Free Invasion USA 3 - The Battle for Survival by T. I. Wade Page B

them more gas heaters from the embassy,” joked Uncle Philippe. He told the table about how cold the White House was when they first arrived, and the American Government had not given the heaters back yet! The men smiled.
    “I’m sure that the U.S. Air Force probably has twenty to thirty, or many more of the latest Gunships sitting around the world. The most modern ones are as useless as your fleet of modern civilian aircraft out there on the tarmac,” continued Carlos. “I think that prompted, they will understand my ideas on the AC-130 and would want to cannibalize as many as they can, if they understand the problems you have. I also believe that life is going to get far worse in the United States, with drug gangs or just gangs of thugs trying to control areas and towns, especially around the Mexico/U.S. southern border. A million-plus army troops is all they have to keep justice in the country and it will still take up to three months before they are all back on home soil. I will put it to the meeting next month. I’m sure that they will be more than happy to convert your C-130s into Gunships if it is possible. The guns are the same types in all of them. The more modern electronics in the most recent weapons can be removed and the aircraft set up with guns to copy
Blue Moon
or
Easy Girl
. Both aircraft have different gun configurations,
Blue Moon
having the powerful 105mm cannon and
Easy Girl
more .30-caliber cannon power. Even the powerful Miniguns in the two jeeps we have in the holds could be a powerful force. A dozen of those 7.62 Gatling guns firing 2,000 rounds a minute from a gunship will clean up camps of men on the ground.”
    “And what do you think the Americans would want as payment?” asked General Rodriquez.
    Carlos thought for a second. “Their weakest link is naval ships. I believe they have a couple of Destroyers and one or two Submarines and several smaller old naval and Coast Guard vessels. Maybe they will be interested in your Light Frigates,” he answered, thinking from the top of his head.
    The table smiled in unison and looked at him. There was silence for several seconds until Uncle Philippe continued.
    “Well, we can think about loaning them to the U.S. Which is better for our country right now, sea power or air power?” he asked the table. Following more discussion, air power was the final answer. “You know the U.S., they are a very generous people. We offer them three Light Frigates for six or seven new Gunships, modernized aircraft, and then we ask for our Frigates back when we need them.” It took a while, but there was mutual approval. Uncle Philippe ended the discussion, “Most assistance the U.S. lends to other countries is often never returned, just forgotten in the ongoing political debates.”
    Carlos was thanked, the meeting was over and
bocas
(snacks) were presented by the wait staff. Carlos, his father and Uncle Philippe stood up and the three men were joined by General Rodriquez and the admiral.
    “Do you really think that swapping three of my best ships for Gunships is a wise idea?” the admiral asked Uncle Philippe.
    “Why not? What have we to lose? America is a good ally to have. The Gunships are far more powerful in guerilla warfare than your ships are, Luiz. Until we have an attack or problem from the ocean, the ships are of no use to us at all. I could speak with my friend in the U.S. Navy, also an admiral, and ask him to accept you as Fleet Commander or Officer Liaison to them and maybe you can help in some way, no?”
    “Now that sounds interesting, Philippe. It sounds too boring for me to stay here,” replied the admiral.
    “Carlos, do you think this exchange could be a possibility?” asked General Rodriquez.
    “I will start work once we return, but I’m owed a few favors and I have the ear of the President and a general in the U.S. Air Force. I’m sure cannibalization of all military and civilian equipment will become high priority worldwide very