the structure is equipped with facilities and machines to ensure effective monitoring of air, water surface and underwater vehicles. The enemy uses many different attacks. Typically, the USVs, Unmanned Surface Vessels, and AUVs, Autonomous Underwater Vessels would not operate given the weather. Aerial drones are almost out of the question. Flying low to avoid detection, the drones would not stay aloft in the crosswinds and surf.

Captain Ivanov, stood on the Observation Deck, squinting through the water’s spray. He preferred the highest vantage point with its clear view overlooking the bridge works. He felt the darkness of the storm splinter his eyes.

Adjusting his tactical vest and raising his headset, the captain ordered, “Lieutenant Petrov, give me a status update. This storm is making it impossible to see anything clearly.”

Lieutenant Petrov answered, “Captain, the storm is causing severe interference with our surveillance systems. Visibility is down to almost zero, and the high winds are affecting the stability of our cameras.”

Without looking away from the sea, Captain Ivanov said, “Damn it. Junior Lieutenant Sokolov, what’s the status on our radar and sonar systems? Any sign of USVs or AUVs?”

Looking away from his monitoring of the Naval mine tethers Sokolov answered, “Radar is picking up a lot of noise from the storm, sir. It’s difficult to distinguish between natural disturbances and potential threats. Sonar is slightly better, but still not ideal. No confirmed contacts yet.”

Captain Ivanov turned to Lieutenant Petrov. “We can’t afford to take any chances. Petrov, double-check the integrity of our defensive barriers. We need to ensure they’re holding up against the storm.”

“Understood, Captain. I’ll request Mother update the diagnostic on the barriers’ sensors and get a report from the maintenance team.”

“Good. Sokolov, keep monitoring the radar and sonar. If you detect anything unusual, I want to know immediately. We can’t let USVs or AUVs close to the bridge. This damn storm will make the enemy unstable. If they are able to direct their attack, then we face a two-prong environment.”

Junior Lieutenant Sokolov replied crisply, “Yes, sir. I’ll stay on it.” He returned to checking in on the tethers that are thick chain link anchored to the seabed. Floating at the end of the chain tether, are balloons encircling a quarter ton of explosive. Tethered, they are sufficient distance to avoid structural damage to the bridge. A radio-controlled release device was at Sokolov’s command. Enough to concuss the enemy attack. From there, the manned gunners on the bridge can pick off the barbarians one by one.

After checking the tether integrity, Sokolov hovered over a separate monitor displaying the underwater nets and booms. He swallowed hard and reached for a stick of juicy fruit chewing gum from his chest pocket. The waves had separated more than forty percent of the physical barriers.

The captain ordered, “Petrov, also coordinate with the coastal patrol units. We need all hands on deck to watch for any suspicious activity. This storm is the perfect cover for an attack.”

Lieutenant Petrov agreed, “I’ll get in touch with them right away, Captain. We’ll have extra patrols in the area, as possible.”

Ivanov said to both Petrov and Sokolov, “Excellent. Let’s stay sharp, everyone. The safety of the bridge is our only priority. Keep me updated on any changes.”

Simultaneously, “Yes, Captain.”

Lieutenant Petrov slurped down his third cup of bad coffee. He needed to use the “Comfort Facilities”, as Motherland refers to the stinking hole in the floor. He exaggerated, but the utilitarian flush was not suited for a Lieutenant. “I’m hitting the Head, Sokolov. Cover for me–contact patrols for status and highest alert!” Petrov shouted over the din as he climbed down the tight spiral staircase to the second level.

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