Following the Virginia Class Submarine’s engagement with the Abyssal Leviathan, Captain Jameson realized the magnitude of the threat demanded more firepower than his submarine alone could provide. Recognizing the need for immediate reinforcements, he initiated a distress call to the surface fleet, specifically targeting the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and Ticonderoga-class cruisers for their advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities.

The Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, equipped with the AN/SQQ-89(V)15 sonar systems, were among the first to respond. These systems, designed for the detection and tracking of submarine threats, could also be repurposed to engage large underwater entities like the Leviathan. The destroyers’ commanders, upon receiving the submarine’s report, ordered their crews to action stations, preparing for an unconventional engagement.

"Load the torpedo tubes with Mark 54 lightweight torpedoes," commanded the captain of the nearest Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. The Mark 54, primarily designed for shallow-water anti-submarine engagements, was chosen for its agility and explosive power, deemed suitable for the leviathan’s predicted depth and size.

Simultaneously, the Ticonderoga-class cruisers, known for their command and control capabilities, began coordinating the attack. Their AEGIS Combat System, integrated with the SPY-1 radar, provided a comprehensive battlefield overview, allowing for precise targeting information to be shared across the fleet.

"Deploy the RUM-139 VL-ASROC," ordered the Ticonderoga’s captain. The Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine Rocket, equipped with a Mark 54 torpedo as its payload, could be launched from the cruiser’s vertical launch system (VLS), offering a long-range engagement option against the underwater threat.

As the ASW units readied their weapons, the fleet’s helicopter detachment, MH-60R Seahawks, equipped with dipping sonar and air-launched torpedoes, took to the skies. These helicopters would serve as the eyes and ears of the fleet, extending the ASW engagement range and providing real-time data back to the ships and the Virginia Class submarine.

Within minutes, the combined ASW arsenal was ready for deployment. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyers launched their Mark 54 torpedoes, aiming for the coordinates provided by the Virginia Class’s latest sonar readings. Almost simultaneously, the Ticonderoga-class cruisers fired their ASROC missiles, the rockets arching gracefully before plunging into the sea, releasing their torpedo payloads closer to the leviathan’s location.

The MH-60R Seahawks, hovering at a safe distance, dropped sonobuoys to monitor the leviathan’s movements and confirm the hits from the deployed torpedoes. Their pilots maintained constant communication with the surface fleet, relaying updates and adjusting tactics as the situation evolved.

As the torpedoes and ASROC payloads approached their target, the anticipation among the fleet was palpable. Each Mark 54 torpedo, upon reaching its programmed search depth, activated its onboard sonar, homing in on the massive signature of the Abyssal Leviathan. The explosions that followed were monitored closely, both visually and through acoustic sensors, to assess the effectiveness of the strikes.

Admiral Johnson of the Blackwatch Naval Fleet demanded an assessment from his team as the last of the torpedoes and ASROC payloads delivered their explosive charges against the Abyssal Leviathan.

"Sir, the initial damage assessment is in," reported a tactical officer, scanning the incoming data from the sonobuoys and the MH-60R Seahawks overhead. "The Leviathan has sustained multiple hits from our Mark 54 torpedoes and ASROC payloads. We’re observing a decrease in its velocity and some erratic movement patterns. However, it’s still active."

"I have reviewed the details of the Abyssal Leviathan when it was encountered in the Aparri. As long as we hit it multiple times, it will have no chance but to emerge, and when it does, we will unleash hell on it. So continue firing until it surfaces," Admiral Johnson instructed firmly.

The fleet continued their assault, coordinating their efforts to maximize the impact on the leviathan lurking beneath the waves. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, now in a synchronized attack pattern with the Ticonderoga-class cruisers, launched another volley of Mark 54 torpedoes and ASROC missiles, each weapon system programmed to target the leviathan’s last known position.

"Mark 54s away, ASROC in flight," confirmed the weapons coordinator aboard one of the Ticonderoga-class cruisers, his eyes fixed on the tracking screens. The sea’s surface was again disturbed by the impact of the weapons, sending columns of water into the air.

The MH-60R Seahawks continued their overwatch, circling the area and providing real-time feedback to the ships below.

Sonobuoys are detecting significant distress from the target. It’s moving erratically, possibly preparing to surface," relayed one of the Seahawk pilots through the fleet’s communication network.

Admiral Johnson, receiving the pilot’s report, prepared for the next phase of the engagement.

"All units, prepare for surface engagement. Ready the 5-inch guns and CIWS. The moment it breaches, we hit it with everything we’ve got," he ordered, anticipating the leviathan’s emergence.

The crew members aboard the fleet readied their weapons, tension mounting as they awaited the appearance of the leviathan.

Minutes passed, each second stretching longer than the last, until finally, a massive form broke the surface of the water. The Abyssal Leviathan, wounded and enraged, emerged, presenting a target unlike any the fleet had faced before.

"Now!" Admiral Johnson shouted, and the fleet responded. The 5-inch guns of the destroyers and cruisers roared to life, sending a barrage of high-explosive shells toward the monstrous form before them. The CIWS systems, typically used for anti-air defense, were repurposed to engage the leviathan, their rapid-fire capabilities adding to the onslaught.

Not only that, but surface-to-air missiles were also employed, like the RIM-162 Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM), adapted for a surface target in this unique scenario, to strike at the more exposed and presumably vulnerable sections of the Leviathan as it surfaced. The ESSM, originally designed for air defense, was now being used in an improvised role to exploit any weakness in the Leviathan’s defenses, demonstrating the fleet’s flexibility and adaptability in combat situations.

In addition to the repurposed air defense missiles, the fleet decided to utilize land-attack missiles to increase the pressure on the Abyssal Leviathan, now vulnerable on the surface. The choice fell on the Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAMs) from the Ticonderoga-class cruisers’ vertical launch systems.

"Prepare to fire TLAMs, target the Leviathan’s exposed areas," ordered Admiral Johnson, recognizing the opportunity to use the Tomahawks’ long-range and high-explosive capabilities to their advantage. The Ticonderoga’s weapons team quickly programmed the missiles’ guidance systems with the leviathan’s coordinates, ensuring a direct hit.

As the Tomahawk missiles were launched, their flight paths were adjusted to descend upon the leviathan from above, exploiting its massive size and the lack of maneuverability on the surface.

The impact of the Tomahawk missiles was devastating. Each explosion upon the leviathan’s back caused massive wounds, further weakening the creature and causing it to thrash violently in the water. The combined assault of high-explosive shells, CIWS fire, and now Tomahawk missiles overwhelmed the leviathan’s natural defenses, inflicting critical damage.

"Direct hits confirmed, observing significant damage to the leviathan," reported the tactical officer, monitoring the results of the Tomahawk strikes. "Its effectiveness is significantly reduced, sir."

Admiral Johnson, satisfied with the outcome, gave the order to continue the barrage.

"All units, maintain fire. Let’s finish this," he commanded. The relentless attack continued, with every available weapon system directed at the wounded leviathan.

As the final rounds of ammunition and missiles were expended, the leviathan’s movements finally ceased. It floated lifelessly on the surface.

"Cease fire," Admiral Johnson ordered, as it became clear that the leviathan was no longer a threat. "All units, stand down."

***

In the Blackwatch command center, Richard confirmed Admiral Johnson through his system. There a notification was displayed of him eliminating the Abyssal Leviathan.