Volume 1: The Empire Awakens Chapter 60: Turning Point of Destiny (Part 2)
Liao Hanxiang took out a cigar, and Tan Renhao refused with a smile.
"Captain, for the contribution you have made, it would not be too much for me to put another bar on your shoulder."
General Liao Hanxiang smiled and lit up his cigar. "However, there is a saying that goes 'A tree that stands out in the forest will be destroyed by the wind.' I believe you understand this, so I did not put you on the list of promotions for the first half of this year. I believe you can understand, right?"
"General, I can fully understand that I was promoted to captain, which is more than enough for my contribution."
Tan Renhao smiled calmly.
Navy ranks are different from Army ranks.
On the navy's shoulder straps, those with no bars but only a silver star are non-commissioned officers, those with one bar are lieutenants, and those with two bars are colonels.
Of course, there is no bar on the general's epaulettes, but a chrysanthemum and a gold star representing the general's rank.
Liao Hanxiang nodded.
"This exercise was very successful. Originally, I didn't need to tell you these things, but as one of the most important staff officers of the fleet, I still should let you know."
Tan Renhao frowned slightly, it was obvious that Liao Hanxiang was going to tell him some confidential information.
"The results of this exercise shocked Marshal Sagittin, and one could even say was shocked."
Liao Hanxiang's expression did not change much. This was his usual expression when he was talking about serious matters.
"The First Fleet left in a hurry to go to Qingdao and Dalian for refitting. Twelve battleships and a large number of heavy warships will be equipped with more anti-aircraft artillery according to the standards of anti-aircraft warships.
In addition, the Second Fleet and three other fleets will also convert all their heavy warships into air defense ship standards within this year.
Do you know Chengdu Tenth Hospital? "
"Tenth House?"
Tan Renhao shook his head, but he was sure that this was an institute mainly engaged in military technology research, otherwise it would not use digital numbering.
"This is a design institute that does electronic research. Right now they are testing an electronic device called a 'radar'. I haven't seen it, but I heard that this device can detect aircraft dozens of kilometers away, which is farther than the human eye can see."
"radar?"
Tan Renhao now had some idea, as he had seen this new concept of electronic equipment in several scientific papers.
Liao Hanxiang nodded.
"Don't underestimate the military and technological strength of the Empire. Although the first person to propose the radio detection theory was not a scientist from the Empire, the Empire's engineers are definitely the best in the world. The Tenth Academy will send the first practical 'radar' to the Navy I have already sought permission from Marshal Sagittin, and I hope that our Fifth Fleet will complete the testing mission."
Tan Renhao immediately figured out General Liao Hanxiang's purpose.
If "radar" can really detect aircraft dozens of kilometers away, then it will have irreplaceable value for fleet air defense.
This would allow the fleet to detect incoming enemy aircraft earlier, and give it more than ten minutes to organize air defense operations and send more air defense fighters into the air.
These ten minutes or so can almost determine the survival of a fleet.
"There are many related studies. Among them, there is a kind of ammunition that even I think was deliberately blown up by someone."
Liao Hanxiang laughed. "The report provided by those researchers claims that this shell can explode near the target and kill the target with fragments. Even if it does not hit the target directly, it is still very powerful. Of course, I find it a little hard to believe, but if there is such a shell, then the fleet's air defense capability will be taken to a higher level!"
Tan Renhao was stunned for a moment, then started laughing too.
He had seen such a report from General Yu Gengnian, but he heard that related research was very difficult. As for whether such a shell could be produced, no one could guarantee it now.
"Anyway, you have to believe that the empire's scientific research capabilities are absolutely very strong and are not inferior to any other country."
Liao Hanxiang sat up straight. "I can guarantee that in two years, the Imperial Navy will be completely different from what it is now. As for what it will be like, I cannot predict. But what is certain is that the Imperial Navy will no longer be the most powerful navy in name only. By then, we will have enough power to defeat any powerful enemy."
"General, I really hope that day will come sooner."
Tan Renhao also laughed. This was the common wish of all the imperial naval soldiers and all the imperial subjects.
"Okay, now you have something new to do."
Liao Hanxiang patted the armrest of the sofa, hesitated for a moment , and then said, "Do you know the Chengdu Flight Command College?"
Tan Renhao was shocked, knowing that Liao Hanxiang had already arranged a destination for him, Hao Dongjue, and Chang Jianxin for the next two years.
"Chief of Staff Wu Xianyu has already contacted this academy. Our fleet had three training quotas last year. Although they have expired, the academy said it can accept three trainees. "
Liao Hanxiang handed a personnel transfer form to Tan Renhao, "I plan to have the three of you go to the academy for training.
If the 5th Air Wing is incorporated into the fleet, then we will need an aviation operations staff, and you are the best candidate.
The study period is two years. After two years, you will graduate as a major, and the other two will be promoted to captain staff officers.
Of course, it’s up to you to decide whether to go or not.”
Tan Renhao hesitated slightly, then picked up the pen.
"General, I accept any arrangement, as long as I can serve the fleet, no matter where I go."
Liao Hanxiang laughed.
"You don't need to remember to sign. Go back and discuss with your two companions. Submit the form to Chief of Staff Wu Xianyu early tomorrow morning. There will be a plane returning to Zhoushan in the afternoon."
Tan Renhao stood up immediately.
"General, I will take my leave now."
"Oh, there's one more thing."
Liao Hanxiang stopped Tan Renhao and said, "Xiaoyu is also going to Chengdu Military Medical College for further studies. Is it okay for her to leave with you guys tomorrow?"
Tan Renhao was stunned, then nodded with an awkward smile. What could be the problem? He couldn't refuse the commander's small request.
That evening, the three young officers filled out the personnel transfer form.
Tan Renhao also took the time to find Liao Yingyu and told her the news, but Liao Yingyu had already learned about the situation from her father.
The next afternoon, the four young men packed their luggage and boarded a ship bound for Zhoushan Naval Headquarters.
They stayed here for two hours, then took a fast patrol boat to Jinshan Wharf south of Songjiang River, and then headed to the Land of Abundance.
