The expeditionary force began to dominate Southeast Asia by recruiting defeated soldiers

Chapter 412: Ten Thousand Big Orders

Soon, DC received the news.

In the Oval Office, Commander Luo glanced at the document casually and asked in a leisurely tone:

"My dear George, tell me. Do you think Zhang Chi's acquisition of these aircraft carriers will threaten our future deployment in Southeast Asia?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Chief of Staff George Marshall, who was sitting on the sofa not far away, frowned slightly.

He knew that the president's question was not a casual one, but a result of careful calculation.

But at the same time, as the highest commander in the military, the Chief of General Staff is inevitably involved in politics, and some powerful congressmen have already warned him about this matter.

So he straightened his sitting posture slightly, raised his hand to push up his glasses, glanced back at Rear Admiral Beaton standing against the wall, and then slowly spoke:

"As far as the current situation in Southeast Asia is concerned, Your Excellency, Zhang Chi does wield considerable influence. But he is also the key to holding back the remaining Japanese forces, and all he wants to buy is an escort carrier."

Commander Luo snorted softly, "So you agree in principle?"

After saying this, Luo Datong looked at Rear Admiral Beaton and said, "Tell me what you think."

Rear Admiral Beaton immediately straightened up, put his hands behind his back, and said with a professional soldier's sternness:

"Sir, while the Casablanca-class is called an aircraft carrier, its combat capability is limited. Fully loaded, it displaces only 10,500 tons, can travel no faster than 20 knots, and has the same hull protection as a light cruiser. Furthermore, we can completely restrict the export version—no latest SM radar, no frontline carrier-based aircraft like the F6F Hellcat or TBF Avenger. Equipped only with outdated F3Fs and SB2Cs, even a 40% reduction in actual combat effectiveness would be an overestimate."

The rear admiral on the opposite side also echoed:

"That's right. With a light cruiser-level defensive hull and outdated carrier-based aircraft like the F3F and SB2C, even if Zhang's navy quickly becomes combat-ready after acquiring these three ships, they can only deal with the Japanese squadron in the South China Sea at most and help Mike cover his flank."

Marshall added, "And we can set terms of use, such as requiring training by our instructors, not allowing transfer to third parties, and not allowing entry into certain waters in the northern latitudes—"

"Hmph," Roosevelt said, his smile tinged with cunning. "I'm used to hearing that. But you're right. They're just a few tugboat-speed aircraft."

White Eagle built more than 100 aircraft carriers during World War II, with more than a dozen fleet aircraft carriers alone. Naturally, he would not think that a few escort aircraft carriers were a threat. Asking the two for their opinions was just to test their attitudes.

After a moment's thought, Commander Luo pointed to the South Asian subcontinent on the map. "Considering that the Johns have four Illustrious-class and two Enmity-class carriers, both of which are legitimate fleet carriers, aren't three Casablancas a bit too few?"

Marshall paused, took a sip of coffee, and whispered, "The Johns' fleet will likely advance eastward into the Sindhu Ocean next year. Naturally, they'll come into some kind of naval power confrontation with Zhang Chi. By then, we can completely 'raise our own price' based on the situation."

Commander Luo nodded. "Indeed, there's no need to overfeed the hounds. Let them fight. The more fiercely they fight, the more expensive we can sell them for."

"And—" Marshall paused, then continued, "Once John's control over Southeast Asia comes to an end, the stronger Zhang Chi's 'local armed forces' become, the more helpful it will be for us to disrupt the Red Giant's southward advance. Especially when they're under the banner of 'Liberators.'"

Although President Luo and Marshall are both moderates towards the Russian bear, they will never sit idly by and watch the Russian bear extend its hands to the subtropics.

"The Red Liberator is more troublesome than Bushido." The president waved his hand. "Approve it. Tell Harold that Zhang Chi's request has been approved."

-----

Back at the Pentagon, Chief of Staff George looked at the documents in front of him, pondered for a moment, and put down the pen in his hand.

"Bob, please calculate the approximate amount of funds required for this contract."

Secretary Bob, a short civil servant in his thirties, quickly dug out a previous budget draft from a thick stack of documents:

"The construction cost of three Casablanca-class escort aircraft carriers, based on current standards, is approximately $3.2 million per ship. Adding basic onboard equipment, communication modules, and avionics facilities, it will cost around $10 million."

George asked again: "Where are the carrier-based aircraft?"

"Our supporting contract is for 100 carrier-based aircraft, primarily F3F fighters and SB2C dive bombers, at a unit price of approximately $350, for a total of $3.5 million. Add to that the maintenance crews, mounting equipment, spare engines, and landing gear, and the total package is estimated to be over $400 million."

"So that's 1400 million? That doesn't include spare parts, accessories, spare arresting cables, and catapults, right?"

Bob nodded.

"Adding in the supporting supply and auxiliary ships, the new berths that need to be widened to accommodate the 10,000-ton warships, and the large docks and maintenance facilities prepared for them, the total cost must be at least 30 million, right?"

Secretary Bob did a quick calculation and nodded, "Even if we purchase everything from within the United States, it will cost at least $2700 million. Especially for the new docks and shipyards, the labor costs for construction could cost several million."

Marshall took a breath. "But this is good for us. Once Zhang Chi takes over the Lion City Port, plus Yangon Port, which will be upgrading its equipment for the Casablanca-class ships, the United States fleet will suddenly have two naval ports in Southeast Asia that can accommodate 10,000-ton warships."

Bob immediately flattered him: "This is all thanks to your and the President's wise leadership. Only those gentlemen in Parliament are still arguing about the budget."

Marshall waved his hand and couldn't help but sigh, "This Zhang Chi, he's really willing to spend money. This is just the upfront cost. If you include the subsequent maintenance and personnel training costs, his spending is heading towards hundreds of millions, right?"

Bob added, "He also placed an order for four 356mm main gun submarines. Are you worried he won't be able to pay the balance?"

George laughed. "Whether he can pay the balance is a matter for the shipyard's shareholders. We didn't make the deal; we were only responsible for approval. My point is, some people take out loans from the United States and buy warships and planes to fight the Japanese, while others take out loans and deposit them in the bank to earn the interest. Why is there such a huge disparity?"

Bob, just a small secretary, was puzzled: "Huh?"

Just like that, everything went smoothly. On October 7, the Caesar Shipbuilding Company laid the keels of three Casablanca-class aircraft carriers at its shipyard on the Columbia River in Vancouver, Washington.

As an old shipyard that is used to building Liberty ships, escort aircraft carriers, and LST landing ships, this time they are actually preparing to start production of the three Casablancas ordered by Zhang Chi at the same time.