Fortunately, the United States had the help of the Cuban rebels, and it quickly grasped the movements of the Spanish fleet. It was unknown, but once the situation was understood, the entire 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 as to what to say. 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 sighed.
"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 will 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 go to Santiago to block the gate.
"A good idea. This can block the Spaniards in Santiago. But at that time, 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, and of course, during this period, they need to make modifications and restrictions 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 was 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 Santiago, this means that Vice Admiral Cedela is not afraid of the arrival of the American fleet. In terms of warship performance and scale, the Spanish fleet is not inferior to it. Although it is unwilling to fight the United States, if
When the day finally came, he had nothing to fear.
Colonel Leifer knew something about Lieutenant General Sedra's mentality, but now was not the time to talk about it. He took over the lieutenant general's words and continued talking.
"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 US fleet to reach the fort in Santiago. Otherwise, if the US fleet gives up a storm and instead carries out an offensive
If mines are mined, the situation will be more difficult to deal with. Moreover, the forts can consume the U.S. Navy to some extent."
Leifer's meaning is very clear. Use all available power to attack the opponent. If you win, the loss 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 naval port. This time, they were determined to risk everything. They were betting on the U.S. Navy's decades-long glory.
"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 said to all naval officers and soldiers with full confidence 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 field of view of the San Diego fort. Behind them, there were up to
9 cruisers of various types.
Behind them are three shallow-water heavy gunships. These products with excellent data but poor actual performance have also been placed on the altar of war. They will serve as a supplement to the main fleet, and also serve 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 exert their effect.
However, the U.S. Navy's hope of blocking the Spanish fleet in Santiago was dashed. Due to 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 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 gun barrels continued to spit out flames, and huge fireballs erupted from the barrels. Then followed
With 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 Spaniards tried to fight back, under such fierce firepower, the fort armed with old-style artillery was of little use. If it were not for the fear of mines, the American fleet might have approached and fired, completely sweeping away the entire fort.
Lose.
Major General Samplin said with a worried look. "If the Spanish fleet is not here, our plan will come to nothing."
Dewey shook his head and said. "No, Spain should have reached the end of its war effort. Although their fleet is still powerful, their national foundation may not be able to support this war for a long time. They also need a chance to end this war."
, victory or defeat.”
"Then what should we do now? Keep fighting? Although the ammunition for the 8-inch and 10-inch guns is relatively abundant, 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 pondering for a moment, Dewey gritted his teeth and said. The Spanish 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
An opportunity 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.
