World: NEW REALITY IN THE MEDITERRANEAN

As the 78, 000-ton aircraft carrier U.S.S. Forrestal slid out of the Greek port of Salonica one grey dawn last week, a 900-ton escort ship waited for her just outside the harbor. The Forrestal turned southward into the Aegean Sea, and the escort dutifully took up station a mile astern, rolling gently in the huge carrier's wake. At midday, when the Forrestal catapulted her Phantom jets into clearing skies, the escort drew alongside to within 50 yards of the carrier. But not a signal was exchanged. The escort vessel was Russian, a super gunboat...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!