Northampton-Class Heavy Cruiser, USS Chester, reporting in! Your orders, sir!
War is cruel, sir, but the difference between us and the enemy is that we have the decency common to everyone. My Northampton-Class is a class that's been through trials of fire. I could say proudly that my sisters and I would find an honorable and fulfilling death when we protect others, and we never once betray the principles of a decent person. Sorry, sir, but the reason I'm saying this to you is that I know you're different from those so-called "admirals". You treasure us because we are people. It's impossible for me not to respect you.
As you know, sir, my heavy cruiser sisters and I were born in a time of crisis. The Northampton-Class was nearly a thousand tonnes lighter than the maximum decreed by the Treaty. We had zero practical experience with a cruiser. At the same time, historically speaking, the enemy had a huge advantage over us in terms of the theories and developments of the cruiser. Although we're really good at gaining experience through actual combat, sir, but I can tell you this: although we gave our best during the beginning of the conflict, but the enemy was quite good. Bravery could force a stalemate, but bravery alone can't turn things around.
What have I done? Oh, sir, please. Although I'm from the same place as Pennsy, I'm not nearly as good as she is. I'm just a regular ship, is all. I did my duty, I gave my best to do it, and I challenged myself to surpass my limits. I think that's more than enough. Yeah, I shot down some planes over the Coral Sea. Sure, I appeared in the Marshall Islands and Wake Island campaigns, but that's just me doing my duty! No, I'm not going to say I did it "for freedom", but it's not far from that. Uh, let's just say I'm fighting for the American Dream, okay? Give me the Star-Sprangled Banner as a backdrop and bring in some cameras; how about that, sir? And then let's have a long chat about patriotism and freedom! You know, I'm no worse at flirting than the Shaw and her company...
STEC comments: Under the appearance of seriousness, USS Chester had a surprising carefree, childish side. At the same time, she was one of the few ship girls who would complete the least liked missions with vigor. STEC lauds her optimistic attitude, but she would always point out humbly that this was due to the influence of her first Captain.
"admiral" refers to the Japanese Teitoku, e.g. Kancolle players.* STEC supplemental notes: Historically, USS Chester obtained 11 battle stars during World War 2. When she was commissioned in 1930, her first captain was the renowned naval commander Captain Arthur Fairfield. This righteous commander not only served as an excellent example for the crew, he also returned to active service in the Department of the Navy after being retired for a long time when the War broke out.
Maybe because of this, USS Chester was known to be tough. Historically and in the form of a ship girl, she is a classic example of "as long as I still float, I will carry on the mission".
* She and USS Northampton were the first heavy cruisers in the US Navy to be equipped with the CXAM radar system.Creators' comments:
- November: I was originally using an impression of an energetic and happy-go-lucky girl when designing her. The eyepatch was added later to distinguish her from her elder sister Northampton, and at the same time emphasizing her tomboyish nature. But even so, our girl has her gentle side, such as when being along with her elder sister.
- Morgane: The name Chester reminds me of the squirrel which always snatched things from my backyard. Same lively and cute personality, same immaturity. But this personality carried a lot of historical contexts - she's been this lively in the artilleryman's diary I found. And I can guarantee that she is not single-eyed.
- Zeroblaze: Compared to her two sisters, Chester is less melancholic. But I'm sure it's not because she is single-eyed. If I say the eyepatch is just a decoration, people would believe me, but then this character will have a Chuunibyou personality.