Chapter 223 Accompany Lao Maozi to bring the Kuznetsov back
In mid-November, it was already ice and snow here at Lao Maozi.
Standing on the harbor of Murmansk, feeling the cold wind blowing, Qin Tao felt very emotional.
No ice! This natural ice-free port is so rare!
The Murmansk Naval Base is located in the northern part of the Kola Peninsula, bordering the Barents Sea and the Arctic Ocean to the north. Although it is more than 300 kilometers deep into the Arctic Circle, it is at the entrance of the world's largest warm current: the North Atlantic Warm Current. Even in the coldest months, the sea water will not freeze, making it the most important magical "freeze-free port" for Lao Maozi.
Murmansk has direct land access to many Nordic countries and direct sea access to the Atlantic Ocean. Its strategic location is very advantageous. The bay here is wide and the water is deep, which is conducive to the shelter of ships. Therefore, since the period of Tsarist Russia, this place has been regarded as a key business.
In 1899, Tsarist Russia established its first military port here. In 1915, in order to cope with the German naval blockade of the Baltic Sea, Tsarist Russia turned this place into a strategic military town and stockpiled supplies for war preparations. In 1916, the railway connecting with the Russian mainland was completed and opened to traffic, and Murmansk was officially founded.
After the establishment of the Red Empire, it also attached great importance to this place. In 1933, the Northern Fleet Squadron was established in Kola Bay, which was changed to the Northern Fleet in 1937. In that holy war, the defense of Murmansk lasted for 40 months, until Mustache finally failed and was not occupied. Therefore, this place has also become Lao Maozi's "hero city".
During the Cold War, the Northern Fleet became an important force for Lao Maozi, especially nuclear submarines. The first nuclear submarine was deployed here. Later, many nuclear submarines were received successively. Two-thirds of the Red Empire's submarine force was deployed here. Here, after all, if you go out to sea from here, you can directly enter under the Arctic ice cap. If necessary, you can break through the ice cap and drill out to launch nuclear bombs. It will be useless for the Americans to deploy any anti-missile system.
The Northern Fleet has also become the most powerful fleet in the Red Empire.
Now, standing here, looking at the warships on the port, Qin Tao's eyes are full of envy.
Before the collapse of the Red Empire, the most powerful naval fleet was in sight!
Thinking that this huge fleet will wither quickly in the next few years, the large number of warships we see in front of us may continue to be decommissioned, and then spend the rest of their lives in the wind and sun at a certain dock, and even be demolished. Qin Tao couldn't help but sigh in his heart when he didn't even get a chance to solve the problem.
Only a strong country can have a strong fleet, and now, this powerful country is about to disappear.
“Mr. Qin, you are finally here. Come on, I will take you to the person in charge here.” Boris walked over and said to Qin Tao.
"Boris, thank you for the cars you gave me." Qin Tao said: "It was very timely and very useful to us. However, the materials to be exchanged are currently on board our Shenzhou and it will take some time to arrive. Ship it over."
Although it has not yet been finalized, Qin Tao let the Shenzhou sail again. This time the voyage will be further. It is obviously a floating dock, and it has to work as a transport ship. It is a bit embarrassing. When there is an opportunity in the future, he must build a specially designed one. submarine transport ship.
Now, we can only make do with it first, and we can also transport the materials over. The floating dock can also be used as a transport ship, and it will be more stable if some things are pressed on it.
"Well, Mr. Qin, I completely believe in you. Even if the supplies have not been transported, I can still pay you in advance." After the last meeting, Boris has regarded Qin Tao as his closest companion. .
Qin Tao nodded: "Thank you for your trust. I hope our future cooperation will be more pleasant."
Yang Xi followed Qin Tao, playing the role of a follower. Seeing Qin Tao chatting and laughing with the people here, he was very emotional, Mr. Qin is so capable.
Knocked on the door of the headquarters office and saw a fat old officer sitting inside.
"Your Excellency Uskimenko, the scrap metal collector is here." Boris said to the man opposite, and then looked at Qin Tao who was coming behind him: "Mr. Qin, let me introduce to you, this is Leader of the Northern Fleet, His Excellency Uskimenko.”
Qin Tao walked up with a smile and took out something from his pocket: "Your Excellency Uskimenko, I am very happy to see you. This is a small greeting gift from me. I hope you will accept it."
Uskimenko's eyes widened immediately, and his originally serious gaze became gentle. The golden thing was a watch!
When they met for the first time, Qin Tao made a big move and gave the other party a gold watch. Although it was a Huating brand, this gold watch was quite expensive.
“Sit down, everyone, please sit down.” Uskimenko smiled happily.
Boris also felt light on his face. Although Boris has already established a relationship with Uskimenko, it is his relationship after all. Qin Tao's expression can better bring the two parties closer. It’s related.
“I gave you this gold watch to tell you that time is running out.”
Hearing what Qin Tao said, Boris's expression suddenly changed. What do you mean by this?
Even if there are no homophonic sounds for sending the end and sending a clock in foreign countries, it would not be considered unlucky to give a watch, but Qin Tao’s words are definitely unlucky.
Uskimenko's expression also changed. He first gave gifts and then said depressing words. What does this mean?
"There can be no further delay at Sevastopol Port." Qin Tao continued: "Your Excellency Uskimenko, I suggest that you immediately issue an order to ask those who are still testing the Kuznetsov heavy load The officers and soldiers of the aircraft cruiser immediately ended the sea trial mission and quickly drove the warship back to the base."
What Qin Tao wants is this effect. If he wants to gain the other party's trust, he has to give him a big gift. A gold watch is far from enough. The benefits brought by his words are hundreds of millions of times that of a gold watch.
Hearing Qin Tao's words, Uskimenko immediately looked over with bright eyes: "What did you say? Can you be more clear?"
"If we can't take action immediately, the Kuznetsov may be detained by Ermao. If the Northern Fleet wants to obtain this warship, it will have to spend money." Qin Tao said.
"Yes, you are right!" Uskimenko's breathing was already rapid.
The construction of a warship takes a long time. Take No. 112, which is being built by Dongfang, for example. It started construction in 1989, was launched in 1991, and was put into service in 1994. After the warship is built, it cannot be handed over to the army immediately. It must go through a series of sea trials. If there are problems, it must be repaired. When there are no problems, the army can accept it.
This is especially true for aircraft carriers.
Take Lao Maozi's Kuznetsov, for example. Construction started on April 1, 1982 at the Nikolaev Shipyard in the Soviet Union. It was launched on December 4, 1985. Since June 1989, the Kuznetsov The HMS Huf began sea trials, and comprehensive tests of carrier-based aircraft began in the fall of the same year.
Calculating it this way, this aircraft carrier has been through for too long. After all, this is the first time for Lao Maozi to build a normal aircraft carrier. It can take off by ski jump and intercept landing. Many things inside need to be explored by them. of.
On November 1, 1989, the famous test pilot Viktor Pugachev of the Sukhoi Design Bureau successfully landed on the ship for the first time in a Su-27K fighter. Later, the test pilot Ao of the Mikoyan Design Bureau Bakilov also successfully took off from the deck for the first time while piloting a MiG-29K fighter jet.
This is just the beginning.
Starting from July 1990, the Kuznetsov began to conduct national ocean tests in the Black Sea, with a total voyage of 16,232 nautical miles in half a year. During this period, MiG-29K, Su-27K, Su-25UTG trainer aircraft, Ka-27 Helicopters, Ka-29 helicopters and Ka-31 early warning helicopters conducted multiple takeoff and landing training. On December 25, 1990, the Soviet State Material and Equipment Supply Committee signed the delivery document for the Kuznetsov. On January 21, 1991, the Kuznetsov officially entered naval service.
Although it has been commissioned and still belongs to the Northern Fleet, this warship has not sailed to the Northern Fleet port. It is still conducting carrier-based aircraft training in the port of Sevastopol until now.
However, at present, the situation is not optimistic, and their Northern Fleet must move faster!
Uskimenko didn't take this matter to heart at first, but now that Qin Tao reminded him, he felt a little bit of urgency.
咣!
At this moment, the door was pushed open, and an adjutant ran in and said hurriedly: "Report, I just received a telegram from Colonel Yarekin."
Colonel Yarykin was sent by the Northern Fleet to receive the Kuznetsov. He also brought a large number of sailors. Now, when such a telegram comes back, there must be an emergency.
Sure enough, after Uskimenko read the telegram, he slapped his palm **** the table.
"Your Excellency Uskimenko, should we avoid it?" Boris asked. After all, they were here to do business. Now it seems that there is an emergency.
"No need." Uskimenko said: "Although this is the top military secret, since President Qin has guessed it, it can be announced. Ermao went too far. They actually want to detain our Kuznetzo Husband, this behavior is so shameful!"
Just half an hour ago, Kravchuk, who was about to become the leader of the Ermao, sent a telegram to the Kuznetsov, requesting that the warship not leave the port.
The purpose of this fight cannot be clearer. When the red empire collapses, the other party will confidently take over the Kuznetsov. How shameless!
Boris opened his eyes wide and looked at Qin Tao, "You are so awesome, you can predict all this, and you can control the time so well."
"Yes, this is also conceivable. There is nothing we can do about the warships still on the slipway, but this warship is already the equipment of our Northern Fleet, so we cannot let Ermao kidnap it, Uskimen Mr. Coe, I suggest you make two preparations. On the one hand, ask the captain to publish this telegram. I believe the sailors on the warship will be equally angry. On the other hand, please fly to the port of Sevastopol immediately. , take over this warship and immediately weigh anchor and return home to avoid any accidents. After all, there is no official separation yet, and your identity is enough to prevent others from objecting."
"Yes, I have to go immediately!" Uskimenko said: "I'm very sorry, I have to get ready to go immediately."
"Well, Your Excellency Uskimenko, if possible, can we go with you?" Qin Tao asked: "Although I am a scrap metal collector, I am very interested in warships, Kuznetzo The Husband, that is the most powerful battleship in the Red Empire Navy, I have long been fascinated by it. If you can go, I will be grateful. Please don’t worry, I will not wander around, even if you give me a tent on the deck. OK."
Can you go?
Qin Tao doesn’t know either.
If you can go, of course you have to go on an aircraft carrier to have a good time. In this era, I have never experienced it. If you are not allowed to go, then Qin Tao will not go and will just pick up rags here.
Yang Xi, whom Qin Tao brought, felt like his heart was beating out of his chest. This was the first time he followed Qin Tao out, and it was the first time he saw how powerful Qin Tao was. He had fooled the old man so easily!
Now, will Lao Maozi agree? If you can visit that kind of battleship, it will definitely be the most rare experience. You can brag about it for the rest of your life.
At this moment, the clever Boris came to the rescue.
“Your Excellency Uskimenko, it’s best not to let the news of your trip leak out. Therefore, if Mr. Qin and the others take you there, no one at Ermao will know.”
If Uskimenko were to fly over on the Northern Fleet's plane, Ermao would definitely notice it in advance. Uskimenko was going to pass quietly. At this time, Qin Tao's role came into play.
"Yes, you are right." Uskimenko said: "Let's go there together!" (I don't know how reasonable it is. Although the protagonist met Uskimenko for the first time, there is a relationship with Boris. , and now Boris already has a very powerful position in Lao Maozi, and the US military aircraft carrier is often open to visitors. Just looking at the appearance, it seems that nothing can be seen. In short, let the protagonist Go and feel it.)
Since we went together in the name of Qin Tao, can Uskimenko still drive Qin Tao away? I must bring Qin Tao back with me.
Qin Tao cast a grateful look at Boris. Boris smiled and said there was only so much he could do. Of course, he would not go with him. He still had a lot of things to do.
Half an hour later, a plane took off and flew to the border with Ermao. Then, everyone changed into a Volga car that had been prepared there in advance and drove all the way south, heading straight to the port of Sevastopol.
Although this will be slower, no one will notice it and it is relatively secretive. Qin Tao felt very emotional in his heart. By some strange combination of circumstances, he never thought that he would have such an opportunity. He was originally going to the Northern Fleet, but he didn't expect that he was going to the Black Sea for a day trip, no, an overnight trip.
Just as Qin Tao and the others rushed over to join in the fun, the captain, Captain Yarekin, summoned everyone on the Kuznetsov and stood on the deck to read the telegram.
"That's too much! That Kravchuk is stealing Soviet property. This is a very shameful act!" After Yarekin finished reading the telegram, the sailors immediately exploded.
"Yes, Moscow has issued an order a long time ago. This Kuznetsov has belonged to our Northern Fleet since it was launched! They actually want to steal our warship!"
Most of the sailors from the Northern Fleet were big men. When they heard about this, how could they not be angry? The other party actually wanted to take this precious warship as his own, which was too much.
Amidst the excitement of the crowd, a few ermao sailors also spoke: "We are currently stationed at the port of Sevastopol, very close to the Nikolaev Shipyard. Once problems arise, it is easy to repair. If we sail to the north The base of the fleet is not easy to repair."
“Why do you want to stay here to repair this warship?” Da Mao’s sailors immediately retorted: “What theory is this?”
Hence, the Ermao sailor stopped talking. If he continued to speak, he would probably be beaten by a group of people.
"Okay, everyone has heard about this, and I also know everyone's attitude. We are currently only listening to Moscow's orders." Yarekin said: "However, we must also be prepared at any time to leave one third One person is on the warship, and the boiler is kept in a preheating state. The remaining people are resting at the port and are on standby at any time."
Leaving one-third of the people behind is quite a lot, because according to custom, when the warship arrives at the port, all the sailors go ashore. Moreover, staying on the shore can be regarded as a backup plan. If the people on the warship are taken away, the people on the shore can come back to fight back.
"I'll stay!" Major Stolchak shouted. Just after hearing the telegram, he had already waved his fist. Now, he wants to keep people on the warship. He is very proactive.
"Okay, you stay." Yarekin nodded: "Those who stay should take up arms. If anyone dares to come up and rob our warship, fight with them!" Yarekin said.
Each person has an AK74 rifle. From the dock to the deck of the warship, there are always people on guard. As for Yarekin, he even made a bunk on the island. If anyone wants to sail the ship, he has to get through it. close.
That night, someone really came. When a Volga car rushed to the port, they all became nervous and raised the steel guns in their hands.
Major Stolczak stood in the middle of the road, pointing his gun at the opponent: "Stop, stop immediately!"
The car stopped and the door opened. When the people inside got out, they were all shocked.
"Is it...His Excellency Uskimenko?" Stolchak had seen him at the fleet base, and he had saluted from a distance. Now, suddenly seeing this big leader, he was extremely surprised: "Why are you here? Already?"
“Children, I’m here to take you home.” Uskimenko said, striding toward the warship.
Qin Tao, Yang Xi, and one of Uskimenko's bodyguards followed behind. At this time, Yang Xi's eyes were full of shock.
The Kuznetsov is right in front of you!
This is a giant ship with a displacement of 60,000 tons. Its overall length is more than 300 meters. It looks so spectacular. The straight deck, the upturned bow, and the huge island are all full of roughness. style of.
It’s so spectacular!
“Hurry, keep up.” Qin Tao said.
Yang Xi took long strides and walked forward. When his feet stepped on the deck of the aircraft carrier, he seemed to feel a sense of majesty. This was the most powerful war machine!
At this time, Yarekin had also woken up. He quickly walked down the island and was at the hatch of the island. Looking at the people arriving, he couldn't help but burst into tears.
He raised his right hand: "Report, the Kuznetsov is still in our hands, please give the order."
“Unleash anchor and set sail immediately!”
immediately? Looking at the lights in the port in the distance, Yarekin asked in disbelief: "Only one-third of our personnel are on the warship now. Should we call back all the people on the shore?"
"No, let's set sail now." Uskimenko said: "Immediately, immediately!"
As soon as they rushed onto the dock, their whereabouts had been exposed. Maybe Er Mao's troops were already mobilizing, and he had to drive the aircraft carrier away as soon as possible.
Thanks to the arrangements made in advance, Yarekin just didn't know when Uskimenko would come, but he was already prepared. If he had to light a fire to burn the boiler, he would not be able to leave for an hour or two.
Eight booster boilers began to work at full power. From the chimney of the ship island, black smoke billowed out. Four TV-12-4 steam turbines worked at full power. With the help of tugboats, the warship left The dock, in darkness, sailed away from the harbor.
On the deck, facing the sea breeze, Qin Tao and Yang Xi were both in a state of excitement.
In the past, even if Qin Tao saw the Kuznetsov, it was still static. Now, with this warship at full speed, riding the wind and waves, it feels completely different.
"This warship is so spectacular. If it were fully loaded with carrier-based aircraft, it would be a formidable combat machine." Yang Xi said.
“Yeah, but I guess there’s no chance.”
Lao Maozi could drive the warship back, but the supporting carrier-based aircraft stayed with Ermao. Ermao would not allow this kind of thing to continue to happen. Therefore, when the warship returned, it had been the same for the past few years. It was not until later that all the carrier-based aircraft were found lying around in the port. The MiG-29Ks had disappeared and became all Su-33s.
The stars are shining brightly above your head, and the deck is wide below your feet, giving you a unique feeling.
The two were chatting, and Stolchak came over: "Both of you, superiors, please go to the ship island."
"We? Can we?" Yang Xi was still a little doubtful, but Qin Tao had already dragged him to the ship island.
Uskimenko and Yarekin had already talked about some things. After the arrangements were made, they remembered Qin Tao and the men he had brought. When he saw the two people staying on the deck from the porthole, they were well behaved. Only then did Uskimenko ask someone to call them up.
(End of this chapter)