As the most important amphibious warfare expert of the US Navy, Hewitt commanded the flagship of the US Navy attack transport ship "Monrovia". Pen "Fun" Pavilion www.biquge.info

In the vicinity of it, there were 35 large transport ships, cargo ships and oil tankers moored in nine columns and five horizontal lines, each with a distance of 1,000 yards. There were also two battle-hardened battleships, the USS Texas and the USS New York, flanked by the First Line Fleet.

At the same time, there are more than 40 destroyers, patrolling designated positions in the inner and outer layers of the anti-submarine screen.

As if it felt that this was not safe enough, in the harbor where the 'Monrovia' was moored, there was a large number of soldiers, heavily armed, constantly patrolling.

As soon as he arrived at the port, he got out of his car and strode towards the pedals to board the attack transport ship 'Monrovia'.

He was greeted by the whistle of the boatswain, and the salute of all the soldiers on board, as well as the crew.

Hewitt also replied slightly, and then he entered the dark, gloomy aisle of the ship, surrounded by some staff officers.

The transport ship "Monrovia" is inhabited by 10 to 20 officers in each cabin, and the soldiers' bunk beds are even more than 3 to 4 stories high.

In this relatively crowded ship, including Hewitt's staff and Patton's staff officers, the total number of people exceeded 1,300.

The ship was also loaded with more than 200,000 rounds of high-explosive bombs and 145 tons of gasoline.

As soon as he entered the crowded command room, Hewitt saw that many staff officers were carefully studying the naval combat orders for Operation Eskimo.

"Have our aircraft carriers and fleet arrived here?"

After a cursory glance at the commanding group, Hewitt immediately asked a tall man beside him.

"Now about 4 aircraft carriers have arrived, as well as the cruiser USS Cleveland and 9 destroyers."

The U.S. military staff officer named Bittel immediately responded nervously.

"What about the convoy? How many more are coming, or have already arrived? ”

Hewitt continued to ask.

"Of the 4,000 ships and boats, only more than 1,200 have arrived!"

Bittel thought for a moment and replied loudly.

"So what's going on now? Are there any issues that need to be addressed right away? ”

Hewitt nodded, glanced at all the personnel, and asked.

"Yes! Sir! Because many of our captains and crews have never been to sea before, they do not understand our new landing ships, and the seaworthiness of tank landing craft; They don't know how to land these new ships, and they don't know how many soldiers and tanks our new ships should carry under different loads. ”

Bittel continued to reply.

"In addition to what Bittel said, we also have a number of work reports of big and small mistakes, such as carrying bread ovens on the ship, but not bringing the bread ovens on board; Or to confuse the storage compartment of some supplies, and to mix some gas shells and artillery shells in the same cargo compartment, and to give the wrong caliber of some firearms and ammunition supplies......"

As soon as the words fell, another US military staff officer named Riggins also stood up and interjected.

"Is that overall worse than the transport situation when we were fighting for Operation Torch?"

After listening, Hewitt was silent for a while and asked.

"Much better!"

Bitt and Riggins agreed in unison.

"That's good, remember that our purpose this time is to move 4,000 ships and more than 4,000 combat aircraft within 2 months; And about 500,000 soldiers were secretly transported to the area of Sicily, ready for a landing operation! Therefore, we must use the fastest speed and the most efficient action to complete this 'Eskimo operation', and pave the way for us to attack the Italian fascist homeland! ”

Hewitt said aloud and serious.

"Yes! Sir! ”

All the Anglo-American staff officers replied in unison, loudly.

"Good! This attitude and momentum is our best state! Also, how is our 'Diehard' secrecy operation going? Did the soldiers carry it out thoroughly? ”

Hewitt nodded in satisfaction.

"They all do well under our watchful eye! All the soldiers were told that they should never reveal where or where we were going in the letters they sent back to their families, and to their friends, or to their loved ones, and in their usual speeches; And talk about what to do, or what is about to be done! Anyone who violates military orders is brought before a military court for trial and military punishment. ”

Before Bittel could reply, Rigins immediately replied first.

"Hmmm! We must do a good job of secrecy, for if the Germans find out that we are landing there, it will cause great trouble to our landing operations! ”

Hewitt looked at Rigins with admiration and smiled with satisfaction.

"By the way, have there been any air raids by the German army recently?"

Hewitt suddenly remembered.

"No, we haven't seen a single German plane, or ship, or submarine since the Battle of Tunis! I think they should have been fighting on a scale to rescue the remnants of the German army there on the Bang Kok Peninsula, and they were greatly injured! Otherwise, with their anxious nature, it would not have been possible to be so quiet! ”

Riggins happily continued to preemptively answer.

As soon as the words fell, the entire command room was bustling.

All the British and American staff officers were gossiping, but in the end everyone happily agreed with Riggins' answer.

"Or may! However, the movement of the German army was too quiet, although last time they lost a lot of planes, ships and submarines; But it hasn't completely wounded their foundations, and I think these Germans must be brewing some big conspiracy! ”

But Hewitt frowned deeply and objected.

It's just that not many British and American staff officers listened to his objections.

Because they have been made confident and arrogant by the recent succession of big victories.

Therefore, let them show enough attention to the German army, which has gradually declined, and a sense of crisis.

Then they talked nonchalantly and nonchalantly about something innocuous and insignificant.

And in such an atmosphere, even Hewitt, who had just been more nervous and attached importance to the actions of the German army; I also unconsciously relaxed my vigilance and began to chat happily with everyone.

At this time, the German Second Air Force stationed in Italy and the Mediterranean, under the jurisdiction of 4 fighter groups and 3 bomber groups; and 2 fighter-bomber brigades, as well as 1 night raid brigade, 1 transport aircraft brigade; 2 squadrons of long-range reconnaissance aircraft, and all pilots of 1 squadron of short-range reconnaissance aircraft; and the commanders, all summoned by their commanders, for an urgent meeting.