I could care less about what the media has to say about the FSU. My opinion of FSU equipment is based upon my experiences with it. As stated, it functioned, barely.
As to safety, and in addition to disintegrating aircraft (which I had not heard about), I direct your attention to the wonderful Russian bio-weapons and ICBM facilities and their effect upon the Russian environment. In some cases, the Soviets dumped bio-weapons in open pits, which are now leaching into the ground. Their ICBM's are so rusted that the missles must be deactivated in place because it is unsafe to move them.
My experience with the state of the FSU is not limited to the military. I have represented several U.S. companies during negotiations to establish joint ventures in Russia. I have heard the wonderful promises about a glorious project in the Motherland and the state of Russian technology. I therefore find it curious that the first round of financing usually goes to performing deferred maintenance and upgrading the facilities to marginally liveable conditions.
To ignore the fact that safety and comfort have never been a paramount concern in Soviet design and that Russian infrastructure has been neglected over the years is to ignore history. Doing so when you are in a hostile environment because it is not politically correct to point out deficiencies invites disaster.
I enjoy adventure when I vacation. However, that adventure does not include the adrenaline rush you get when you find out that you can't dive because your ship is malfunctioning.
FWIW, I didn't say that I wouldn't go on a Russian icebreaker. I said that I would think long and hard about it. My analysis would include a review of the ships' credentials, the qualifications of their officers and crew and more information on equipment and accomodations.
Lastly, I don't know any trigger happy navy seals and am, therefore, not sure how to respond. Do you? Alternatively, is your characterization of SEALS based solely upon the media about which you were just complaining?
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