Seeing General Clark's seemingly casual words, Fang Lang couldn't help but exclaim in his heart, "Wow!" It seems that he wants to test the Brazilian Navy's thinking!
However, Fang Lang did not mind revealing the Brazilian Navy's plan, because the plan was open to the public. He believed that the US military must have known it clearly.
So Fang Lang remained calm and said casually:
"Hey! As we Chinese say, I am just a fox taking advantage of the power of the tiger. Because John introduced Brigadier General Jackson to me. Brigadier General Jackson has been very helpful to me in my work.
Therefore, the Brazilian Expeditionary Force believes that I have an American background, so I can get to where I am today smoothly, and this is all thanks to John, or in fact, it is all your credit. "
Clark laughed when he heard Fang Lang's straightforward words:
"Hearing you say that, I feel embarrassed. Is it my credit that you sank the German submarine in the Atlantic? These are all your real achievements!
It shows that you have achieved what you have today with your own real ability. When I was your age, I was not as good as you. I believe you will achieve greater success in the future. "
Isn't it said that Americans are straightforward? He is wearing a lot of high hats. Is he trying to set me up? Although Fang Lang was smiling, he couldn't help but feel nervous inside.
...
...
"Hey! Look at what you said. Without the powerful warships supported by the United States, there would be no results like mine. Besides, I am just lucky. I encountered them all."
Hearing Fang Lang's words, Clark just laughed and did not refute. Instead, he spoke directly:
"I heard that your Brazilian Navy wants to build an aircraft carrier fleet. This is a big deal! If it is established, you will be the strongest naval force in South America."
So they were waiting for me here! Was they trying to test my attitude towards this matter? This was no secret, and almost all of the Brazilian navy knew about this plan.
Wasn't I ordered to go to the US Navy to learn about commanding an aircraft carrier fleet? I was worried about how to start the conversation! Now that you've asked me, I'll just do it reluctantly!
"What a big deal! We have also seen the direction of future naval warfare. In the future, if a country's navy does not have an aircraft carrier to support it, it will be embarrassed to say that it is a country with a navy.
Speaking of this, Uncle Clark, I really want to compete for the position of commander of Brazil's first aircraft carrier fleet. I wonder if I can learn the knowledge of commanding an aircraft carrier fleet from you in advance!"
Clark was obviously stunned by Fang Lang's words. He didn't expect that they would end up talking about him. However, looking at Fang Lang's expectant expression and thinking about his relationship with him, it didn't seem appropriate to refuse!
Although, during the entire World War II, the United States built a total of 27 large aircraft carriers, 11 light aircraft carriers, and 117 escort aircraft carriers, totaling 155!
Although there is a huge difference between the aircraft carriers of the World War II era and those of later generations, and they do not have much technological content, many so-called escort aircraft carriers are simply converted from large cargo ships.
However, this does not mean that the US government will agree to Latin American countries having their own aircraft carrier fleets.
This is our own backyard. All we need to do is provide America with raw materials and a market for our products. Diplomacy and military affairs must obey my command. I won't allow you to become stronger.
This is why, although Brazil later had its own aircraft carrier, it purchased second-hand ones from Britain and France instead of from the United States.
It's not that Brazil doesn't want to buy American goods, but that the United States doesn't sell them to Brazil. A navy without an aircraft carrier is basically just a coastal defense fleet and has no way of going to the deep blue.
As a person of later generations, Fang Lang has a very thorough understanding of the Americans' thoughts. Therefore, his ideas are completely different from those of most Brazilian naval officers today. Everyone thinks that Americans are good teachers and good friends.
Only Fang Lang knew that every candy given by this good teacher and good friend in everyone's eyes was poisonous. Therefore, one must be very careful when accepting gifts.
Fang Lang, who is considered pro-American by everyone, is actually anti-American in his heart. All he wants is to use the United States and he has never thought of leaning towards the United States.
Of course, these things are enough for you to know yourself, why tell others!
General Clark met Fang Lang's expectant gaze, and after his eyes flickered for a moment, he had to smile and said:
"Haha... Fang, it would be great if all young people could be as studious as you! I absolutely support your idea. How about this!
You still have to command your fleet to fight, so you must not leave your post casually. When the war is over, I recommend that you go to our American Advanced Naval Academy for further studies. After you finish your studies, you can come to my fleet to study with me."
Damn you old fox, I am your son's savior. You said it so nicely, and I will go to your fleet to study after I finish my studies. Wait until I finish my studies.
You are going to retire soon! Why are you still studying in your fleet? You are just studying hard in school and letting the Americans brainwash you. What's the point of that?
I can't let you get away so easily. Fang Lang said as if he didn't hear anything:
"Hey! Uncle Clark, please don't make things difficult for me. I'm not good at studying. I get sleepy when I see textbooks. You might as well kill me if I go to school.
Don't worry, since I was appointed as the commander of the First Fleet, I have already started to train my deputy. Now it doesn't really matter whether my warship has me or not.
I can definitely hand over the warship to them, and then follow you wholeheartedly to learn the command of the aircraft carrier formation for a period of time. Is that okay?"
Clark obviously didn't expect the young man in front of him to be so difficult to deal with, and he felt quite embarrassed. Just as he was about to continue to refuse, he heard someone knocking on the office door.
He was delighted and immediately put on a serious expression and said:
"Come in!"
The person who pushed the door open was an American officer. Fang Lang had seen him at the desk outside the door before entering the office. He should be General Clark's adjutant.
The officer smiled apologetically at Fang Lang and said to General Clark:
"General, the meeting time has come and everyone is waiting for you. Do you think it is necessary to postpone the meeting?"
Hearing the adjutant's words, Clark's eyebrows raised and he was delighted. However, he had an annoyed expression on his face. He slapped his forehead and turned to Fang Lang and said:
"Oops! I'm so sorry. Fang, I almost forgot that I have a meeting to attend. How about this! Let's stop here for today.
I will ask my adjutant to go back with you to arrange your camp. You can rest well first. When John comes to Okinawa the day after tomorrow, we can have a good chat over dinner together."
Fang Lang couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Although, he knew that even if he studied under General Clark, he would not have the opportunity to experience a large-scale naval battle.
However, it is also a rare opportunity to learn about the command system, logistics support, communication methods and other aspects of the US aircraft carrier fleet's operations, all of which have been tested in actual combat.
I don't know if it's really such a coincidence, but Fang Lang can't continue to pester her. He can only stand up and say:
"Uncle Clark, you go ahead and do your work! I'll go back and arrange the fleet's affairs. We'll have a good chat after John comes back. I won't bother you today!"
General Clark also said politely:
"Alas! I can't help it! We were injured in this battle. So, I am really busy with work recently. Fang, don't mind. When John arrives, I will definitely take time to have a good chat with you.
Steve, you personally take Colonel Fang to coordinate the camp, and make sure to choose a good place. Inform the logistics department to give priority to replenishing combat supplies to our allies, they want to join the battle as soon as possible.
We have to do our best to support the logistics. Do you understand?"
Fang Lang didn't know whether there was any hidden meaning in what General Clark and his adjutant said.
He also deliberately called General Clark "uncle" in front of the adjutant and pointed out the relationship with John, just to make the adjutant believe that he had a good personal relationship with General Clark's family.
Although this may not necessarily bring any substantial benefits, Fang Lang believes that at least he will not be troubled.
The adjutant named Steve straightened his face, stood at attention, saluted, and answered loudly:
"Yes, General."
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