The September War

       The September War, also called the War of National Identity, or the Circle war, is the combined and official name for the series of conflicts and national/international events from the 7th of September to the 12 of September. 

       It included the Circle War, the Flynn War of Independence, the Return of Salamandastron, and the formation of the Midnight Faction. 

Leadup

     The lead-up to war began with the secession of Circles from the Federation. The State cited reasons which were mainly ignored by the international community, as most knew that their leader, Alex Knebel, was on a quest for personal glory. 

    In addition, with the switch to Cardinal Heights, the Federation's membership had been steadily increasing, and some members began toying with the idea of independence. 

    When Alex Knebel did not receive the international recognition or the right to join SPATO,  with several Federation members considering independence, and increased Federation Flight Activity in the pristine flying weather, everything was about to come to a head.

War Begins

     After questioning his real power as a leader, Alex Knebel declared war on the UFP. This was seen as an immediate shock to President Carson Clumpner, as well as his vice-President John B.G.

      After just 4 hours of a wartime stance, the Federation had put all vessels on a Battle Order One, meaning that all ships were operating under wartime conditions, and had ordered 10 more destroyers of the Spirit-class, which would prove invaluable later in the War.

       The Federation's close ally North Garfea joined the war the next day, and the Coalition and New Washburn followed soon after, creating the Alliance of Free States.

Retaking CHUMS

    President Carson Clumpner, still in the midst of an election, ordered that the first order of business for the Military was to eliminate any threat at the Capitol of Cardinal Heights. The First Fleet was put in charge of this goal, and they sent 8 task forces (3 destroyer, 5 Frigate) to accomplish the task. It was completed within two days.

Continual War

        For about 4 days, the war continued, both with political leaders haggling on about the enemy, and with occasional standoffs between civilian vessels of Circles which the Federation Fleet mistook for military vessels. During this time, the Federation had a military exercise named Freedom Lance, in which multiple destroyers participated in twenty three sorties in front of Cardinal Heights.

Election of Connor Zink

        The Election in the UFP was not postponed, and as such it was won, by the popular candidate and war hero Connor Zink. He immediately laid siege to the capitol of Circles, Hunter's Ridge, and ordered a second Freedom Lance exercise.

War of Flynn Independence

       On the 12th of September, the Flynn Area declared independence from the UFP, and also declared war soon after. Their Fleet, with three Former Federation Ships (Bainbridge, Labrador, and Maple Glider) then readied for battle. 

Battle of Cardinal Heights

        At around noon, the USS California, leading a fleet of destroyers, with support from the Burke Park Militia cruisers USS Square and USS Unnamed, as well as a gunship from the Jacob Monday Defense Fleet, under the command of Grand Admiral John Banks-George, and with the USS Essex serving as the Presidential Flagship of Connor Zink, readied the Federation Forces for battle. 

        In total, the fleet was a selection of the finest of the United Federation assembled for a common goal. Luke Gainey, Chairman of North Garfea, was commanding the USS Missouri, Former Presidents Carson Clumpner and Ainsley Wall (making a rare Comeback) commanding the Guam and Texas respectively, and as a part of the Three Vessel Core under the command of John B.G., was the USS Puerto Rico, the 90th vessel of it's class built for the Federation, was about to become one of the most important ships in Federation History.

Destruction of the USS Puerto Rico

      The opening engagements saw the Federation and it's allies chase the enemy at high speed around the front yard of Cardinal Heights. The fleets engaged in a short shootout, in which the Puerto Rico was very heavily damaged. As she attempted to retreat, she was focused down by the enemy and was her tail fin was knocked into an unrecognizable state. John ordered the fleet to regroup, and the Puerto Rico was deemed irreparable. 

      The Fleet held a service for the Puerto Rico and she was retired. After this, the Flynn Nation surrendered. They Asked for unilateral independence, and the State Council agreed.