Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 316 Bloody Battle Against the US Fleet, Displaying National Power! The Navy Will Prevail!
The command center of the US Navy's flagship aircraft carrier, the Philippine Sea.

"General, special operations communications."

Chief of Naval Operations Williams looked ashen-faced, clutching a telegram tightly in his hand.

"read."

Admiral Nimitz did not look up, his gaze fixed on the approaching Pyeongtaek Sea on the nautical chart, and said in a low voice.

"Pyeongtaek Port has been completely lost!"

The heavy cruiser USS Chicago, the light cruiser USS Manchester, and four destroyers of my vanguard fleet have been confirmed sunk by the Chinese navy!

Chief of Operations Williams took a deep breath, the sound particularly heavy in the deathly silent command room:

"Bang!"

Captain Blake of the Philippine Sea suddenly dropped the coffee cup he was holding, and it shattered on the ground.

Scalding hot coffee and sharp ceramic shards splashed onto the expensive non-slip deck, leaving a mess.

"Sink them all?"
Off the coast of Pyeongtaek Port?
Just before our support fleet arrives?
Half an hour?!

An entire vanguard squadron was wiped out in just half an hour?

This is absolutely impossible!
Where did the Chinese get such terrifying strength?
Those were six warships in total! Not target ships!
"Williams, bring out the detailed battlefield report!"

Captain Black's chest heaved violently, his eyes bulging out in shock and disbelief.

"Preliminary assessments indicate that the 406mm main guns carried by the Chinese Navy's aircraft carrier 'Wanli' and battleship 'Dongfanghong' are extremely powerful!"

Its range, accuracy, and destructive power are astonishing...

Our vanguard fleet, relying on pre-established positions in the port, was subjected to multiple waves of high-intensity saturation attacks by enemy carrier-based aircraft, while enemy cruisers and destroyers secretly launched attacks and seized advantageous torpedo launching positions!

Their submarine ambush also played a crucial role, while our battlefield information was severely lacking, command was chaotic, and the losses were irreparable…

The U.S. Army Operations Chief's voice grew softer and softer, carrying an almost numb, exhausted quality.

"They've all sunk?"
Six main warships were destroyed just like that?

Even if they achieved a swift victory at sea through firepower, why couldn't they wipe out Wu Wanli's Seventh Steel Brigade on land?!

Nimitz slowly raised his head and asked in a cold voice.

"General, the Seventh Steel Brigade, under the leadership of Wu Wanli, has indeed successfully broken through the UN forces' encirclement and suppression."

Moreover, they won the evacuation by crossing the Han River four times.

Wu Wanli led the Seventh Steel Brigade to forcibly cross the Suwon defense line a few days ago, causing large-scale chaos.

They then apparently bypassed Hengcheng, feigned an attack on Shuainancheng, and finally launched a surprise attack and captured Pingze Port.

UN Commander-in-Chief Ridgway stated that approximately 5,000 remnants of the Chinese 7th Steel Brigade appeared and disappeared mysteriously amidst the hundreds of thousands of UN troops in the pre-arranged battlefield.

Its mobility and breakthrough capabilities, as well as its cunning and daring tactics, are unparalleled in the world!

Furthermore, in order to prevent Wu Wanli's troops from boarding the ships and evacuating, Commander-in-Chief Ridgway, on behalf of the President of the United States and the Supreme Commander of the United Nations, has issued an urgent, explicit surrender order to him. The contents of the telegram are as follows...

I, Ridgway, solemnly promise to His Excellency Wu Wanli, Commander of the Seventh Steel Brigade!

If your unit immediately ceases boarding and evacuation and remains in the Pyeongtaek Port area, you may choose either the position of Commander of the 1st Division of the United States Army or the position of Commander of the 1st Division of the Marine Corps, effective immediately!

At the same time, the South Korean side handed over command of at least three divisions of the army group!
I guarantee this with the honor of a soldier of the United States of America, but—the operation must cease immediately!

Williams' Adam's apple bobbed, he swallowed hard, and murmured.

When Williams read out the titles "Commander of the 1st Division of the United States Army" or "Commander of the 1st Marine Division," and the authority of "Commander-in-Chief of the ROK Army Group," the air in the command room seemed to be sucked out instantly.

Several young U.S. Navy officers instinctively opened their mouths wide and stared, wondering if they were hallucinating.

"—That son of a bitch Ridgway! He's gone mad!!"
How dare he personally hand over our honor! The 1st Marine Division! The 1st Marine Division's blood-stained division commander's flag to a damned Chinese!
A butcher who just slaughtered thousands of our outstanding officers and soldiers! What right does he have?!

Did he know who was at the helm of the USS Chicago? Colonel Charles Whitman!
West Point Class of 1935!
The captains of those two destroyers, one had served on Iwo Jima and the other had just been transferred from Norfolk!

That old bastard Ridgway!
This is nailing the Stars and Stripes to the pillar of historical shame, making them worthy of contempt!

Upon hearing this, Captain Black's pent-up anger finally exploded, and he roared loudly.

His furious voice echoed between the steel walls, and several U.S. Navy officers instinctively took a half-step back.

"Disgrace! Utter disgrace!"
While we were still chasing the remnants of the Japanese Combined Fleet in the Pacific, where was this kid rolling around in the mud?

How many of our warships did he sink? How many elite American naval personnel did he kill!

Now... they're actually going to grant them command of the American Division?
If this news gets back to Guam, back home... the veterans of the Pacific Fleet will set the White House on fire!

They'd rather blow up the presidential palace than agree to that!

A naval air force squadron commander, whose chest was adorned with medals and insignia, suddenly stood up and cursed.

"South Korean Army Group Commander?"

We wouldn't care if we gave him that position to feed the dogs! But the 1st Marine Division!
That number was forged from the smoke and fire of Peleliu Island and the blood and flesh of Okinawa!
The blood of Canal in Guadalcanal hasn't even cooled yet! To just so easily... hand it over to the enemy?
This is a hundred thousand times dirtier than defeat!
This is a desecration of the souls of tens of thousands of Marines who died!

Ridgway should be court-martialed! Now! Immediately!

A high-ranking U.S. Navy officer slammed his fist on the edge of the alloy command platform, his eyes burning with humiliation.

"Shut up, everyone!"

Admiral Nimitz finally shouted sternly.

The voice was not loud, but it carried an unquestionable authority and a chilling aura that penetrated to the bone.

In an instant, all the roars and curses ceased, leaving only heavy, suppressed breathing in the command room.

The five-star admiral's gaze never left Williams, his gaze heavy as a ton of water pressure.

"Keep reading! The Chinese man's reply."

Admiral Nimitz took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, and spoke in a low, steady voice.

All eyes, whether filled with anger or humiliation, were now fixed intently on the operations director.

A fine layer of cold sweat appeared on Williams' forehead as he read in a low voice:

"Commander Wu Wanli of the Seventh Steel Corps of China replied as follows..."

............"

When Williams finished reading the last word, an eerie silence fell over the entire command room.

The volcanic eruption of anger seemed to be momentarily dissipated by this extremely absurd shockwave.

The U.S. Navy officers looked at each other, their faces a mixture of blankness, bewilderment, and an almost suffocating sense of humiliation.

Blood rushed to the faces of every officer present, their necks flushed red, and their eyes were filled with angry bloodshot veins.

"You son of a bitch, you yellow-skinned Chinese monkey!!"

Captain Black's eyes were bloodshot, and his rage drove him to utter a furious roar that had completely robbed him of his reason.

He abruptly drew his gleaming Colt M1911 pistol from his waist, chambered a round with a crisp "click," and gripped the cold trigger tightly with his finger.

"I want to shove his head into the cannon barrel of that Dongfanghong!"

Bombard him with that bullshit telegram!

He brandished his pistol and shouted curses, causing the surrounding officers to instinctively duck and avoid him.

"He dares to insult America!"

I'm going to tie him to the anchor chain of the Dreadnought and sink him into the Mariana Trench to feed the fish!

Let those glowing insects tear apart his arrogant mouth in the darkness!

Another U.S. Navy officer, his eyes equally bloodshot, stared intently at the outline of the west coast of the continental United States on the nautical chart, and roared through clenched teeth.

"shame!

This is a desecration of all our Marine brothers!
Our heroes' blood is not yet dry!

Our aircraft carrier is still cutting through the waves!
Our pilots are ready to take off at any time!

Ridgway's stupidity earned him the most vicious humiliation!
This humiliation is etched on the mast of every one of our warships!

The naval air force squadron leader leaned against a pillar, his voice trembling with grief and indignation, tears welling in his eyes as he cursed.

Anger swept through the command room like a storm. The officers were furious, and the sounds of cursing, banging on the table, and heavy stomping of military boots filled the room.

Just as Blake and the others were roaring for the entire fleet to launch a full-scale attack regardless of the cost, Nimitz's deep and penetrating voice silenced the clamor: "Quiet!"
Tell me the exact location!
Report our current speed!
Also, the exact status of the Chinese naval fleet and the army troops it carries!

"Uh... General, this is corroborated by aerial reconnaissance and limited intercepted communications."

The Chinese fleet's flagship aircraft carrier Wanli, battleship Dongfanghong, one cruiser, four destroyers, and several submarines are currently still anchored in the port area outside Pyeongtaek.

Its naval guns were basically in a state of alert, pointing towards the direction of our main fleet's attack.

However, aerial reconnaissance revealed that it was carrying out a heavy equipment transfer.

It has been confirmed that large-caliber howitzers, anti-aircraft guns, tanks, and armored vehicles are being hoisted onto the ship.

The transfer efficiency is extremely high, but the estimated completion time is still 45 minutes to one hour.

In addition... a large number of Chinese infantrymen are boarding the ships in an orderly manner from the dock and beach area.

Light naval vessels patrol and guard its perimeter, and air defense firepower is deployed extensively.

One of our low-altitude reconnaissance aircraft was lost in a previous attack by heavy artillery fire.

High-altitude observation is currently extremely difficult, as the burning remains of buildings within the port are emitting thick smoke, interfering with observation.

The head of intelligence, Davis, was the first to react. His face was still pale, but he forced himself to speak in a professional tone.

"From one hour to forty-five minutes..."

"If our main fleet maintains its current full-speed advance, what is the estimated close range to engagement?"

Nimitz pondered the timing, his brows furrowed, and glanced at the chief navigator beside him who had been silently calculating.

The chief navigator immediately straightened up and said quickly and precisely, "Reporting, Admiral!"
Based on the current weather and sea conditions and the fleet's overall coordination at a top speed of approximately 25 knots, it will take at least another hour and twenty minutes to reach the distance where naval guns can effectively cover enemy escort ships and beachhead positions!

Reaching visual range for engagement with the main battle guns would take at least one hour and forty-five minutes!

"One hour and twenty minutes! That's too late! The daylilies are getting cold!"
An hour was enough for them to stuff the last tank track into the ship's hold!

That's enough for them to weigh anchor and let those damned 406 guns of the Dongfanghong ship point their piss in the direction we left!

By the time our main force gets there, all we'll see is whitecaps on the sea!

Upon hearing this, Captain Black slammed his fist heavily on the edge of the chart table and said unwillingly.

A sense of despair, like an icy tide, quickly overwhelmed the air in the command room that had just been burning with anger.

One hour and twenty minutes!

This is an insurmountable time gap.

Once the massive task force has rolled over at full speed, there will probably be nothing left outside Pyeongtaek Port.

The US Navy, which was most proud of its capabilities in the Korean War, may not have been able to sink even a single dilapidated Chinese gunboat after paying the price of its entire vanguard fleet!

"Can't we go full speed?"

Allocate all auxiliary fuel to battleships and aircraft carriers!
Lightweight and fast!

A young U.S. Navy officer shouted, his eyes red, but no one answered.

The high-speed coordination of this Pacific Squadron as a whole is a hundred times more complex than a single ship's sprint; a change in one part affects the whole.

At this scale, 25 sections is already the result of extreme compression.

Just as the oppressive silence threatened to crush everyone, Chief of Operations Williams took a deep breath, abruptly raised his head, and a gambler's desperate gamble flashed in his eyes as he said:

"Admiral! The main fleet as a whole cannot go any faster! But the distance... the distance is not insurmountable!"
The six Fletcher-class destroyers in my fleet are currently in dispersed forward outposts!
The straight-line distance from the waters off Pyeongtaek Port is estimated to be between 125 and 130 nautical miles!
The top speed of the Fletcher-class destroyer is 38 knots!
If ordered to immediately detach from the main fleet, shut down all non-essential systems, retain only the power necessary for combat, and advance at maximum sprint speed!
It is expected that they can enter the enemy ship's early warning zone within 50 minutes at the earliest!
At the same time, the Philippine Sea carrier immediately launched all its flying aircraft!
Fighter jets, dive bombers, torpedo bombers!

Fully loaded with fuel and ammunition!

Heading straight for the Pyeongtaek Port anchorage!
Time! The Chinese are racing against time!

What they fear is being entangled!

They had just survived a fierce battle and completed a landing operation, and were now frantically loading cargo onto ships.

Once they see our high-speed destroyer formation and large aircraft approaching, their psychological pressure increases sharply!

They are very likely to make a misjudgment!
Abandon some of the heavy equipment still being loaded and the rearguard warships, and hastily cover the main force as it weighs anchor and withdraws!

As long as we can engage even a small portion of their ships and sink even one or two of their rearguard destroyers or auxiliary ships!

We shattered their illusion of 'getting away unscathed'!

We can then announce to the world that the U.S. Navy fleet has arrived!
And successfully forced the Chinese fleet, which had annihilated my vanguard fleet, to flee in disarray after suffering new damage!

We have reclaimed the last shred of dignity and victory in this battle!

His voice became exceptionally high-pitched at the end, echoing in the vast space.

"To risk the annihilation of all six destroyers in exchange for a report of victory in repelling the enemy?"
This involves extremely high risks!

The Chinese Navy just annihilated six of our ships with swift and decisive action, but its carrier-based aircraft were not completely lost!

The battleship's main guns still stand tall, and its commander, Wu Wanli, has just responded to the surrender offer with such arrogance!
This person acts recklessly and disregards all rules!
How can you be so sure that when they see a mere six of our destroyers charging towards them, they will choose to flee in fear?

Instead of using that damned 406mm gun and carrier-based aircraft to annihilate our six precious destroyers along with our fighters and then leaving triumphantly?

Moreover, according to intelligence, Ridgway's forces are already heavily engaged in the Han River counter-offensive, and they simply can't spare many aircraft to help us.

Intelligence Chief Davis stepped forward with a grave expression, his sharp gaze sweeping over Williams as he questioned him.

"Davis, do you know why Ridgway used a large number of warplanes and troops to launch the Han River counterattack?"

When the Chinese Steel Seventh Team captured Pyeongtaek and prepared to withdraw, it meant that they had been completely defeated by Wu Wanli.

Only by tearing off a few more pieces of flesh from Li Yunlong's side can they shamelessly boast of a great victory and have something to show for it.

Aren't we the same?

A few destroyers and some carrier-based aircraft are nothing to our military industry.

But if we win the gamble and intimidate their navy, we can take the opportunity to destroy their rearguard fleet.

They even miraculously managed to hold off their main force in a major battle.

That final battle to save face for us also had some publicity.

"By relaying my order, the six destroyer groups immediately set sail at full speed."

In conjunction with carrier-based aircraft, they should project an imposing presence.

Let their navy misjudge that our main fleet will arrive in just a few minutes.

If they insist on leaving, do everything you can to hold them back.

"Strive for even the slightest possibility!" Nimitz waved his hand and gave the firm order.

"Yes, sir!!!"

Upon hearing this, everyone quickly agreed.

...............................

Meanwhile, in the island bridge command room of the aircraft carrier Wanli...
report!

The last batch of heavy equipment and all soldiers of the Seventh Steel Brigade have been confirmed to have boarded the ship!

Comrades Wu Wanli and Liu Hanqing have been transferred by transport boat and are expected to arrive on the deck of this ship in two minutes!

A travel-worn naval operations staff officer hurriedly pushed open the heavy hatch of the command room, his voice unusually loud with excitement.

This news was like a ray of bright light shining through the gloom.

Xiao Zhenhua suddenly turned around, the solemnity on his face instantly dispelled by immense joy, his tightly furrowed brows relaxed, and he even showed a long-lost radiance.

"Great! Great!"

His voice carried genuine relief, even a hint of barely perceptible excitement.

"After overcoming numerous difficulties and dangers, we finally managed to bring back this heroic unit that had crossed the Han River four times, all intact!"

This mission of our navy has truly tackled the toughest challenge yet!

He clenched his fists instinctively, feeling as if a heavy weight had finally been lifted from his heart.

The Seventh Steel Brigade fought its way out of the hell of gunfire and artillery fire that was being sieged by 100,000 UN troops.

Its significance has long transcended a simple military mission; it is more related to the morale of the entire war effort and subsequent bargaining chips.

The atmosphere in the command room visibly relaxed, and several staff officers smiled and exchanged relaxed glances.

It is a great honor for the Navy to receive the Army, especially such an elite force that has repeatedly performed miracles, for its safe evacuation.

However, less than two minutes after this joy spread, a sharp and piercing battle alarm suddenly blared throughout the entire bridge!

The glaring red warning lights flashed wildly. Almost simultaneously, a communications officer in charge of long-distance surveillance suddenly stood up from beside the high-frequency radio, his face ashen and his voice trembling: "Urgent report!"

Numerous aerial targets detected!

Orientation 3-1-5!

Three thousand meters above sea level!
120 nautical miles away!
The number is being confirmed, but preliminary estimates suggest it will be no fewer than fifty!

Before he could finish speaking, the head of the intelligence department in charge of the maritime search radar practically shouted, "Report!"
Unidentified high-speed ship group spotted!
Orientation 3-1-0!

Forty nautical miles away!

Radar reflection signature identification confirms the characteristics of the Fletcher-class destroyer!

Six ships!

Heading straight for my formation!
Speed...extremely high speed, approaching 37 knots!

"Buzz!"

The joy and relief that had just risen in the command room were instantly shattered, and a chilling coldness suddenly gripped everyone's heart.

"Six destroyers?"

"Is there such a large fleet following behind?"

The joy on Xiao Zhenhua's face faded like a receding tide, instantly replaced by an unprecedented solemnity.

"MacArthur's main fleet has arrived?!"
impossible!

Intelligence indicates that the main fleet will need at least another hour to reach its operational radius!
Could there be a calculation error?!

The deputy chief of staff exclaimed in shock.

A operations staff officer's voice, tinged with undisguised anxiety, said: "Sir!"
Captain Wu and his men have just boarded the ship. All of our navy's elite forces, along with the Steel Seventh Squadron that we just brought out, are here!

Once engaged by this strike force, which may only be a preliminary strike, the consequences will be devastating once the main US carrier battle group arrives and completes its encirclement!

The entire fleet, along with the tens of thousands of officers and soldiers it carries, could be destroyed—a burden the Chinese Navy cannot afford!

In an instant, immense pressure pressed down on everyone's hearts like an invisible wall.

Captain Li Hongbo took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his turbulent emotions, and turned to Xiao Zhenhua, saying, "Commander! The situation is urgent!"
I suggest that all three destroyers and four submarines on the periphery be ordered to form a 'rear guard formation'.

They were to do everything in their power to intercept the high-speed enemy destroyer group and to delay the enemy aircraft group as much as possible.

The main fleet—namely, the 'Wanli' and 'Dongfanghong' ships, along with all supply and auxiliary vessels—immediately activated maximum combat speed, changed course, and withdrew at full speed in a northeast direction!
The cruisers provided cover fire.

The officers and soldiers of the Seventh Steel Brigade need time to adapt to the ship's cabins; at this moment, ensuring the safety of the aircraft carrier and battleships must be the top priority!

This... this is a desperate measure to survive, but it can preserve the foundation of the navy and Captain Wu and his men to the greatest extent possible!
Sacrifice the rearguard to buy time for the main force to withdraw! This is the only feasible solution!

This proposal was as heavy as a boulder thrown into stagnant water.

Some naval officers, especially those in command of aircraft carriers and logistics systems, showed a hint of agreement in their eyes. After all, as long as the green hills remain, there's always hope for a future.

From a purely military perspective, Captain Li Hongbo's considerations are undoubtedly the most rational choice at present.

However, another group of officers with strong personalities, especially representatives from the escort destroyer flotilla, turned ashen-faced instantly.

To cover the rear is almost tantamount to certain death!
Using a few destroyers to directly confront an enemy navy and carrier-based aircraft group of an unknown number is a predictable endgame.

They pursed their lips tightly, their eyes filled with resentment and indignation, but as soldiers, they had no choice but to remain silent if the order was given.

Xiao Zhenhua's brows furrowed deeply into a "川" shape.

He was struggling internally, but reason told him that Li Hongbo's analysis was the safest and most effective solution for controlling casualties.

But emotionally, seeing the Steel Seventh Brigade, which had just reported safely boarding the ship, about to face danger immediately, and having to sacrifice their comrades to hold off the enemy in order to escape, was heartbreaking.

As the highest-ranking commander in the navy, every order he issues is a matter of life and death for hundreds or thousands of officers and soldiers.

Just then, the heavy door to the command center was pushed open again.

Surrounded by Liu Hanqing and several other officers from the Seventh Steel Corps, Wu Wanli strode in.

All eyes were instantly focused on the legendary commander who had just miraculously fought his way out of the encirclement and pursuit of 100,000 enemy troops.

His young face showed no obvious signs of fatigue from the long journey and continuous battles; on the contrary, it appeared exceptionally sharp.

"Commander Xiao!"

Is the fleet in trouble?
I just heard the alarm blaring on deck, and wow, it was even louder than a US 155mm heavy gun. What on earth is making everyone so tense?

Wu Wanli asked.

Startled by Wu Wanli's sudden intrusion, Xiao Zhenhua quickly explained, "Comrade Wu Wanli, you've come at just the right time!"

We just received a report that six US destroyers, accompanied by dozens of carrier-based aircraft, are speeding towards us!
The ship is heading straight for us!

The vanguard, suspected to be MacArthur's main force!
They arrived much faster than expected!
Captain Li had just proposed a plan to split up the forces to cover the rear and for the main force to withdraw.

But this decision is of utmost importance; if the rearguard is entangled, the consequences will be unimaginable!
You have just emerged from the hellish port of Pyeongtaek, and your troops are in dire need of rest.

I shouldn't have put my army comrades to face a new sea and air crisis so soon after they boarded the ship, but the situation is critical, and I must hear your opinion!

Xiao Zhenhua's hesitation and worry were clearly visible.

He trusted the combat capabilities of the Seventh Steel Squadron, but this was at sea, the domain of the navy, and a completely new battlefield facing an unknown force.

Wu Wanli nodded in understanding, but did not respond to Xiao Zhenhua immediately. Instead, he asked, "The intelligence confirms that there are only six destroyers, with a speed of 37 knots, right?"

"Yes, sir! Six ships! Confirmed to be Fletcher-class! Extremely high speed, charging forward with great force!"

The intelligence chief immediately straightened up and answered loudly.

Wu Wanli pondered for a moment, and the Heavenly Eye Map silently unfolded in his mind.

On the vast sea, the enemy and friendly forces within a radius of hundreds of kilometers, centered on the "Wanli" aircraft carrier group, were clearly visible.

He could clearly see that only those six lone destroyers were speeding forward like arrows, trying to break into the "Wanli's" defensive perimeter at top speed.

Behind them, and in the ocean in the direction they were heading, there was no vague outline of the giant aircraft carrier that symbolized the core of the US Navy's main fleet!

The Sky Eye provides the absolute reality of the battlefield at this moment, so the confirmation of the Sky Eye map gives Wu Wanli great confidence.

Wu Wanli surveyed the command room, his gaze sweeping over each of the solemn, anxious, and even tragically-looking naval officers, and said loudly:
"If you haven't even seen a real glimpse of the American main fleet, and you're already scared and want to run away because of a mere six fast 'loaches' and a swarm of 'flies' circling in the sky..."

Then why did I go to all this trouble to bring the Seventh Steel Brigade here?
Are you telling us to keep running on the ship for the Americans to see?!

These bold, even arrogant, words exploded like thunder in the solemn command room!

With a "whoosh," Captain Li Hongbo and the officers who had proposed the evacuation changed their expressions drastically.

A middle-aged destroyer squadron commander blurted out: "Comrade Wu Wanli, the sea is not like the land!"
A destroyer strike group combined with carrier-based air raids would be a formidable threat, especially considering their main fleet is likely close behind!

"Comrades, have you ever thought about what the enemy is doing?"
Six destroyers, six all alone!
They didn't even bring a single cruiser or aircraft carrier, yet they dared to charge at 37 knots at a speed that included a complete fleet of battleships and aircraft carriers?

Are they here to die?

Where is the main force of the naval fleet that MacArthur dispatched?

If they have indeed reached a distance where they can launch their carrier-based aircraft for effective strikes, then where is their main warship group behind them?
Did you spot the main battle group on the radar? No!
There's only one explanation! This is a trap! Nimitz is playing tricks on us!
He saw that we had just completed our rendezvous and were in a critical moment when the ships were densely packed and the dispatch was relatively slow, and he knew that we were thinking about getting out as soon as possible!

He had the plane take off from an even farther place and fly over at the maximum range limit!

Sending these six fastest destroyers charging at breakneck speed is just an attempt to scare us and throw us into disarray!

We were forced to split our forces and hastily change course!

Let's abandon the cumbersome supply ships and create chaos in the evacuation formation!

They even forced us to abandon some ships and the soldiers of the Seventh Steel Brigade who had just boarded them, in exchange for the so-called 'safety' of the main force!

Wu Wanli remained calm and composed in the face of danger.

This clear logical chain was like a heavy hammer smashing open the shackles that had been ingrained in the minds of many naval officers!

Several staff officers exchanged quick glances, seemingly seeking confirmation from each other.

Yes, if the main US forces do reach their combat positions, in order to ensure a decisive victory, their most likely action would be to first send out reconnaissance aircraft for precise tracking, and then have the core carrier strike group slowly advance, releasing carrier-based aircraft for continuous suppression and strikes at the edge of extreme combat.

How could it be like this, where only six high-speed destroyers are driven to charge forward, accompanied by a group of aircraft that are clearly launched from the aircraft carrier's maximum range for a strong attack?
The risk is too high, and the reward is too low!
This is completely inconsistent with standard tactics for carrier strike groups!
However, this is precisely the key to Nimitz's gamble.

He was betting on the Chinese Navy's unfamiliarity with aircraft carrier warfare tactics, its uncertainty about when the main US forces would arrive, and its urgent desire to safely withdraw after completing a high-risk mission!

He was betting that the opposing commander would instinctively choose to avoid risks under immense pressure!

Just as some officers were beginning to waver, the opposition remained strong: "Comrade Wu Wanli, your analysis makes a lot of sense!"
But even this single strike force—six destroyers equipped with 127mm main guns advancing at full speed, plus their carrier-based aircraft—is enough to pose a significant threat to our vulnerable supply ships and troop transports!

Captain Li Hongbo frowned, still insisting on the enormous risks from a tactical perspective.

"threaten?
Gentlemen, when do we, as soldiers, only dare to draw our swords when we are absolutely certain of victory?
On land, facing the UN forces' encirclement and suppression, with superior aircraft, artillery, and tanks, we launched a fierce attack, we held our ground, and we crossed the Han River four times!

In which instance was the enemy not having an overwhelming advantage?
What about at sea?
You just annihilated the US vanguard fleet, sending heavy cruisers like the USS Chicago to the bottom of the sea!
Aren't they using inferior equipment as well?
What is the basis for this?
Besides the navy's superior skills, isn't it also the courage and determination of the brave to prevail in a close encounter?!

Now, the enemy thinks we are easy targets, that they can scare us with a few fast ships.

The American devils want us to repeat the fate of the Beiyang Fleet, which dared not leave port and hid inside, ultimately being annihilated!

How could we possibly do as they wish?!

The lessons of the Beiyang Fleet are laid bare before our eyes in a bloody manner!
Abandon the battle and save the ships?

Do they think they can survive by playing a defensive, huddled style?

On this vast ocean, in an era when the enemy possessed superior air and sea control technologies, that was a dead end!
The enemy will block you completely, using a constant stream of planes, torpedoes, and shells to wear you down little by little!

run?
Can we outrun airplanes flying in the sky and torpedoes from submarines in the sea?

Running away will only lead to being picked off one by one!

Wu Wanli took a deep breath and looked at Li Hongbo and the others.

These words seemed to carry immense force, striking everyone's hearts hard.

That humiliating period in naval history, like the deepest imprint, instantly awakened the fighting spirit and sense of shame deep within the bones of every naval officer present.

Many people subconsciously straightened their backs, and the hesitation and anxiety in their eyes were replaced by another burning emotion.

Seeing that morale was about to be ignited, Wu Wanli immediately threw out his real winning chip, while also reasonably packaging the intelligence confirmed by the Sky Eye Map:

"Besides, I had already made preparations!"

As a precaution, I had already used special communication channels to notify the Chinese Air Force!
Our fighter jets have been urgently transferred from the nearest field airfield and have now reached an airspace about five nautical miles northwest of here!

Their mission is to counter any potential air strikes by the US military against our withdrawing formation!
As long as American planes dare to bomb, Wang Wei's fighter squadron can immediately swoop down and give them an unexpected 'welcome ceremony'!

This news was like a bombshell! Xiao Zhenhua, Li Hongbo, and all the naval officers suddenly looked up, their eyes gleaming with disbelief!
"Our main air force fighter jets have arrived too?"

Xiao Zhenhua's eyes lit up, and he asked excitedly.

"Yes!
Our fighter jet formation has just completed its rest and ammunition replenishment and is ready to be deployed for combat at any time!

Moreover, why didn't the enemy's main fleet arrive?
Why send only so few planes?

Our ground intelligence sources are very clear.

More than 70 percent of the U.S. Army's land-based air force forces, located in the Suwon and Incheon direction, are now firmly pinned down on the north bank of the Han River!

Commander Li Yunlong and the UN forces are fighting fiercely on the Han River!

The UN commander on the Han River is having an even bigger headache than we are!

The enemy's land-based aircraft simply cannot spare enough sorties to support the sea!
The only resources the US fleet can utilize are those on its aircraft carriers.

Perhaps, a portion will even need to be allocated to protect the aircraft carrier itself!

Now we are in the dark when the enemy is in the open, we are relaxed when the enemy is exhausted, and we are gathered when the enemy is scattered!

The enemy situation is clear! The fighter jet is right in front of us!
Retreating now would not only waste precious rearguard forces but also damage the morale of our army that we had built up during the "Four Crossings of the Han River"!
Moreover, the Pacific Fleet that was sent is probably just a squadron; the United States is unlikely to commit its entire fleet to fight.

This concerns the face of a superpower. It's like if suppressing bandits requires using all of our main and elite troops, then even if we win, we'll still lose face.

The narrow road meets the brave to win!

Why can't the Chinese naval fleet unsheathe its sword and fight the US fleet with all its might?
"Blowing up part of their fleet before leaving would greatly enhance our national prestige!"

Wu Wanli clenched his fist and said with a firm and powerful gesture.

"When two armies meet on a narrow path, the brave shall prevail. We shall fight a bloody battle against the American fleet and uphold our national prestige..."

well said!
It's just a Pacific Squadron's advance delaying force, and it even has air support. They should have drawn their swords and fought, instead of abandoning the battle to save their ships!
I hereby order all carrier-based aircraft to take off and prepare for combat bombing!
All warships are charging at full speed, ready to fire!
All submarines advanced onto the U.S. Navy warship, ready to launch torpedoes!
The Navy will surely win this battle!!!

Commander Xiao Zhenhua looked at Wu Wanli, his heart filled with fervor, and loudly gave the order.

"The Navy will prevail!!!"

Upon hearing this, everyone responded enthusiastically.

(End of this chapter)