My Italy

Fortunately, the United States had the help of Cuban rebels and quickly grasped the movements of the Spanish fleet. You don't know what to do. Once you understood the situation, everyone in the U.S. Navy was overjoyed.

"Unexpectedly, the Spanish battleship Princess Cristina was damaged and is being repaired at the San Diego shipyard."

This information left Rear Admiral Samplin at a loss for words. This situation was simply too good for the U.S. Navy, and the news couldn't be better.

"And the information obtained by those Cubans was very good. They even had time to repair the battleship Princess Cristina. It would take 15 days to repair it."

Colonel Simpson exclaimed.

"This is normal. In order to avoid Spanish slavery and to make their country independent, these Cubans should also work hard."

Brigadier General Dewey expressed his opinion.

"Then we set off in seven days, just in time to see if the Spaniards will be shocked when they suddenly see us coming."

Major General Samplin decided to set off in a week to block the gate in San Diego.

"A good idea. This can block the Spaniards in Santiago. But then we can use the army to land on both sides, and then rely on the army to take down the forts around Santiago and force them to go to sea to die. What about this plan?"

Well, this Commodore Dewey is even more ruthless and directly wants to force the Spanish fleet to death in the port of Santiago. Of course, no matter what they think, they need to make a plan first. Of course, during this period, they need to make modifications and limitations based on the actual situation.

While the U.S. Navy is eyeing the Spanish fleet in San Diego Harbor, the Spanish fleet in San Diego Harbor is also making protective arrangements.

Standing on the high ground on the side of the port, Lieutenant General Sedra looked at the warships in the port and the defensive measures deployed.

"First of all, we need to deploy more notification ships and set up observation posts on the shore so that we can give early warning. Secondly, we need to set up minefields to ensure the safety of the Port of San Diego. I have a hunch that the US fleet will come to our door soon. .”

In fact, there is no need for premonition. Just when they arrived at the Port of Santiago, five or six ships from outside followed them, and they knew that the American fleet would definitely get the news.

Of course, since he dares to come to the Port of San Diego, this means that Vice Admiral Cedella is not afraid of the visit of the US fleet. In terms of battleship performance and scale, the Spanish fleet is no worse than it. Although he is unwilling to fight the United States in a decisive battle, if this day comes, he will have nothing to fear.

Colonel Leifer knew something about Lieutenant General Sedra's mentality, but now was not the time to talk about it. I saw him taking over the lieutenant general's words and continuing.

"The minefield must be set up. I think it should not be too far outside. We can arrange the minefield further inward. It is best to allow the U.S. fleet to reach the fort in San Diego. Otherwise, if the U.S. fleet gives up a strong attack and instead implements an offensive If mines are laid, the situation will be more difficult, and the forts can consume the U.S. Navy to some extent. "

Leifer's meaning is clear. Use all available power to attack the opponent. If you win, the losses caused by the destruction of the fort will be insignificant. If you lose, even if the fort remains, it will be of no use.

"Just do as you say."

So the Spanish fleet, which was repairing in Santiago, began to prepare defensive measures.

A week later, the fully equipped U.S. fleet sailed out of the military port. This time, they were determined to burn the boat. They put the U.S. Navy's wealth on the line, and they are betting on the glory of the U.S. Navy for decades.

. "It's time to end all this. The fleet of the United States of America will finally sail freely in the Caribbean!" Rear Admiral Samplin confidently said to all naval officers and soldiers before setting off.

Three days later, the U.S. fleet finally arrived outside the port of San Diego. Led by four Pennsylvania-class patrol ships, three Indiana-class battleships lined up in a column and slowly appeared in the sight of the San Diego fort. Behind it are as many as seven cruisers of various types.

Behind them are three shallow-water heavy gunships. These products with excellent data but poor actual performance were also placed on the altar of war. They will serve as a supplement to the main fleet, and also as the main force for attacking forts and port facilities. After all, there are too few main gun turrets on battleships, and the U.S. Navy needs to use these shells where they can best play their role.

However, the U.S. Navy's hopes of blocking the Spanish fleet in Santiago were dashed. Because of the notification ship, the Spanish fleet had left three hours ago, except for the battleship Princess Cristina.

"It seems that the main force of the Spanish fleet is not in the port." Rear Admiral Samplin said as he picked up his telescope and looked at the rising smoke column near the Spanish fort in the distance.

Just in front of him, three shallow-water heavy gunboats and three cruisers were pouring firepower on the fort outside Santiago Harbor. The long barrel continued to spit out flames, and huge fireballs shot out from the barrel. Then, accompanied by the sound of artillery shells streaking through the air at high speed, 10-inch and 8-inch artillery shells hit the fort in Santiago Port heavily.

Although the Spanish tried to fight back, under such fierce firepower, the forts armed with old artillery were of little use. If it weren't for the fear of mines, the American fleet might have approached and fired, completely sweeping away the entire fort.

Major General Samplin said with a worried look. "If the Spanish fleet is not here, our plan will fail."

Dewey shook his head and said. "No, Spain should have reached the end of its war effort. Although their fleet is still strong, their national foundation may no longer be able to support this war for a long time. They also need a chance to end this war. Victory or failure .”

"Then what should we do now? Keep fighting? Although the 8-inch cannon and 10-inch cannon have relatively ample ammunition, we can't just waste the precious shells here." Samplin said with some reluctance.

"The shallow water heavy gunship formation broke away from the battle group and approached to attack. We need to let the Spaniards come out."

After thinking for a moment, Dewey gritted his teeth and said. The Spaniards have plenty of time. If they are allowed to delay, the entire fleet must leave the battle position before dark. After all, they still take the factor of lightning strikes into consideration. In this case, it is better to give the Spanish fleet a chance to attract them out. At the same time, the three ships behind are really not suitable for high-speed maneuvers, so it is better to abandon them temporarily.