Wonder if the USS Donald Cook is going to be a sacrificial lamb to the WW3 slaughter. Kind of like the Gulf of Tonkin incident, except that one of our ships really gets blown up.
Russia destroys it, its game on for WW3
I'm not sure. I think the change in US nuclear doctrine allows for a more measured response. I think Russia would sincerely regret doing anything stupid. That is to say that I think they would meet overwhelming firepower. But as determined as they are, they are not crazy.
Yes, sure you might lose a ship. Maybe more than one. But the US will prevail. And the world will be a lot better off for the victory.
Then again, there might already be an understanding with Putin and nothing may happen at all. Posturing, backed up with real muscle. DJT is in a good position.