Britain relied on maritime hegemony to become an empire that never sets. After the end of World War II, although Britain has declined, it is still a traditional naval power after all.
The strong scientific and technological background and strong manufacturing capabilities have made the British naval base complete and large in scale. The Portsmouth Naval Base is a typical representative.
This UK’s most important naval base is located in the very south of the UK, with the English Channel to the south and the Isle of Wight as a barrier. It is about 100 kilometers from London to the northwest. If you look from the sky, the harbor is densely docked with warships, including large ships. The aircraft carriers on the deck are all docked here.
This is the first time Nathan has come to Portsmouth Naval Base. From his point of view, it is much smaller than Miramar Air Station. From the point of view of a naval airman, the Ark Royal, docked on the pier, also looks smaller.
"Major Nathan, I am your fan." When Nathan came to the base, an oncoming British officer said to him.
This man is not tall, the beard on his face is neatly shaved, and his eyes are full of determination and confidence. The general on his shoulders represents his military rank.
He was just a major, and the other party could come to greet him with a general of the same level. However, the presence of a general made Nathan feel flattered.
"This is Wuhuad, welcome to Portsmouth." Major General Wuhuad reached out to Nathan.
Wu Huade? Nathan was immediately connected with the history of later generations. In the Falklands War a few years later, he was the commander-in-chief of the aircraft carrier formation!
They are all peers!
Nathan also stretched out his hand: "General Wuhuad, it's a great honor to visit here."
"Ms. Emily, you are very beautiful." Wuhuade continued to say to Emily who was aside.
There are many secrets in the fleet. If it is a private visit, it is said that Emily cannot come in, but Emily has another identity, that is, an intelligence officer of the CIA. In this case, even if she comes into contact with some secrets, she will be measured. , I won't talk nonsense.
Emily is in a good mood. Nathan has been eagerly trying to return to the fleet. Well, I have to seize the last few days of getting along with Nathan. This is a rare trip.
Shaking his hand courteously, Major General Wuward said, "Major Nathan, please allow me to show you our aircraft carrier first. Which ship would you like to see first?"
At this time, the Eagle aircraft carrier has been retired, in its prime of life, but because of the short-sighted politicians in the Congress, they were retired from military expenses. They were reluctant to pay tens of millions of pounds in conversion fees, so they simply retired!
Only the Royal Ark is left. Although it is still in service, the prospects are not optimistic. There will be a destiny for retirement at any time. The latest Invincible class has not yet entered service, and there is also an old-fashioned Competitive God.
The Jade God was a product before the end of World War II. It was later modified and has been in service in the Navy. Now, Jade God’s original catapult for fixed-wing aircraft has been dismantled and became an amphibious support and anti-submarine aircraft carrier. Anti-submarine helicopters can also carry vertical take-off and landing aircraft that are about to enter service.
In contrast, the Competitive God is more valuable to visit, especially the Sea Harrier vertical take-off and landing aircraft above, which can be said to be a fist product that the British Navy can get.
Unfortunately, Nathan is not interested.
"I want to see it on the Royal Ark." Nathan said.
This is an aircraft carrier with a full load and displacement of 50,000 tons. It belongs to a fleet of aircraft carriers. It has an angled deck and a steam catapult. If the aircraft carrier was still in service in the British Navy during the Falklands War, it would definitely not be the result in history. .
The only fixed-wing fighter unit of the British Navy was deployed on the Ark Royal, including Lieutenant Clive.
Therefore, when I heard that Nathan was going to visit the aircraft carrier, Lieutenant Clive immediately became interested. Several people took the base vehicle and headed towards the dock.
"It's a pity that the aircraft carrier has been parked now. If you go to sea, Major Nathan, you can drive our Phantom Fighter and feel how powerful the power of Spey's ghost is." Lieutenant Clive said to Nathan. .
Nathan nodded: "Yeah, I really want to fly a test flight. I haven't ejected from the aircraft carrier for a long time. How long will the aircraft carrier be dispatched next time?"
Hearing Nathan’s questioning, the expressions of several British people were stiff, or Lieutenant Clive spoke up: "We don't know when we will be dispatched next time. Because our fuel bill has not been approved."
Nathan was also speechless for a while. He was a big country anyway. Why couldn't the Navy even guarantee a basic training fee
However, it is also true that the cost of an aircraft carrier is an astronomical figure. After the national strength weakens, they may not be able to maintain it.
The atmosphere was a little embarrassing. Emily pointed to the aircraft carrier deck in the distance: "A soldier is standing on the aircraft carrier. He looks like an old man. Is he the captain of the aircraft carrier?"
"That's our Admiral John Feldhaus." Woodward said.
An admiral, not working in his command post, why did he come here? Nathan was suddenly curious, and at the same time, very excited.
This guy is the supreme commander of the British fleet in history. With a weak British fleet, he crossed the oceans and defeated the weaker Argentina.
Now, is it worrying about the future of the British navy
The car passed the bridge and drove directly to the deck, stopping next to General John.
"General, what are you thinking about?" Wu Huade asked.
General John didn't look back, he was still looking at the empty deck. Every time he returned from a voyage, the carrier-based aircraft would take off and fly to the land base.
"If we could have Tomcat fighters and equip them on our aircraft carriers, it would be great!" General John exclaimed, "Unfortunately, even the last batch of ghost fighters may be sent to the Air Force now."
After speaking, he turned his head away, but saw two fresh faces.
"Mahuali? Oh, no, it's Major Nathan." The words of Old General John showed that he didn't know how many times he had watched his lofty ambitions. This film has been released in theaters all over the world. , Is even more talked about by naval aviation.
"The general is right. Without a fixed-wing carrier-based aircraft carrier, the safety of the fleet cannot be protected at all." Nathan said: "Without air dominance, there will be no sea dominance. Just relying on air defense ships has a lot of passivity. The Tomcat fighter is the most suitable choice for the British fleet."
Of course, Old General John knew this, but he still shook his head helplessly. Now the British Navy is a thin camel. (End of this chapter)