Usili's Thread of Stories

[Usili]

Chapter I

US Carrier Group Arrives in Subic Bay Amidst Growing Tensions

March 11th, 2017

(CNN)-At dusk, in the Philippines, a sight not seen for nearly a quarter of a century occurred once again. The American supercarrier group, centered around the USS Raymond A. Spruance has pulled into Subic Bay, arriving for a period of refueling for her escorts, before setting out to sea again. The deployment of Carrier Strike Group Six, along with nearly two full destroyer squadrons, in addition to the standard American presence, is cited by many as a 'show of force' against the People's Republic of China, nearly days ahead of the vote of 'Independence' for the Republic of China, known to Taiwan to others. Russia, China, and North Korea have decried the further deployment of American forces, stating that it is 'American imperialism', while other nations, such as Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Germany, have supported the United States's moves to keep 'self-determination' alive, and to allow the choice of the people, and to not be oppressed by an authoritarian power.

The move towards the vote for the independence of Taiwan, is seen as a way around the 'One China' policy, and something that the People's Republic of China has refused to accept, passing numerous acts, which promise direct aggression if the Republic of China (Taiwan) declared independence. This has recently increased in the past ten years, with growing tensions between the two. The United States, despite officially supporting the People's Republic of China, is still an ally to the Republic of China, with military acquisitions usually from the United States. At such time, there has been no official word from the People's Republic of China regarding the arrival of a Carrier Strike Group in Subic Bay, and rumors of deployment of a B-2 Spirit squadron and F-22 Raptor squadron to Anderson Air Force Base in Guam.

Tensions on the Rise in Asia

March 12th, 2017

(BBC)-With the declaration of independence by Taiwan from the People's Republic of China, another match has been tossed into the armoury. On Tuesday, Chinese forces were sighted mobilizing in Fujian Province. The official reason given was standard drills, but, it is hard to say that land-air-sea drills in the South China Sea, in this troubling time, is anything close to a coincidence.

Japan has not hesitated to jump on this uncertain period. The Diet declared last week that Article 9 of their Constitution, declaring that their military was to be used only for self-defence, was revoked, the reason being the escalating tensions with China over the Senkaku Islands. The debate over the Islands has spanned decades, and is likely to continue.

North Korea is increasing the rhetoric against the South. Sunday, a North Korean artillery unit shelled a South Korean fishing boat, killing all aboard. No apology was issued and has harmed relations once more. All diplomatic contact between the Koreas has been cut, but, it is hard to say whether this is just another plea for foreign aid or the return to armed conflict in the peninsula.

Reports of sporadic gunfire have come from Kashmir and along the India-Pakistan border. Heightened rhetoric from both India and Pakistan's leaders have led to their armies behind put on full alert along the borders. A village in Kashmir was shelled by Pakistani artillery, killing ten civilians and wounding many more, for fears it would be used as a staging ground for the Indian Army.

It is hard to say whether these are leading to a larger problem, or these are just the normal pains of the region. Only time will tell us the answer here.

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76)
March 14th, 2017
12:31 Local Time (UTC +8:00)

The USS Ronald Reagan, was the focus of the Carrier Strike Group, sailing down along a southern heading, an epitome of the United States power projection force. Surrounding the massive supercarrier were her escorts, six Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers and a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser. A pair of Super Hornets roared off the catapults, adding to the major CAP in the air, protecting the carrier from nearly 175 nautical miles out. In the air, an entire squadron of Super Hornets were airborne, flying in six pairs, arranged along (this presumes the way the carrier is facing is North), 30 degrees, 80 degrees, 130 degrees, 180 degrees, 240 degrees, and 300 degrees. Two airborne E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes were also airborne, one along the western edge, and one along the eastern edge. With the main axis of threat to the East, most of the CAP, and in turn, available surface assets were oriented that way, with a single Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, the USS Kidd, operating as a picket nearly a full ninety-five nautical miles out, halfway between the carrier, and the airborne CAP.

Rear Admiral Peter A. Cooper, stared out the main bridge of the Reagan, at the information coming in from the assigned AWACS to the east, 'Watchdog 1'. Apparently a pair of Flanker B+ fighters had been detected by Watchdog 1, in their current posture. Range was nearly at the full extent of the range of Watchdog 1, approximately 280 nautical miles out, nearly a full 500 nautical miles out from the Carrier Strike Group.”Radar reports from Watchdog 1 show three pairs of Flanker B+ fighters, on a course, south-south-east,” a radio transmission officer reported to the Rear Admiral.

“Inform Watchdog 1, we have received transmissions. Inform Flight 3 and Flight 4, about contacts as we know,” the Rear Admiral responded.

“Sir! Watchdog 1 is detecting four inbound Badgers, direct intercept course. Four Flounders in addition to that,” the radio transmission officer reported, “Flanker B+ fighters, are on intercept course towards Watchdog 1, and Flight 4.”

“Inform Flight 3 and Flight 4 about contact. Tell Kidd that we have confirmed inbounds at the moment. Radar is to not be engaged. When aircraft breach the one hundred nautical mile range of Watchdog 1, inform me,” Rear Admiral Cooper ordered.

“Understood,” the radio transmission officer, the transmissions being sent to the two F/A-18E Super Hornets (Flight 4), and the two F/A-18F Super Hornets (Flight 3) airborne, at the 130 degrees and 180 degrees from the Ronald Reagan.

The Rear Admiral's strike group, had been ordered by President Huntsman for immediate deployment, with worrying issues, and from what he recalled, to his south-west, by nearly 705 nautical miles, operating within its own zone of security. Turning his head down the flight deck, he noticed an F/A-18 Hornet snag the arresting wire, coming to a full stop. The flight deck crew moved about, the Hornet being brought off the landing zone, ready to land additional aircraft if necessary. Cooper nonetheless, pulled himself away, heading to the CIC, with the worrisome situation of the inbounds.

Watchdog 1
12:43 Local Time (UTC +8:00)

“Affirmation of bogeys. Currently as follow, six Flanker B+ fighters, four Badgers, eight Flounders, and a single Cub,” the Radar Officer spoke.

“A Cub?” the Combat Information Center Officer confirmed.

“Confirmation, we have a Cub hanging around, approaching. Detecting emissions from the Cub, Flanker B+ fighters are within one hundred nautical mile range,” the Radar Officer continued.

“Understood,” the Combat Information Center Officer responded, “Reagan, Reagan, this is Watchdog 1. We have inbounds breaching the 100 nautical mile range limit.”

“Understood Watchdog 1. Flight 4, is being dispatched towards for intercept. Send targeting info to them for datalink on inbound on Flanker B+,” the radio officer on the Reagan responded.

“Understood Reagan. Watchdog 1, copies,” the Combat Information Control Officer finished, “Douglas, set up a datalink to Flight 4, for targeting info on those Flanker B+.”

“Understood boss,” the Aircraft Control Officer, Douglas, responded, inputting on the screen, and working to set up a datalink to the pair of Super Hornets.

“Detecting emissions from the Cub,” the Radar Officer reported, “Appearance to be airborne radar mounted. Presumably airborne command and control.”

“Understood.”

“Shit! Missile lock!” the Radar Officer shouted.

“Turn off radar! Flight Officer, drop us down!” the Combat Information Control Officer shouted, “Reagan, Reagan, this is Watchdog 1, we have missile lock, repeat, we have missile lock on us, and attempting to evade.”

“Understood, Watchdog 1,” the radar officer of the Ronald Reagan spoke, “Godspeed.”

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76)
March 14th, 2017
12:49 Local Time (UTC +8:00)

“Launch Ready Five fighters! Order CAP to engage Chinese aircraft!” the Rear Admiral barked, his carrier strike group attacked.

From the CIC, the noise of the catapults suddenly going were heard, alert fighters roaring off the flight deck of the Reagan. Already, radio transmissions were heard, as the sounds of missile locks, and engagements from Flight 4's Super Hornets, inbound AMRAAMs roaring toward the hostile Flanker B+ fighters. Suddenly, transmissions were heard as Flight 1 reported inbound contacts, nearly six Badgers, and six Flanders. Inbounds were closing on both sides. “Get Flight 1 to give me the range on those inbounds, and check how far they are from the Kidd,” Cooper ordered, the tense situation, as radio chatter was heard, unknown as to what was happening in the skies.

“Range is nearly 141 nautical miles from the Kidd,” a Lieutenant reported to the Rear Admiral.

“Get the Kidd to switch to active radar. Engage hostiles approaching from where Flight 1 is. Designate Badgers as priority,” Cooper responded.

“Understood, sir,” the Lieutenant responded, the supercarrier acting as the full command and control, with the situation unknown for what happened to the AEW&C aircraft airborne, which had been targeted.

USS Kidd (DDG-100)
March 14th, 2017
12:55 Local Time (UTC +8:00)

Commander Paul C. Brooks looked at the radar, as the Kidd, ignited her first strike, four Badgers being illuminated for interception. “Confirmation of all four successful launches?” Brooks asked.

“Confirmation. All four ERAMs inbound at Mach 3.5,” the Lieutenant (j.g.) reported.

'Nearly, 3,700 kilometers per hour,' Brooks mused, 'They are going to hit in nearly two and a half minutes.'

“Confirmation of inbound contacts, are as follows, nine Badgers, three Flanker B+, ten Flounders, and a single Cub,” a Lieutenant spoke softly, double-checking the inbound contacts, “Vampires! We have Vampires launching from the west!”

“Vampires? Count?” Commander Brooks responded.

“Between fifty and seventy inbound. Most likely CSS-N-8 Saccades,” the Lieutenant spoke, in a whisper, a sharp amount of inbound missiles.

“Shit. Get in contact with the Reagan, and airborne air assets. Inform them to hit the Flounders and Badgers to our south-south-west.”

“Aye, Commander!” another voice iterated, as the missiles roared forward, and interception was confirmed, three Badgers downed, the fourth ERAM missing.

“Engage for second round! Target inbound Saccades,” the Commander spoke, “Engage with RIM-66 Standards.”

“Aye, Commander!” the Lieutenant (j.g.) responded, four RIM-66 Standards igniting, on intercept courses towards the roaring Saccades inbound towards the task force, the USS Kidd standing in the way of the interception.

MCAS Futenma
March 14th, 2017
14:03 Local Time (UTC +9:00)

Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, had been in operation since the end of the Second World War. Constant aircraft and helicopters had been based at Futenma, but with the growing situation in Taiwan, additional air assets had arrived in the form of a Marine F/A-18D Hornet squadron (from mainland Japan), a Marine F/A-18E Super Hornet squadron (from CONUS), and a single full F-35B Lightning II squadron (from CONUS). Suddenly, word had arrived nearly eighteen minutes prior, that the Ronald Reagan Strike Group was under attack, and orders had been given, by the commanding officer at MCAS Futenma. Already, fighters were scrambled, four Marine F/A-18E Super Hornets (prepping for Combat Air Patrol), and two F-35B Lightning II inbound, an estimated twenty minutes till arrival. Air defenses were being set up, as men moved up, a war having most likely started.

USS Kidd (DDG-100)
March 14th, 2017
13:17 Local Time (UTC +8:00)

Commander Brooks woke up to the smell of smoke in the air, something wet under him. He struggled to push himself up, the floor covered in something wet. 'God, what is this?' Brooks thought, pushing myself upwards to grasp a console, and looked downwards. Two human bodies had been ripped apart by shrapnel, nearly their entire blood supply pumping outwards of the body, the floor drenched in blood.

“Anyone still up?” Brooks shouted in the CIC, still struggling to remember what had happened. Suddenly, it popped back into his mind. The ship was engaging the inbound Saccades at close range, ESSMs being launched, and the CIWS going into hot, as they bared down. Suddenly, they started to impact, and after that, he had been thrown to the floor after a missile hit near the CIC.

“Robins is here!” “Davids as well!” “I'm here!”

A cacophony of voices came in, and as Brooks moved forwards, he saw a sight of six personnel from the CIC still alive. “Do we have any contact with anyone else onboard?” Brooks asked.

“Negative. Lines must be cut,” Davids spoke, his uniform drenched with blood.

“Understood. Davids, you'll be moving with me down aft. Robins, check the bridge, see if anyone is still alive. You three, start seeing and checking personnel. We are abandoning ship.”

“Sir?” Robins inquired, her face showing confusion.

“You heard me, we are abandoning ship,” Brooks spoke sharply, moving out of the CIC, to head towards astern. He moved alongside the port-side, on the exposed side, seeing it as a better way to get through, with most likely flooding. Brooks stepped out, and as he turned to look stern, he saw flames licking and rolling from the rear, right where the engine compartment and fuel oil would be.

“Jesus,” Davids spoke softly, and Brooks moved forward nonetheless, to see if he could find any personnel in order to get them off the ship. The Kidd was lost, after having taken who knows how many anti-ship missiles. A single Super Hornet roared above the wrecked destroyer, wagging its wing in salutes, as it roared eastwards towards the Reagan, her missiles all gone, and smoke apparently trailing from an engine.

USS Ronald Reagan
March 14th, 2017
13:24 Local Time (UTC +8:00)

“I want damage reports,” Captain Oliver T. Blake ordered, the Reagan, still moving ahead, having taken impacts from cruise missiles. 'At least two cruise missile impacts,' Blake thought in his head, smoke coming from the starboard side of the supercarrier, having been hit.

“At least three missile impacts, sir. Steam catapults three and four are knocked out. We have a breach somewhere along the lines so far. Damage Control teams are responding to the damage,” his Executive Officer, Commander Terrance E. Higgins responded.

“Captain, status of the Reagan?” Rear Admiral Cooper asked.

“Steam catapults three and four are knocked out. At least three confirmed impacts from Saccade missiles. Beyond that, I do not know, sir,” Captain Blake responded to the inquiry.

“Understood Captain. Get your ship back into action ASAP. I want you to get fighters ready to fill in CAP again, and get those catapults back up,” the Rear Admiral responded.

“Understood, Lieutenant,” Commander Higgins spoke, before turning around, “We have inbound from the north east-east. Four Super Hornets, and two Lightnings, from MCAS Futenma.”

“Understood, Commander. Lieutenant, if you could hand me the radio,” the Rear Admiral spoke, turning his head away, as the Captain looked out at the damage, and smoke rising from the west, where other vessels as part of the Strike Group had hit. He had heard the reports that the USS Kidd, had been hit, and most likely lost with all hands. The USS Chosin, a cruiser, may have also taken an impact, along with the USS Halsey. Of the seven escorts, nearly three had been hit, with one believed lost with all hands. God knows, what could happen now.

United States Fleet Activities, Yokosuka
March 14th, 2017
14:47 Local Time (UTC +9:00)

Vice Admiral Mark Montgomery stared at the incoming reports occurring from assigned USN forces under his command, in the East China Sea, and South China Sea. Carrier Strike Group Nine, had been attacked first, with the USS Kidd, confirmed lost, the USS Chosin, USS Halsey, and USS Ronald Reagan had also taken impacts from anti-ship missiles, the Reagan having taken loss of two steam catapults from the damage, along with loss of electricity in some areas. The USS Chosin had taken an impact in the forward section, loss of the forward 5” gun, and possible damage to some of the VLS tubes, and missiles. The USS Halsey had taken the hit, the missile penetrating, but thankfully not detonating. Air losses had been confirmed at three F/A-18E Super Hornets, and a single F/A-18F Super Hornet. The E-2D Hawkeye believed lost, was still intact, but had suffered possible stress damage to the airframe.

However, it had occurred to two other main groups. Destroyer Squadron 23 and Destroyer Squadron 29 had also been attacked. Combined, a total of three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, five Freedom-class littoral combat ships, and four Independence-class littoral combat ships totaled both combined destroyer squadrons, as primarily a picket force. The air assault had been detected by the respective command ships of each squadron, and coordinating with two Hornets for LORCAP (for each destroyer squadron) had moved them to order them to leave airspace, when Saccades had been detected. The ships had rolled into action, but major hits had been taken. Destroyer Squadron 23, composed of two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers (USS Paul Hamilton, USS Howard), two Independence-class littoral combat ships (USS Montgomery, USS Tulsa), and two Freedom-class littoral combat ships (USS Milwaukee, USS Indianapolis), had been engaged first, and by the larger force. Impacts from the Saccades had disabled the USS Paul Hamilton, USS Montgomery, and the USS Milwaukee. The USS Tulsa had been lost by all hands, after impact of four Saccades. The USS Indianapolis and USS Howard, had survived, but both had taken a missile hit each, rendering them combat-damaged. DESRON 23, was lucky to have survived the missile impacts, and that in of itself called into question, the combat effectiveness of the Littorals. Destroyer Squadron 29, composed of one Arleigh Burke-class destroyer (USS Micheal Murphy), three Independence-class (USS Independence, USS Detroit, USS Billings) littoral combat ships, and two Freedom-class (USS Coronado, USS Manchester) littoral combat ships. The engagement, was very similar to what had happened to DESRON 23, with the USS Micheal Murphy, having taken two hits, and dropped down to barely above ten knots, the loss of the USS Coronado with all hands, and the USS Independence, USS Billings, and USS Manchester heavily disabled, with the USS Independence taken the least amount of damage to the three. The USS Detroit had also taken damage, but was still intact for the most part.

Losses were unknown at the time, but so far, it was expected that at least 160 dead, with the loss of two littoral combat ships in action, with all hands. LORCAP from CARSTRKGRP Six, was in the middle of covering in support for both destroyer squadrons. VP-47, based at Clark Air Base, had dispatched a pair of P-3 Orions to the surrounding area, one to DESRON 23, the other to DESRON 29. So far, Vice Admiral Montgomery was already getting on the phone to contact Admiral Harris, commander of the Pacific Fleet to inform him immediately about what had occurred. From what he remembered, it was nearly 7:47PM there, on March 12th. Dialing the phone, he got in contact, “This is Vice Admiral Montgomery. Put me on the line with Admiral Harris immediately.”

Washington D.C.
March 14th, 2017
7:30 Local Time (UTC -5:00) (7 Hours And 43 Minutes After Initial Missile Lock)

As Americans across the United States began to turn on their televisions, or browse the internet, they were stunned. The United States Navy had been attacked suddenly by Chinese military assets, with three warships sunk, and at least one hundred and sixty personnel dead so far. Rumors spreading had increased the amount of deaths to nearly two hundred and twenty personnel, but other rumors were increasing the death-toll to around 600-650 dead in all, with injuries around 400-500 in all. Between 1,000 to 1,150 American sailors dead in nearly an hour. Already some were claiming the attack as equivalent to Pearl Harbor and 9/11, however, the news had spread, and President Huntsman was readying to make an address at 7:35 Eastern Daylight.

“My fellow Americans, as I came to office, we were facing a possible war in our hands in the East China Sea. The nation of the Republic of China, which is commonly known as Taiwan, had been making moves for independence, which the People's Republic of China did not believe in, and stood against it. It has been a constant source of tensions between both states, and only now has it increased sharply. The United States believes in the right of self-determination, and the choice of the people. We do not let tyrants stand by, and prevent the right of people from showing themselves. As such, I ordered the deployment of an additional American Carrier Strike Group and two destroyer squadrons, alongside the American Carrier Strike Group and destroyer squadron operating within the region. The United States, United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines, Germany, and many other governments have condemned the threat of military force on the People's Republic of China's part if the Republic of China had a vote for independence. The deployment of American forces in the region were to allow the belief of self-determination and to avoid a war.

“Nearly eight hours ago, the first series of attacks upon American naval assets in the region began. A major strike, no doubt planned after our refusal to remove American naval assets from the region, occurred on Navy assets. Within little more than an hour, the United States Navy was hit hard in the region. Three warships were lost, two with all hands. Seven warships have been hit and disabled, their respective crews working to get their ships back on-line. Five more warships, including a supercarrier have taken hits, but are still going, the crew keeping their vessels alive, and moving. So far, as of nearly 6:49 Eastern Daylight Time, nearly 625 American sailors are dead, approximately 691 injured in various degrees. They joined the military out of their own free-will to keep our shores safe from harm, and despite the sacrifices they did, they kept so many more alive. Ensign Danielle E. Boot of the USS Montgomery, staying behind to insure her damage control team to stay alive. Commander Paul C. Brooks of the USS Kidd, sacrificing his life to save nearly nine men under his command, pushing into the burning fire near the engine room. There are many other men and women like Ensign Boot and Commander Brooks, having sacrificed their lives to save so many others from possible death, on the warships struck.

“This attack came as a surprise to our military commanders, for an unprovoked assault on our men and women of the Armed Forces. Throughout the Pacific Region, our military bases have moved to a military readiness status, this unprovoked attack, being met with shock. Reports from the Republic of China have word that the People's Republic of China has launched attacks on the state, as part of a series of attacks to thwart American protection of the Republic of China, and to force the Republic of China to rejoin the People's Republic of China. As such, as President, I ask Congress for a declaration of war against the People's Republic of China. They have deliberately attacked American vessels at sea, with heavy damage to numerous ships. They threaten the sovereignty of another nation, in their quest for self-determination. By allowing them to continue, it only will lead to another event later on, and will we back down again, if we do not stop them down? This is my course of action, and I urge Congress for a declaration of war against the People's Republic of China.

“Thank you, and may God bless America."

[Usili]

To make a note regarding this, I basically wrote this nearly six months ago or so for a period of four months, and this is only one chapter of roughly six or seven fully completed chapters in all, along with other info typed up for it, like convoys, realpolitik, etc.

[Usili]

Chapter II

“It is often remarked that the start of the Sino-American War, which later became the Third World War, has some of the origin within the modernization effort made by the People's Liberation Army command. As the economic growth occurred, the People's Liberation Army was able to acquire more and more money to modernize the military, and in turn, build new designs, to help control 'rightful' Chinese territory, as it was which included Taiwan. One of the major focuses as such was to counter the United States's influence within the East Asian region, which required the ability to both develop and be able to build indigenous designs ranging from basic assault rifles, up to nearly a 60,000 ton supercarrier.

“By the second decade of the 21st century, the People's Liberation Army was possessing a rapidly modernizing military, suited for three primary purposes as outlined, 1) defense of the Chinese mainland from foreign threat (primarily the United States, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam); 2) capability to exert power projection and influence within the First Island Chain, which coincides with the first purpose; 3) operational ability to be able to take overseas areas if so needed by the military. The three primary purposes coincide with the main primary purposes as such, which also fell in prior to the start of Sino-American War. Amphibious assets and air assets had been readying, and the refusal by President Huntsman to recall American assets from the region, only intensified it, and in some ways, fell in with the first primary purpose. As such, the People's Liberation Army with the approval of the leadership launched the main strikes against both the United States Navy, and the Republic of China's military assets.”

-Morales, Henderson, et al. Computers, Space, and Blood: The Third World War. Mexico City: Irving, 2043. Computer.

Cameron: Chinese Aggression Unacceptable

March 15th, 2017

(BBC)- In an impassioned speech which was met with an ovation from both the Coalition and Opposition in Parliament, Cameron decried Chinese aggression and their attack on the task force of the USS Ronald Reagan. Two days ago, on March 14th, Chinese Naval forces attacked an American strike group, headed to keep the peace in the region after recent disturbances.

In his speech, Cameron promised a 'full response by the British Armed Forces' and said that all options were currently on the table. Political commentators speculate that Her Majesty's Government can only respond with war. British forces across the world have been put on high alert. A Royal Navy spokesman said in a conference that the Navy's operations would remain confidential.

Russian Forces Mobilize After Incident in the South China Sea

March 16th, 2017

(RT)- In a press conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russian military forces have been mobilized and put on high alert after an exchange in the South China Sea, which left 625 American sailors and 70 Chinese airmen dead. "Due to the current climate, it is only rational that the Russian Armed Forces prepare themselves for the eventuality of war on her border," Putin said to reporters.

The Russian Army and Navy have been running drills in the region since the announcement of independence by the Taiwanese government. A source in the Russian Army has said that the army "is undoubtedly prepared for the possibility of war.”

Reagan Returns to Port; Air Strikes Hammer Taiwan

March 17th, 2017

(AP)- The USS Ronald Reagan, and her strike group has returned to harbor in Yokohoma, following the beginnings of what people claim as the 'Sino-American War', in which she and her strike group were hammered by Chinese military aircraft. The USS Ronald Reagan, USS Chosin, and USS Halsey out of nearly seven vessels have suffered damage and returned to harbor in the encounter. Admiral Harris of the United States Pacific Fleet has refused to comment on the situation so far regarding the Ronald Reagan Strike Group. Nonetheless, damage is varying from the three ships, and already as reports appear, work has already begun on earnest for the USS Ronald Reagan's main repairs to return her to primary operations.

In continuing engagements, Chinese military aircraft engage both Taiwanese and American fighter jets over the determined control of air space over Taiwan. Some remark this as the 'Second Blitz' in reference to the pounding made by dumb bombs, and guided munitions against Taiwan military facilities. General Herbert J. Carlisle, has released the record of American losses suffered so far over the engagement period since March 14th, which total nearly four F-15C Eagles, three F-16C Fighting Falcons, and a single HH-60G Pavehawk. Reports have speculated over an expected invasion of Taiwan any day now, and worries of attempted military strikes against main US bases in Okinawa, South Korea, Japan, and Philippines, which could ignite the war into a full-blown world war.

USS Raymond A. Spruance
March 18th, 2017
5:41 Local Time (UTC +8:00)

In the pre-dawn night, air operations were once more continuing, as preparations to launch the next set of Combat Air Patrol fighters began. So far, the war had been over a period of four days, and outside of the initial engagements, little Chinese fighter or reconnaissance assets were seen. So far, nearly three Flanker-D fighters had been engaged and downed, along with a single Cub. Two MQ-4C Tritons, were airborne over the South China Sea, aiding in reconnaissance efforts to engage hostiles within the area. The shoot-down of the Flanker-Ds had confirmed to intelligence that a Chinese carrier battle-group was out at sea, but nearly 1.35 million square miles of sea lay out there, to search through, and it was taking time to figure out where it was, which hopefully could be found soon.

Captain Eli C. Higgins looked out the Primary Flight Control for the moment, to make a check on flight ops. One of the EMALS roared to life, launching an F/A-18E Super Hornet airborne, clearing the way for landing of the fighters that the Super Hornet was poised to replace in the Combat Air Patrol. Six more Super Hornets were held secure on the starboard side of the carrier, with two Super Hornets secured along the forward area, ready to be moved up to launch as 'alert' fighters, or to replace the Combat Air Patrol. Two other Super Hornets were apparently getting readied to be moved to catapults three and four, but were waiting till the landing of the pair of CAP fighters. All was going well for the time-being for the Strike Group.

Washington D.C.
March 17th, 2017
17:57 Local Time (UTC -4:00)

The meeting on the 17th of March, among the Joint Chiefs, the Secretary of Defense, and the President was a matter of defining an agenda of how to plan out the 'war' against the People's Republic of China. Among them, was the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General William L. Shelton (USAF), Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Admiral William D. Baumgartner (USCG), Chief of Staff of the Army, General Vincent K. Brooks, Commandment of the Marine Corps, General Raymond C. Fox, Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Mark E. Ferguson III, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General Larry O. Spencer, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, Frank J. Grass, Secretary of Defense, Daniel A. Bell, and President Jon Huntsman, sat around a table to discuss the upcoming situation.

“Greetings today, Mr. President, Generals, and Admirals, we are here to discuss the main plan of operations against the People's Republic of China in the war we are going to face,” the Secretary of Defense spoke, “I would like to hear suggestions on how to do it.”

“A possibility that could be done is knocking out radar stations, and hitting industry necessary for the fight. That would be as examples, shipyards in Shanghai and Dalian, aircraft factories in Shenyang, and so forth. Strikes against radar stations could be done prior to hits via strikes by bombers, to be able to knock out their capacity for war-fighting,” General Fox, Commandment of the Marine Corps spoke, “At such point for the Marine Corps, it is going to take time to be able to move any ground forces, and if any amphibious assaults are attempted, it would spell possible major losses, and require assistance from the Army.”

“Except what about the war industry more internal, that would have a higher risk of loss to fighters and bombers penetrating into China? What should be done, is to wear down their main-line units, and force them to wear down their top-line military personnel, and win via a war of attrition,” General Brooks spoke.

“A war of attrition? China has nearly three times the population of us, and possibly significant more top-line units then they are letting on. Not to mention that we only have limited capacities for engagement in the area, especially after the knockout of the Ronald Reagan Strike Group, and two destroyer squadrons,” General Spencer spoke, “The Air Force does not have enough air assets to maintain a full-on war there, we have roughly eight full squadrons based there, two of which are dedicated SEAD squadrons, which while useful in the suggestion by General Fox, could cause significant losses, without proper escort. Already, roughly four F-15C Eagles, out of thirty-seven based have been lost. They are only going to add up. Not to mention the average age of each respective air frame in main combat. If this war is going to be prolonged, then we need to start moving the Air National Guard into action, and start pulling the aircraft out of the Boneyard for combat duty.”

“Both suggestions are good, but each pose issues in their way of direction. We have a main priority. Protect Taiwan from foreign invasion. But to do that, we would need to engage their aircraft, which would fall into what General Brooks is suggesting, but they could keep building new aircraft and other equipment, and bring them directly into the fighting, while we have to ship ours across the Pacific, meaning we would need to hit the main industrial areas to hurt them as well,” Admiral Baumgartner spoke. “Admiral Ferguson, how long till the Reagan Strike Group can get back into action?”

“Presuming we can take the Chosin off the Strike Group, I would give between a week to ten days till the Strike Group can set back sail into main action. The main issues with the Reagan are two steam catapults, and the dockyard can get both catapults back into operations. Why precisely?” Admiral Ferguson responded.

“From what intelligence was again, they have three main shipyards in operation for their main naval forces, Dalian, Shanghai, and Huludao. They are going to need to build ships in this in order to engage our own ships, along with invading Taiwan. If we can hopefully devastate the yards enough, we can force back their ship-building capabilities by roughly two to six months, which should give enough delay to help further fortify Taiwan from an amphibious assault, along with further knocking out amphibious assets required for an invasion,” Admiral Baumgartner spoke.

“The range to hit Huludao however, are too far for main aircraft of the Air Force though, and I doubt the Navy would be willing to risk a carrier group to push up that far into an inland sea, where the risks of losing the Reagan are high,” General Spencer responded to the proposal, “If anything, Dalian and Shanghai should be focused on, as they are closer within the range of operations, and could deal a morale blow on China at this point.”

“Admiral Ferguson, General Spencer, presuming you had roughly two weeks to be able to complete this mission, do you think you can do this?” General Shelton asked.

“I could say it is likely presuming proper coordination, by using naval and land-based fighters to knock out radar and other assets, while bombers and fighters can be used to hit the shipyards,” Admiral Ferguson responded.

“I would agree with the Admiral's statement regarding the possibility of this,” General Spencer responded.

“Noted then. Secretary of Defense, Mr. President? Your thoughts?” General Shelton asked the pair.

“Regarding this, what would the planned operational forces be, and from there, casualties suffered?” the President asked.

“I would say roughly two Super Hornet squadrons and the assigned Growler squadron from the Reagan, a single F-15 Eagle squadron, an F-16 squadron, a single F-22 Raptor squadron, and either the current forward deployed B-2 Spirit squadron in Anderson AFB, or B-1 Lancers from CONUS. That is regarding assets to hit the area, but to hit Dalian, it is most likely going to require tankers for refueling, further putting possible stress on this,” General Spencer replied, “Possible losses will vary on the presence of Chinese fighters, to kind of radar. Depending how many casualties are suffered in the initial engagements, it may be canceled outright. I would predict between 5-25% of forces to be lost, which would be between four aircraft to twenty aircraft from the fighters and electronic warfare platforms.”

The President reclined back thinking over it, and blowing through his mouth. “You receive a go for this,” he spoke, “Presuming the Secretary of Defense agrees.”

“It should work, but I want to have a plan sent over outlining the operational strategy for this mission,” the Secretary of Defense spoke.

Typhoon Don Inbound; 'Threat to General Operations'

March 19th, 2017

(AP)-Typhoon Don, having grown in major strength in the last days is plunging into the East China Sea, with worries of it havoc being wreaked by it, especially in the moments of the Sino-American War. Current main paths would have Typhoon Don either line up towards Taiwan, which would end the front for the most part, and allow critical time to regroup assets, or hit Okinawa, forcing US military aircraft to be grounded, leaving Taiwan without support. According to a local military commander within the region he has stated that Typhoon Don no matter what is a 'threat to general operations' and 'can pose a hazard to the defense of Taiwan.' Either way, the East China Sea is going to see a hit by Mother Nature.

Deployment of Brigade Combat Team to the Philippines

March 19th, 2017

(FOX)-In news today, the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, of the 4th Infantry Division, based in Fort Carson, has been moving out, units leaving the Fort, heading westwards towards San Diego. The general situation of the war, according to a local military commander has forced the deployment of a Brigade Combat Team for the Philippines for the moment. The deployment of the Brigade Combat Team, is easily one of the first units, with the war occurring, and rumors breaking out of calling in the Air National Guard for forward deployment.

Taiwan Strait
March 20th, 2017
9:41 Local Time (UTC +8:00)

For Private Zhang Jin, this had been a break from the calm. In fact, just a few days ago, he had only been a reservist, training on the weekends and the rare military exercise. But, the situation had changed. He was recalled in the early hours of the morning and, when arriving at his unit's base, was herded onto a truck and moved to somewhere that he didn't know. They were issued their gear, and were told to expect an alert at any time. The time had come.

Loaded onto transport ships, they set off across the Taiwan Strait. To the eyes of the young Chinese man, it seemed like the sea was completely covered by such transport craft. Aircraft and helicopters streamed above, roaring wildly. He gripped his rifle as the ships steamed across the ocean. He knew where they were headed, and he assumed they all did. It was Taiwan. Taiwan had always been the target. There had been idle talk on the internet sites he belonged to, that an invasion was coming, but that was typical hysterics. But, here he was, bound for Taiwan.

As they neared the coastline, he could faintly make out the beaches of Taiwan. The planes soared over once more, and as he leaned over the side, he could see the beach become ablaze with fire. licking at the treetops. But, the ships continued on. Zhang's ship landed right on the beach, and the bottom opened. Rushing to his station, he hopped up onto one of the vehicles in the bay, and manned the machine gun on the vehicle. Slinging his rifle on his shoulder, the truck jutted forward.

It didn't get farther than that.

A missile came screaming from the sky. Zhang could almost see it, almost touch it. It struck right in front of the truck, tossing him out of the position and onto the sandy beach. His vision blurred, and he could make out the overturned hull of the truck, fire streaming from it. Men, his comrades, screamed as their bodies caught fire. He felt around, and could tell that his legs were no longer attached to him, and he could nary let out a scream, for his life was already close to ending.

Private Mui Jin died on the beaches of Taiwan, one of the thousands of men who would do so.

USS Raymond A. Spruance
March 20th, 2017
9:53 Local Time (UTC +8:00)

Captain Higgins stared at the reports coming in, as air battles roared above Taiwan, the Chinese determined to push the Air Force out, and take the beachheads, which they were struggling to take. The air battles were just as intense, air-to-air engagements roaring, as helicopters from the Taiwan Army and Air Force engaged the landing ships, supported by smaller and lighter fighters. All in all, the situation was turning into hell, as thousands were dying on the beaches of Taiwan. “Captain, Rear Admiral, we just got an intelligence report from PACFLTCOM. An MQ-4C Triton just found the Zheng He Battle Group, nearly 313 nautical miles northwest of our position. Pictures appear they are sending some aircraft to support the invasion of Taiwan,” an intelligence officer in the CIC reported to the Captain and Rear Admiral, “However, intelligence also reveals an amphibious assault group, which is making its way to attack from the south of Taiwan, to most likely help force a multi-way assault.”

'Either option bares possibility, but we cannot divide our forces against both. We need to choose one, and do it fast,' Captain Higgins thought, looking over the information, with both options doing good in a way, but the choice had to be done fast.

“Captain, your opinion of which group to hit?” the Rear Admiral asked.

“Hitting the amphibious assault group can prevent a multi-way assault, however, we could send information to the Air Force or Marines relaying that, and if see if they can spare any aircraft to hit them. The Zheng He Battle Group however, is providing direct support to the invasion, and if we do knock them out, they would lose a segment of air protection. Nonetheless, we face the risk of possible serious losses of the Air Wing in a strike,” the Captain responded, “Both bares success and failure. We need to decide, and fast.”

[Usili]

Chapter III

East China Sea
March 21st, 2017
5:23 Local Time (UTC +8:00)

Caroline Miller struggled to keep her eyes awake, as she floated in the East China Sea. The stars were out in the sky, flashing in and out, the clouds obscuring them, as she drifted in and out of consciousness. She struggled to remember how this happened, from the operations that had occurred earlier. Her legs were beginning to chill from the cold of the ocean. How long had it been? It seemed to all blend together. Caroline seemed so tired, struggling to stay awake. Hearing the auditory noise of a helicopter engine, and the disturbance of the waves from someone jumping in, she smiled before everything went to black.

Okinawa
March 21st, 2017
9:53 Local Time (UTC +9:00)

Brigadier General Alan C. Hill, heard the report from the assigned Pavehawk flying in for search and rescue operations. “This is Richter Three. Negative for downed pilot. Repeat, we have a negative for downed pilot in search zone. We are going to need to refuel with a tanker to continue operations, or land back at base,” the speaker echoed.

“Richter Three, you are ordered to return to base. Repeat, return to base,” Hill spoke.

“Understood. Richter Three out.”

Sighing, Hill moved to alert the commander of the assigned Marine Air Group detachment based forward, Colonel Eric Rodriguez that search and rescue operations were being called off for the downed Lightning pilot. The loss of the F-35B did hit hard, as the first fifth generation aircraft to be lost in combat. Nonetheless, with Typhoon Don closing in on Okinawa, air operations were going to be grounded for the duration that the storm was going to hit, and having the Pavehawk airborne when it hit, would mean it would need to fly all the way to the mainland, roughly 800 miles to reach a friendly air base, which would require air-to-air refueling on the way. Hopefully over the period of time, repairs and maintenance could be done on the aircraft throughout the airbase, with arrivals from CONUS, and planned further arrivals within the coming weeks.

Proponents in Congress Call for Draft

March 23rd, 2017

(CNN)-In news today, Democratic representative Lily C. Hudgins from California, along with other representatives from New York, Mississippi, Virginia, Illinois, and Ohio, have put forth the 'Selective Service Bill of 2017', which outlines a major change to the Selective Service System, which would force the registration of women into the Selective Service, starting on July 1st, 2017. Some other proponents, like Representative John C. Thomas from Alabama support this move, “As inn order to better defend our nation in this war, this bill must be passed by Congress, and signed by President Huntsman.” Critics slam the move, stating that “The Selective Service System is not needed any more. Instead, it should be replaced.” The move is harshly met by both sides in the debate over whether the draft should be reintroduced or not.

American Sailors Sink Supercarrier

March 23rd, 2017

(BBC)-American military officials at the Pentagon, have confirmed that the United States Navy successfully sunk the Zheng He and other ships within her battle-group following a strike launched by her. A strike launched by the USS Raymond A. Spruance sunk the Zheng He on March 21st in London, but on March 20th, within the Pacific Region of which it was sunk. Officials at the Pentagon have refused to say total amount of casualties suffered by the United States in the strike, however, casualties were 'moderate' according to other sources within the United States military. Sources have also rumored about the sinking of an amphibious assault group by a squadron of Marine Lightnings in a strike, with a single F-35 lost. Presuming this was the case, this would be the first loss of a 5th generation aircraft in combat.

Buildup of Military Forces Along Ukrainian Border

March 24th, 2017

(AP)-In satellite photography released by the United States, a buildup of Russian military forces along the Ukrainian military border have begun. The standing presence not with-standing, it has shown to be increased as additional armored and mechanized forces have started to arrive along the border, along with apparent rumors of Ukrainian military forces spotting Flankers, and Fulcrum-Es airborne via radar, with possible pictures showing Firefoxs on the ground readying for combat operations. With war already occurring between the United States and China, worries are breaking out in Europe of US combat forces in Europe being withdrawn towards the Pacific, with the growing resurgent threat of Russia.

Subic Bay
March 24th, 2017
11:58 Local Time (UTC +8:00)

Subic Bay was filled with American warships, as work to resupply combat effective ships, and repair damaged ships was heavily in progress. Roughly three destroyer squadrons were docked, with two having been heavily damaged, and work on repairing the ships an effort. Destroyer Squadron 49 had arrived in port on March 6th, and still after nearly two and a half weeks was being pushed to get back to see, as the last of the Vertical Launch System tubes fitted were loaded up for combat operations. Destroyer Squadrons 23 and 29 were in the middle of work on repairing combat able ships, and readying them back up for action.

Captain James T. Fargo stared down amongst the damaged littorals, many of them being considered to be scrapped, with the effective damage on them. The USS Montgomery, USS Milwaukee, USS Independence, USS Billings, and USS Manchester were all docked up at one side of the harbor, with work on determining which were the most ready for operations, with damage heavy amongst them. Independence was seen as likely to get back into service, however issues were noticed after possible cracks throughout the ship may have been detected. The same issues were detected on the Manchester, which as another sister-ship in the Independence-class called into severe question the ship status. Nonetheless, the Freedom-class vessels, the USS Montgomery, USS Milwaukee, and USS Billings were seeing some of the work on repairing them out of the three.

“Captain Fargo,” a voice spoke behind the Captain.

“Sir,” Captain Fargo acknowledged to the Rear Admiral, still looking amongst the damaged ships throughout the harbor.

“Littorals were always a bad idea,” the Rear Admiral spoke, gazing at the five ships clustered, impacts evident among them, “It was a stupid idea to send them into where they were going to get sunk.”

“Sir?” Captain Fargo inquired, wondering as to where the conversation was going.

“Once mainline repairs to the main ships are complete, you will be moving out with the USS Paul Hamilton, and the littorals assigned to DESRON 23 and 29, which can move, and head to Pearl Harbor for main-line repairs. We don't have the necessary drydocks here to repair the vessels hit,” the Rear Admiral spoke.

“That is roughly going to be five littorals sir, along with my Arleigh Burke,” Captain Fargo, quickly adding a “Sir.”

“The USS Howard will also be dispatched with you for repairs at Pearl or the mainland. The missile impact completely knocked out radar and fire-control.”

“Understood, sir. Approximately how long till we leave?”

“Three days, Captain.”

Unknown Location
Unknown Time

Caroline Miller slowly awoke, her mind struggling to comprehend where she was. She felt exhausted, and unknown as to where she was. Caroline felt an IV attached to her arm, and somewhat calmed down, and glanced around, confused slightly. 'I must have been rescued,' Caroline thought softly, before she turned her head down, and noticed her right hand apparently shackled to the bed by a restraint. Turning her head to the left, she saw the left hand was the same to the right, and quickly worried about what happened. The monitors began to beep, and suddenly nurses seemed to fill the room, speaking in a foreign language, trying to sedate her. One of the words suddenly made sense from what I she recalled of her deployment to Okinawa, and everything fell from under her, as she realized the situation of what had happened, before everything turned into black.

San Diego, California
March 25th, 2017
22:41 Local Time (UTC -7:00)

One could easily see in the darkness, that the entire harbor of San Diego was lit up, ships illuminated with searchlights, and loading operations underway. Numerous vehicles were being brought up, loaded into the ships at dock, soldiers guarding the vessels as Humvees, FMTVs, Abrams, Bradleys, Strykers, and so many other vehicles were loaded up, along with helicopters, a major convoy forming up. Other measures were being taken as ships were being loaded up with ammunition, and further supplies, readying for the first major American convoy of the conflict.

Colonel Alexander H. Grey looked at the entire disposition of ships, an entire convoy being set up. 'Just like the pictures you see from WWII,' his mind told him, gazing at the collection. Indeed, it was the first great convoy of the war. 'Who knows how many will die when the war shall end? Will this continue for weeks, months, maybe years?'

Guangzhou
March 26th, 2017
7:41 Local Time (UTC +8:00)

Lieutenant General Li Chiang, acknowledged the time, and the weather reports inbound from satellites. Typhoon Don was expected to leave Okinawa within the next six hours, enough time for Operation Pink Blossom. Reports over the past three days had confirmed main air assets were readying, especially with the Taiwanese Air Force eliminated from what intelligence confirmed. Typhoon Don was a godsend to the air assets fighting over Taiwan, with the American fighters grounded. 'American devils. Always butting in where they do not deserve. At least we whooped them, and sunk their carrier,' the Lieutenant General though.

“Order units that Operation Pink Blossom is go within two hours. Operation Pink Blossom is go,” the Lieutenant General ordered his executive officer, to start distributing the orders out to the units assigned to the task throughout China.

“Understood Lieutenant General,” the executive officer responded.

231 Miles South of Hainan
March 26th, 2017
7:58 Local Time (UTC +8:00)

Major Lisa C. Grant heard the radio message broadcast, and stopped for a moment. The radio signals had been detected, and received, and Major Grant was trying to figure out where she heard the first part mentioned before. 'What does it mean, what does it mean?' she tried to recall in her head. Then it came to her, 'Operation.'

“Colonel, we have an operation being launched most likely. Radio signal was just broadcasted,” the Major warned the flight commander.

“Understood Major,” the flight commander responded, nodding, before speaking in radio. “This is Seeker Three, to Authority. How copy?

“We have possible belligerence inbound. Suggest readying.

“Understood. Seeker Three out.”

Speculations of War Among Nations

March 25th, 2017

(BBC)-In news today, speculations have emerged within the Australian, Canadian, New Zealand, and British parliaments of declarations of war upon the People's Republic of China, in support of the United States and Taiwan. Prime Minister Cameron's movement of 6 Squadron RAF to RAAF Base Tindel, in Australia is seen by some as measures in readiness, while it is shown that planned drills between the RAAF and RAF, scheduled for early May, were moved up to early April, due to war between the United States and the People's Republic of China. Echoes of war have emerged in Australia, due to the worrisome issue of Australia becoming involved sooner or later, with rallies occurring in Darwin to support war against the People's Republic of China, especially following the invasion of Taiwan. Time will tell to see if the speculations do unveil themselves into war, or not.

[Usili]

This is an addendum to Chapter III for composition of the convoy to Subic Bay from San Diego

1st Convoy From San Diego to Subic Bay
Composition
Carrier Strike Group Three
USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74)
USS Cape St. George (CG-71)
USS John Paul Jones (DDG-53)
USS Decatur (DDG-73)
USS Preble (DDG-88)
USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG-108)
USS North Dakota (SSN-784)
Cruiser-Destroyer Squadron Five
USS Vicksburg (CG-69)
USS Russell (DDG-59)
USS Benfold (DDG-65)
USS Higgins (DDG-76)
USS Fort Worth (LCS-3)
Destroyer Squadron Twenty-Five
USS Chung-Hoon (DDG-93)
USS Kidd (DDG-100)
USS Sampson (DDG-102)
USS Craven (DDG-111)
USS Rafael Peralta (DDG-115)
Transport Group One
USS America (LHA-6)
USS Boxer (LHD-4)
USS San Diego (LPD-22)
SS Algol (T-AKR-287)
SS Capella (T-AKR-293)

Destroyer Squadron Thirty-Three
USS Hopper (DDG-70)
USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG-60)
USS Ingraham (FFG-61)
USS Gary (FFG-51)
USS Jackson (LCS-6)
USS Sioux City (LCS-11)
Submarine Squadron Fifteen
USS Asheville (SSN-758)
USS Charlotte (SSN-766)
USS Hampton (SSN-767)
USS Texas (SSN-775)
USS Minnesota (SSN-783)
Transport Group Three
USNS Bob Hope (T-AKR-300)
USNS GySgt. Fred W. Stockham (T-AK-3017)
USNS Red Cloud (T-AKR-313)*
USNS Soderman (T-AKR-317)*
USNS Mercy (T-AH-19)
USNS Medgar Evans (T-AKE-13)
USNS Grapple (T-ARS-53)

* indicates aircraft transports

Group separation has the 'convoy' traveling at two different speeds, with the first convoy at roughly 25-30 knots, which has main USN forces attached to it, along with carrying the entire manpower, portion of the equipment, maybe 20-30% for the 4th Infantry. The second convoy is traveling at 15-30 knots, which is carrying the rest of the equipment, spare equipment, additional munitions for ships to be based at Subic Bay, and new aircraft to replace lost ones.

[Usili]

Realpolitik I

“The study of Realpolitik of the early 21st century, shows a shift in the late 90s, and proceeding from there. The United States, was the sole hyperpower, having 'won' the Cold War against the Soviet Union. The creation of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has been claimed by some that 'The Shanghai Cooperation Organization was formed to stand against NATO once more, as the future unveiled, the United States being the sole hyperpower something untenable to them.' Nonetheless, the evolution of the geopolitical scenarios unfolded throughout the first decade of the 21st century, and then the 2010s began, the changes most showing therein, with more and more change in it.

“The invasion of the Crimea by the Russian Federation in 2014, is claimed by some as the starting of a 'new' period in the 21st century, which would lead to the Sino-American War. The tensions which occurred over the Crimea, led in other areas to violent demonstrations, and radicalism to emerge. In Taiwan, the Pro-Green Coalition, which had been held back, threw sharp impacts against the Pro-Blue Coalition, especially after a controversial bill, which pushed towards dropping tariffs of Chinese products, led to an upswing in popularity of the Taiwan Solidarity Party. By the time elections for Taiwan emerged, it showed that the Taiwan Solidarity Party was to form the major party of the Pro-Green Coalition, something people wouldn't have expected at the start of the decade. This is claimed to be the initial starting point of the Sino-American War, with the TSU gaining control of the Pro-Green Coalition.”

-Clark, Jennifer. The Study of Realpolitik. Paris: Morales Publishing, 2033. Computer.

“NATO was an obsolete entity as the Sino-American War approached. The United States by such time, was paying for much of NATO's defense funds, along with the defense of Europe. It was only with the invasion of Crimea, that this changed somewhat. Nonetheless, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, and Austria continued to keep their military funding at the same levels as they did previously, the issues of Eastern Europe not affecting them. In Germany, politicians did state the need for increased military spending, especially with Russia increasing her defense spending again, but that did little, as those politicians calling for it were removed, Germany struggling to maintain an armed force if war to break out. Poland, Romania, Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia served as the main states which did ratchet up their military spending in order to better defend themselves, but it was still not much. The basing of the American 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment was moved to Rzescow in late 2014, to serve as a forward American contingent to both protect Poland, and to aid Ukraine if war were to break out.

“By the start of the Sino-American War, the military spending of NATO had shifted entirely. The Western European states (with the exception of the United Kingdom) were refusing to increase their military budgets, while those in Eastern Europe were ratcheting up their military spending in order to counter the growing Russian threat. This only increased tensions, especially with known confirmation of the leaders of Belarus, Russia, and Kazakhstan meeting to discuss a creation of a 'Eurasian Union' entity, which would comprise their states. This would only pose issues later on...”

-Meyer, Viktoria. “The End of NATO.” History of Europe. 3 June 2038. Web. 21 July 2038.

[Usili]

Chapter IV

“Operation Pink Blossom, as known, is equated to some as an equivalent to 'Pearl Harbor' in the strategic sense, by hitting main bases, and allowing themselves [China in this case], to build up a defense network, where the United States would be forced to allow peace, because they would be unable to retake Taiwan. Pink Blossom's strategic assets called for a joint air-naval attack at Okinawa, to knock out the main air assets present, a main air attack at Subic Bay and Clark Air Force Base, and strikes from cruise missiles at Guam and Oahu, to hit Anderson Air Force Base and Pearl Harbor respectively. The total amount of operational assets called for, totaled roughly 60 air superiority fighters [J-11B Flanker B+], 20 multi-role fighters [J-16A Flanker B++], and four nuclear attack submarines [Type 093 Shang], a significant portion of air assets, and available nuclear attack submarines.

“On March 26th, 2017 [timezone of which it began], Operation Pink Blossom began. Electronic intelligence reports from an airborne American aircraft [River Joint], detected the reports, allowing measures to be taken, which included readiness status at Okinawa, Subic Bay, and Clark Air Base. This was also passed on to Philippine and Japanese military officials, of which a surprise attack could hit them also. A Japanese naval squadron consisting of a pair of guided missile destroyers [Kongo, Chokai], a pair of destroyers [Yudachi, Kirisame], and a single frigate [Sawagari], was operating off the coast of Okinawa, roughly sixty miles to the west of Okinawa. It is often regarded by military officials, and historians, following the end of the war, that if it wasn't for the naval squadron based there, then USAF, and JASDF assets would have been ripped apart, and in turn, the loss of crucial aircraft operating within the region.”

-Morales, Henderson, et al. Computers, Space, and Blood: The Third World War. Mexico City: Irving, 2043. Computer.

Japanese Diet Declares War on China!

March 28th, 2017

(AP)-Nearly two days after the major air battle of Okinawa, which occurred after a major attack by Chinese air assets against the USAF and USMC air bases in Okinawa, the Japanese Diet declared war on China in a near unanimous vote. The Japanese destroyer Yudachi, and frigate Sawagari were sunk by Chinese anti-ship missiles, with three F-15Js of the JASDF shot down in the major air battle. Neighborhoods of Okinawa had been hit by impacts from cluster bombs released by Chinese aircraft, along with aircraft destroyed in the skies above Okinawa, with damage still being determined. The United States Air Force has yet to officially release a full total loss reports, but images show the loss of at least ten F-15C Eagles, and six F-16C Fighting Falcons. The United States Marine Corps, has yet to officially release their count on full damage, but it appears to be the loss of nearly eight Super Hornets at the moment.

The war nonetheless, has stepped up, with Japan having joined the war on the United States's side. This easily will pose issues, as rumors are emerging that in the South Korean National Assembly, and the Congress of Philippines there are plans to put declarations of war on the table against the People's Republic of China, for the attack against Okinawa. Nonetheless, already in the progress of nearly four weeks, this has proven to be the first 'modern' war, as both the United States and the People's Republic of China are reportedly to be needing to push to get new fighters up to the front-lines.

TOP SECRET

Timestamp: 13:21 UTC +10:00, March 28th, 2017

To: General Larry O. Spencer
From: Brigadier General Christopher E. Dowell

Subject: Cruise Missile Attack

The cruise missile attack at Anderson Air Force Base, was no doubt coordinated with the air strikes against Okinawa, and the cruise missile attacks at Pearl Harbor. As such, primary air operational assets at the time of the assault consisted of six B-2A Spirits, four C-17 Globemaster IIIs carrying troops, and a flight of recently arriving KC-10 Extenders. Two B-2A Spirits had taken off approximately thirty-five minutes prior in engagement of targets at Yulin Naval Base, loaded with twelve Mk. 84 2000lb bombs, and four GBU-31 2000lb JDAMs each. That left four B-2A Spirits, the four C-17 Globemasters readying to takeoff, and the flight of KC-10 Extenders moving to park. The cruise missiles totaled approximately twelve inbound when first detected, however, it was too late by that point to get the aircraft off the ground, or to unload the Globemasters. The cruise missiles hit runway 6L, spreading the ordnance, heavily damaging it. In addition, three cruise missiles were aimed at parking spaces. The cruise missiles knocked out two KC-10 Extenders, and severely damaged a B-2 Spirit [mechanics believe we can repair the Spirit back up to operational capability but will take months at least]. All four C-17 Globemasters were destroyed when the cruise missiles hit, with no survivors. A total of five hundred and sixty personnel were killed, five hundred and thirty-six of the United States Army, and twenty-four of the United States Air Force. Air operations for the moment are severely curtailed, with loss of parking spaces, and loss of a main runway. It is suggested that possible deployment of P-3 Orions or P-8 Poseidons be done to avoid further incidents.

53 Nautical Miles West of San Diego
March 31st, 2017
11:31 Local Time (UTC -7:00)

Colonel Grey looked out from one of the windows on board the USS Boxer. Staring out along the starboard side, he could see the silhouette of the supercarrier escorting the group, the USS John C. Stennis. The convoy had set off from port roughly a full two hours ago, having been delayed a day due to an issue with the Boxer. Nonetheless, they had managed to set off, heading westwards at roughly 30 knots, the speed of the main force, while the other aspect of their 'convoy' traveling slower was readying to depart in roughly a day. He had seen the television reports from CNN, Fox, MSNBC, and other news channels showing the images of destruction in Okinawa, Guam, and Honolulu. It was a wonton attack to hit military targets, he knew, but the attacks had hit civilian targets, and numerous civilians had been killed, with it still unknown, nearly three days after. A picture had been shown of the USS Missouri, surrounded by burning aircraft at Hickam, and ships throughout the harbor. He had seen a picture of a recruiting office in New York City, numerous people signing up. God knows what could happen now.

How The Sino-American War Could Progress

April 2nd, 2017

(Foreign Affairs)-The Sino-American War as it stands has already added an additional nation into the mix. The nation of Japan has become involved with the war following the heavy attacks at Okinawa, and the sinking of a destroyer and frigate. The war has since been on the side of the People's Republic of China since Day 1, despite the efforts made by the United States. The impacts against the Ronald Reagan Strike Group, took a section of power projection vital to the defense of Taiwan out of the picture, leaving the United States Air Force and United States Marine Corps to defend Taiwan. Even with their efforts, Taiwan was invaded, and lost, with Typhoon Don not helping in any sort of format. The attacks at Okinawa, Guam, and Pearl Harbor were at a strategic sense to disable American power projection and transport abilities. Nonetheless, the attacks at Okinawa have brought in Japan to the fight, and with tensions further ratcheting up in Asia, other nations may join the war.

The way the war may progress could depend upon which other states may enter the war as it goes on. The Philippines nonetheless, is considered by many, to already be at war, and on the side of the United States, considering the numerous foreign deployments of military vessels, troops, and aircraft to the nation. It is expected that if the war progresses further, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada have chances of joining the war with the United States against the People's Republic of China. Nonetheless, there are the other state actors who have been growing increasingly angered at the United States for continuing their influence within Asia, and the effects it could have therein. Indonesia, is one of such states, as with increasing foreign relations with the People's Republic of China, and slowly frosting relations with the United States, some could consider Indonesia would aid the side of the PRC if it were officially brought into the war. The same is made in some ways to Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia. In addition however, if South Korea were to join the war, the risk of North Korea joining the war is high, and could lead to a general war in East Asia, not seen since the end of World War II.

The other main state actors outside of where the general war is being fought, which includes Russia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the United Kingdom, are not included, due to the more general focus, and protests in the United Kingdom not wanting to go into another war. Even then, we do not know the future, and it could change drastically, as the war progresses past the nearly three-week stage.

TOP SECRET

Timestamp: 11:29 UTC -4:00 April 4th, 2017

To: Brigadier General Christopher E. Dowell, Lieutenant General James Fargo, Lieutenant General Gabriel Villt, Lieutenant General Lewis A. Clark
From: General Larry O. Spencer

Subject: Operation Peacemeal

As enclosed in the attached documents, it outlines an operational plan following the strikes made against Okinawa, Guam, and Pearl Harbor/Honolulu. Primary operational assets expected to be used number two B-2A Spirits, four B-1B Lancers, eight KC-135R Stratotankers, four F-15C Eagles, four F-22A Raptors, and four F-16CG Fighting Falcons. Primary targets are Shanghai, and Dalian. Air operational assets targeting Shanghai will compose of four B-1B Lancers from 7th Bomb Wing, four F-15C Eagles from 18th Wing, four F-22A Raptors from 18th Wing, four KC-135 Stratotankers from 15th Wing, and four KC-135 Stratotankers from 18th Wing. Air operational assets targeting Dalian are two B-2A Spirits from 36th Wing, and four F-16CG Fighting Falcons from 51st Fighter Wing.

General operational plan regarding Shanghai:
1) Four B-1B Lancers from Dyess Air Force Base take off.
2) Four KC-135R Stratotankers take off from Hickam Air Force Base. They meet with the B-1B Lancers from Dyess and refuel them.
3) Four F-15C Eagles take off from Kadena Air Base, along with all four KC-135R Stratotankers. The Stratotankers meet with the B-1B Lancers to refuel them.
4) The flight of four F-15C Eagles flies for interdiction mission near AWACS, until B-1B Lancers close near Kadena Air Base.
5) Four F-22A Raptors take off from Kadena Air Base. They head towards the B-1B Lancers for escort mission.
6) F-22A Raptors move ahead with escort, while F-15C Eagles fly ahead of B-1B Lancers and F-22A Raptors. F-15C Eagles to be used as 'lures' to allow Raptors to engage hostile targets.
7) B-1B Lancers engage primary military targets (shipyards, factories), and leave the hostile engagement zone. Fighters follow.
8) Once AWACS contact reached, Raptors and Eagles break to return to Kadena Air Base.
9) Stratotankers used to refuel B-1B Lancers from Kadena Air Base, and Hickam Air Force Base used again, to allow B-1B Lancers to return to Dyess Air Force Base.

General operational plans regarding Dalian:
1) Two B-2A Spirits from Anderson Air Force Base take off.
2) Once B-2A Spirits pass AWACS line, four F-16CG Fighting Falcons from Osan Air Base take off. They move to fly ahead of the B-2A Spirits.
3) F-16CG Fighting Falcons knock out radar in the Shangdong Peninsula, to force a launch of fighters to patrol the area. Both B-2A Spirits fly through South Korea to hit Dalian.
4) B-2A Spirits hit military targets in Dalian (shipyards, factories, naval bases), and leave the hostile zone. F-16CG Fighting Falcons return to base.
5) B-2A Spirits return and land at Anderson Air Force Base.

[Usili]

Chapter V

The War in the Pacific

April 4th, 2017

(Die Zeit)-The war in the Pacific as some call it, has been raging on for soon to be a month now, and has totally redefined how the world is viewed. An outbreak of war between the world's hyperpower, the United States of America, and up and coming superpower, the People's Republic of China. It is believed to be in the tens of thousands so far, in terms of the amount of dead, most of those numbers being in Taiwan, as war is raging on the small island, after the PRC managed to secure beachheads. The United States has taken losses, but their public has grown in favor of the war, but with just cause, especially following the attacks at Honolulu, with the deathtoll estimated to be in the hundreds, maybe in the thousands. Pictures show the devastation wrought at Honolulu, with servicemen from Pearl Harbor aiding to end the devastation.

The United States nonetheless, does face a political issue if bringing it to NATO. Would the rest of NATO support them in such a move? While the United States was attacked first, the United States has yet to ask for Article Five to be activated, due to the issues they realize if they brought it up. The politicians of Western Europe, do not support a war, especially after the long wars fought in Afghanistan and Iraq, and military cuts combined with that. Nonetheless, other issues face the United States in moving for Article Five. Ukraine and Russia. Since the Crimean Crisis, tensions have been cold, and Eastern European states have ratcheted up military spending because of the fear of Russia. What does this pose to you?

There is a legitimate threat in Russia, as has been spoken, and the United States knows by activating Article Five, it could lead to Russia making a move against NATO in Eastern Europe. This has been shown by the moving of US military forces in Europe to Poland and Romania, to better defend them, but with US military drawbacks prior to the Sino-American War, and now the war, the protection of the United States is an issue, due to the amount of troops they could offer and supply. The United States from what we can tell cannot support a two-front war at this time, but in three months time? Six months? We will answer that question then and when it comes up to it, depending how the war goes on.

Now with Japan joining the war, some predict that Australia, the Philippines, and other nations in Eastern Asia will join the war. The reason for Japan joining the war, was the attack on Okinawa, and if the war progresses the way it could, other US allies could be attacked, bringing them into the war. However, the complicated relations have other impacts, and as such, these decisions must be thought of, and figured out. The war no doubt, is going to progress beyond East Asia if peace is not sought soon. Where would the next front be? The Himalayas? The Middle East? Ukraine? It will go global, and we face the fear of a Third World War breaking out throughout the globe.

11 Miles West of Bohudukhiv
April 6th, 2017
9:27 Local Time (UTC +3:00)

The RPG sailed from one of the sides of the battle, slamming into the side of a T-72, as the main gun opened up with flames as a shell ripped from the tank. Nonetheless, an autocannon from a BMP lit up where the RPG was fired, and Viktor groaned softly, an anti-tank section having been obliterated. “How many armored vehicles are left?” Viktor called out.

“About seven tanks not counting the one just hit, and roughly twelve armored personnel carriers,” another voice called back. 'An armored platoon, and a mechanized infantry company. Shit,' Viktor thought, wondering about their odds, and how outnumbered they were.

“Once infantry disembark, engage the infantry. I want anti-tank to knock out those APCs!” a voice called out from among the soldiers hidden in the treeline. Viktor moved up a bit, his entire body on the ground, and AK-74 aimed ready to fire at the soldiers once they started to step out.

The BMPs halted in a formation. The guns scanned, but we could see the soldiers disembarking, and forming themselves up, readying to move forward. “Now,” the voice from before spoke, and suddenly, four RPGs roared out towards the sitting BMPs, detonations ripping from them. Viktor pulled the trigger from his gun, as the fire of heavy machine gun rounds and an autocannon ripped above them. A blinding white pain exploded near him, and he knew no more.

35,000 Feet Above Poland
April 6th, 2017
13:41 Local Time (UTC +2:00)

A pair of F-16C-52 Fighting Falcons flew in the skies of Poland, along the Polish-Belarus border. Ever since radio reports had confirmed the sudden attack on Ukraine nearly fifteen hours ago, Polish fighters had been ordered to the sky. Each one was suited up for air-to-air combat, with major tensions increasing. “Copy that Dagger. You seeing a lock?” a voice broke in Dagger's headset.

“Aye, seeing three active radar. Two Polish SA-3 Goas, and a single Belarusian SA-17 Buk. No lock though,” Dagger spoke, as he double checked his main chaff and flare pods.

“Gotcha. Shit, missile lock evading!” the voice broke out. Dagger seeing the same thing rolled his fighter, chaff and flare igniting. The F-16 roared and pulled itself into a roll, diving towards the ground. The missile roared towards the F-16, flying pass. “Dagger Two evaded!”

An air engagement had broken out over Poland, with two F-16s having been forced into an engagement. This did not bode well for the future of Europe, combined with the invasion of Ukraine.

TOP SECRET

Timestamp: 16:17 UTC +1:00 April 6th, 2017

To: General Larry O. Spencer
From: General Johnathan P. Barnes

Subject: Ukrainian War, and the War in the Pacific

With the outbreak of war in Ukraine, and the current status of the war in the Pacific, a growing concern under my command are operational assets that may be lost. Nearly thirty-six hours ago, I had received operational orders stating that the 31st Fighter Wing were to begin readying to move out back stateside immediately. Our work underway to move the 31st Fighter Wing stateside, along with the diversion of some of our intelligence officers, made it so we were unprepared for war in Ukraine. The situation breaking out, especially with the near shoot-down of two Polish fighters, poses a hazard to NATO in Europe. The decreasing military budgets in Western Europe have forced my command to step up in air patrol over the past years.

Combat Air Patrol has been stepped up, with plans to detach the 493rd Fighter Squadron from the 48th Fighter Wing to head to Lask to boost up primary air patrol in Poland, and the Baltic States. This would leave the 492nd and 494th Fighter Squadrons to continue air patrol of the North Sea, Scotland, and other areas as assigned under the patrol path. As such, with the war breaking out, recommendations are not to withdraw any other further air assets under my command, and if possible, to bolster it with either the 94th Fighter Squadron, or the 58th Fighter Squadron in order to provide 5th generation combat air assets. The usage of the Russian Firefoxes in combat over Ukraine, along with the usage of the 19th Fighter Squadron and VMFA-121 in the East China Sea, shows the need of immediate 5th generation combat aircraft capable of engaging the Firefoxes if war breaks out between NATO and Russia.

Somewhere in Taiwan
April 7th, 2017
1:07 Local Time (UTC +8:00)

Corporal William T. Connor stared through the edge of the forest, hunkered down with the M240B GPMG. So far, the entire platoon had set themselves up, ready to ambush the Chinese armored convoy about to make their way through. William peered down the sight for the moment, readying to fire. “Specialists Schwitzer, Crowby, get ready to engage main armored units. Corporal Connor and Specialist Smith, get ready to engage light-skinned vehicles. Rest of you, hit them hard,” the radio crackled out.

Connor pushed himself in, and swiveled the gun as the convoy started passing by. “Two Type 99 MBT, one Type 97 IFV, and six trucks,” the radio crackled, confirming the contact reports of inbound. Suddenly, Higgins saw the ignition of a rocket motor from one Javelin, and then another, as two missiles roared in, slamming against the turrets of both main battle tanks. The first one ignited, the turret leaping off in fire, while the second one groaned to a halt, smoke pouring from where the rocket had hit. Conner pulled the trigger down, the medium machine gun ripping through the light-skinned trucks. The Type 97 IFV rotated and suddenly fired, as a rocket from one of the infantry squads ignited, hitting the side of the IFV, but it kept firing.

“Schwitzer! Crowby! One of you, get a Javelin in that thing, now!” the radio barked out, the cannon ripping through the forest.

Another rocket from an AT-4 flew at the IFV, hitting near the track, tearing through one of the tracks as the Javelins were being rushed to launch. As the IFV started to turn the turret towards where the other AT-4 fired from, the Javelin flew from one of the two men, impacting, and silencing the infantry fighting vehicle. “Check in,” the radio spoke.

“Connor reporting in,” William spoke in the radio, communicating to the squad lead.

William still recalled when they had been deployed to Taiwan on joint-exercises nearly six weeks ago, but with the outbreak of war, they hadn't been able to move out. The two other rifle platoons that had come along, had been engaged, and were entrenched in Taipei, from what Higgins last recalled. 'War is hell,' William thought, keeping his eyes on the lookout for any further hostiles.

Davis-Monthan Air Force Base
April 7th, 2017
7:09 Local Time (UTC -7:00)

The entire area that the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group was lit up, as all sorts of USAF personnel were underway in the area. The 'Boneyard' as some referred to it had been stocked up with aircraft, and with war having occurred, work was being done to bring aircraft into the fight. Aircraft ranging from the F-15 Eagle, all the way to the F-111 Aardvark were ranging throughout the Boneyard. At last count by the 309th, nearly 90 F-15 Eagles, 70 F-16 Fighting Falcons, 215 F-4 Phantoms, and 190 F-111 Aardvarks were capable of reactivation, the USAF's main 3rd and 4th generation combat aircraft. Nonetheless, it was taking time to go through each of them, and then having to refit them with new engines, electronics, and so forth. Hopefully, the aircraft could be formed into operational groups to fight the war as needed.

USS Shoup
April 8th, 2017
8:21 Local Time (UTC +7:00)

Commander Aaron E. Ward glared through the sun of the reloading process taking place on the forward deck of his destroyer, the USS Shoup. After the major air engagement nearly a week ago, followed by another nearly two days ago, missile amounts were lose. The Shoup was done to roughly eleven RIM-174 Standard Missile 6, twenty-eight RIM-162 ESSMs, and six RUM-139 VL-ASROCs, nearly twenty-four VLS tubes filled, roughly 25% of their full capacity, from roughly nine days ago. The Shoup, had been the lead vessel, and primary air engagements led from her. The cruise missiles were becoming a more serious threat, with numerous ESSMs having been used to intercept them.

Underway replenishment for missiles in the Vertical Launch Systems were minimal for the most part, but now it was vital. The USS Charles Drew, was in the process of aiding for reloading, and it was being determined to be push as fast as possible. It was recommended for four in conditions, but this was war, and the need to resupply was vital. So far, they were pushing hard to get the missiles in the tubes ASAP. So far, resupplyment called for the addition of nine more RIM-174 SM-6, thirty-six RIM-162 ESSM, forty-four RIM-156A SM-2ER Block IV, and six Tomahawks to fully complement the tubes at full munitions amount. 'We are the main long-range anti-air ship in the squadron. Though, still wondering why we have been ordered to carry Tomahawks,” the Commander thought.

The three other destroyers in the squadron, the USS Halsey, USS Sampson, and the USS John S. McCain, were for the most part, still good in terms of missile amounts. The Sampson nonetheless, needed some reloading in terms of additional RIM-162s, after a major anti-ship missile attack nearly three days prior. 'How many missiles are we going to have to use?' the Commander thought further, thinking in his head of the amount of ships.

“Inbound contacts! Two fighters,” a radar intercept officer spoke sharply.

“Get the Drew to wave off resupplyment. Break off, break off!” Ward barked out, knowing that if the Ward was hit while still tethered, it would be one big boom.

“We still have two VLS tubes in the process of reloading,” a Lieutenant spoke to the Commander, “sir.”

“Break them off! Break them off! Dump them!” the Commander spoke sharply, their underway replenishment about to turn into a disaster.

“Vampires! We have vampires! Six Vampires inbound,” the radar intercept officer spoke once more.

The destroyer was struggling to break away, the engines already thrumming to pull her away. Nonetheless, it was a matter of reaction, if the Shoup would survive the engagement as the other destroyers readied their medium anti-air defense systems to engage the inbounds, and hopefully prevent the loss of another warship.

American Destroyer Nearly Lost Due to Logistical Screwup; Threat to Combat Operations

April 8th, 2017

(CNN)-In news today, information shows that the USS Shoup, an assigned destroyer operating in the South China Sea was nearly lost yesterday, due to a logistical screwup. The logistical screwup, you ask? Why it is simply the reason for the existence of the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, and Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser. The missile systems. They use a system known as the 'Vertical Launch System', and operations show it takes one hour to reload four VLS tubes in calm seas. What if the seas are rough? What if the destroyer needs to get reloaded ASAP, and has no missiles remaining? Those are primary issues, that have taken up the storm. The Arleigh Burke-class holds 96 tubes to store missiles. This means it would take twenty-four hours to fully reload all 96 tubes if empty.

Nonetheless, this puts a major issue on the hands, as other news have come in, of some USN bases running short of missiles, with blame laid on the makers of the missiles, Raytheon. The Raytheon Company is the main maker of guided missiles, radars, and other systems for the US Armed Forces, ranging from the main air-to-air engagement missiles used in fighters, to radar sets used onboard our warships, to the main anti-air missiles used on our warships, and to the weapons used by the Army and Marine Corps. There control of these products could easily show major defects, but who does the Armed Forces have to turn to? No one, as Raytheon holds the market share for the US Armed Forces. This is a monopoly, which threatens our ability to fight the war. We call upon Congress, and the Huntsman Administration to create a modern day Truman Committee in order to analyze each program, and to make sure our armed forces can engage in this fight.

Dyess Air Force Base
April 8th, 2017
19:02 Local Time (UTC -5:00)

Dyess Air Force Base was the site of two B-1B Lancer squadrons, and two C-130J Super Hercules squadrons, and as such, its first combat action was beginning. From the runways, four B-1B Lancers roared off one after another, each one laden with ordnance, and flying westwards, towards California, and the Pacific. Each bomber carried nearly thirty-seven tons of ordnance each, ready to reign down on their assigned target as part of Operation Peacemeal, Shanghai. They represented the first true USAF major combat strike against military targets as part of a grander operation to hit strategic targets. It was a flight of nearly nine hours to hit their target, and nine hours to fly back. A long-range mission in some ways equivalent to those fought in World War II. Now, only time could tell if the initial strikes would be a success.

[Usili]

Chapter VI

“Operation Peacemeal, was the first main operation launched by the United States Air Force to hit targets on mainland China in a focused strategic bombing operation. Nonetheless, after the war, Peacemeal is usually claimed as part of the grander Operation Hercules, the focused strategic bombing campaign against the People's Republic of China. Nonetheless, Peacemeal would be significant in her own way, as the USAF strikes against Shanghai and Dalian would show.”

-Morales, Henderson, et al. Computers, Space, and Blood: The Third World War. Mexico City: Irving, 2043. Computer.

400 Miles South-East-East of Shanghai, PRC
April 9th, 2017
19:11 Local Time (UTC +8:00)

Both flights of fighters were roaring upwards, their assigned missions underway. The first flight of fighters, four F-15C Eagles, each had a total of eight AIM-120C AMRAAMs, and two AIM-9M Sidewinders, with two AMRAAMs attached to the conformal fuel tanks along the engine pods. The second flight of fighters, four F-22A Raptors, each had a total of six AIM-120D AMRAAMs and two AIM-9X Sidewinders loaded up for primary combat, the joint mission all to clear. Nonetheless, each of the Raptors broke, heading north-north east towards a pair of airborne tankers assigned for the mission of fully fueling them up before they broke to escort the inbound Lancers.

200 Miles East of Shanghai
April 9th, 2017
19:42 Local Time (UTC +8:00)

The four F-15C Eagles roared in formation, readying their assigned mission as part of Peacemeal. At the click of a button, both sections broke away, each section lead radar igniting, broadcasting themselves, but also to hit any fighters as they closed in. Already, RWR were picking up the broadcasts of hostile radar, but the Eagles were still out of range of engagement. The second section of F-15C Eagles peeled back, moving off as both sections of Eagles were breaking apart. “November Gulf is go,” the flight leader, Captain Oliver E. Brown spoke, the Eagles continuing to close, the radars noting the pair of EA-18G Growlers closing in quickly. Considering the Eagles were already at nearly Mach 1.2, roughly nearly nine hundred and twenty-five miles an hour, they were expected to hit Shanghai in roughly thirteen minutes, while the EA-18G Growlers at nearly one thousand and twenty miles an hour, were nearly three hundred miles back from Shanghai, they were expected to arrive in roughly eleven minutes, to clear the way for the main strike force.

Captain Brown glancing at the radar, switched readiness to his AMRAAMs to go for launch with all eight AMRAAM stations marked for readiness to launch. Still, no direct contacts were popping up on the radar suite, and the hostile radar was increasing in count. 'Alright, SA-300s. Hopefully those assigned Growlers from the Navy can take care of them,' Brown thought, his eyes keeping track, as he pulled the Eagle slightly more, hoping that the assigned Growlers could hit those SA-300s.

“Two bandits! Three oh nine! Fox Three!” the radio broke out, as Brown heard the call from the second section flight lead, and saw the missile lock engagement.

“Hammer Three and Four. Hook left, then break, two oh two,” Brown ordered, “Hammer Two, follow, three oh one. Engage further contacts.”

“Understood Hammer Lead,” the voices echoed, as both F-15C Eagles to the north broke from the engagement at a near one hundred and eighty degree turn, with both F-15C Eagles from the south roaring forth, at full afterburner.

“Hammer Three, and Hammer Four, engage all hostiles. Protect Wild Weasels,” Captain Brown ordered, “Fox Three.”

The AMRAAM released from the Eagle, roaring in, the same following from his wingman, as both AMRAAMs roared in towards both enemy fighters, identified as J-10s. “Hammer Lead, reading four bandits from the south. Strobe and buzzer from hostiles,” the radio broke out.

“Chattermark people,” Brown replied back. Seeing the distance from the closing fighters, “Break one three seven Hammer Two!”

Glimpsing slightly to the left, and seeing Hammer Two break to the right, Oliver pushed the stick hard to the left, the fighter responding, rolling hard, as the stick was pulled back, his G-Force suit struggling to take the Gs. The pair of J-10s roared above him, breaking off, but that was the time Oliver needed to engage. Switching to both Sidewinders, struggling against the Gs, he pulled the stick back, and turned, in order to engage both J-10s. Hearing the monotone blare, he spoke, “Fox Two!”

The Sidewinder rippled, roaring in towards the J-10 as it struggled to bear in, flares popping. It didn't break, and smashed into the rear, the ejection of the pilot seen as the aircraft turned into a fireball. “Shit! Mayday! Mayday!” a voice screamed on the radio, as Oliver could see Hammer Two ripped apart by a missile. But where did that missile come from? It that wasn't detected, unless he had missed it. Something wasn't right. What was that something?

Suddenly, warning popped up of a missile lock, but where did it come from? Struggling his mind out of the thought, he pulled the stick to the right hard, his countermeasures already firing away, a mix of flare and chaffs, as both missiles came roaring in, both a radar-guiding, and an infra-red guiding. “This is Hammer Lead, to Sword Lead! Furball down here. We have Fangs engaging!” Captain Oliver Brown spoke quickly and sharply, the Eagle feeling as if it was tearing asunder, as one missile passed above, and suddenly, he felt the detonation underneath him. The detonation from the twelve kilogram warhead detonates, the fragments ripping through the aircraft like hot steel, combining with the other missiles still attached, and the fuel tanks, further detonating, and turning the aircraft into a massive fireball, the entire section gone, leaving two F-15Cs breaking away from the engagement, while both EA-18G Growlers, not heard in the engagement broke away, their mission complete, the SA-300s guarding Shanghai knocked out, leaving the way for the B-1B Lancers to hit their targets. The air engagement had lasted four minutes, nearly a distance of sixty miles for the strike force heading towards Shanghai.

207 Miles East of Shanghai
April 9th, 2017
19:51 Local Time (UTC +8:00)

The F-22A Raptors moved in, to engage the targets as their role called for. “This is Hammer Three to all callsigns available! Requesting help here!” the radio called out.

“Sword Three, Sword Four, either of you got a lock?” Captain Aaron T. Nolan asked both pilots flying along the left, via the standard data-link.

“Confirmed Sword Lead. Locked on two J-10s,” Sword Three spoke over the data-link.

“Kill,” Nolan responded, both Sword Three and Sword Four disengaging, the sound of the message for radar-guided missiles confirmed, both AIM-120D AMRAAMs sailing towards both J-10 fighters. Glancing down at his radar, he saw a sudden beep and then it disappeared. 'There it goes again,' Nolan thought, 'Can't be a glitch.'

“This is Hammer Lead, to Sword Lead! Furball down here. We have Fangs engaging!” the voice of Captain Brown echoed in his radio, and he knew what the radar was.

“Hammer Flight, we have Fangs operating. Thor Flight, be warned of Fangs operating within the immediate zone. Sword Flight, we have Fangs to intercept” Nolan warned whatever Eagles were still left, and the B-1B Lancer flight.

“Understood Sword Lead. Thor Lead understands and receives,” the message replied from the B-1B lead.

“Sword Three copies and understands.” “Gotcha.” “Understood.”

The F-22 Raptors split up, Sword Lead (or known as Sword One), and Sword Two proceeding in, with Sword Three and Sword Four holding back. Nonetheless, the pings were getting closer. “There!” Captain Nolan spoke. “Fox Three!”

The AIM-120D AMRAAM released itself from the weapons bay, falling, before igniting, the rocket motor roaring the missile forward and away. The AMRAAM clawed through the skies, roaring towards the J-20 Fang, which had just realized the threat it faced, with the missile closing rapidly towards it. The J-20 Fang pulled itself into turns, as chaff was fired and released to break away. A second AMRAAM clawed through the skies in addition, as the first AMRAAM broke off, hitting chaff, having been evaded. Nonetheless, the second AMRAAM went true, smashing into the J-20, igniting into a fireball, the first Chinese fifth generation fighter shot down by the United States Air Force. Nonetheless, it went the same for a second J-20 Fang, as Sword Two engaged, with the first AIM-120D AMRAAM smashing into the J-20, the Fang being ripped in two, with the main body corkscrewing towards the ground, as the left wing and engine fluttered towards the ground, much lighter than the rest of the aircraft, but nonetheless flames poured from each. Both J-20s had been shot down by the Air Force at the loss of two of their own F-15Cs, with reports of a third lost F-15C Eagle, which were unknown. The last reports of Hammer Three had been it had fallen into the clouds, flames pouring from her.

Unknown Location
Unknown Time

Caroline Miller groaned softly, as she felt herself impact the ground of her cell. Her entire body was in pain, the nerves as if they were on fire. The Marine Corps captain could feel the blood and dirt pancaked on her, the pain of the broken bones in her left ankle, and her right arm. So much more was in pain, but her mind was trying to block it out, as Caroline already began passing into unconsciousness. Everything seemed to start rumbling, like an earthquake, but she felt tired, and let herself drift off into unconsciousness once more, her body forcing her to sleep.

Escalation of Tensions in Indian Subcontinent; Korean Peninsula

April 10th, 2017

(Los Angeles Times)-The war between the United States and the People's Republic of China has lasted for nearly a month, and so far, tensions have skyrocketed, as both main superpowers have fought against one other, with modern military technology put to the test between both sides. The state of Japan joined the war, nearly two weeks ago, bringing in another state into the combat. The war nonetheless, with the United States and People's Republic of China focusing against one another has led to tensions in other areas of Asia igniting once more.

In the Indian subcontinent, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of India have exchanged gunfire over the border, after further disputes over Kashmir. Photographs have shown dug in Pakistani troops, armor, artillery, and surface to air missile batteries in the event of hostilities breaking out, especially following the shoot down of an Indian helicopter carrying nine troops, which resulted in all personnel dead. Pakistan has claimed that the helicopter entered Pakistani airspace, and after refusing to leave, was shot down. The Indian military in response has stepped up activities, with reports of the 1st Armored Division being moved up to the border in readiness in case of combat breaking out between the two states.

In the Korean Peninsula, North Korea has further ratcheted tensions up, with two North Korean MiG-21s penetrating South Korean airspace, and breaking away, along with the moving up of troops. South Korea has responded with additional troops being readied, and recent moves of force, with F-15Ks cooperating in exercises with new Airbus 330 MRTT tankers for airborne patrol. Escalating tensions in South Korea, have had the 2nd Infantry Division, forward based in South Korea move to operating actions, with pictures shown of armored combat formations readying in the event of war. The war in the East China Sea and South China Sea have forced all nations to stand on their toes in Asia.

Subic Bay, Philippines
April 11th, 2017
8:37 Local Time (UTC +8:00)

Colonel Alexander H. Grey looked out as men and vehicles were offloaded from the ships docked in Subic Bay. The five ships offloading carried most of the men, and some of the equipment, while in roughly five days, it was expected that the rest of the transports would arrive. Nonetheless, the entire infantry division was moving off of the ships. Heavy armored vehicles, along with a mix of trucks were being driven off of the cargo ships, with some of the helicopters stowed for the assigned Combat Aviation Brigade being flown to the nearby air stations.

From what the Colonel remembered, the entire 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team's equipment had been brought, and already, they were moving out to Fort Magsaysay, for the moment, while the other units were expected to move out over time, but issues of equipment, were holding them for the moment. Nonetheless, it had been the first move the US made in forward deployment. Gray could see the silhouette of the Stennis, docked in harbor, refueling primary jet fuel, before it was expected to be sent out to sea to replace the Spruance in a couple of weeks, but for the time being joint operations were expected.

[Usili]

Chapter VII

Russian-Ukrainian War Updates; Tensions Flaring In Eastern Europe

April 13th, 2017

(CNN)-The Russo-Ukrainian War has been ongoing for nearly a week, with lead Russian armored divisions reaching the Dneiper River near Cherkasy. This has led to the division of the main Ukrainian Army in Eastern Ukraine, into northern and southern sections. Reports near Chernihiv have stated the destruction of nearly two Russian armored regiments, before the attack was repulsed by the defending Ukrainian Army troops. According to sources, a full-scale retreat is underway for the northern section of the Ukrainian Army to guard the Dneiper River, and Kiev in most particular, to prevent its loss to the Russian Army.

The war between Russia and Ukraine, has led to the sharp constantly increasing tensions in Eastern Europe, with Poland, Romania, and the Baltic States, having stepped up major military readiness, in the event of war breaking out between themselves and Russia. This is only compounded by the fact of a shoot-down of two Polish Air Force F-16s by Belarus Surface-to-Air Missiles. Nonetheless, with tensions escalating in both Eastern Asia, and Eastern Europe, the world could be looking at something not seen till the end of the first half of the 20th century. A Third World War breaking out.

Hualien Airport
April 15th, 2017
3:19 Local Time (UTC +8:00)

First Lieutenant Jeffrey MacAdam, stared an eye at the instruments, as the C-130H Hercules groaned to a stop, the engines still going. “We are on the ground. Get that cargo off-loaded,” Jeffrey barked in the radio to the loadmaster, the ramp of the Hercules, already on the ground.

“Understood, sir,” the radio echoed, the four turboprop engines obscuring the noise of the pallets being offloaded. Jeffrey had been part of the first airlift operations near the end of March, having carried nearly two full Marine platoons and a pallet of ammunition. Nonetheless, the fighting had worsened, with Jeffrey having seen flashes of light near both the northern and southern edges of Taiwan, the Chinese Army pushing further towards the last holdings of where the Taiwan military was struggling to hold against their opponent in direct combat.

“Equipment is off-loaded, sir. Passengers are being loaded on now,” the radio spoke again, the noise of people talking heard.

“Status of fuel?” Jeffrey asked the co-pilot.

“We have roughly sixty nine percent left of what we started with. Engine Two is still showing a slightly higher oil pressure,” his co-pilot, Second Lieutenant Kevin Bartlett spoke.

“Understood, Bartlett. Crowler, status of passengers?” Jeffrey asked the loadmaster.

“Give me two minutes here, and passengers should be loaded and ready to go.”

“Understood Crowler. MacAdam out.”

Taitung City
April 16th, 2017
11:32 Local Time (UTC +8:00)

The street was filled with gunfire, as both United States Marines and Taiwanese Army troops engaged the People's Liberation Army troops trying to push through. A series of sandbags near their end of the street had fortified it into a machine gun bunker, with nearly two heavy machine guns positioned both of the guns constantly chattering, as they mowed down Chinese troops trying to push through. That was merely one of the many streets as Taiwanese and American troops engaged in heavy fire against the Chinese troops. The entire city was pitched in extensive urban combat, as the outnumbered Taiwanese troops were pulling back, with the entire United States Marine Corps battalion sent to Taiwan fighting in Taitung, the south a more of a threat of falling compared to the north. It was approaching the end for Taiwan, as both marines and soldiers began to pull back, ammunition running dry in some cases.

Operational Status of United States Air Force Aircraft at Kadena Air Force Base
April 18th, 2017

Grade A Status: 22 F-15C Eagles, 11 F-16C Fighting Falcons, 13 F-22A Raptors, 3 E-3C Sentries, 9 KC-135 Stratotankers, 5 HH-60 Pavehawk
Grade B Status: 19 F-15C Eagles, 13 F-16C Fighting Falcons, 3 F-22A Raptors, 2 E-3C Sentries, 4 KC-135 Stratotankers, 2 HH-60 Pavehawk
Grade C Status: 5 F-15C Eagles, 10 F-16C Fighting Falcon, 1 F-22A Raptor, 1 E-3C Sentry, 2 KC-135 Stratotankers, 3 HH-60 Pavehawk

Notes: With current air operations as they are, the matter of keeping in the air standard combat air patrol over the assigned air corridors is becoming harder to keep, with out of the forty six Eagles assigned for current combat operations, approximately half are in Grade A status, with the rest of them spread through Grade B and Grade C. The situation is worse with the Fighting Falcons, with nearly two thirds of the thirty-four assigned in Grade B and Grade C status, in the middle of maintenance on main repairs. The F-22A Raptors are continuing to be the main front line aircraft, but we have been needing to pull them off the flight line for increased maintenance, and significant damage to one following a friendly fire incident mentioned two days ago. Nonetheless, recommendation would be to reorganize the air corridor, with additional fighters and AEW&C assigned to mainland Japan, and the Philippines in order to keep a constant air corridor, along with allowing maintenance on Grade A status aircraft to keep them combat operable. One Eagle current on Grade C status suffered a collapse of the right gear on landing, which had been flying in Grade A status since the start of the war.

Gulf of Aden
April 19th, 2017
13:41 Local Time

The roaring sound of the MV-22B Osprey's engines filled Private Adolfo Vasquez's head as he gripped the M16A4 assault rifle in his hands, the rear door opening up to face the blues of the Indian Ocean and the quickly approaching gray of the cargo ship. “Stand up Marines! Get ready!” the voice of the Second Lieutenant barked above the roaring noise of the Osprey's engines.

Adolfo pulled himself up grasping onto the top of the Osprey as it rumbled for a moment, being caught in the turbulence of the AH-1Z Cobra adjusting its position as the Osprey was readying to land. The cargo ship was rocking in the waves, as the Osprey struggled to get aligned with the freighter. Both engines whined, as the Osprey settled itself as best as possible on the cargo ship. “Out! Out! Out!” the Second Lieutenant shouted. Alfonso moving himself out of the chopper, as the ninth man out of the Chinook, M16A4 assault rifle aimed down the deck of the cargo ship, more Marines leaving the Osprey.

“Alpha Squad, move up the deck, and enter the cargo hold. Bravo Squad, move up and secure the bridge,” the Second Lieutenant barked. Both rifle squads began to move down the length of the ship, with the Osprey roaring off from where it had 'landed', to be on station if needed. The AH-1Z Cobra meanwhile kept on station around the cargo ship.

“Vasquez, take point!” Corporal Grant barked, Alfonso moving up to take point, the M26 MASS held snug under the M16A4 rather than the M203 grenade launcher he normally had on.

Both squads pushed through the entrance towards the main bridge and cargo hold, with Bravo pushing upwards towards the main bridge, and Alpha pushing downwards towards the cargo hold and engines. Vasquez's fireteam kept moving towards their objective, while the other team pushed towards the engine-room. “Breaching!” Vasquez barked, the main cargo door opening to reveal the blackness of the cargo hold, spattered by the occassional flickering of lights. Vasquez flicked the flashlight on, shining down the length of the cargo hold, and reflecting.

“Vasquez, your with me. Potter, Ren, check all rooms and cargo on the right side, we'll cover the left side,” the Corporal spoke, the four men splitting up into two man teams.

Vasquez pushed through another door, and nearly dropped his gun at what he saw. Large missiles were holed up in the cargo, nearly taking up the entire room. “Corporal, better take a look at this,” Alfonso called out, “Got some sort of major weapon system here.”

“I see, Private,” the Corporal noted taking a look.

“Sergeant, we got what looks like weapon systems down here. Some major ones at that. How copy? Over,” the Corporal spoke in the radio.

“Understood Corporal. Relaying to the Lieutenant what you just noted. Keep clearing the cargo deck, for a full inventory. Over,” the radio broadcasted.

“Copy that. Corporal Grant out.”

The survey of the cargo showed much of the same aspects, with rifles, grenades, missiles, armored personal carriers, and more aspects like that in the cargo, spread throughout the cargo deck. Alfonso wondered however about who these weapon systems were going to and why but shrugged it off, knowing it would be better left to intelligence to determine that for the time being.