Crimson Tide

In post-Soviet Russia, tensions escalate as a civil war erupts, primarily fueled by the ongoing conflict in Chechnya. The chaos leads to military factions consolidating power and threatening global security.

Vladimir Radchenko, an ultra-nationalist, seizes control of a nuclear missile installation, posing a grave threat to both American and Russian governments. His military units declare their readiness to engage in nuclear warfare, escalating the crisis.

The U.S. Navy assigns the USS Alabama, a ballistic missile submarine, to a critical patrol mission. Captain Frank Ramsey, an experienced commander, prepares his crew to potentially retaliate against Radchenko's threats.

As the crew embarks on their mission, tension quickly rises between Captain Ramsey and his new executive officer, Ron Hunter. Ramsey's impulsive style clashes with Hunter's analytical approach, revealing fundamental differences in their leadership.

On Day 3, a fire breaks out in the submarine's galley, tragically resulting in the death of the chief mess officer, Rono. Amidst the chaos, Hunter attempts to assist the mess crew, while Ramsey orders a missile drill, further highlighting their conflicting priorities.

On Day 6, the USS Alabama receives an Emergency Action Message indicating that Radchenko's forces have acquired nuclear weapons. The status escalates to Defcon 3, increasing the urgency of their mission.

By Day 11, Hunter observes a fight among the sailors, signaling deteriorating morale aboard the Alabama. In response, Ramsey chastises the crew over the intercom for their lack of battle focus, fostering further discord.

On Day 12, the Alabama is ordered to launch missiles against the Russian nuclear installation as Radchenko's missiles are reportedly being fueled. However, confusion arises as a second transmission is cut off amidst an attack from a Russian submarine.

The Alabama is targeted by a Russian Akula-class submarine loyal to Radchenko, resulting in a fierce battle. The crew manages to escape using countermeasures, but the submarine sustains critical damage during the skirmish.

As tensions peak, Hunter refuses to launch the missiles without confirmation of the order’s validity. This leads to a confrontation where he attempts to arrest Ramsey, claiming he is prioritizing protocol over potential catastrophe.

After a failed attack by the Russian submarine, water floods the bilge bay, forcing Hunter to seal it off, which tragically leads to the drowning of several sailors trapped inside. The crew strives to restore propulsion before reaching critical depths.

A standoff occurs between Ramsey's loyalists and Hunter's faction in the control room. They confront each other armed, each side is prepared to force their authority despite the ship’s dire straits.

As tensions rise, the radio team successfully restores communications, revealing the second message that retracts the missile launch orders due to the quelling of Radchenko's rebellion. This leads Ramsey to relinquish command to Hunter.

Following their harrowing ordeal, Ramsey and Hunter return to base, where they are called before a naval tribunal to address their actions during the crisis. The tribunal ultimately concludes both were right and wrong in their decisions.

As a consequence of the events, regulations are changed to prohibit sub captains from launching nuclear missiles without presidential authorization. This represents a pivotal shift in military protocol handling nuclear engagement.