Chapter 474 Artillery Cruiser
However, with the reform of the Soviet army, air support has gradually been emphasized, and in the battle of Sistan Province, air force played a major role. But now, air support does not seem to be urgent.
"We are not supporting the original positions of the airborne troops," said Admiral Durte. "We are supporting the port of Chabahar. Our superiors have decided to take advantage of this opportunity to seize the port. In the future, our newly established Indian Ocean Fleet will have a suitable port."
Chabahar Port! Ropkiel understood immediately, but he was still worried: "We are now in a standoff with the US aircraft carrier formation. Even if the US only has one aircraft carrier left, our dual aircraft carrier formation needs to be on standby. In this case, we really can't provide more forces to support the land."
Our own aircraft carrier had too few and single-type carrier-based aircraft. Due to the lack of early warning aircraft, we had to frequently take off MiG-23K carrier-based aircraft, which greatly restricted our ability to deploy fighter jets. Fortunately, we had those powerful long-range anti-ship missiles, which prevented the US aircraft carrier from getting too close. Otherwise, the situation we faced would be even worse.
"So, we have to think of a new way." Admiral Durte said: "My opinion is to send the Dimitri Pozharsky of our fleet to perform ground support missions."
Dimitri Pozharsky? Hearing Admiral Durt's words, Captain Gokinaev was stunned for a moment, and then he was delighted: "Yes, this cruiser is most suitable for carrying out such combat missions!"
In the entire fleet, there are not many warships with a displacement of more than 10,000 tons. Among them, Dimitri is one of them. However, until now, this warship has been unknown in the entire fleet, as if it is just a soy sauce, because it is a gun cruiser, which is completely outdated in the missile era!
This is the first cruiser designed by the Soviet Union after World War II. This type of cruiser inherited some characteristics of the unfinished Kirov cruiser (not the current Kirov), and is still a gun cruiser. It adopts a long forecastle hull, high freeboard, a straight forward-inclined bow, a very small and slightly flared hull line at the bow, and a standard cruiser stern at the stern. The hull gradually narrows to a small arc backwards, and the vertical section is semi-oval, which has better speed and stability in wind and waves.
Relying on a power system consisting of 6 KV-68 boilers and 2 TB-72 steam turbines, it has a power of 110,000 horsepower, dual-shaft propulsion, and a maximum speed of 33.7 knots, far exceeding other warships of the same era.
At the same time, the weapons on the warship are also intimidating. Looking from the front, the two triple-mounted 152mm naval guns are majestic and still reflect the characteristics of the battleships of the World War II era. Although the caliber is not as large as that of the battleships, the shape makes people see the might at a glance. At the rear, there are also two triple-mounted 152mm naval guns. Although the caliber cannot be compared with the 300mm battleship guns, the scene of twelve 152mm naval guns firing is also extremely spectacular!
Coupled with 6 twin-mounted 100mm secondary guns, these artillery pieces are simply powerful weapons for ground support. They are low-cost, not restricted by weather, and have strong firepower!
The perfect armor protection makes this warship the most resistant to attacks. The characteristic of this kind of warship in the World War II era is that it can withstand attacks!
Back then, this warship with a full load displacement of nearly 20,000 tons made the West envious of the Soviet Navy. If there were no other factors, 30 of these warships would have been built, becoming the main force of the Red Navy after the war. Unfortunately, after Khrushchev came to power, he advocated missile forces and vigorously developed submarines, but was not interested in surface ships. The construction of this warship was stopped before less than half of the number was started.
There are a total of three such warships in the Pacific Fleet. This time, the USS Dimitri, which is in the best condition, came along. In later generations, this warship was not retired until 1987, after serving for a full forty years.
Originally, it was just a show of the Soviet navy's combat power. Modern warfare has long been electronic and information-based, and this kind of warship from the World War II era is completely outdated. But now, when it comes to ground support, the Soviet fleet commanders who are worried about the number of carrier-based aircraft suddenly have a bright spot.
Yeah, why didn’t you think of this warship?
If the two aircraft carriers were separated, one for ground attacks and the other for confronting the US aircraft carrier, it would give the Americans an opportunity to take advantage and they would not be able to successfully complete the task assigned by their superiors. But now, all problems have been solved!
"However, in order to prevent accidents, we still need to send a frigate to help the Dimitri with anti-submarine and air defense," said Lieutenant General Goorki.
After all, this old cruiser relies on 37mm anti-aircraft guns for its air defense and has no anti-submarine capabilities. Although we would not feel bad if this warship sinks, it is still in our equipment sequence and we still have to protect its safety.
Chahbahar! In later times, this port was expanded and became one of Iran's important seaports. Now, it is just a small seaport, far less important than HMN Port and Abbas Port. However, the Iranian Navy is still stationed here, and some speedboats of the Revolutionary Guard are moored here. The recent war has stopped the merchant ships in this port.
Target, Chahrbahar Port! After receiving the order, the cruiser Dimitri immediately changed its course and left the formation.
"Full right rudder, double steering, full speed!" Captain Lieutenant Colonel Chernyevsky gave the order with joy in his eyes.
As a soldier in the Soviet Navy, he had to obey the command of his superiors. However, since he came to this warship eight years ago and took on the position of captain, he had never been transferred. This was just an outdated cruiser! It didn't even have an advanced missile! Seeing the new warships being launched one after another, Chernievsky felt lost. He really wanted to be transferred to even a new frigate, and he didn't want to end his sea career on this artillery cruiser!
However, he persisted. Under his leadership, although the warship was old, the officers and soldiers were still full of energy. All parts were maintained and kept in the best condition at all times. Even the boiler should have been replaced as a whole. After their repairs, it can still travel at a speed of more than 30 knots! They wrote their loyalty to the Soviet Union with their actual actions.