Routine Convoys and Escorts (US)

[Mike Wethington]

I know I'm posting a lot to this board but I've just started playing UV (bought it 3 years ago and thought it clunky, didn't realize the genius of the game).

As the US player, I need to set up quite a few Routine convoys to keep bases in supply. I had been experimenting with having convoys of 3 AK or 3 AO/TK with an escort but am finding that Routine Convoys with 1 AK or 1 TK (never AOs) are far more effective at keeping bases supplied and free's up some of my AK force for transporting units.

The question I have is this: While 1 AK routine convoys are good for my AKs, they are taking a drain on my escort resources. Is it ok to have RCs without escort or with 'junk' units like SCs escorting convoys? Will the AI keep unescorted RCs out of range of LBAs? I'd love them to keep my Australian bases supplied.

One problem I have with using SCs is that occasionally, a routine convoy from Noumea heads to New Guinea and the SC doesn't have the gas to make the trip.

Any recommendations on effective RC management without draining all my DDs from more important tasks?
Thanks

[YankeeAirRat]

Use the SC's and PG's for intra island transport. IE use the SC's out of Brisbane to run RC's up to Townville or one of the other Aussie mainland bases. Same for the ones out of Nomeua. Use them to run to Efate or up and down Noumea.

As for unescorted RC's well that is up to you and how much risk you are willing to take. I have done unescorted RC's out of Noumea to Port Morsebry or over to Austrila since I haven't every run across AI controlled subs that far south. Going in around Gili-Gili or into the Solomon's, I have always tried to have one or two escorts. Something to look at might be to use any of the older Benson, Sims, or flush deck destroyers. They are able to handle submarines pretty well and thier AA though not great is better then the SC's and PG's. Save the Fletcher class DD's for escorts of your major combat related task forces.

[Mike Wethington]

I assume this means you are personally managing the convoys instead of computer controlled? I was hoping to let the AI manage the routine convoys for me since this is both tedious and pushing the micromanagement edge.

Actually, saying this is too micromanagement in UV is kinda funny. Lol[;)]

[Miller]

Do not, repeat, do not let the AI take over the running of your supply convoys......it will only lead to pain....

[anarchyintheuk]

Agreed w/ Miller (even if he is a Newcastle fan). It may be tiring, but doing your own supply convoys is the only way to ensure that it gets there. Constantly checking them helps me to remember to raise cap, form a surface tf, etc.

The only auto convoy I would run would be between Noumea and Luganville. Even then, the ai/opponent knows the route they take.

[Mike Wethington]

Well that pretty well ends this discussion, Miller and Anarchy probably have played this game more than almost anyone else. Miller, keep up the AARs, they are great! Thanks guys.