While the American Navy was throwing its full strength into preparations for a fight to the death with the German Navy, the German Navy was likewise preparing for this decisive battle.
Like the American Navy, the German Navy had designated the waters around the Azores as the battlefield. According to the German Navy's analysis, if the American Navy wanted to defeat the German Navy, it had no choice but to uproot the bases on the Azores. Therefore, the German Navy would rather wait in these waters for the American Navy to come knocking on its own door.
Fighting the American Navy to the death on a battlefield of their own choosing would undoubtedly give the German Navy a greater chance of ultimate victory. Even though the German Navy was stronger than the American Navy, they still had to proceed with the utmost caution if they wanted to win this naval battle. In a naval war concerning the fate of both nations, there was no room for the slightest carelessness. Once they failed, what would be buried with them would be the nation's future.
After leaving Wilhelmshaven, the German Home Fleet entered the North Sea. It then passed through the Shetland Islands into the Atlantic Ocean before turning south toward the waters around the Azores.
As for the German Navy Mediterranean Fleet, after passing through the Strait of Gibraltar into the Atlantic Ocean, it sailed west all the way toward the Azores.
The German Atlantic Fleet's home port had originally been in the Azores. After leaving Port Hero, the fleet did not actually leave these waters. Instead, it cruised nearby, waiting for the other two fleets to arrive and join it. At the same time, it stood ready in strict formation, awaiting the arrival of the American fleet.
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