Halsey nodded again. All Zhang Chi said were true. It is indeed a great deal of luck to be able to come back alive in this battle.

"So..." Zhang Chi continued: "I don't think the Chinese Navy can perform any missions or play a role in the battlefield in future wars. Its combat capability is not even as good as an escort aircraft carrier!"

This sounds right on the surface. The firepower of the four Fletcher-class destroyers exceeds that of the twelve Clemson-class aircraft carriers, and the escort aircraft carrier has the "Hellcat" that can suppress Japanese fighter jets.

But in fact, Zhang Chi knew that the Japanese joint fleet had almost collapsed at this time, and the combination of the "Pinghai" and the Clemson-class destroyer could already be walked sideways in the Pacific Ocean.

Of course, these Zhang Chi will not tell Halsey.

"I understand what you mean, Colonel!" Halsey replied, "But you know, this is not something I can decide. I will react to your situation to Washington, and I believe they will give you a satisfactory answer!"

"Thank you, General!" Zhang Chi replied.

In fact, Zhang Chi is just trying it out for now. If possible, it would be the best. If not, it would be fine. After all, the "Hellcat" fighter jets are still the most advanced fighter jets of the US military at this time, and they will not easily use these fighter jets for others.

But Zhang Chi was wrong at this point.

Halsey indeed reported Zhang Chi's reaction to Nimitz and Washington, which caused heated debate among the US military and leaders.

One side believed that the Chinese army had already captured the limelight at this time and even compared the US military, so it would definitely not provide new equipment for the Chinese army, which would only affect the United States' international reputation.

This school is mainly based on MacArthur, and even Nimitz himself has a bit of a similar mentality.

In fact, at this point, it is Nimitz who is deeply hurt... Because the Chinese army is fighting in his troops, the US Navy performs mediocrely and even makes mistakes repeatedly, while the Chinese army, which is often looked down upon by the world, turns the tide again and again. This makes others feel that the US Navy is not good at fighting, or that the reason why the US Navy wins depends on equipment and the help of the Chinese army. This is something that Nimitz cannot bear, even if the existence of the Chinese army makes the US military unstoppable on the Pacific battlefield.

So, Zhang Chi's hope can basically be said to be lost, because MacArthur can basically represent the army on the Pacific battlefield, while Nimitz can represent the navy. The navy and the army are not on the side of the Chinese army, so who can speak for the Chinese army?

But there is really...

This person was Lieutenant General Patton, who was the Seventh Army of the United States at the time.

"Gentlemen!" said Patton: "I hope you can seriously consider the current situation of the Allied forces. Although we have defeated the Japanese in the Pacific direction, our situation in the European direction is not optimistic. In this case, I think we should think more about what the Chinese colonel said."

Hearing this, the others couldn't help but remain silent.

What Patton said is indeed true. At this time, the German army was investing a large amount of troops on the African battlefield and trying to control Africa's energy and channels... The war relies on energy, and it can even be said that even industry relies on energy. Once the German army controls Africa's energy, then even if the Allies have the two largest industrial powers, Britain and the United States, they will eventually be ruined.

"We need to quickly conquer the war in the Pacific direction!" Patton said: "The faster the better, so that we can invest more manpower and material resources into Africa. On this premise, I doubt your opinions. What's more, what can the Chinese army do? It's just an army! Do they have industries? Do they have machines? Do they have technology?"

After pausing, Patton continued: "No, they don't. In other words, we don't need to worry about this army or China, because it is far from powerful enough to compete with us at this time. So what can we provide them with advanced fighter jets? As long as we stop providing them with parts and maintenance personnel, their fighter jets may be grounded in a few weeks. In other words, they are troops under our control. I think at least at this time, we should consider how to make them play a greater role in the battlefield! Instead of letting such a well-deserved force face the Japanese on the battlefield and helpless!"

Patton's words made the senior American officers at the meeting speechless.

So a few days later, Halsey called Zhang Chi.

"Do you know? They agreed!"

"What did you agree?" Zhang Chi didn't react yet.

"Provide you new equipment!" Halsey said: "They decided to add 18 Hellcat fighter jets and six Fletcher-class destroyers to the Chinese Navy!"

"Are you saying true?" Zhang Chi couldn't believe his ears.

"Of course it's true!" Halsey replied: "As long as you agree, the warships and fighter planes will be transported to Rabaul in two weeks, and the personnel will be trained!"

"Of course, of course I agree!" Zhang Chi couldn't help but be overjoyed.

Then Zhang Chi quickly informed Zhang Junhua and Liu Guangzhong of the news. After hearing this, they naturally cheered... The combat effectiveness of "Hellcat" and Fletcher and destroyers were seen with their own eyes on Tinian Island. Among them, the "Hellcat" fighter jets, which almost beat the Japanese's arrogant "Zero" fighter jets as toys. This not only shocked the Japanese during the Tinian sea and air war, but also shocked the Chinese pilots... You must know that when fighting against "Zero War", the "Wild Cat" fighter jets must also pay attention to the tactic of not fighting with them with one strike, otherwise they may be shot down by "Zero War", but "Hellcat" can easily defeat the siege of "Zero War", which will leave a deep impression on the Chinese pilots in any case.

So, now they know that they are about to equip this God-like fighter jet, so they are not ecstatic, which almost means that they will be invincible in the future when facing the Japanese army in the Pacific.

However, Zhang Chi always felt that something was missing.

In fact, Zhang Chi's idea is similar to Patton... What is important now is not how many advanced equipment is in hand, but that the Expeditionary Force and even China have never had its own relatively independent military-industrial system, which will undoubtedly be subject to others.
Chapter completed!