“How long will it take to set this up?”
“Within a week, Mister President. We are starting to see a reduction in the numbers of men going across the border. Generals Richardson and Monahan have moved their troops into position to cut them off and surround them. We are sending in one additional unit to complete the circle. If we can hit these at about the same time, the North will be in very dire straights,” said Foote.
“What are your guys going to be doing?” the President asked Johnson.
“We’re the ones who will close down the ventilators with the aircraft, and the battleships will make sure the corridors stay open. There’s also one underground facility within range of the guns. I want them to take out as much as they can,” he said. “Then it’s harassing the enemy until he folds, sir.”
“I take it everyone is all set and waiting for me to say go?” the President asked. “Then by all means do it. Take what time you need, but eat them up. We’ll sort out the rest later,” the President said.
General Black stood along with the others. “Ladies and gentlemen, this operation is approved. I want final plans and start date on my desk by close of business tomorrow. Meeting adjourned,” he said. The President got up and shook Black’s hand. Admiral Johnson caught Butler’s eye and pulled him into the corner. “Did you see the message?”
Butler nodded. “This morning. I got the report redacted to me and personally took it to the members on the Hill. I’m not sure how long it will take, but there is widespread approval. I have a feeling it will be pretty quick.”
“This may help it along some,” Johnson said. He handed an envelope to Butler, who opened it and read the content. His face broke into a wide grin. “Let me get the boss to sign this,” he said. Two minutes later he returned with the document signed. “I will take this up and get it approved first thing in the morning. Is it legal?”
“Of course. Special board took a look at five guys for meritorious work. The Joint Chiefs made the recommendation and two will get it. The other three will be up next regular rotation,” he said. “During a war we can have special reviews.”
“Will he keep his command?”
“For the time being. I have an additional job for him. We can keep the man busy,” Johnson said.
“You know you just made the President’s day.”
“I love brownie points and I like this job. I may just keep it a while.”
Butler shook the CNO’s hand and rejoined the President. The evening drive across Washington was a little more pleasant. The leaves were starting to turn a little and the air was crisper. Butler wished he could roll the windows down in the limo and let the air in, but the glass was just too thick.
Rear Admiral Shranski and his staff were about to leave the Iowa and head to the carrier. A helo was on the way to pick them up. Shranski was packing the last of his gear when there was a knock at the door.
“Come in,” he said.
An excited radioman entered the cabin grinning from ear to ear. “Admiral, this message just came in to the ship and is info to you, sir. My Chief thought you might want to see it first.” He handed it over to Shranski and waited.
Shranski took the piece of paper and began to read. As he did, his own face broke into a wide grin. “You are quite right. I appreciate you letting me see it first. Maybe I need to go see your Captain,” he said slapping the sailor on the shoulder. Shranski quickly walked up to the bridge where Hammond was talking with the XO. Both men stood as the Admiral walked up.
“Captain, we’re about ready and I was wondering if I could say a little something to your crew before I leave?”
“Sure, Admiral, you’re welcome to,” Hammond said. He called over the Bo’sn who blew “attention.” Hammond handed Shranski the microphone.
“Good morning, Iowa, this is Rear Admiral Shranski speaking. As you know, my staff and I will be leaving you this morning and I wanted to personally thank each of you for your help and support while we were aboard. You made what could have been a difficult task very easy for us. I appreciate all your efforts to help us get our study done and out of the way. I also want to thank many of you who helped show me around this fine ship and to share a little bit of what some of you call the Iowa spirit. But there’s one other thing that I want to do. I received a message this morning that I want to share with you before I leave,” he said.
Shranski unfolded the paper he was carrying and began to read. “From Commander, Naval Military Personnel Command to Captain Roger T. Hammond, USN. In accordance with the recommendations of the flag officer selection board and approval by the Congress, you have been selected for the rank of rear admiral lower half effective immediately. You will submit to the requirements of BUPERS Manual, so forth and so on. Congratulations Rear Admiral Hammond,” he said handing over the paper and hanging up the microphone.
“Hot damn! The XO exclaimed.
Applause broke out on the bridge and cheers could be heard along the deck and in some of the corridors. Hammond stood staring at the paper with an awestruck look much like a deer in headlights. His mouth was open, but no words escaped him.
Shranski almost laughed. “Damn, Roger, cat got your tongue?”
That broke the spell. Hammond grabbed his hand and began to pump it. “Jeez, Mike, you sure do know how to surprise a guy.”
“I was, too. One of your radiomen brought it to me just a couple of minutes ago. I was just glad to be the one to make it official. Hope you don’t mind that I let the cat out of the bag.”
“Not at all, Mike,” he said still surprised. “Shit, this is unbelievable!”
“Just shows in a war they’ll promote anybody, SIR,” the XO said with a smile.
Hammond and Shranski gave him a mock scowl. “Can you take this guy with you?” Hammond asked.
“I don’t want him. Maybe you can just loose him overboard or something,” Shranski said nonchalantly. Then all three of the men started to laugh.
“Sir, the helo has launched from the carrier. ETA is only about 10 minutes,” said the phone talker.
“Sounds like I need to leave,” said Shranski.
“XO, go ahead and bring the ship into the wind and go to flight quarters. I’ll walk the Admiral down to see him off,” said Hammond.
The ship went to its flight quarters stations and the flight deck crew manned up along with a repair party. In a few minutes an SH-60 approached the fantail of the ship and was guided into position by one of the crewmen using hand signals. The helicopter touched down and kept running as Shranski and his team crawled aboard. A flight crewman handed a package to one of the Iowa crew and stepped back aboard the aircraft. After a few minutes, when all was ready, the engines increased their power and the helicopter lifted off the deck and began making its way back to the carrier.
Hammond waved as they departed and the Chief handed him the package from the carrier. It was marked for RADM Hammond. Hammond opened the taped box. Inside was a blue flag with one star, a new hat with an admiral’s ‘scrambled eggs’ some new shoulder boards and stars for his collar. The note read, “Thought you might use these. Congratulations! RADM Griffin.”
The Chief looked at his CO with admiration. He watched as Hammond ran his hand over the blue flag, then recovered the box and tucked it under his arm as he walked away. The man is good as shit, thought the Chief as he watched Hammond leave. He had seen a few great COs in his time, especially one of the last ones aboard this ship. In his opinion, Hammond even beat that one. For once, the Navy made a good decision and he was happy as hell about it.