The Hunt for Red October proceeds to pursue and engage it. The two U.S. submarines escorting "Red October" are prevented from firing by rules of engagement, and "Red October" is damaged by a torpedo from the Alfa. After a tense standoff, "Red October" rams "V. K. Konovalov" broadside and sinks it. The Americans escort "Red October" safely into dry dock in Norfolk, Virginia, where Ramius and his crew are taken to a CIA safehouse to begin their settlement into American life. Ryan is commended and debriefed by his superiors; he later flies back to his posting in London. "The Hunt for Red October" introduced Tom
The Hunt for Red October deduces Ramius's plans. The U.S. military reluctantly agrees, while planning for contingencies in case the Soviet fleet has intentions other than those inferred. After it is revealed that Ramius has informed Moscow of his plan for him and his officers to defect, Ryan becomes responsible for shepherding Ramius and his vessel away from the pursuing Soviet fleet, and meets with an old Royal Navy acquaintance, Admiral John White, commanding a task force from the aircraft carrier . In order to convince the Soviets that "Red October" has been destroyed, the U.S. Navy rescues her crew after Ramius fakes a reactor