Submarine Intrigue: Finger in the Eye for Chavez

"The 362-foot Los Angeles-class submarine Asheville is nicknamed the 'Ghost of the Coast'. — US Navy"

What is this about? The photo above is merely one suggestion, so you will want to be the judge of these events for yourself:

December 16, 2011 - Submarine Asheville returns from deployment

The fast-attack submarine Asheville returned to Point Loma Friday, wrapping up a four month deployment during which the crew traveled to the Caribbean, and Central and South America, says the Navy. ...
The Navy said in a statement that 362-foot boat "participated in missions to counter the growing connection among narcotics groups, illicit trafficking networks, and hybrid criminal-terrorist insurgent organizations. The submarine also conducted two port visits to Panama, furthering relations with US partners in Central America." source

Earlier...

December 7, 2011 - 'US vessel violated Venezuela waters'

"We are certain that it was a [ ] submarine. And again, I even know the name of the commander of the submarine,” AFF quoted the president as saying at a press conference with foreign correspondents on Tuesday. source

November 6, 2011 -
Chavez had earlier announced that an unidentified nuclear-powered submarine violated Venezuelan territorial waters on November 6 and was chased away by the country's naval forces.

December 29, 2010 - 'Let them do it!': Chavez dares U.S. to cut ties
Caracas rejected Larry Palmer as the American ambassador to Venezuela, breaking diplomatic ties between the two nations. source

Afternotes
1- Venezuela supplies about 900,000 to 1 million barrels of oil per day to the United States.
2- Several U.S. subs have been known to have completed Caribbean operations in recent years similar to USS Asheville's.
3- Unlike those other subs, however, the USS Asheville has returned with an interesting public nickname: Ghost of the Coast.
4- In all probability, we think El Presidente Hugo Chavez has just been given a black eye approved by the Obama State Department.
5- Diplomats will probably have to deny that, and with customary foresight, Navy submariners will maintain their silent service secrecy.

Submarines are always silent and strange.
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