"General, how are you?" A staff officer on the "Nevada" battleship helped Admiral Fletcher, who had fallen onto the deck, and inquired with genuine concern.
The impact from the collision had been so forceful that Fletcher was thrown to the ground, his pristine white naval uniform now marred with dirt, dust, and stains from spilled coffee. Normally, he would have erupted in fury at such a disgrace and immediately changed into clean attire. However, in this moment, he could hardly spare a thought for his appearance.
"Report the damage! What are our losses?" Fletcher demanded.
"Sir, the starboard midsection has been breached by the German vessel. Damage control teams are working to seal the leak, but it is quite complicated. Their recommendation is to shut down the adjacent watertight compartments," a staff officer reported.
"And what impact would that have on the battleship?" Fletcher's expression darkened significantly.
"General, this would cause the ship to list due to excessive water ingress, and our speed would be greatly affected. The main gun turrets would also be unable to fire due to the ship's tilt. We would need to return to the shipyard for repairs," the officer continued.
"Damn it!" Fletcher couldn't contain his anger.
Before even engaging the main German fleet, they had already lost a battleship—indeed, the flagship among their strongest vessels. Though it was only heavily damaged, the blow to American morale would be tremendous.
"What about the German ship?" Fletcher inquired.
"Sir, the German vessel has gained nothing from this encounter. Their bow is completely destroyed, and they will need to return to the shipyard for several months of repairs," came the reply.
"Fools! We have a battleship critically damaged, while the Germans have only a light cruiser incapacitated. In comparison, we have suffered a significant loss!" Fletcher exclaimed furiously.
Indeed, when weighed against each other, it was evident that the U.S. Navy had taken a substantial hit. Yet, what could they do now?
"Very well, reverse course immediately!" Onboard the "Königsberg," Captain Erich Raeder was thoroughly pleased with the damage inflicted upon the "Nevada." Although he regretted not sinking her outright, achieving such results was still commendable. Sinking the American battleship would have been a major coup, but it could also have escalated the situation further.
"Yes, sir. However, our bow is also severely damaged and taking on water. We will likely need to return to the shipyard for repairs," the navigation officer informed Raeder.
"Understood, let us retreat. We have injured the American flagship, and this has undoubtedly stirred a hornet's nest. If we linger, the Americans may retaliate, and we might not be able to escape," Raeder commanded. Having fulfilled their mission, it was clear they could not remain any longer, as he recognized the Americans would be eager for vengeance.
Despite the severe damage to the "Königsberg," its propulsion system remained intact. Under full reverse, the bow slowly withdrew from the hull of the "Nevada," inadvertently inflicting further damage.
"Sir, the German vessel is attempting to escape!" a staff officer reported to Fletcher.
"Damn it! They've wounded our flagship and now wish to flee? Not on my watch! Surround them!" Fletcher ordered angrily.
"Shall we sink them, sir?"
Fletcher clenched his jaw and shook his head. They had not fired upon the "Königsberg" when it collided, and now it was even less likely they would do so.
"The Germans have damaged our flagship; they must be held accountable!" Fletcher said through gritted teeth. If circumstances permitted, he would have unhesitatingly ordered the destruction of the "Königsberg." However, reason restrained him from pursuing that course of action.
At that moment, a fleet of warships emerged on the northern horizon. The main force of the German navy had arrived. Twelve massive battlecruisers, flanked by several smaller vessels, advanced with formidable intent.
"General, the German main fleet has appeared!" a staff officer reported, his voice quavering.
"What?" Fletcher's demeanor shifted to one of alarm.
Especially when he peered through his binoculars and beheld the might of the German fleet, his expression soured. Though the German ships were battlecruisers, he was acutely aware of their formidable capabilities. They were capable of facing British battleships head-on, and their defensive capabilities were formidable enough to rival even the American vessels. Not to mention the powerful armament of the German battlecruisers, particularly the 380mm main guns of the "Derfflinger" and "Mackensen" classes, which could penetrate the armor of any American battleship.
The arrival of the German main fleet quickly captured the attention of the American fleet, allowing the "Königsberg" to slip away unscathed.
With the German main force present, the Americans dared not pursue the "Königsberg," knowing it could lead to a new confrontation—a consequence none could afford to face.
Onboard the "Mackensen," Admiral Scheer listened intently to the reports.
"Captain Erich Raeder, well done! You exhibited bravery and decisiveness. I will certainly report this to His Highness the Crown Prince," Scheer said with a satisfied smile. Raeder's command of the "Königsberg" to inflict damage on the American flagship "Nevada" was undoubtedly advantageous for the German navy. Should the Americans dare to retaliate, they would be at a disadvantage without one of their main vessels.
Thus, the German navy and the American fleet found themselves locked in confrontation in these waters, with over twenty capital ships poised for action.