January 2nd, 2024. Eight o’clock in the morning. Richard was onboard the VH-60N White Hawk. He peered out of the window and saw the Aparri Port come into view. The two surviving San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ships were docked.

If they want to succeed in the operation, they must increase the number of their fleet to accommodate the troops and the equipment needed for the invasion. Well, good thing for him, he already has a list with their corresponding price tags.

Speaking of that list, it was stowed safely in his pocket. He decided to grab it from his pocket and unfolded First on the list were Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, known for their Aegis combat system, which would provide unparalleled air defense against any threats from Lin Feng’s forces. These destroyers were equipped with an array of weaponry, including Tomahawk missiles capable of striking at long range, Standard Missile-3 for ballistic missile defense, and Phalanx CIWS for close-in threats. Their versatility made them a cornerstone of Richard’s naval strategy.

Next were the Ticonderoga-class cruisers, similar in armament to the Arleigh Burke-class but with additional command and control capabilities, making them ideal for coordinating the fleet’s movements and attacks. Their robust anti-air and missile defense systems would be critical in maintaining air superiority during the operation.

The list also included Wasp-class amphibious assault ships, which could carry a contingent of Marines, their equipment, and even aircraft like the MV-22 Osprey and F-35B Lightning II fighters. These ships would be pivotal for the initial landing operations and establishing a beachhead on enemy territory.

For logistical support and the transport of heavy equipment, including tanks and armored vehicles, Richard included the San Antonio-class amphibious transport docks, like the ones currently docked at Aparri Port. Their decks could launch landing craft and amphibious vehicles, supporting the ground forces as they moved inland.

Lastly, the list mentioned the Freedom and Independence-class littoral combat ships (LCS), fast and agile vessels designed to operate in near-shore environments. While their armament was lighter compared to destroyers and cruisers, their speed and versatility would be invaluable for rapid response scenarios and patrolling the operation’s perimeter.

Those ships will be needed, especially after witnessing that Lin Feng can summon aquatic monster creatures.

Recognizing this threat, Richard added an essential asset to his list: Virginia-class submarines. These nuclear-powered fast attack submarines are designed for deep ocean anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface ship warfare. Equipped with torpedoes and Tomahawk missiles, they could engage Lin Feng’s aquatic monsters beneath the sea.

The Virginia-class submarines’ stealth capabilities would allow them to operate undetected in enemy waters, gathering intelligence and striking at Lin Feng’s forces without warning. Their ability to launch unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) could also be used to scout ahead and assess the threat level of any aquatic summons before engaging.

Now, in total, how many ships will he acquire?

Given the scale of the operation and the varied threats posed by Lin Feng and his forces, Richard began to calculate the required numbers of each type of vessel to form a comprehensive and effective naval fleet.

For the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, known for their versatility and firepower, Richard decided that a total of six would provide the necessary air defense and missile capabilities to protect the fleet and strike at long-range targets.

Next, for the Ticonderoga-class cruisers, which would serve as the command and control center for the fleet and provide additional air defense, Richard deemed that three cruisers would be sufficient to ensure robust command capabilities and enhance the fleet’s anti-air and missile defense.

Understanding the importance of establishing a beachhead and deploying ground forces efficiently, Richard determined that four Wasp-class amphibious assault ships would be necessary. These ships would carry Marines, their equipment, and aircraft, providing the necessary firepower and flexibility for the initial landing operations.

To support the logistics of transporting heavy equipment and additional troops, Richard included four additional San Antonio-class amphibious transport docks in his plan. Their capability to launch landing craft and amphibious vehicles would be vital in supporting the ground forces once they moved inland.

For rapid response and patrolling the operation’s perimeter, Richard concluded that five each of the Freedom and Independence-class littoral combat ships (LCS) would offer the speed and agility needed to respond to threats and patrol near-shore environments effectively.

Lastly, recognizing the unique threat posed by Lin Feng’s ability to summon aquatic monsters, Richard knew that submarine support would be indispensable. He decided that four Virginia-class submarines would provide the necessary stealth, surveillance, and strike capabilities to counter any underwater threats posed by Lin Feng’s forces.

In total, Richard’s fleet would comprise:

6 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers

3 Ticonderoga-class cruisers

4 Wasp-class amphibious assault ships

4 San Antonio-class amphibious transport docks

10 Littoral Combat Ships (5 Freedom-class and 5 Independence-class)

4 Virginia-class submarines.

But how about the Americans? Or to be specific, the United States of America? The technologies he’ll summon after he lands in Aparri would be identical to their ships. They’ll ask him questions again about how they got their technology, this and that. Would tell them they got it from a secret deal? No, because the US government can still investigate the shipbuilding companies on how Richard and his team acquired such advanced technology.

But does it really matter? Richard thought to himself. He may be overthinking it. The United States is desperate to exterminate the threat of Lin Feng. So if they are going to investigate, they’ll do that after they killed Lin Feng.

The VH-60N descended towards a makeshift helipad near the port, the rotor washes kicking up dust and debris. As the helicopter touched down, Richard and his team quickly disembarked, greeted by the sight of personnel bustling about.

Richard turned to Sara, who was working on her tablet.

"Sara...are there any American Satellites on top of us?" Richard asked, he wanted to make sure that when he summoned those naval ships, they wouldn’t get caught.

"Their last American spy satellite that orbited this exact point was thirteen days ago. So if the United States is operating on their usual surveillance schedule, we should have a window of a few more days before the next one comes around," Sara responded, not looking up from her tablet.

"Good," Richard nodded, satisfied with her report. "Let’s proceed with the operation as planned."

With that, Richard opened his system and navigated to his shop tab. And there he purchased those naval vessels on his list. The items were promptly transferred to his inventory.

Once he saw those items in his inventory, he began summoning them to the sea, and one by one, they emerged from the magic circle.