The Victor I-class was the NATO reporting name for the Soviet Project 671 nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN). A total of 16 were built. They were the first teardrop hull-shaped submarines designed to conduct ASW operations. However, only seven Victor Is were in commission at the time the Tailships began their Mediterranean operations. That may explain why only three of the class deployed (sporadically) to the Mediterranean between 1971–72. But, by 1973, there were 11 in commission and this allowed the Soviets to keep at least one Victor I constantly deployed in the Mediterranean. With the Yom Kippur War, the Soviets deployed three of the class into the Mediterranean to counter the presence of three US Navy carrier battlegroups. (Artwork by Anderson Subtil)