What the hell is a private enterprise?

Chapter 376 Fearful
There isn't really a clear standard for classifying nuclear submarines; it's mainly based on technological generation and construction batch.

If a country has built many batches of buildings and frequently updates them, it can classify them by itself, such as the US and Russia, and then it can be pushed all the way to the fifth or sixth generation, while other countries can only be considered as the first, second or third generation.

According to internationally accepted technological classifications, the most advanced technology currently available should be classified as third-generation, but many submarines fall into the categories of first-and-a-half generation, the peak of first generation, or second-and-a-half generation...

However, whether classified by our own standards or by international standards, third-generation nuclear submarines are considered to be among the main and more advanced types.

The only Type 091 in China is probably the first generation, while the latest Type 091G can reach the early level of the second generation—and it is still the inferior kind.

Its noise level reaches 160 decibels, which is ridiculously high compared to the 100 to 100 decibels of the Seawolf/Los Angeles. Calling it an underwater tractor is not an exaggeration at all, but a pure fact.

Furthermore, its diving depth is only 200 to 300 meters, and its speed is only around 25 knots...

The third generation, the Type 949 "Oscar" and the Type 971 "Akula", it can't possibly be the Type 945 "Sierra", that's a titanium alloy nuclear submarine!

However, considering that they control 685, it's not impossible.

Old Zhang thought it over and over, but he didn't consider the US or the British and French. If the former were lost, they would probably have already thrown mushroom eggs by now. For the latter two, even losing just one would be a big deal. Only Russia would be a possibility.

The situation over there is so chaotic right now, who knows, maybe they'll take another one away!

Thinking of this, he nodded slightly, his expression grave.
“That is indeed a major issue. If it is leaked, there will be enormous risks, and it could even turn the tide of the game… What are your opinions?”

Tang Wen: "My suggestion is to build a separate secret port—such as a cliff cave by the sea—to avoid satellite surveillance."

At the same time, Gaijin also needs to send people to be stationed there to strictly screen all contacts.

"That makes perfect sense... Okay, tell me which submarine it is?"

"The first batch of Los Angeles-class destroyers, SSN698 Bremerton".

"..."

The atmosphere froze for about half a minute. Old Zhang's mouth was slightly open, and his hands were clenched into fists. It took him a long time to regain his ability to speak.

"Lost in Los Angeles? Are you serious?"

Los Angeles, that's the second-best mainstay model after the Seawolf, the Empire's current mainstay!
"Currently, this submarine and most of its crew are in a port under our control. I need to confirm that the mainland can ensure secrecy and security before it can be brought over."

"No, no, no, please don't! Make it sink! Even if it's shoveling it down, it's fine!"

Old Zhang was so anxious he almost jumped up:

"Once the surface of the ocean emerges and sends a signal to the satellite, everything will be over! This will trigger a major war!"

This submarine has extremely stringent security measures, which even the captain does not have the authority to unlock. If activated…

"calm down!"

Tang Wen spent a lot of effort to calm him down, and then explained:
"Rest assured, this submarine is now completely under my control, including the unlocking permissions for the Mushroom Egg."

Now that the ship has been salvaged and become one of his own, Tang Wen naturally has complete control over it.

But Lao Zhang was once again shocked, and then a question suddenly came to mind:
"Wait, didn't the Type 685 tank that went to Qingdao last time also carry mushroom-shaped warheads?"

Under his horrified gaze, Tang Wen nodded calmly.

"Okay..." Old Zhang was even a little at a loss for words, and after a long while shouted:

"Stop the car immediately and turn around to the nearest base!"

Each base has a red telephone, and it's clearly necessary to use it now.

However, Tang Wen was clearly not that excited. After all, even the sinking of the Seawolf had been covered up by the Empire, so the Bremerton probably wouldn't make a big fuss either. ...

The Missouri flotilla passed through the Panama Canal unharmed.

The James recorded the seabed disturbances as data, and no further anomalies were detected afterward.

Two days later, a Los Angeles-class submarine surfaced at night as scheduled, made brief contact with Case, learned of the latest developments, and then sank again.

Two days later, at dusk, the three warships began to wait for the signal from the Bremerton.

But this time, they didn't find it even after midnight.

However, nuclear submarines often lose contact, and there are usually various reasons for the delays, such as the submarines being busy hunting down U-boats that are oblivious to their fate.

However, two helicopters took off the next day to expand the area in an attempt to receive the signal, but they found nothing by nightfall.

On the sixth night after Bremerton sank, after failing to make contact as agreed within 48 hours, Case had to call Fern back and report back home.

Meanwhile, the HMS Phillips, which was being reinforced from the main fleet, also joined the search effort, and a satellite was deployed from the mainland to specifically search for the whereabouts of the HMS Bremerton.

On the ninth day, the other two Los Angeles base-class bases also began their search.

"I have a bad feeling about this."

Case squinted his eyes:

"The Bremerton may have suddenly run aground, encountered an underwater cliff and fallen into a deep abyss, or suffered a serious mechanical failure. If it was a battle, no matter which ship sank, there would be traces, and there would most likely be a final emergency communication."

The other captains in the Missouri fleet were on the communications channel, and they largely agreed with Case's guess:

Only an unexpected accident can cause something to disappear silently and suddenly. Normal combat is very noisy, and there are two submarines and a frigate around!

In fact, the area where suspected underwater activity was detected had already been searched. Two other submarines went to search the area one after another, and left only after finding no metal debris, oil stains, or radioactive residue.

Even so, the loss of contact with a Los Angeles-class submarine is a major incident. The USS Missouri fleet temporarily halted its southward journey and lingered near Panama, preparing to thoroughly search the relevant waters.

……

The Imperial Navy was searching for the Bremerton in extreme anxiety and worry, and things weren't much better back home.

Upon learning that it was an intact submarine, they immediately became extremely vigilant, keeping a close eye on any international developments, fearing that the US might suddenly act out.

As for taking over the Bremerton? Let's deal with the immediate situation first!

But one day, three days, ten days in a row passed, and yet everything remained calm and peaceful.
On the afternoon of the eleventh day, vigilant intelligence personnel discovered the information:
The USS Missouri fleet has not moved forward or docked for half a month, just circling outside Panama.

Many cargo ships pass by, so the media reported this news.

When asked about it the next day, the Imperial Navy simply dodged the question, saying it was normal training.

But as the only ones in the know, those in China have already guessed the reason.

Only then could they confirm that Tang Wen had indeed taken control of the Bremerton, and they finally began to get excited:
The last time I encountered the Type 685 submarine, besides being an eye-opener, I shook my head and sighed – using titanium alloy to build a submarine, how extravagant that must be!

The Los Angeles-class is different; Tang Wen said it can be disassembled and studied, which would be very interesting.

If we can digest and absorb it, wouldn't we immediately catch up with the mainstream level?

(End of this chapter)