Just Thinking Out Loud...

Wasn't going to say it, but due to the interesting feedback in the email from this post, I'll note the observation I decided not to include.

From here:

Deployable Battle Force Ships: 286

Ships Underway (away from homeport): 94 ships (33% of total)

On deployment: 104 ships (36% of total)

Attack submarines underway (away from homeport): 28 subs (51%)

On deployment: 25 subs (46%)

Note that quietly, the US Navy has 46% of our sub force on deployment. While is not uncommon to see 51% of the sub force at sea, it rarely goes to 46% on deployment. Could mean nothing, but if the Navy knew something was coming, that is how they would handle it.