On May 2, 1940, the American Navy Operations Department convened a military conference. Not only had the American Navy's leading admirals gathered there, but Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox had also attended the meeting.
"Gentlemen, His Excellency the President made himself very clear at yesterday's meeting. In one month, we will launch an attack on the Germans. And the American Navy will be the foremost force in that attack against Germany!
What this war means to the United States of America, I am sure everyone understands perfectly well. If we fail, the United States will lose this war. We may even be destroyed. Therefore, we must go all out and win this war.
I will leave the specific fighting to you generals. As for what the Naval Ministry can do, it is to provide you with every kind of support to the fullest extent possible. His Excellency the President has already ordered the entire nation into a wartime footing. I will require all major shipyards to accelerate warship construction. The construction of our capital ships, aircraft carriers, cruisers, and destroyers will all be greatly sped up.
Although the German Navy is powerful, our strength is not weak either. The Naval Ministry will provide you with all kinds of warships in an unending stream. I hope that you can bring victory to the United States of America!"
Secretary Frank Knox spoke to the naval commanders with a grave expression.
"Yes, Mr. Secretary!" the American Navy commanders replied.
After Secretary Frank Knox had finished speaking, he handed control of the meeting to Admiral Harold Stark. As Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Harold Stark was the supreme commander of the American fleet.
"Gentlemen, in one month, we will have to go to war with the Germans. It is clearly unrealistic to expect