Naval Base Norfolk is the largest naval base of United States. Especially in order to strengthen the naval strength in United States so that it can compete with Germany for sea control on Atlantic Ocean, American Navy further expanded Naval Base Norfolk. This has become the home port of American Navy Atlantic Fleet. Almost all of the Capital Shipss from the previous American Navys were parked here.
However, there are no longer those large Capital Shipss on the dock of Naval Base Norfolk. In the Yar Islands naval battle, all Capital Ships of American Navy were sunk. Even small and medium-sized warships suffered a lot of losses. Therefore, the current Naval Base Norfolk looks very empty.
However, even so, Naval Base Norfolk still has great attack value. This naval base is equipped with docks, oil depots, ammunition depots, and other living facilities. In order to build this naval base, US government spent a huge amount of money. If this place is destroyed, Americans will once again have to invest a lot of money to rebuild this naval base.
After all, it is easier to destroy than to build. At the same time, the cost is much smaller.
After successively destroying Boston, New York and Baltimore, the target of German Navy Combined Fleet was set on Naval Base Norfolk.
Inside Naval Base Norfolk, base Commander Major General Pratt is inspecting the base's defense. A large number of air defense troops are stationed at the base. Baltimore was destroyed by Carrier-based aircraft of German Navy, which sounded the alarm for United States. As United States's largest naval base, American Navy executives believe that it is very likely to become an attack target by Germany people. Therefore, Minister Daniels and William General Benson specially seconded an air defense force from the army to protect the base from being attacked by Germany's Carrier-based aircraft.
Anti-aircraft Guns one after another, and anti-aircraft machine guns one after another, are being deployed.
Admiral Pratt After inspecting for a while, he was very satisfied with the performance of these air defense troops. Although, he was not sure whether these air defense troops could withstand the attack of German Navy's Carrier-based aircraft. However, it can at least provide some guarantee for their safety. It will not be completely in a passive state of being beaten, with no ability to fight back at all.
At this moment, on Atlantic Ocean, German Navy Combined Fleet is quickly moving towards Chesapeake Bay. Americans thought that German Navy would repeat his old tricks and use Carrier-based aircraft to attack Naval Base Norfolk. However, they did not expect that this time the main force of Combined Fleet would appear in person.
Although, entering Chesapeake Bay will put German Navy's Combined Fleet in danger. However, Admiral Hipper and others believe that if they can deploy it well, they should be able to achieve their strategic goals. They have made special arrangements for counterattacks that American Navy may use.
On the 'Caesar' Battleship, Admiral Hipper is finalizing the battle plan for this time.
"General Fiers, you said it's too risky for us to forcefully introduce Chesapeake Bay and attack Naval Base Norfolk?" Admiral Hipper couldn't help but ask.
"Your Excellency Commander, risks are inevitable. However, I think the possibility of our success will be very high. And if we succeed, it will be of great benefit to us. In this case, we can naturally take a little risk. What's more, we have made various plans and should be able to face various crises." Lieutenant General Richter Fiers said.
Admiral Hipper nodded. "After entering Chesapeake Bay, our biggest threat comes from Americans's small and medium-sized warships and submarines. Therefore, these two aspects must be foolproof!"
As for the coastal defense artillery deployed by American Navy in Naval Base Norfolk, Admiral Hipper did not take it seriously. Most of those shore defense guns were deployed many years ago. They are old and very weak. For those Capital Ships of German Navy Combined Fleet, there is no threat at all. On the contrary, the main gun of German Navy and Capital Ships can easily destroy these shore defenses.
"How long do we have until Chesapeake Bay?" Admiral Hipper asked.
"Sir Commander, we estimate that we will arrive at Chesapeake Bay in two hours."
"Where is Carrier Fleet?"
"Carrier Fleet is fifty nautical miles behind us."
Admiral Hipper nodded. According to the plan, German Navy Combined Fleet will be responsible for launching bombardment against Naval Base Norfolk with Naval Gun. Carrier Fleet is responsible for subsequent attacks. Admiral Hipper all believe that after German Navy's Carrier-based aircraft destroyed Baltimore's port and shipyard, Americans will not fail to take precautions in this regard.
Therefore, it is inevitable to avoid major damage to the aircraft carrier's Carrier-based aircraft. This time, the fleet's Capital Ships is the main force. Carrier Fleet and Carrier-based aircraft are just auxiliary forces.
When German Navy Combined Fleet was about forty nautical miles away from Naval Base Norfolk, a American Navy seaplane flew over Combined Fleet.
Now American Navy is no longer like before, without any defense at all. Seaplanes with simple structures, long range, and the ability to take off and land on the sea have been widely used in the search for German fleet.
"General, a Americans seaplane discovered us." Lieutenant General Richter Fels reported.
The expression on Admiral Hipper's face also became serious.
"It seems that our attack on Naval Base Norfolk this time will not go too smoothly. It is very likely that we will encounter stubborn resistance from Americans." Admiral Hipper said.
"General, no matter whether Americans is prepared or not, we can use our strong strength to crush their resistance." Lieutenant General Richter Fiers is still confident.
"Order the fleet to be prepared for Americans lightning strikes. Anti-submarine destroyers must not let their guard down this time." Admiral Hipper said.
He knew that this time Americans would do his best to resist their attack. If the plan was abandoned, the losses to the fleet might have been avoided. However, that would have a great impact on the morale of the fleet. All along, German Navy has developed the habit of completing no task. This is the pride of German Navy.
At the same time, Admiral Hipper also believes that when German Navy has an absolute advantage in strength, Americans's stubborn resistance is nothing more than a trapped beast still fighting.