(Background music: 'Hard as a Rock' by AC/DC)
The sudden reveal of the attack transport USS United States was certainly now the talk of RIMPAC as her reveal was a surprise to all the human guests and KAN-SEN both attending and watching at home. Soon enough word began to spread that she was indeed SS United States that had gone missing overnight nearly three years before. The design of her hull just matched that of the missing ocean liner, so it was quite clear. Instead of immediate questions, the internet forums were filled with comments congratulating the liner and its KAN-SEN on returning to active service after being a shipbreakers' derelict. Outside of Pearl Harbor, the force of 48 ships formed up with each other for the usual display of all involved, which the nuclear carriers took the lead.
Eagle Union Nuclear Carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79)
JFK: Might as well contact Efton 1. Commence anti-submarine warfare exercises. HMAS Collins and USS Montana will be acting as the hostiles. Commence air operations.
Montana (over radio): Orders received.
Collins (over radio): Let's have some fun, Montana.
John F. Kennedy got her F-35s ready to begin the first exercises of RIMPAC 2026 while her fellow Eagle Union and the Australian submarines got into perfect position to begin playing as the hostile submarines.
Eagle Union Destroyer USS Sampson (DDG-102)
Sampson: Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to day 1 of the RIMPAC naval war games. We're here to sharpen out skills as a team.
Eagle Union Attack Transport USS United States (LPA-50)
US: Big reminder that we are a combat vessel.
Sampson: During the course of the next two months, we'll be with 17 other nations and 35 vessels with their KAN-SEN.
US: We are here to crush the competition. We're not here to learn.
Sampson: Everyone, just stay safe, look sharp and keep charging.
US: If we don't outperform every other ship on that ocean, I'll sail back to Newport News for system checks if everything is up to standard.
"America": All radars and sensors operating at full operational standards.
"Angelina": Aegis Combat System fully operational.
"Virginia": Defense systems on standby for any hostile action.
US: At least they're operational.
"America": Incoming communication from USS John F. Kennedy.
US: Put it through, America. I maybe older than her, but she's also one of my superiors.
"America": Understood. (connects the call)
JFK: United States LPA-50.
US: That is my name, JFK. Don't wear it out.
JFK: As our first exercise in RIMPAC 2026, we'll be on an anti-submarine warfare exercise with USS Montana and HMAS Collins playing as the hostiles. I've decided that you and I are to be the two submarines' objective.
US: You do remember that the moment those subs even get a torpedo ready, I'm already out of there.
JFK: Mk48 torpedoes can be wire-guided as well. Not everything is "set and forget" like it was over 80 years ago. Technology has moved on.
US: I'm aware of that. My original role was killed off because of the advent of transatlantic air travel. Also, you are aware I'm capable of 43 knots, right?
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Out Of Many, Always Be One: Voyage Of The United States
FanfictionOriginally a rusted relic from a glorious age of American post-war prosperity and the crowning jewel of the nation, the former liner SS United States is taken and commissioned into Eagle Union as an Attack Transport and with the onset of what could...
