Thacke shrugged. “Well, except for the North Carolina, you guys shot more than the rest. Your idea of keeping ships on station was right on. I’m making sure we have some ships on station all the time, but that means some of you guys need some down time. I’m looking at ships that can make a dash up or down the coast as needed. Since you guys can make thirty knots that makes it a little easier. The older ships are a little slower and that kind of limits their patrol area. So you guys are first, then the New Jersey and Wisconsin, then I’ll rifle through the rest,” Thacke said.
“Makes sense. I take it you saw the intelligence report this morning?”
Thacke broke into a big grin. “I thought I would have small kittens. It confirms what we’ve thought. They’ve moved almost everything inland twenty-five miles. That concentrates their efforts where we can’t get at them. But it also means the Army and Air Force types have them a little more boxed in. From here on, we might not have as many targets, but they’ll still get hit,” he said. “That Marine general, Richardson, has been sending people up the coast roads for the last week. That should give us a little break. So take Iowa to Sasebo for a couple of days to refuel and rearm. We got a job to do.”
“Aye, sir,” said Hammond as he turned and left Flag Plot, heading for the bridge. Climbing the starboard ladder he walked into the pilot house and headed to the navigator’s chart table. He noticed the ship’s position had been updated just a few minutes ago. He grabbed some dividers and pulled down the compass. The Chief came over. “Can I help you, Captain?”
Hammond grinned without taking his eyes off the chart. “How about a beer?” he asked.
“I wish, Captain.”
“Your wish is granted Chief. Firm up a plot to Sasebo. I want to be in mid-afternoon. I’m going to turn us around to 190 and increase speed to twenty-five. Work me out a smooth and give it to the OOD,” he said as he straightened up.
The chief nodded. “About damn time,” he said. “Been a long time since I’ve been to Sasebo. I wonder if she’s still there,” he said with a sly look.
Hammond wondered if he was really serious but turned and walked up to the front of the pilot house. “OOD, come about to 190 and increase speed to twenty five knots. That will take us away from land. When we get fifteen miles out, set Condition 3. The navigator will be giving you an updated course and speed shortly,” he said grabbing the 1MC mike. He pressed the button.
“This is the Captain. I want you guys to know you have done a fantastic job over the past few days. Aside from one other ship we have shot more sixteen-inch rounds than any other. But that means we are starting to run a little low and will have to replenish. Normally I would call in a replenishment ship, but instead I guess we’ll have to pull into Sasebo for a few days.”
A cheer rang out across the ship and Hammond could hear it in the distance. “I hope you don’t mind if we have liberty tonight. But it means we’ll have to bust our hump tomorrow. We will refuel and rearm. So don’t go out and get so wasted you drop one somewhere. I’ll let you know more as we get in,” he said. As he looked around the bridge, everyone had a smile on his face.
The XO walked onto the bridge. “That was good news,” he said.
“Not too shabby. Do we have any masts to do this afternoon before we get in?”
The XO shook his head. “Not really. I have a couple guys with some minor infractions. They’re getting some extra attention from their division chiefs. The only thing I’m worried about is what will happen when these guys get ashore. Some of these old guys can party hearty,” the XO grinned.
“Then maybe I should say something before we get going this evening. If I put a little concern out there we might be okay. What are your plans?”
The XO gave a sigh. “Besides a mountain of paperwork and getting ready for tomorrow I should be done by about 0300.”
Hammond laughed. He remembered when he had his XO tour. It was all the same. “Good. Let’s get out and go to dinner. Maybe invite Ops and Danner to join us. You can go to bed tomorrow,” Hammond said.
“What about we take the PAO and Westin too. He’s a pretty good guy.”
Hammond gave a sideways glance. “I know the PAO is. But Westin? Just because you liked his story.”
The XO laughed. “Yeah, I did. But he really is OK.”
Hammond shrugged. “Okay, you, me, Danner, the PAO and Westin. I even know the place to go.”
“I’d like that. I’ll meet with Suppo, Deck, and Weaps and get the plans for tomorrow. I’d like to fuel and onload food day after tomorrow and then spend tomorrow just with ammo. That will give them a little time to get the food and supplies lined up. If anyone has anything they need, they’ll have to get it to Emmett before we get in. We’ll have the arrival conference in the Wardroom right after we arrive. Do you have any requests for your mess?” the XO asked.
“Chicken and fish. But if you really want to make me happy, throw in some real meat. I’m too busy to watch cholesterol,” Hammond said.
“I’ll pass it along. I need to get with Cheng. The aft emergency generator is running hot and he would like to get someone onboard to take a look at it. Did he brief you yet?”
“This morning. Talk to the Navy rep during the arrival conference and make it a priority. I don’t like the idea of going dark at the wrong time. Have them also look at the number two fire and flushing pump. Kimberlain told me it’s not meeting specs. I know we probably can’t change it out, but have them look at it for the future. Then it looks like we need to get the RPV repaired. I know the guys like showing it off, but we need both at 100 percent,” Hammond said.
“On top of it,” the XO said. He glanced at his watch. “I’m meeting with Weaps in a minute to get things settled on his end. I’ll check back before we head in,” he said.
“Good enough. I’ll get the party ready for tonight,” Hammond said. “I’ll be down in my import cabin if you need me,” he said to the OOD as he left the bridge.
Claire Richardson was really pleased. Once word came in saying the North was pulling its units away from the coast, she sent two brigades of the First Marine straight up the coast roads. She was able to contact Vice Admiral Thacke. He had USS Alabama moving up the coast along with the lead elements. Already the combination pushed the North back to Sokcho, near the old border.
“They captured the port and have secured it for our forces. I told Colonel Thomas to secure the port and the surrounding hills. If we can keep it, that would be a good base for bringing in supplies,” said Colonel Davis, the operations officer for the division.
“Good. Get the word to our supply ships to start making their way up here. I want these guys resupplied and ready in 48 hours. So far we have progressed to Guangyang in the middle of the country and Sokcho on the east coast. Here’s what I want to do,” she said leaning over the map. “Get as many pieces of men and equipment as you can along the coast. Then in 48 hours I want them all to start swinging west in a line toward our objective — Seoul. The guys in Guangyang need to move north. I’ll get hold of the Army types to coordinate. They are the ones who want to take Seoul, but if I can get there first, the Marines will win the cup,” said Richardson.
“General, the Army units are still meeting some stiff opposition. It will mean we will trap a lot of the enemy in the pocket we form,” said another officer.
“You bet. I want to trap them. Cut off their supplies and let them wither. Have units secure the main escape routes and bottle them in. I don’t mind taking prisoners,” she said.
“General, do you think we are moving a little too fast?” asked another officer.