Chapter 2641： U.S. Navy Adjustment Three (1/2)
”Even if we paid the high cost of rush work, in the next 9 months, thanks to God's blessing, the Caraggiono-class battleship has been launched, and the actual combat effectiveness of this class of battleship is actually about the same as the Helgoland-class. The speeds of the two sides are equal. The Caraggiono-class artillery is larger, and the Helgoland-class battleship has better defense. The Italian 15-inch naval gun is incompatible with us. This makes the navy very difficult, if the government really If you decide to purchase, then I hope the unified Helgoland-class battleship is better.” Colonel Leahy said.
”But what if the Germans can't provide enough warships, or the warships they provide contain a lot of political requirements?” Little Roosevelt asked.
”We are soldiers and we don’t care about politics.” Colonel Leahy’s answer was very simple. Just kidding, tell me about political matters. Let’s not say that soldiers themselves are somewhat resistant to politics, even if they really need to consider political issues. That was also a matter for the new fleet commander Sims and others.
”Well, to put it another way, if we prepare 6 fast battleships for the United States Navy, can we get rid of the dependence on the Su Xiong fleet?” Taft, who had been silent, finally spoke.
”Impossible.” Colonel Lacey thought for at least 4 minutes before answering, not that he didn't know the answer, but because he knew that his answer would make these political leaders very unhappy.
”Why? Are 6 fast battleships not enough to replace 4 Bavarian-class battleships?” Taft's words were full of dissatisfaction and anger.
”First of all, in terms of combat effectiveness, the 6 Helgoland-class battleships are still inferior to the 4 Bavarian-class battleships. Secondly, now. The U.S. Navy is stretched out, and we can only fill these fast battleships with a large number of newcomers. In terms of business proficiency or experience, these warships are far from being able to exert their combat effectiveness in our hands. Not to mention that compared with the Germans' elites in all battles, you can blame the Germans for anything, but in terms of combat effectiveness, They are absolutely beyond doubt.”
”General Su Xiong is still able to fight back when facing extreme conditions. But if it is our own, I am afraid the result will be very bad.” Colonel Leahy said very tactfully.
”In addition, I really want to know how these 6 fast battleships should be put together. And if we are willing to pay the purchase price and related expenses of the 6 fast battleships, it is estimated that it will be enough for us to hire the German fleet until the end of the war? ”
Colonel Leahy’s calculations are very careful. In fact, because the currency is gradually depreciating, the same battleship could be built 10 years ago with 2 million pounds. Now I am afraid it will cost 2.5 million or more. , And everyone knows that this time is a seller's market. When the Americans urgently need warships and the Germans have survival, the price increase is inevitable! 6 battleships, together with other costs, is estimated to be 20 million pounds down? Hiring the German fleet would not have such a high price, right? Moreover, is there no political cost for the purchase of weapons? Obviously impossible!
”Money is not a problem. As long as we can cultivate a powerful maritime force in this war, then all the efforts are worth it. Given the superior tactical level of the German Navy, we still need to hire some German warships and personnel. However, the final command will be in our hands. After the fleet we ordered is in place and training is completed, we will only hire up to two German battleships.” Taft said.