Sakura Wars: The 21st Century
By Steve Edward
Chapter 19
Thursday, January 28th, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 0900 hours –
Admiral Long convened the staff meeting with the announcement of the successful defensive measure undertaken by the merchant ship Pacific Freedom. The news of the attack had broken on CNN, MSNBC and the Fox News Networks within minutes of the edited video being released by the Pentagon. The idea of utilizing the degaussing system of a ship to alter the magnetic field of a ship to deflect an attack by a Sea Wraith had worked.
For John there were still some unanswered questions. The cargo of scrap metal on the Pacific Freedom could have assisted in some way and that would be difficult to answer as the ship was still enroute to China and could not be examined till it arrived.
John turning to Commander Fujieda and Lieutenant Commander Oogami congratulated them both on the solution. Looking at three Navy Commanders sitting in on the briefing he introduced them to the remaining staff, "I would like to introduce the following individuals. Commander Timothy Welter, commanding officer USS John S. McCain DDG-56, Commander Andrea London, commanding officer USS Hooper DDG-70 and Commander Mike Sherman, commanding officer USS Shiloh CG-67."
John had requested more escorts but with the Sea Wraith returning in such force he had been limited to just two destroyers and the cruiser. Only the USS Shiloh would remain with the Wisconsin when they arrived at Hawaii. Delayed with an engineering casualty before the departure of the battlegroup headed by the USS Ronald Regan CVN-76, the USS Shiloh would play catch up and since the Wisconsin was headed for Japan it would benefit both ships.
Turning to the laptop, Admiral Long tapped a key, "Playing on the screen is video taken by a crew member of the American flagged Pacific Freedom. Its Master, Josh Dillon had stumbled into the path of a Sea Wraith that was on the war path. Dillon who had received the message distributed from the Wisconsin concerning the use of the degaussing equipment to deflect a Sea Wraith attack put it to the test."
Standing as he continued, "The Pacific Freedom endured an astonishing 15 direct hits from the Sea Wraith's energy blasts, suffering nothing more than scorched paint in the areas that were hit." Letting that sink in, "Some of us who had previously encountered these energy releases were pretty much resolved that we were going to take a lot of damage while tangling with a Sea Wraith."
Tapping another key the video switched to an enhanced color still, "Dillon apparently had enough of the creature and used the weight of the Pacific Freedom to run it down." With a smile, John turned to the screen; "Most would agree that any creature would and should display some sort of expression in one form or another and in this case the Sea Wraith is no exception." Though hideous to look at the creature was displaying what could be interpreted as that of shock and surprise as John tapped another key, "The display of shock and some are arguing over this, surprise as the Pacific Freedom runs it over. The Sea Wraith is killed when the twin screws of the Freedom chews it to pieces."
John sat back down, "Dillon wisely did not hang around and left the area at best possible speed. A US Navy P3-C anti-sub and anti-wraith patrol was on station 15 minutes after the collision and observed a frantic feeding frenzy from sharks feeding on the remnants of the Sea Wraith."
Opening the briefing for comments he turned to Commander Sherman, "Mike your take on this?" Commander Sherman replied, "Well it was an unorthodox way of taking a Sea Wraith out, but we can't just go around ramming them when they pop up. There is the issue of the sonar domes of our cruisers and destroyers. It is unlikely the domes would survive the impact anyway." John nodded in agreement, "If it comes down to ramming as the last resort at least while in the company of the Wisconsin leave that chore to us, Sammy does not have a dome to worry about and we are heavy anyway. Besides I have no intention of getting that close and personal with a Sea Wraith again in the first place. Had I knew what I know now, the USS Doyle might still be around."
Giving the nod to Commander London, "With the possibility of using the degaussing systems on our ships to deflect or alter the energy release with the electronics that we all carry what kind of side effects have been noted and what we expect?" Good question John thought, "Andrea's thinking is that the energy dispersal would affect sensitive electronics. According to the Chief Engineer of the Pacific Freedom, all their electronic devices are still functional, though we can only theorize to what extent the magnetic field of the ship has been affected and that can only be measured when the ship reaches Hong Kong for off-load. As to side effects, the crew of the Pacific Freedom reported nothing more so far than a bad case of static cling, along with minor electrical shocks; which were nothing more harmful than what one would get while on a carpeted floor in low humidity."
Nodding to Commander Timothy Welter for his input, "Energy dispersal worked for the Freedom, the ramming option is out for my ship; utilizing 5 inch guns has in the past appeared to make these Sea Wraith down right ticked off which makes them more aggressive and predisposed to start chasing you around the ocean, which is all fine and good until you run out of fuel. We've seen that it takes several missiles in some cases depending on the warhead class to kill them. What is in the works for us to help kill these buggers?" as Timothy who hailed from West Virginia concluded with his Southern Twang.
Another good question as John tapped the keyboard again, "The Bureau of Navy Ordinance has developed a new 5 inch shell. Though similar to the souped up 5 inch shell used in the new Mark 150's on the Wisconsin it is not finned and can be used in the current crop of 5 inch mounts that are on your ship. Production is still limited, but considering that naval forces on the West Coast are engaging them on frequent basis BUORD is rushing a shipment in today for your ships. Right now we have enough for 100 rounds per ship, fifty rounds forward and fifty rounds aft. They will still use the conventional powders that you have in inventory. The explosive force has been increased 10 times that above a normal 5 inch HE round. As for the number of rounds, that is the best that I can do for now," as John turned to look at the photo of the new 5 inch round, its casing a deep purple to distinguish it from the other rounds.
John nodding to Captain Orkney to hand out the standing orders, "Frank is passing out the standing orders for this voyage. In the formation chosen for our voyage to Hawaii, I am placing Shiloh on the point with McCain to port and Hooper to starboard of the Wisconsin with a 4,000 yard separation between each ship and a 5,000 yard separation from the Wisconsin. Our transit speed will be 15 knots. In the event of a Sea Wraith warning and alert that may take us into the path of one, the McCain is to turn to port and take station astern on the Wisconsin's port quarter.
Hooper and Shiloh are to execute starboard turns, with Hooper taking station on the starboard quarter of the Wisconsin and Shiloh will take station directly astern. At which point Wisconsin will engage any Sea Wraith that put in an appearance. Main reason I want you up front is your sonar systems. The sonar techs have been briefed on what a Sea Wraith sounds like when it rockets to the ocean surface. As for the McCain and the Hooper, we will do an underway replenishment with your ships on the morning of our arrival at Pearl Harbor. That will save time for you and give you a leg up on the next part of your individual missions, the Shiloh will be staying with Wisconsin till she joins with the USS Ronald Regan. If there are any further questions please speak with Captain Orkney. That is all, good luck gentlemen and ladies, dismissed. Commander Fujieda and Commander Oogami with me please" Standing and coming to attention, the participants waited for Admiral Long to depart.
Leaving the briefing room, Admiral Long returned to his cabin accompanied by Kaede and Ichiro, "Gentlemen and ladies tell me how the training is going with the Rose Division," as he sat at his desk to look over the ever present paperwork. Kaede spoke first, "Admiral, the shipboard damage control training and fire fighting training is progressing very well, though there was some concern expressed about Iris and some of the younger Dream Division personnel."
John had expected that from Fleet Training Center in the first place nodded, "In their shoes having such a young group appear for that kind of training would be a shock, but it can not be helped. Regardless of their normal duties and assignments they need to be able to know how to fight fires and not be afraid of them. In addition to basic damage control they have to have some idea what to do as well." Leaning back in his chair, "I've been through the training myself and go through refreshers. If there are any further concerns from the Fleet Training Center, have them directed to me. I am not wearing these stars on my collars for nothing."
Turning to Ichiro, "You spoke with the commanding officers of the escort ships, any problems from them regarding the Koubus and Eisenkleids that when in operation may or may not make landings on their respective ships?"
Ichiro smiled, "Only Commander Welter of the McCain sir, he was wondering what a Koubu looked like. When he saw a photo of one, he said it looked like a flying moonshine still," chuckling over that John replied, "I suppose Timothy does have a point, Mary did say that an Eisenkleid she saw looked like a giant tea kettle."
Ichiro opened a folder, "Procedures for handling our equipment has been distributed to each of the escort ships along with information on refueling procedures. I spoke with representative of the Shiloh's embarked helicopter squadron and they are confident that there will be no problems if any have to make landings announced or unannounced on their ship," John leaning back, "Well that is a good thing to hear. Once we get underway tomorrow and settled out on our base heading, Sammy needs to bring aboard the SH-60 that was at the estate on standby.
Afterward in the afternoon we will do practice touch and goes with the Wisconsin and I'll setup the touch and goes for the Shiloh. Since neither the McCain nor the Hooper carry a helicopter, we still need to have their crews to become familiar with the operation of the equipment. That will be all, dismissed."
Thursday, January 28th, 2010 – Fleet Training Center – 1300 hours –
Senior Chief Hull Technician Phillip Newsome, who had arrived at 0600 hours to begin another day of putting sailors through the rigors of fighting fires; was surprised to see who he was training. Thinking at first he had a class of Navy Sea Cadet's he located the Officer in Charge of the group and met Commander Matt Healey the Chief Engineer of the USS Wisconsin.
In the group from the Wisconsin, nine were wearing khaki's and the remainder dungarees with a total number of 63 including Commander Healey. After satisfying his curiosity Phillip sat them down on the bleachers and went through his basic briefing.
After the briefing, Phillip learned that he was going to be putting the entire group through both the shipboard and aircraft fire fighting simulators. Splitting the group into more manageable sizes he along with other instructors put them through their paces.
After breaking for lunch and returning to the training field, Phillip eyed the group before him. With the exception of Commander Healey, all were women. There had been odd occurrences throughout the morning.
Phillip decided it was time to ask Commander Healey some questions, "Commander Healey, can you tell me what exactly is going on with your personnel?" as Phillip retrieved a notebook from his back pocket.
Matt had figured that it would happen so he took Phillip aside, "I suppose you are wondering about certain things, like the jammed hatch that is no longer jammed, the quickness of getting the engine room fire out. Those sort of things?" as Phillip nodded at each statement, Matt did his best to present his take on things; "Well the simulated jammed hatch, it looked like it has been through one too many fires and gave up the ghost. After all Kanna is a rather strong woman, the engine room fire was being tackled rather well and the ladies did a wonderful job of attacking the source." Matt did not reveal that Iris was behind the fire being snuffed out so quickly.
The small bucket fire that kept reigniting after being put out by a hapless instructor, who unaware of Orihime's abilities was the subject of a practical joke. Matt who had been watching from the sidelines was trying his best to keep from laughing out loud during the event; Matt also did not reveal the true cause but called it a strange occurrence.
Phillip brought up the odd gathering of the young women who had joined in a circle and appeared to be meditating during the lunch break, Matt knowing it was the Dream Division doing their daily practice stated it was normal for them to do that as they practiced a certain form of religious studies that had been approved by Admiral John Long. Mentioning the Admiral seemed to deflect any further inquiries and the training continued till 1700 hours.
Thursday, January 28th, 2010 – USS Wisconsin BB-64 – 1900 hours –
In his flag quarters, John sat back in his chair taking in the final reports from Captain Hollister and Commander Healey and Captain Orkney, "Matt, I suppose I owe an apology to Fleet Training Center for the behavior of Rose and Dream Divisions?" as Matt closed the folder. Smiling Matt replied, "Not necessary John, it has been handled. I have addressed the issue of the fires being put out so quickly and for the hatch; it did appear to have gone through one too many simulations." The hatch in question which John learned was on the shipboard simulator. Kanna frustrated that it would not open had grabbed onto the upper corner and had given it a good yank which bent it nearly in half.
As for the practical joke done by Orihime, John could only shake his head in disbelief, "Well at least she did not pull that stunt here on the ship. I hope someone has discussed it with her?" as John leaned back in his chair.
Matt replied, "Kaede did have a talk with her. I suppose I am to conduct additional training while enroute to Hawaii?" John nodding in reply, "Yes, it is to be done. Rose and Dream Divisions are part of the Wisconsin and if the need arises where we need their help, I want them able to know what to do. Sammy only has 900 crew members on a ship that originally had 2,500 to operate. Every person onboard has a second job to do and they have to be able to handle it."
Turning to Sammy, "What about final status on load out's," as she reviewed her notes, "All have been completed, the escorts have received their consignments of the 5 inch shells. All personnel have been accounted for and are now onboard. We will be ready to sail as scheduled at 0800 hours with the tide."
Looking at Frank, John asked about the overall status of Task Group Rose, "As Sammy mentioned all final load outs are complete. The Koubus and Eisenkleids are in their lock down positions in the hanger. The remaining SH-60, Charlie-One will be taken onboard after our departure. I have along with Kaede and Ichiro did a walk thru of the berthing spaces and have found all are secure for sea. All Rose Division and Dream Division personnel are onboard and ready for departure."
Staff Sergeant Teresa Bloomberg knocked on the open door and entered the Admiral's quarters with a tray of coffee cups followed by Tsubaki. John taking a proffered cup from Teresa, "Thanks for bringing the coffee; is everything on the Security side of things going well?" as John took another group of folders from Tsubaki.
Teresa setting the tray down, "Yes Admiral, the Marine detachment reports nothing out of the ordinary; though you should know Kohran is in the hanger bay tinkering." Raising an eyebrow and looking at Matt, "Tinkering with what Teresa?"
As John shuffled the folders, "She is apparently working on a small engine, a Briggs and Stratton if I recall correctly sir." Looking at Matt, "If that engine malfunctions or does something it is not supposed to do Matt, guess who I am coming after?" as John focused on him directly, Matt got the message, "I'll go check on her," as Matt stood and departed the cabin, John could hear Matt breaking into a run down the passageway.
Frank who smiled as Matt left, "We can hope that the "Do Not Touch or Dismantle Signs" are enough to keep her away from the helicopters and the Suburban, as John quipped, "God I hope so, as it would be difficult to apologize to the Aviation types as to why she took apart a helicopter that belongs to them and as for the Suburban; Kohran will have to answer to Teresa."
With some chuckles emitted, John dismissed the remainder and returned to his paperwork.
Kaede and Ichiro with Yuichi were going through their own paperwork in the Division Offices as Kaede a bit flustered, "Who would have ever thought we would be dealing with this much," as she typed on a computer. Ichiro going through the personnel folders and signing off on the training conducted at the Fleet Training Center, "It is amazing as to how much documentation that there can be," closing Orihime's personnel jacket and reaching for Sakura's. Yuichi who still had temporary command of the Dream Division, "You two only have nine to deal with, think about having to keep up with fifty," as Yuichi who had taken to placing five personnel jackets at the same time on his desk and going from one to the other in assembly line fashion.
Kasumi Fujii who had stopped in the passageway to listen walked in, "Yuichi, you should be pleased to know that I and Yuri will be taking over your duties that you have with the Dream Division, so that you can focus on the intelligence side of things."
As Kasumi settled at her desk, she took a pile of personnel jackets next to Yuichi and setting them on her desk in similar fashion to that of Yuichi began to go through them.
"All of you have to remember we all share responsibilities and we made the choice to come with Admiral Long to help fight these demons," as Kasumi took another group of jackets, "Dealing with the paperwork is part of the fight or have you forgotten, that was part of what we did when we were in Tokyo."
Commander Chris Tyler who had been at the ships personnel office was walking by had heard the comments stepped in, "Gentlemen, Ladies, I could not help overhearing but I want to add that while you are part of the Wisconsin; if anything arises that seems to be overburdening to you please see me directly. Even though for paperwork purposes we are two separate commands, we are still one "family" and as such we take care of our own and we do not leave anyone behind if it can be helped. Is that understood?" as Chris looked to each one, they nodded in agreement. Looking around, Chris observed the stacks of personnel jackets lying about, "It appears you do need some help," as he reached for the phone and dialed a number. Within minutes, several Navy personnelmen trained in the complex work of dealing with military personnel jackets arrived to assist.