Gibraltar Naval Base, German Navy Mediterranean Fleet Commander Hull Admiral Mann Böhm boarded the fleet flagship 'Deutschland' aircraft carrier. Although compared to Home Fleet and Atlantic Fleet, Mediterranean Fleet is much weaker. Four Battleship, three Battlecruiser, plus four 'Deutschland-class' aircraft carriers.
It can be said that German Navy Mediterranean Fleet and Indian Ocean Fleet can be called the weakest two among German Navy Five Grand Fleets. But even so, the strength of Mediterranean Fleet cannot be underestimated.
The four Battleship and three Battlecruiser were all rebuilt from the hulls of the Battleship and Battlecruiser that captured the Britain people in the previous war. And before this World War broke out, it had been modernized and modified, making these Capital Ships regain extremely powerful combat effectiveness. Perhaps in terms of overall combat power, it cannot compare to American Navy's new Capital Ships. However, the difference will not be too big.
Although the performance of the four 'Deutschland-class' aircraft carriers is not as good as that of the 'Constellation-class' aircraft carrier and subsequent mass-produced aircraft carriers. But the overall strength of an aircraft carrier that can carry eighty combat aircraft is not much weaker.
"Command the fleet to set off! This time, since Americans wants to fight us, we will do our best to defeat them! Let them know that Imperial Navy is the most powerful navy in the world!" Hull Admiral Man Boehm issued the order.
Soon, German Navy Mediterranean Fleet's seven Capital Ships and four aircraft carriers, escorted by a large number of cruisers and destroyers, sailed out of the military port, passed Strait of Gibraltar, and entered Atlantic Ocean.
German Navy this time, in order to cope with the challenge of American Navy, it can be said that German Navy has done its best. The three Grand Fleet deployed on Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea were dispatched.
As many as 23 Capital Shipss and as many as 20 aircraft carriers were dispatched. If cruisers and destroyers are included, the total number of ships dispatched by San Grand Fleet is as high as hundreds. With such strength, no navy in the world can compete with it. Even if American Navy went out in full force, it would still be a little worse.
Of course, the three Grand Fleet have to work together this time and cannot go their own way. Otherwise, it will only allow American Navy to seize the opportunity and defeat them one by one. In order to coordinate the operations of the three Grand Fleet, Imperial Navy's native Fleet Commander Marshal Lütjens, who served as the Commander for this operation, was responsible for fully commanding this naval battle.
United States is also paying special attention to the three Grand Fleet of German Navy. United States's intelligence agency has intelligence personnel in Germany, Azores and Gibraltar. After these intelligence personnel discovered that the three Grand Fleets of German Navy had left the port, they immediately sent Telegram to China. Although, many intelligence officers were exposed as a result and were arrested by Germany's counterintelligence agency. However, this also allowed United States to obtain the most valuable information.
American Navy Operations Department also fell into tension after learning that German Navy's three Grand Fleet were all going to sea.
"Damn it, how could the Germany people even send out Mediterranean Fleet? Are they preparing to have a showdown with us?" American Navy Operations Department eldest Harold? Admiral Stark looked very ugly. In their expectation, German Navy Mediterranean Fleet, as a strategic reserve team, would not be easily dispatched. Even if it was dispatched, they would wait for the naval battle on Atlantic Ocean to determine the winner. If German Navy Mediterranean Fleet does not take action, then American Navy will only have to deal with German Home Fleet and Atlantic Fleet. In that case, their advantage will be greater. But now, German Navy has dispatched Mediterranean Fleet, which will make American Navy not have any advantage over Atlantic Ocean, but will be at a disadvantage.
"Your Excellency Minister, the situation is not good for us! Our overall strength is still unable to compete with German Navy's three Grand Fleet." General James Richardson also looked worried.
You know, this time American Navy is putting all its efforts into the game. If they fail, then American Navy's efforts over the years will be in vain. It will even put United States in a more disadvantageous position in this war. Although the shipyards in United States are already working overtime to build warships. But no matter how fast we speed up, it still takes time. Navy warships, especially Capital Ships and aircraft carriers, are themselves very expensive. The construction period of a warship is also very long. Therefore, if the loss is too great, it will take time to replenish it.
"Your Excellency Minister, it is obvious that the Germany people are now ready. If the fleet led by General Nimitz wants to launch another raid, it may not be easy to succeed. Under such circumstances, if it launches an attack rashly, it is likely to fail. Why not, let General Nimitz and the others return and look for another chance!" Admiral Ernest King suggested.
Harold Admiral Stark frowned. If he ordered the fleet to return now, it would mean that this time the attack plan would be abandoned. In this case, the safety of the fleet can certainly be ensured. However, it is very difficult to defeat German Navy. After all, Germany people must have a lot of intelligence personnel in United States. It is basically impossible for American Navy's fleet to leave the military port silently and without being discovered by Germany people. In this case, American fleet will never have the chance to raid German fleet.
The current situation is inherently unfavorable to United States. The longer the delay is, the more disadvantageous it will be to United States. Therefore, it was under such circumstances that President Roosevelt forced American Navy to go to sea to fight.
"I will ask the President for instructions!" Harold Admiral Stark said.
Subsequently, Harold Admiral Stark rushed to White House and asked President Roosevelt for instructions.
President Roosevelt Although he had served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, he knew nothing about naval warfare. He just asked Harold Admiral Stark, if he gives up this time, will he find a better opportunity in the future?
Harold Admiral Stark immediately fell silent. He also knew that it was almost impossible to find a better opportunity. Therefore, in the end Harold Admiral Stark decided to continue with this combat plan.
However, Harold Admiral Stark also ordered that the information be sent to Admiral Nimitz, and Admiral Nimitz was given full authority to take charge of this operation.