The sun never sets in America

Chapter 376 Caribbean Affairs

Longjiang Port-——

A port city that was recognized as the hub of the Atlantic Ocean when it was founded.

As the third largest city in Han Dynasty, Longjiang's population has exceeded 2.5 million, making it one of the most populous cities in Han Dynasty. In terms of population data, it is second only to Xijing and the largest city in terms of population. The current registered population has been The gold mountain exceeded 3.5 million.

The biggest difference between Longjiang and the other two port cities is that it is not only an economic center in the Atlantic Ocean, but also the largest pillar and military base in the entire Han Dynasty's Atlantic strategy.

The Atlantic Fleet stationed in Longjiang Port is also the second largest fleet in Han Dynasty after the Pacific Fleet. It is the most powerful fleet among the three major fleets in Han Dynasty.

The main reason why the Atlantic Fleet is the strongest, rather than the Pacific Fleet, which is the largest overall, is the strength of a single warship.

In the early days, due to the restrictions of the Atlantic Treaty, the entire Atlantic Fleet had been under "repression". No matter what it did, it had to consider whether the tonnage of the warship exceeded the standard at the first time. If the U.S. Navy had not also been subject to restrictions at that time, this naval treaty would have long ago He was accused of being a "traitor".

This situation in the Atlantic Fleet lasted until the first two years, that is, the 19th year of Longwu when the US military began to violate the Atlantic Treaty.

When it first violated the treaty, the United States gave a "hypocritical" explanation. But now it seems that in addition to the strong reaction of Han Dynasty and summoned the American minister many times, the British Empire, another relevant party to the treaty, was like I didn't see anything like that. I just issued a "innocuous" diplomatic inquiry.

Others did not do so at all, and even turned a blind eye to the United States' strengthening presence in the Caribbean.

As for the reason why no one was there, everyone actually knew it, but they just pretended not to see it during this period.

Even the Pacific Fleet only leads in terms of tonnage. In terms of overall strength, if there is a fight, the Atlantic Fleet may not be stronger! !

At this juncture, even if some senior U.S. officials want to rely on the Navy to break the current situation on the North American battlefield, those "old foxes" in the Navy will not choose to take risks at this time.

Because of these reasons, the current land battlefield between China and the United States is "bloody", but at sea, which is extremely critical, except for the two sides starting to hunt down the merchant ships of the two countries, they have maintained a tacit understanding for a long time.

The Navy has reached a crossroads.

The pressure from the US military is actually not great. After all, the US Army is already in the Montana battlefield at this time and is exhausted. It is trying to find ways to mobilize more troops and recruit more soldiers to supplement the consumption of the war.

If we fight well, we can "turn the tide" and even put the navy's reputation above that of the army.

The most core issue is whether to fight or not to fight. This issue has always been at the core of the whirlwind of public opinion that the Navy is currently in.

As a certain naval commodore said in a secret meeting: "If this continues, I'm afraid there will be no one in the navy in the future."

With such a fierce public sentiment and military sentiment, it is impossible for the Navy to remain calm even if it wants to.

Also because of the important regional location of the Atlantic Ocean and the huge pressure from the U.S. Navy, the entire Atlantic Fleet is basically a battleship of more than 5,000 tons. Even the mythical-class ironclads that were remodeled and enlarged in the early stages can only be used as ordinary ships. Used by cruisers.

Yan Buhui, who holds the rank of brigadier general, followed Zhao An, who was one level higher than him, and stopped and complained along the way, constantly complaining about the current situation.

The entire Atlantic Fleet has a total of more than fifteen main warships. If you include supporting small ships, the total number is more than thirty, making it the "second" navy of the Han Dynasty.

After the outbreak of the Second Sino-American War, the entire Atlantic Fleet was under tremendous pressure.

Among them, the quality of battleships is higher than that of the Pacific Fleet.

The meaning of the general offensive theory is also very simple, that is, to attack New York, the core of the eastern United States, with the primary purpose of destroying the U.S. Navy.

But after a few years, this building named "Côte d'Azur" finally became the Navy's "old favorite".

However, it cannot convince the "vicious" public opinion outside, as a soldier in the Army wrote when he wrote home:

"I hope that future generations will be proud to join the army and ashamed to join the navy!!"

Although this was just a joke, it really stimulated the majority of naval officers. In a naval officer's petition for war, the slogan "I will cleanse the soul of the navy with my blood" was even used.

The current capital ships of the Han Kingdom are divided into two types, one is the 10,000-ton battleship represented by the Qin-class battleship, and the other is the armored fleet led by the second-tier Zhou-class battleship.

"If you want to fight, it is better to fight early, and to fight early, it is better to fight hard!!"

Yan Buhui is a typical war fighter. In his view, there is nothing that cannot be solved by one war. If not, then two.

"I've already said it, if we don't fight, our navy will really become a street rat!!"

As a member of the Jiuyuan Congress wrote in his petition to Liu Peng:

"Tens of millions are spent every year to build hundreds and tens of millions of ships at every turn. Now, at the time when the country is putting its best efforts, there are no navy ships. Army soldiers are fighting bloody battles in America. Where is the navy? Where are the battleships??"

Although the Minister of the Navy Lu Mushan explained that this was a "strategy," those in the country seemed not to want to let go of the navy at all. In their view, the navy spent so much money to build it, but it did not contribute at all during the national war. What is this? This is serious "malfeasance" and an extremely abhorrent act of treason.

The resistance of the first two navy was over, but the "accusation" of Emperor Longwu was not something the navy could bear, and not even everyone in the navy could bear it.

And this is also the main reason why the strength of Han's Atlantic Fleet has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, because the real stumbling block to "progress" has been kicked away by the Americans.

It was one of the few "happy events" for the navy at that time.

Although this so-called heavy asset is just a slogan ridiculed within the Navy, it has indeed improved the Navy's appearance.

This is just the dissatisfaction of some low-level soldiers in the army against the navy. Among the people, the opinions of the navy are even greater. In some places, there are even jokes about "Navy straw bag and greyhound bear".

But when someone lifts this fig leaf, even the biggest "coward" has to admit that the Navy is only one war away from having a "bad reputation".

The Navy Headquarters is a sky-blue building. This building is currently the Navy's largest asset, other than the fleet and training base.

Yan Buhui is also famous within the navy, and the famous "General Offensive Theory" is his masterpiece.

But once it loses, the navy will not only face the public opinion of "crusade", but also face the cabinet's attack, and even the "dissatisfaction" of His Majesty the Emperor.

The Atlantic Fleet currently has four of the eight 10,000-ton battleships of the Han Dynasty, and six of the twelve 8,000-ton Zhou-class battleships. Even the Myth-class ironclads, which are not built in too many numbers, have five. This does not count the later improved models. It can be said that the entire Atlantic Fleet almost includes the essence of the entire Han Navy.

Although in the end this memorial was left unpublished by Liu Peng, it was regarded as "favoring" the navy.

.............................................

"Tell me, what do we call this now? Humans are not human, ghosts are not ghosts, and we still have to be scolded by others. I have had enough of this kind of life!!"

After all, this is the first time that the Navy is on the same page as its big brother, the Army.

However, such a balanced war situation is about to be unsustainable, because the Atlantic Fleet is facing increasing domestic pressure. Some officials and congressmen even ridiculed the Navy for "standing in the pit and not taking a shit." In fact, the original intention was to say, Your navy spends so much military expenditure every year and builds so many warships. Now the country needs it, the American war has reached this level, and the army has mobilized more than 1.5 million people. If the navy does not do anything at this time, what will happen in the future? The face demands military spending.

After all, compared to a so-called building, of the many battleships launched over the years, none of them can compare to a building.

And this has also led to a problem, that is, since the United States has nothing to worry about, as the only player in the Americas, Han does not have to abide by such a treaty that no one cares about anymore.

Yan Buhui's "nagging" kept reaching Zhao An's ears, which made him a little upset, and he directly replied:

"In that case, why don't you ask yourself to be the commander and fight the US military in a decisive battle?"

One sentence made it difficult for Yan Buhui to speak.

After walking for a while and arriving at the foot of the building, Yan Buhui couldn't help but say:

"Is the meeting today just because of the war??"

Zhao An was much calmer this time. He looked up at the blue building and replied solemnly:

"If we discuss the war today, I'm afraid the higher ups really won't be able to bear it!!"

Yan Buhui clearly understood the "dissatisfaction" in Zhao An's words.

After saying a few more words, the two of them walked neatly into the navy's most confidential building.

Inside the building, there were naval officers in uniforms "coming and going" everywhere. When the two generals walked in, the salutes sounded like "firecrackers".

After the two of them left, Yan Buhui still raised his hand slightly, after all, there were so many people who had just responded.

…………

"Salute!!" "Sweet!" As soon as Lu Mushan walked in, there was a burst of salutes. Looking around, they were all "dotted with stars". In this conference room, without "stars", you can even Not eligible to be seated.

"sit!!"

Lu Mushan's words were extremely brief, and he looked very different from his usual appearance, which made some "careful" people notice that something was wrong.

As soon as Lu Mushan sat down, he spoke directly: "Everyone, you are the pillars of the navy. You must all know the rumors about our navy in the world today!!"

Everyone was indifferent, obviously not wanting to answer this topic that "hurts the navy's military image".

Lu Mushan nodded noncommittally, and then said:

"Everyone, outsiders say that my navy is a pig that cannot eat enough and a traitor to the country!!"

“But I have to say, I’m totally wrong!!”

Lu Mushan first said some self-deprecating words angrily, and then spoke again:

"Without the hard work and protection of my naval officers, how could the Atlantic Ocean have been calm in these years, and how could the economy connecting Europe have been running smoothly??"

"People say the navy is inferior to the army, but is that really true??"

"Looking at reality, the army fought hard in Montana and fought in the south. It can be said that it is very prestigious. Compared with it, our navy is naturally inferior."

"But this does not mean that our navy has not made any contribution. In fact, the US Navy can still only stay in domestic ports. The main reason is the deterrence of our navy."

"Without our navy, where would Longjiang be today?"

Lu Mushan used this internal meeting to clear up all his usual complaints, which resonated with many naval officers.

For most naval officers, the current public opinion in Han Dynasty makes them feel unprecedented "humiliation".

After Lu Mushan finished venting, he added: "Everyone in the world thinks that our navy is avoiding war, but they don't know that our navy is looking for fighters!!"

"Now, although the fighter plane has not yet arrived, it has to be launched!!"

"Shuashua", just two words, made everyone focus on Lu Mushan.

For them, nothing is more important than "going to war."

Even for "warriors" like Yan Buhui, using all their strength to destroy the US Navy is what they want to do most, but have been suppressed.

Now Lu Mushan opened the "lid", and soon the "calls for battle" around him were like firecrackers, and they kept ringing.

Lu Mushan waited for a while before slowly speaking: "We must fight, but in what way?"

"Or, where will the fight start??"

After hearing this, Yan Buhui stood up on his own initiative. He first saluted Lu Mushan as the chief officer, and then said: "Currently, the U.S. Navy is divided into two fleets. One is the local fleet entrenched in New York, and there are squadrons in other areas. The second is the Caribbean Fleet in the Caribbean ports of Cuba.”

"These two fleets, the local fleet, are the most powerful and have the heaviest responsibilities. They are the enemy of our army!!"

"The Caribbean Fleet is second, and it can be regarded as the second force of the U.S. Navy."

"If our army wants to win, it will be easier to attack the Caribbean first than to attack the mainland, and it will also be easier to disrupt the US military's position."

Yan Buhui's meaning has been very clear. Basically, he wants to engage in the "strikes in the east and attacks in the west" style.

People around him had different thoughts, some agreed, some opposed, and some even couldn't stand Yan Buhui, so they asked directly:

"General Yan, may I ask, what should I do if the home fleet attacks the Caribbean Fleet?"

"Or is it that General Yan has three heads and six arms and can create another Atlantic fleet??"

Listening to the man's "mean" words, Yan Buhui replied with a serious expression:

"The military discipline of the US military is looser than that of our army, and if our army wants to destroy the Caribbean Fleet and control the Caribbean Sea, it does not necessarily require all the main force to be deployed, only one-third is enough!!"

The word "that's it" was completely "boiling", and even those who supported Yan Buhui couldn't help but murmur.

Even Lu Mushan asked aloud:

"One third, you're not wrong, are you?"

"According to our intelligence, the Caribbean Fleet has at least four battleships and a dozen other armored battleships. Its strength cannot be underestimated. With only one-third of the strength of our army, I am afraid that it will be impossible for a meat bun to beat a dog." No reply!!”

Seeing the distrustful expressions of Lu Mushan and the people around him, Yan Buhui, who wanted to save face, stood up directly and said:

"Although the Caribbean Fleet is strong, it has a fatal flaw, that is, it is too smooth!!"

"Since the establishment of the fleet, let alone contact with us, there has not been much contact with the British!!"

"This fleet has only strength but no record!!"

"What's more, according to my observation, what this Caribbean fleet usually does most is patrol and eliminate pirates. It is said to be a navy, but in fact it is just a coast guard."

There was a hint of disdain on the corner of Yan Buhui's mouth. In his opinion, one third of such an army was considered a compliment.

But Lu Mushan didn’t think so. He asked directly:

"The strength of the navy does not necessarily depend on the performance. After all, there are only a few naval fleets in the world with actual combat experience. Apart from fighting Brazil, our military has no experience. Isn't it ranked among the top in the world??"

"What's more, the American Caribbean Fleet is considered the most important lever for Americans to control the Caribbean. How can the so-called idle people take this position?"

"If I were the U.S. Navy, the Caribbean is such an important place, and the personnel and warships required are all top-notch. If I just do it half-heartedly, wouldn't it be contradictory to myself??"

From beginning to end, Lu Mushan never underestimated the U.S. Navy.

In his opinion, although the U.S. Navy is not as good as the British, and even its total tonnage is not as good as that of France, under the large-scale arms race over the past few years, even the most stupid people should start to understand, not to mention the support of the masses. Even if Wan's Caribbean fleet is not strong enough, it can still win a draw due to its size.

Even after saying so much, Yan Buhui still stubbornly believed that using "one-third" of the strength to attack Caribbean was a very cost-effective thing.

He even listed the strategic "loopholes" of the US Navy, but he still was not recognized.

It wasn't until Zhao An agreed that the people around him paid a little attention to the plan to attack the Caribbean first.

But it is still difficult to convince them to send a large army to fight in the Caribbean that has nothing to do with the war situation.

But at this time, Army Mushan, who had been objecting just now, said:

"Attack the Caribbean first. If you think about it carefully, there is a possibility of success."

"But the risk is very high..."

Before Lu Mushan could finish speaking, he was interrupted by Yan Buhui, who then heard:

"Although the risk is high, the reward is very high. If the road department is not willing to take this risk, I am willing to give it a try!!"

"If it succeeds, everyone will be happy. If it fails, Yan is willing to commit suicide to thank you all!!"

Yan Buhui's "oath" was like a boulder thrown into the river, causing those present to look at him frequently.

In the end, this first attack plan was approved, not for anything else but because of the "current situation."

(End of this chapter)