Chapter 645: Clark Air Force Base

In the Philippine Islands, the Chinese Marine Corps Clark Air Force Base has been very busy since the second half of October.

Clark Air Force Base has had several owners, first the Americans, then the Japanese, and finally the Chinese who drove the Japanese out of the Philippines.

Today, this air base has become an important transit airport for supporting the front line. After the Chinese occupation of the Philippines, the size of the airfield was expanded several times. Its take-off and landing planes are able to squeeze into the top few airports in China. The daily cargo throughput is also very huge.

Eight huge runways, capable of taking off sixteen warplanes at the same time, endless hangars, and various material warehouses, can allow thousands of aircraft to dock, repair and replenish.

It was the main logistics airfield to support the war effort in the South Pacific, but when November arrived, the airfield's mission changed.

In the past, transport planes that landed every day are now more often fighters and AWACS aircraft. Even the Intruder fighter-bombers stationed a whole aviation regiment. Several AWACS aircraft take turns to take off every day, and airport radio communications have always been operating at high intensity.

The reason is simple, the command of the Chinese Pacific Fleet, is here.

This is the difference between China and Japan. Each aircraft carrier formation to which the Pacific Fleet belongs has its own formation headquarters, and the general headquarters that regulates each aircraft carrier formation is not placed on warships in wartime. Rather, it is on land, in order to be able to completely command the various aircraft carrier formations. Maintain the security of radio communications and command systems and the exchange of vital information with all parties.

Actually, this way of commanding. It is the way adopted by the nations of later generations, and no one is exempt.

The command center takes further orders by summarizing the situation of the various formations. It's like a brain, coordinating all parts of the body to ensure an orderly response.

As the saying goes, the bystander is confused by the authorities, and the command center is to put him in a position of semi-entering the situation, look at the development of the battlefield rationally, and combine intelligence from all sides, so that he can make a correct judgment.

Here's the information. It's not just the fleet's intelligence. There are other aspects, all there is news about everything about the battlefield.

Beginning on November 8, the various aircraft carrier formations of the Chinese Pacific Fleet have been dispersed, according to the situation of the Japanese-American joint fleet. Make the layout.

This naval battle. The Chinese side is not yet 100 percent sure of victory. The scale of the enemy is unprecedented. It can even be said that the general command is not without pressure at all.

Each step is carefully calculated to allow for the freedom of sending and receiving.

Inside the command of the Pacific Fleet. Neither Liu Haijiang nor the staff officers of the Operations Staff Department thought of eating the Japanese-US Combined Fleet in one bite, because it was too unrealistic.

Therefore, the early targets of the attack were those battle formations that were far away from the main forces. Just like Nagumo Tadaichi's task force, six aircraft carriers, this is a very good goal.

Because Nagumo is far away from the main force of the Japan-US Combined Fleet, the carrier-based aircraft of the main ship group of the Japan-US Joint Fleet are basically unable to support the Nagumo Special Task Force, which in turn is very close to its own land-based airfield. If he doesn't defeat Nanyun, Liu Haijiang feels a little sorry for Nimitz and Nagano Xiu.

Afterwards, Liu Haijiang also admired Nagano Xiushen and Nimitz, and when they suffered in the Nagumo fleet, they were transferred back to the vanguard fleet. This made Liu Haijiang unable to find a good target for a while.

ZTE 16th year, November 12.

The morning sun rises as always, and the weather in the Philippines does not look cold in November. The ground staff who are busy at the airport in the early hours of the morning and the drivers who are training in the morning are basically dressed in cool dark green short sleeves. Of course, except for those who are already about to board the plane, after all, at high altitude, every kilometer, it will be much colder. Even on a hot June day, these pilots boarded the plane in warm and heavy flight suits.

It is busy 24 hours a day, when the lights are turned off at night, and the sky is bright. The mist shrouded the airfield, and the visibility was good, so it didn't affect the pilots too much.

Around the airport, the chatter of Si Suo can be clearly heard. Every day is boring, and everyone does the same thing over and over again. It seems that all of a sudden there is only chatting to relieve boredom.

In the cafeteria, the soldiers who are already sitting for breakfast, and the lamas on the walls, as always, broadcast the weather conditions for the next two days.

The rainy day that many pilots have been waiting for has finally arrived. This is the first message that comes with the broadcast after dawn. Because the rain means the end of the fog for a short time. For pilots, they are not afraid of rainy days, but they are afraid of foggy days. At least when patrolling, you can see the situation in the distance. After the rain, it is always good for the pilots.

Like many soldiers, Liu Haijiang came to the cafeteria at seven o'clock in the morning, took a breakfast, and sat with many soldiers. Although they could not communicate verbally during meals, the soldiers were allowed to see their commanders sitting and eating with them every day. In the tense atmosphere of war, this feeling is wonderful.

At this moment, Chen Yun, who was dressed in military uniform, quickly walked to Liu Haijiang's side. He said in a low voice: "Commander, just now the signal corps received a temporary notice from the Supreme Command, Air Force One, which will arrive in an hour, let us be ready to greet us." ”

"What?" Not only Liu Haijiang was startled, but the soldiers around him who were eating breakfast couldn't help but stop all their movements. All eyes were firmly fixed on Chen Yun.

Seeing that everyone was looking at him, Chen Yun simply stood up and reported loudly: "Report to the commander, in an hour, Air Force One will arrive at Clark Air Force Base." ”

This time, the entire canteen heard it, and before Liu Haijiang could say anything, the soldiers in the canteen began to cheer.

"Hurry up and eat." Liu Haijiang also reacted quickly, hastily stuffed the last steamed bun into his mouth, and left with Chen Yun.

And the news about the arrival of Air Force One also spread in the air base as quickly as possible. The soldiers who were supposed to go to wash and rest after the handover also stopped.

"Where is Air Force One now?" On the way, Liu Haijiang didn't ask Chen Yun why he said it out loud.

"Air Force One was flying from Vietnam at six o'clock. His Majesty arrived in Vietnam three days ago to greet the Vietnamese garrison and inspect the formation of the Vietnamese provincial government. Originally, it was to go to Borneo first, and after taking off, His Majesty ordered the plane to be diverted. And after an hour, we will be notified. Chen Yun replied as she walked.

"I said, why didn't you notify in advance of such a big thing. At the very least, the security alert level should be raised. Liu Haijiang muttered.

"The commander is assured that Air Force One is escorted by a large group of Black Hawk fighters, and there are AWACS aircraft around it. There will be no surprises. Chen Yun said.

On the runway in the distance. Fighters began to take off, and even AWACS aircraft took off two at the same time. The Intruder fighter-bombers, which were not on alert duty, were also preparing for takeoff.

"These boys are really self-conscious." Liu Haijiang who sees these in his eyes. Shrug your shoulders.

"Major General Li Aihua of the Air Force. A supreme alert order has been issued. And also sent an escort fleet in the direction of the South China Sea. Chen Yun explained.

As soon as Chen Yun's words fell, a notice sounded on the airport's radio. Three intermittent sirens followed. Raise the defense of the airbase to the highest level.

"I really hope that Air Force One will come and go." Liu Haijiang, who stepped into the headquarters, finally said thoughtfully.

Chen Yun, who was following behind, couldn't help but nodded, the result of this sea battle had not yet come out. The main forces of the Japanese-American combined fleet still exist. Although there is still a Mariana Islands in front of the Philippines, once Japan and the United States know that Chen Shao is in the Philippines, who knows what decision the other side will make.

After all, nearly 100 aircraft carriers are by no means a force to be underestimated. Once the other party wants to do something, Liu Haijiang really can't ensure the safety here.

As eight o'clock approached, Liu Haijiang took Chen Yun and several other headquarters staff officers and Air Force Major General Li Aihua, the military commander of Clark Air Force Base, to wait by the tarmac together.

Around the tarmac, the distance was already crowded with soldiers who had not worked for the time being, and everyone looked forward to the place where the sun set.

At eight o'clock, many small black dots appeared in the sky to the west, and after a while, the blue-painted Black Hawk fighter fuselage appeared in everyone's eyes. The four leading Black Hawk fighters flew over the airbase at low altitude, and after the whistling, the ground also responded with cheers.

Air Force One, with its blue and white colors, appeared in everyone's eyes following behind the Black Hawk fighter.

Under the command of the conning tower, Air Force One slowly landed. Then, slowly move to the tarmac.

When the stairs were placed, Chen Shao's figure appeared in front of everyone. Liu Haijiang and the others immediately greeted him.

"I've seen Your Majesty, Queen, Commander."

Chen Shao was accompanied by Xie Yuxin, as well as Qian Sihai, commander of the Pacific Theater, Du Yuming, commander of the Southeast Asian Theater, and Chen Shaokuan, minister of the Chinese Navy.

"Haijiang, well done, it seems that I didn't choose the wrong person." Chen Shao patted Liu Haijiang's shoulder, said a word of encouragement, and then looked at Chen Yun behind Liu Haijiang. With the other hand, he grabbed Xie Yuxin, who was maneuvering.

"Thank you Principal for your trust as always, the Navy will definitely live up to the Principal's expectations." Liu Haijiang once again solemnly saluted and assured seriously.

"I trust you, take me around now."

"Yes."

Chen Shao did not immediately go to Liu Haijiang's headquarters, but walked through almost the entire airport. I met with each soldier and said a few words of encouragement. Later, Chen Shao went to the field hospital set up at the airport to visit the wounded soldiers inside.

When Chen Shao and his entourage came to Liu Haijiang's headquarters, the time was noon. After having lunch with the soldiers in the canteen, Chen Shao really had time to listen to Liu Haijiang's detailed battle situation. At this time, Xie Yuxin and Chen Yun had already left the team.

"......, the details are like this, now the main force of the Japanese-American combined fleet is only 1,200 nautical miles from the Mariana Islands. At the moment, at the speed of eighteen knots, it is coming towards us. However, their outstretched claws were either chopped off or withdrawn by us. At present, it is like a shrinking turtle, which makes it difficult for us to hurt its main force. ”

In the headquarters, everyone listened quietly to Liu Haijiang's introduction of the previous battle situation and the current form.

"Tell me in detail about the current situation with the enemy's fleet." As soon as Liu Haijiang's voice fell, Chen Shao asked.

"The formation of the enemy's fleet is very open, and it is tight inside and loose outside. There are a large number of destroyers on guard on the perimeter. Basically, three destroyers are in a group, and each group has at least one American destroyer with radar. This protection is on all sides, in a circle, enclosing the capital ships inside. These destroyers can not only alert our air force, but also spy on our submarines.

The second circle was a mixed formation of enemy cruisers and battleships, each with three to five nautical miles apart. The innermost is the aircraft carrier group, and basically all the aircraft carriers are in the innermost. According to intelligence, the enemy is on guard in turns. Divide all aircraft carriers into three groups, one group of aircraft carrier-based aircraft on alert, and one group to maintain combat readiness. One set of rests. Three groups take turns. ”

After the introduction, Liu Haijiang couldn't help but shake his head. He regretted it a little, did he beat the other party too much at once.

"What about your response?" Chen Shao also shook his head, he was on Air Force One before. He knew a little bit about it. The problem is tricky.

"Under this formation. It is also difficult for us to use fighter planes to forcibly break through the enemy's three defensive circles. The submarine force of Di Wolf is currently there. Action has already begun. A large number of submarines were brought together to carry out wolf pack tactics against the enemy fleet pack. Fight to break the outer destroyer protective ring of the enemy fleet.

The Pacific Fleet has now formed ten separate aircraft carrier formations, ahead of the enemy fleet group. Makes up a huge U-shaped pocket. Using our high-speed cruisers and destroyers, combined with the protection of aircraft carriers and carrier-based aircraft, we will destroy the outer destroyers of the enemy fleet group one by one. It is also possible to lure the opponent's carrier-based aircraft to come out to support and encroach.

However, these countermeasures require a high degree of cooperation from us, and if anything goes wrong, it is very likely that the situation will change further uncertainly. ”

Liu Haijiang did not determine this countermeasure, because it was a bit risky.

"But have you ever thought that once the other side sees our thoughts, they will concentrate their forces and strike at our aircraft carrier formation in one direction. What will be the result. Chen Shaokuan couldn't help but ask.

"I've thought about this, and in order to implement this package, we have to rely on the help of our land-based airports. At present, the other side has not yet entered the favorable combat radius where we have launched land-based fighters, so the harassment tactics have not been officially launched. Liu Haijiang explained the old chief's rebuttal.

"Although this plan is risky, there is no war that is not risky. When the plan will be launched. Chen Shao nodded.

"Actually, Your Majesty, I still have the idea of using the cruisers and destroyers of the former Royal Fleet as the first line. It is believed that with the means of attack of these cruisers and destroyers, the turtle shell of Nimitz, too, will be quickly knocked out. His radar warning network will also be finished. Liu Haijiang heard that Chen Shao supported him, and immediately asked.

"This is your business, the entire Pacific Fleet is handed over to you, how to fight is your business. You don't need to have any scruples about how you think weapons and equipment should be used. Chen Shao said this, glanced at the people in the headquarters, and said again: "And in order to achieve the safest result, I have already given an order to the Second Artillery Corps. Within today, there will be units of the Second Artillery Corps, airlifted to the Mariana Islands, to be deployed in Guam and Saipan. At all times, they are the last line of defense of the Empire. ”

"Headmaster, I promise, will definitely not disappoint the Empire." Liu Haijiang got up and promised.

"Don't have scruples, don't have other thoughts, your ultimate goal is to cripple the enemy's fleet for me. This is a battle for the core interests of the Empire, and no matter how strong our opponents may be, we must not lose.

This time, the Black Hawk fighters that came with Air Force One have a group, and tomorrow there will be two other groups of Black Hawk fighters and two groups of intruders will arrive. These fighters are also handed over to you. Putting aside all burdens and fighting this battle well is the best reward for me, for the empire, and for all the people. ”

In fact, Chen Shao is completely prepared to come here. In recent months, Chen Shao has not done much else, and he has specialized in rioting. The ore refineries within 1,100 kilometers around Hanking were all recycled into gold coins. Black Hawk and Intruder fighters are produced every day. Specially trained pilots are also in the final run-in.

To put it bluntly, no matter what weapons and equipment are exploded, Chen Shao will make money. Even the mythical-class aircraft carrier, Chen Shao also built three more. Even if these three supercarriers are launched, the war may be over. But Chen Shao did not stop, whether it is an advanced fighter or an aircraft carrier, it is related to the future of China's centennial plan.

Even after 20 years, these fighters are still the most advanced in the world, and the aircraft carriers, even after 50 years, these mythical aircraft carriers will still not be outdated regardless of the degree of advancement.

Of course, the mass production of Black Hawk fighters and intruders, Chen Shao also took into account that the next fighter developed by China itself has not yet come out, and the war is going on again. Today, the United States Sabre is equipped with a large number of troops, and its advanced degree is no less than that of the Warhawk-3. In order to ensure China's air superiority, a large number of Black Hawk fighters and intruders are also needed.

It just so happened that the naval battle had reached its most critical moment, and the battlefield was again near the Mariana Islands. This gave this group of black hawks and invaders who had just come out a stage to perform. Therefore, Chen Shao simply transferred all these fighters.

"But, Your Majesty, you gave me all the escorts, how did you leave?" Hearing Chen Shao's words, Liu Haijiang was happy and couldn't help asking.

"What's so hard about this, I'm not in enemy airspace. And even though I'm leaving, I'm going to stay here. ”

"But ,......"

"Nothing, but the Pacific Fleet and a large number of land-based fighters, can't they ensure my safety? He Nimitz wants to move me, and he lacks a good tooth. ”

Hearing Chen Shao's words, Liu Haijiang could only nod helplessly.

"The soldiers fought bloody battles on the front line regardless of life and death, not to mention that I am now in the rear, compared to the soldiers in the front, my safety is nothing." Chen Shao also knew what kind of pressure his decision would bring to these subordinates, and it would also add a lot of uncertainties, but he had no intention of changing this decision. (To be continued......)