"There is not enough time." Sims shook his head and said, "The blockade is a thing that takes time to work. In fact, although the current Japanese fleet has not fully recovered its combat effectiveness, it is not too far from their resurgence on the ocean. If we are implementing the blockade, the Japanese fleet will come back, then what should we do? Have you ever thought about this question? Are we wasted all our efforts? Or are we going to fight a war with the Japanese navy and land-based aviation forces off the coast of New Guinea? I think no matter which choice it is, no one will like it."

The plan proposed by Sims is very bold, but it does not mean that he has no brains. Although the combat effectiveness of the US Navy is steadily improving, for example, the warships ordered by the US Navy from Germany will be put into service within a few months, such as the New South Dakota-class battleships and new armored cruisers that are now being built on the ship platform. However, all this cannot relieve near-thirst. Therefore, Sims's idea is still within his ability. He is very clear that even if he concentrates all battleships, aircraft carriers, and various cruisers suitable for long-term ocean combat, he will definitely not be able to gain any advantage under the attack of the Japanese joint fleet and land-based aviation forces!

Then maybe someone will ask, since Sims knows that he will not gain any advantage with the Japanese Navy, why should he insist on attacking Kalimantan? The reason is very simple. From a tactical point of view, Sims is actually a time difference. If the attack on Guinea Island is a continuous process, it may be dragged to the Japanese fleet to restore combat effectiveness because of the long duration. However, if it attacks the Dalagen Island oil field along the coast of northeastern Kalimantan Island, it will be a short-term battle, leaving after the battle, leaving the Japanese fleet without even time to retaliate! Of course, there is a premise, that is, the US Navy's estimate of the maintenance time of Japanese naval warships has not been largely deviated.

As for the strategic significance of attacking the Kalimantan oil field? It is of course very large. Dalagen Island is just an island with an area of ​​more than 300 square kilometers, but it is one of the most important oil fields on Kalimantan. Moreover, it is almost one of the important transit stations for ships from Japan to the Philippines or Japan's mainland. If you hit it here, it will definitely have a considerable impact on Japan's oil industry. Although it will not leave the Japanese Navy and Army without fuel (because Japan has a large military reserve of fuel.) But oil exports are still a very important economic pillar of Japan, which has hit the point that it will definitely add to the injury to Japan's current economy!

Therefore, Sims balanced the risks and benefits well. The benefits are undoubtedly huge, and there are risks, but if you can seize the time and control them deliberately, the risks are within a tolerable range. After all, in Sims's view, as long as the Japanese fleet does not recover its combat effectiveness, it is actually not difficult for them to block the attack of Japan's scattered land-based aviation forces under the cover of aircraft carriers!

"General Majiphin, what do you think?" Benson asked, looking at Majiphin who had not spoken.

"I'm weighing that if we have a team of fully fast battleships, we can work with the aircraft carrier team to penetrate the Japanese war zone at a high speed of more than 22 knots per hour, and then blow the Taragan Island into a sea of ​​fire. Unfortunately, we don't have one now. We only have a group of slow battleships with a speed of up to 20 knots, and the average speed may be reduced to around 15 knots. We have been exposed to the enemy-occupied area for too long. And the Japanese Combined Fleet is concentrated in the Davao area, in the southern part of Mindanao. If we pass between Mindanao and Hamahera Island, what if the Japanese fleet attacks and intercepts, what should we do?" asked Majifen.

Although the main fleet of the US Navy is far greater than that of the Japanese fleet, if you want to carry out such a long-distance expedition, then all dreadnoughts cannot participate, because they are all coal-burning and supplying is too difficult during navigation. It may take half a day to replenish them once. Isn't this a mistake? Moreover, the condition of old dreadnoughts is generally not very good, and such a long-distance assault may obviously lead to accidents. Therefore, even if the US Navy does its best this time, there are only 8 national battleships that can be mobilized, namely the battleships after the New York, and then the aircraft carrier of the US fleet.

If there are only 8 iron turtles, then the US fleet will definitely not dare to fight head-on with the full Japanese joint fleet. The Fuso class is already stronger than the best US iron turtle - Tennessee class. Considering the difference in combat qualities between the two sides, it is to be stronger. Moreover, this is still a fight at the other party's home, and the Japanese fleet can gain a home advantage. Of course, the most important thing is that if you can't win, you may not be able to escape. If you can't escape and send out several super fearless and aircraft carriers in one battle, then will this Pacific War still be fought in the future?

As Majiphin made this issue clear, everyone fell into deep thought. It was undoubtedly the safest plan to wait until the fleet purchased by the United States arrived. By then, the strength of the US Navy would reach a new height, and a head-on attack on New Ireland would definitely be able to defeat. At that time, even if the Japanese Navy launched an attack with the help of the weather, it would definitely not be able to achieve the last record.

But if this is done, the US Navy will have to wait at least four months. The war has been going on for more than eight months, which has far exceeded the plan of the US government. If the war fails to fight for a day, it will consume a huge amount of funds and energy. As long as the Pacific War continues, the United States' layout in other parts of the world will not be launched! So whether it is for saving money or for global strategic considerations, Americans want to end the war as soon as possible!

And to be honest, if this battle is successfully implemented, the US Navy may not save 4 months, because this is equivalent to a strike on Japan's most critical war pillar! Not only can it shake Japan's defense system in the Bismarck Islands, but even the Japanese will even give up on New Guinea Island! The battle is about money and resources, and oil is undoubtedly the blood of the Japanese war machine! With such a great temptation, it is no wonder that the US Navy is preparing to take risks!
Chapter completed!