It must be acknowledged that the strength of the United States Navy is indeed formidable. Long before the advent of the dreadnought, the U.S. Navy had constructed twenty-four pre-dreadnought battleships across seven classes, establishing itself as one of the world's three major navies. In a display of naval might intended to deter Japan, the U.S. Navy famously organized the Great White Fleet to circumnavigate the globe.
However, with the completion and commissioning of dreadnoughts by both the British and Germans, those older pre-dreadnoughts swiftly became obsolete. Consequently, the U.S. had no choice but to commence construction of its own dreadnoughts, striving to catch up with the naval advancements of Britain and Germany.
As of now, the U.S. Navy has successfully built twelve dreadnoughts of the sixth class, with numerous additional vessels currently under construction in the shipyards.
This has solidified the U.S. Navy's position as the third strongest in the world, though there remains a significant gap when compared to the Royal Navy and the Imperial German Navy, which occupy the top two positions.
In light of the large number of American merchant vessels being detained by the German Navy, and the unfortunate casualties among American civilians, there has been a rising tide of anger throughout American society. Various factions are demanding that the government adopt a firmer stance towards Germany, calling for an apology and reparations. Simultaneously, the U.S. government seeks a graceful exit from the situation, hence the request for the Navy to dispatch a fleet to escort the merchant ships. This move also serves a dual purpose: to gauge Germany's resolve and to provide the American government with guidance for its next steps.
"General Fletcher, I trust you understand the President's intentions. This time, our Navy is escorting the merchant vessels not with the intention of breaching the German exclusion zone. Of course, should the Germans not attempt to intercept us, we may make an attempt. However, such a possibility is exceedingly slim. Therefore, we must do everything possible to avoid any accidental clashes with the Germans," said Secretary Daniels to Admiral Franz Fletcher, commander of the Atlantic Fleet.
Admiral Fletcher nodded, "Secretary, I understand your point. Though this order is somewhat frustrating, it is clear that our strength pales in comparison to that of the Germans. If our Navy were just a bit more powerful, perhaps the Germans would not dare to act so brazenly. Our citizens would not have to suffer at their hands."
"Yes, General. The President has approved a new round of battleship construction plans. In a few years, we shall have even more formidable battleships in service. By then, we need not fear the Germans," replied Secretary Daniels.
"Indeed, Secretary," Admiral Fletcher affirmed.
"Secretary, what if we come under attack from the Germans? We cannot simply sit idle, can we?" Admiral Fletcher inquired.
Secretary Daniels contemplated for a moment before responding, "If the Germans were to launch an attack first, we certainly cannot remain passive. I believe the President's orders are to avoid instigating conflict and not to fire the first shot. However, should the Germans dare to assault us, we must retaliate. But I suspect the Germans are unlikely to be so bold."
With Secretary Daniels' authorization, Admiral Fletcher felt reassured. The thought of being subjected to attacks without the ability to respond was rather unappealing. Of course, he also understood that the German Navy was exceptionally powerful, far beyond what the U.S. Navy could effectively counter. Thus, avoiding any unintended conflicts was indeed the most favorable outcome.
"General, this mission now rests in your hands. May God bless us!" Secretary Daniels declared.
"God bless America!" Admiral Fletcher replied with determination.
On February 22, 1915, the main force of the U.S. Navy's Atlantic Fleet departed from Norfolk Naval Base, entering the Atlantic Ocean. This operation saw the Atlantic Fleet gather the entirety of America's principal warships, including two Nevada-class battleships, two New York-class battleships, two Wyoming-class battleships, two Florida-class battleships, two Delaware-class battleships, and two South Carolina-class battleships. All twelve dreadnoughts that the U.S. had constructed were present. Among these, the Nevada and New York-class battleships were armed with 356 mm main guns, while the other vessels were equipped with 305 mm main guns.
In addition to these capital ships, there was a significant number of cruisers and destroyers, bringing the total number of warships in the fleet to over fifty. Undoubtedly, this constituted a truly formidable fleet. Beyond Britain and Germany, it was unlikely that any other nations could muster such a large naval force.
The substantial mobilization of the U.S. Navy immediately raised alarms in Germany. Admiral Tirpitz, the naval minister, along with Chief of Naval Staff von Pohl, Commander Reinhard Scheer of the High Seas Fleet, and Crown Prince QinTian, were all summoned to the office of Kaiser Wilhelm II.
"Gentlemen, the American fleet has set sail, with twelve state-of-the-art battleships among others, totaling over fifty vessels. I wish to know what the Americans are planning. Are they considering war against the Empire?" Kaiser Wilhelm II's expression was grave.
Although the U.S. Navy was not particularly strong, the current German naval forces were largely occupied with suppressing the Royal Navy. Should the U.S. Navy choose to engage the German fleet at this juncture, it would inevitably divert some German naval resources, potentially impacting the overall situation of the war. Wilhelm II's primary objective was to defeat the British and French, securing victory in the conflict without any unforeseen complications.
"Father, I believe the Americans are merely sending a fleet to demonstrate their stance. Therefore, we need not fear them," QinTian suggested.
"Oscar, what if the Americans have some ulterior motive with the British?" Kaiser Wilhelm II was clearly not entirely at ease.
"Father, we shall command the interception fleet to stop the Americans. If they dare to intrude into our exclusion zone, we will strike decisively and eliminate this American fleet. Once this fleet is lost, the Americans will struggle to make waves. Simultaneously, the High Seas Fleet will set sail to approach Scapa Flow, preventing the British Navy from making any rash moves," QinTian replied.
"If hostilities ensue, will our interception fleet be capable of handling the American fleet?" Kaiser Wilhelm II asked. While he understood that the German interception fleet was strong, its main component consisted of battlecruisers, whereas the American battleships were notorious for their formidable armor.