Chapter 217: Considering Adding More Ships

Chapter 217: Considering Adding More Ships



The afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the bustling airfield, where Vincent stood at the edge of the tarmac, his eyes fixed on the massive silhouette of the USS Iowa. The battleship loomed in the distance, its iconic superstructure and imposing guns standing as a testament to a bygone era of naval warfare. The sight of it was both nostalgic and inspiring-something Vincent had long been considering as a potential addition to his growing fleet.

Flanked by Brandt, who wore his usual look of quiet intensity, Vincent made his way toward the gangway. A light breeze carried the scent of saltwater, mingling with the sounds of busy crew members conducting maintenance. The air was filled with the rhythmic clang of metal, the hum of machinery, and the occasional bark of orders from officers overseeing the ship's operations.

As they approached the battleship, Captain Hayes, the commanding officer of the Iowa, stepped forward to greet them. He was a grizzled veteran, his uniform crisp and his eyes sharp with the confidence of someone who had spent years at sea.

"Commander Stryder, welcome aboard," Captain Hayes said, offering a firm handshake. "It's an honor to have you here."

Vincent returned the handshake with a nod. "The honor is mine, Captain. I've heard much about the Iowa's firepower, but seeing it up close is something else entirely."

Hayes allowed himself a small, prideful smile. "She's an old warhorse, but she's still got plenty of fight left in her. Let me show you around."

The trio ascended the gangway and stepped onto the deck. Vincent couldn't help but take in the sheer size of the vessel. The teakwood deck, polished to a gleaming finish, stretched before them, with rows of anti-aircraft guns and missile launchers positioned strategically along the sides. It was clear that while the Iowa was a relic of past wars, it had been modernized with state-of-the-art weaponry to remain a formidable force on the seas.

As they walked, Hayes gestured toward the massive 16-inch guns that dominated the forward deck. "These beauties can fire a shell weighing nearly a ton up to 24 miles away. And with the new fire-control systems we've installed, accuracy is better than ever."

Vincent paused, running a hand along the cool metal of one of the turrets. "Impressive," he murmured. "But what about its versatility? In today's battlefield, mobility and adaptability are just as important as firepower."

Captain Hayes nodded thoughtfully. "True. That's why we've outfitted her with Tomahawk and Harpoon missile launchers. It gives her the ability to engage targets far beyond visual range-whether it's surface ships or coastal installations."

As they continued walking back toward their transport, Brandt's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "So, what exactly are you planning to add? If we're going to expand our naval capabilities, we need to do it right," he said, his voice low but filled with interest.

Vincent nodded, his expression set with determination. "The Iowa is a good start, but we need something more modern and versatile to support our offensive operations," he replied. "We can't rely solely on heavy firepower. We need ships that can handle multiple threats-air, surface, and subsurface."

Brandt nodded in agreement. "I assume you're thinking of more agile vessels, something with advanced missile systems?"

"Exactly," Vincent responded. "The Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are top of my list. They're versatile, fast, and equipped with Aegis Combat Systems. We can deploy them for anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine missions. I'm thinking we start with at least two units that have been upgraded with the latest radar and missile systems. They'll be perfect for supporting the Iowa during coastal bombardments."

Brandt raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed by Vincent's thorough planning. "What else?" he prompted, knowing Vincent was just getting started.

"We're also going to need a few Ticonderoga-class cruisers for long-range air defense," Vincent continued. "It would provide excellent cover for our fleet, especially if we encounter aerial threats from the demons. Their vertical launch systems will allow us to intercept anything that comes our way before it even gets close."

"Smart," Brandt agreed. "But what about dealing with undersea threats? We can't risk having our fleet ambushed by demon creatures lurking beneath the surface."

"I'm ahead of you on that," Vincent said with a faint smile. "We'll need the Virginia-class attack submarines for that role. They will give us the ability to strike from below and conduct stealth operations. Their cruise missile capabilities can be crucial for pre-emptive strikes against demon strongholds hidden beneath the coastal cliffs."

Brandt couldn't hide his satisfaction at the plan taking shape. "You've thought of everything, Commander. With a fleet like that, we can establish control over the coastlines and push

deeper into enemy territory."

"You damn right it is."