Fortunately, the United States had the help of the Cuban rebels, and the movements of the Spanish fleet were quickly grasped. I don't know if I don't know this, but once I grasp the situation, the US Navy is overjoyed.

"I didn't expect the battleship Princess Christina of the Spaniards to be damaged and repaired at the shipyard in San Diego."

This intelligence made Rear Admiral Samplin not know what to say, this situation is simply too good for the US Navy, good news could not be better.

"And the information that those Cubans have spied is very good, and even the battleship Princess Christina has time to be repaired, and it takes 15 days to repair it."

Colonel Simpson let out his own exclamation.

"This is normal, in order to avoid the enslavement of Spain, in order to make their country independent, these Cubans should also work hard."

Brigadier General Dewey voiced his opinion.

"Then we'll set off in seven days' time, just in time to see if the Spaniards will drop their jaws when they suddenly see us."

Major General Samplin decided to leave in a week and head to San Diego to block the gate.

"Good idea, this can keep the Spaniards in San Diego immobilized. But what about a plan when we can land on both sides with the army, and then rely on the army to take the batteries around San Diego and force them to die at sea? ”

Well, this Commodore Dewey was even more ruthless, and he directly wanted 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, they need to modify and limit it according to the actual situation during this period.

While the U.S. Navy was eyeing the Spanish fleet in the port of San Diego, the Spanish fleet in the port of San Diego was also making defensive arrangements for itself.

Standing on the high ground on the side of the harbor, Vice Admiral Cedra looked at the battleships in the harbor and the defensive measures arranged.

"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 Santiago. I have a hunch that the American fleet will soon come to my door. ”

In fact, there was no need to have a hunch, just when they arrived at the port of San Diego, five or six ships outside followed here, and they knew that the American fleet would definitely get the news.

Of course, since he dared to come to the port of Santiago, this means that Vice Admiral Cedra is not afraid of the presence of the American fleet. In terms of the performance and size of the warships, the Spanish fleet was no worse than it, although it was unwilling to fight the United States, but if this day really came, he was not afraid.

Colonel Leifer knew a little about Lieutenant General Sedra's mentality, but now was not the time to talk about it. I saw him take the lieutenant general's words and continue.

"Minefields are to be set up, I don't think it's too far away, we can put the minefields inward. It would be better for the American fleet to land on the batteries in San Diego, otherwise it would be more difficult for the American fleet to abandon the assault and instead carry out offensive minelaying. And the battery can more or less consume the US Navy. ”

Lefehr's meaning is clear. Use all the forces at your disposal to strike at your opponent, and if you win, then the losses caused by the destruction of the battery are not enough to worry about, and if you lose, even if the battery remains, it will be of no use.

"Just do as you say."

So the Spanish fleet, which had been repaired in Santiago, began to prepare for defense.

A week later, the fully equipped American fleet sailed out of the port, this time with the will to break the ship. Pressing the US Navy's home base, they are betting on the glory of the US Navy for decades.

。 "It's time to put an end to all this, and the fleet of the United States of America will finally sail freely in the Caribbean!" Rear Admiral Samplin said confidently to all the officers and men of the Navy before setting off.

Three days later, the U.S. fleet finally arrived outside the port of San Diego, and three Indiana-class battleships slowly appeared in a column under the leadership of four Pennsylvania-class battleships. Behind it, there were up to 9 cruisers of various types.

Behind them were 3 shallow water heavy gunboats, which were good in terms of data, but the actual performance was poor, and they were also put on the altar of war. They were to serve as a supplement to the main fleet, but also as the main force for attacking batteries and port facilities. After all, there were so few main gun turrets on battleships that the U.S. Navy needed to use these shells where they could be used best.

However, the U.S. Navy's hopes of blocking the Spanish fleet in San Diego were dashed. The Spanish fleet had already left three hours earlier because of the ships, with the exception of the battleship Princess Christina.

"It seems that the main force of the Spanish fleet is not in the harbor." Major General Sampling picked up his binoculars and looked at the rising columns of smoke near the Spanish batteries in the distance.

Just in front of him, 3 shallow water heavy gunboats and 3 cruisers were pouring fire on the batteries outside the port of Santiago. The long barrel of the cannon was constantly spewing flames, and huge fireballs erupted from the barrel. Then, with the sound of shells cutting through the air at high speed, 10-inch and 8-inch shells smashed heavily on the batteries in the port of San Diego.

Although the Spaniards tried to return fire, the batteries armed with old artillery were of little use under such heavy fire. If it weren't for the fear of mines, the U.S. fleet might have fired at close range and completely swept away the entire battery.

Major General Samplin said with a worried face. "If the Spanish fleet is not there. Our plan has failed. ”

Dewey shook his head and said. "No, Spain should have reached the end of their power, although their fleet is still strong, but their country may not be able to support this war for a long time, they also need a chance to end this war, victory or defeat."

"So what do we do now? Keep fighting? Although the 8-inch guns and 10-inch guns were relatively well stocked. But we can't just waste our precious shells here. Samplin said with some reluctance.

"The formation of shallow water heavy gunboats broke away from the battle group and approached the attack, and we need to let the Spaniards out."

After pondering for a moment, Dewey gritted his teeth and said. The Spaniards had time, and if they were allowed to delay, the whole fleet would have to get out of battle before dark, after all, they still had lightning strikes in mind. In this case, it is better to give the Spanish fleet a chance in order to attract them out, and at the same time, the three ships behind are really not suitable for high-speed maneuvering, so it is better to give them up for the time being.