The Emperor's Champions - 3x3 AAR

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 3/02/42
Another great day for the Empire.
The typical activities occured. Allied Brewsters and Martins shot down over Miri. Assorted airstrikes in China.
East of Borneo a small flight of T.IVa's attacked the battleship Yamashiro, but no hits were scored, and all the T.IVa's went home with varying degrees of damage due to the large ship's ample AA batteries.
In the Phillipines, the order was given to make a strong push against Manilla. In the morning a massive airstrike targeted the few remaining strongpoints and severly limited the defenders abilities to hold their positions. In all, 13 Vals, 21 Kates, 23 Nates, 25 Sonias, 26 Sallies, and 54 Helens took part in the attacks. Right on the heels of this aerial bombardment, the Japanese infantry and armored units charged into the city easily overwelming the battle weary defenders of Manilla. Nearly 25,000 Phillipino and US soldiers were captured.[center][/center][center]Japanese tanks on victory parade through Manilla.[/center][center][/center][center]Several units surrendered at Manilla.[/center]
The Americans weren't the only ones to see defeats today though.
On orders from Gen Mantill, Betty bombers in Singapore were ordered to fly to Palembang and attack targets of opportunity. They were told to be on the lookout for Dutch light cruisers in the area since the Java and Tromp had been damaged prior and were believed to still be in the vicinity.
The first wave launched consisted of 31 Betty's and 8 Kates escorted by 27 Oscar fighters. Nearing Palembang a convoy of ships was spotted and attacked immediately. Nearly all of the ships were hit by at least one torpedo, the tanker Manvantara taking 3. The AK Poelau Tello was only hit by a bomb. By the time the bombers turned from home, the AK's Langkoeas, Kota Radja, and Tjikandi were all burning near the port. The Tjikandi was later confirmed sunk.
Shortly afterwards, a small group of Betties flew south again, hunting for cruisers. The Java was found and hit with one torpedo. As the second wing came in for attack the ship was already sliding beneath the waves.[center][/center][center]The Dutch CL Java sunk 3/2/1942.[/center]
Later in the afternoon a final strike of 37 Betties was launched. Flying farther south this time, they located the CL Tromp and managed to devastate the ship with 4 torpedoes. It promptly rolled over and gave up the ghost.[center][/center][center]Another Dutch CL, the Tromp. Also sunk 3/2/1942.[/center]

Feurer Krieg Area Report
Nells against hit the airfield at Lunga, more accurately this time, destroying a Catalina on the field. Allied Beuforts attacked Salamaua. The lead elements of ground forces from Suva began taking positions outside of Nandi base.

Sub Ops:
Nothing to report.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
Martin 139 - 2
Brewster 339D - 2
PBY Catalina - 1


Imperial Air Force
Ki-21 Sally - 3
G3M Nell - 2
Ki-15 Babs - 1
Ki-46-II Dinah - 1


At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
SS I-2 20/23/0 (West Coast US)

[FeurerKrieg]

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[FeurerKrieg]

EDIT: Do to some file emailing issues and what not, we ended up redoing 3/3/42, so I've deleted this old post to make way for a revised 3/3/42 post.

Also, we welcome another new player into the game as NiceGuy, Chris had to bow out. Commander Jorge Chacon will be taking over for him in the CBI theater.

Also note I have started to upgrage my ship art using Fremen and other's great artwork.

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 3/03/42
The most notable action of the day was shortly after midnight. The battleships Mutsu, Hyuga and Yamashiro encountered two British light cruisers, the Glasgow and the Enterprise in the Celebes sea while enroute to Davao. A battle quickly ensued as the ships closed range. Two of the escorting Japanese destroyers took some 4.5, 5, 5.5 and 6 inch shells hits and took significant damage from them. The battleships all took many hits, but the shells were not able to overcome the battleship's armor. The Enterprise took the most damage in the battle, falling victim to one torpedo as well as a hit from a 16.1 inch shell.[center][/center][center]The British Cruisers Enterprise and Glasgow versus...[/center]
[center][/center][center]The Battleship Mutsu and company.[/center]
[center][/center]

Numerous ASW attacks on the Trusty and the Trout had no luck.
Japanese aircraft at Clark Field began pounding their new target - the holdouts at Bataan.
In other areas the air was quiet.


Feurer Krieg Area Report
The Armored Reserve regiment arrive and is mostly unloaded at Truk. Units continue to prepare for the assault on Nandi. The newly based Bettys out of Biak also spotted the CL Glasgow from the battle the night before about 250 miles east of Kendari, but poor weather scrubbed a planned attack on the ship.
Lae airstrip was expanded today, allowing room for more fighers once they are available. Several ships have successfully undergone minor repairs at Truk. While the troop convoys get organized, all ships will receive immediate attention to repair ship systems to prepare for the upcoming mission to Noumea.

Sub Ops:
The I-3 managed to hit the AK Mormacwren in the shipping lanes between the West Coast US and Pearl Harbor.
Another convoy spotted enroute to Pearl Harbor, will attempt an intercept.


Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
None.


Imperial Air Force
None.


At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
SS I-2 20/15/0 (West Coast US)
DD Sawakaze 41/37/19 (Celebes Sea)
DD Mikazuki 29/10/6 (Celebes Sea)

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 3/04/42
Light cruiser Enterprise confirmed sunk in the Celebes Sea today.
In the Malaya slot, the SS Truant put a torpedo into the IJN ML Hatsutaka, sinking the ship almost immediately. The SS Trout north of Luzon attacked a minesweeper, but its torpedoes did not detonate.
Airstrikes launched at Lashio, Ledo, and Hsinyang. Ships at Akyab were hit by escorted Bettys from Rangoon. Although the escort lost several planes, the AK Empire Johnson was hit with multiple torps and confirmed sunk. From Borneo, Bettys struck at ships near Batavia, hitting the AP Buyskens.
Overall a more expense day in the air.

Feurer Krieg Area Report
Units at Truk continue to organize.
Allied remnant at Gasmata seems to have finally ceased to exist.


Sub Ops:
All quiet.


Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
Brewster 339D - 1
Mohawk IV - 1


Imperial Air Force
A6M2 Zero - 7
G4M1 Betty - 6
Ki-21 Sally - 3
Ki-48 Lily - 1
Ki-51 Sonia - 1


At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
SS I-2 20/10/0 (West Coast US)
DD Sawakaze 49/33/8 (Celebes Sea)
DD Mikazuki 30/3/2 (Celebes Sea)

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 3/05/42
Allied planes returned to Miri for the first time in a couple days, losing a few fighters for their trouble. Hudsons took aim at a cargo ship in the Malaya slot, but missed on both attacks.
The Empire's airstrikes were limited to China, with strikes against Chinese ground forces northwest of Wuchow, and at Yenen. The empty Kweilin base was captured, along with some damaged SB-2C's that had been left behind.[center][/center][center]A damaged SB-2c is examined after capture.[/center]

Feurer Krieg Area Report
Forces for Operation Komorebi have stated loading up today. The OOB is presented in the next post, along with plans for the operation.
The Fiji surface group bombarded Nandi throughout the night and our ground forces made significant gains during the day. A strong charge attack has been ordered for tomorrow, which should topple the defenders.
Near Canton Island, elements of the 61st Nav Gd unit secured Sydney Island.
Allied Beauforts hit Salamaua.


Sub Ops:
I-23 was spotted by an AVD east of Noumea, but it slipped away unmolested.


Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
SB-2c - 6 (ground losses at Kweilin)
Brewster 339D - 3
CW-21B Demon - 2
PBY Catalina - 1


Imperial Air Force
No losses.


At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
SS I-2 20/11/0 (West Coast US)
DD Sawakaze 53/35/4 (Celebes Sea)

DD Mikazuki secured from flooding and fires.

[FeurerKrieg]

[center]Operation Komorebi[/center]

[center]Expected OOB[/center][center][/center]
Total Assault Value of initial landing group is 1,088. With the 38th Division and reserves, makes approx 1,500.

More plans, more risks. Hopefully this plan will minimize them as much as possible.
As shown below, the plan is for the KB (in two TF's) to proceed to WP1 while the bombardment group approachs from Suva. WP1 is five hexes from Luganville and Noumea both, which puts it outside of torpedo bomber range, and also away from some of the shortranged fighters and bombers that may be around.
The bombardment group will be covered by Zeros from Nandi/Suva to the limit of their range. It will then cross the area of no air cover in the night phase, and be covered by Zeros on LRCAP from KB the next day.
As the bombardment group approachs Noumea, the KB will move towards WP2 to put extra distance between itself and Noumea and Luganville. From WP2 it can cover both the surface group as well as the landing group.
The bombardment group will hit the airstrips at Noumea at night, hopefully causing enough damage that airstrikes against the invasion force landing at Koumac the next morning will be weakened.
As soon as the bombardment force has delivered its shells, it will retreat towards Rabaul as fast as it can manage to get away from enemy air attacks.
The KB will provide Zeros for air cover for the surface force until it is out of range of Noumea and Luganville. Also, it will be providing LRCAP over the invasion task force as well. Once the surface group is away from danger, the LRCAP over the invasion group will be strengthened.
As soon as Koumac has been secured, KB will retire and Zeros will be flown in from Rabaul & Suva to provide close CAP support while the 38th Division moves in to unload. The land units will then begin moving south on Noumea.[center][/center]

Goals of this operation:
1) Secure Noumea
2) Rebase the Southeast Surface Fleet to Rabaul (then to Truk for refit)
3) Minimize risk to the KB so that it can be redeployed to Singapore in support of future Chandpur operations.

To that end, cargo and personnel ships will be considered expendable in this operation, and to a lesser extent, so will surface capital ships, as both will not be required in the theater until the Americans begin to counterattack since this is the last large operation of the South Pacific. The KB however is needed by Gen Mantill for his next large operation.

It is expected that most of the initial landing force can be unloaded in two days, with supplies continuing to be unloaded for a few more following days. That is the period where shipping losses are the most likely to occur. Glen subs are being deployed around the area so that any enemy carriers that appear will be spotted in time for the KB to react appropraitely, which likely means retreating. Unless the enemy makes a significant error, targets of opportunity will not be pursued.

[John 3rd]

Just jumped into reading this AAR.  It is excellent!  I am about to start one "From Here it SEEMS Like..." and I might use a couple of your techniques. 
 
Keep up your good work and BANZAI!
 

[FeurerKrieg]

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

Just jumped into reading this AAR.  It is excellent!  I am about to start one "From Here it SEEMS Like..." and I might use a couple of your techniques. 

Keep up your good work and BANZAI!

Glad you like it! I hope you get time to read from post #1, all these AARs do take time to read though. In any case, feel free to 'borrow' techniques all you like, I've borrowed a few myself. [:D]

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 3/06/42
Allied planes again at Miri, again they are turned back with losses. Although airstrikes had been ordered in Burma and Sumatra, bad weather kept the planes grounded. Recon/Intel shows no fighters at Chandpur to protect the bombers based there, so dual strikes have been ordered against the airfields there tomorrow.
In China numerous airstrikes against ground force continued. An assault on a Chinese division northwest of Wuchow was repulsed, although just slightly. Another division is on it way and should arrive within the next few days to push forward and hopefully trap a large group of Chinese forces west of Kweilin. From there it will be bypassed, held in check by the 37th Division. See map below.[center][/center][center]Plans to surround pocket near Kweilin.[/center]
Betties and Kates from Singapore and Borneo continued to hit a convoy at Palembang, geneating some success today. Two AKs and one TK were sunk and others damaged.
In the Phillipines, strikes against Bataan continued. Our forces at Cotabato drove the American and Philipino defenders out of the base, forcing them into a broken retreat through the jungles towards Butuan.

Feurer Krieg Area Report
All land units at Truk are loaded, another day will be spent topping off every free cargo space with supplies. The invasion TF will leave tomorrow. KB will leave a couple days later since it sails faster at cruise speeds. The extra couple days will hopefully allow for some more minor repairs to occur.
Near Canton Island, Gardner Island was checked and secured today, again by elements of the 61st Naval Guard.
On Fiji, after several days of retreat, resistance, and pounding from our capital ships, the Allied forces present surrendered at Nandi to our forces. Nearly 6000 Allied soldiers were interred. The Island of Fiji is nearly secured. The 6th NLF will be dispatched to check a small beach on the northern side of the islands to ensure no Allied spies are in the area. The various Naval Gd, NLF and SNLF forces present will march back to Suva to rest briefly before loading up to secure Tongatapu, Ha'apai, Pago Pago and Upolu. This is planned to be completed by the end of the month. While those areas are being secured, the South Seas Detachment will remain in Nandi to effect repairs on the facilities there, as well as provide a reserve force if needed at Noumea.
More construction engineers have been requested from GHQ. Having met with success in our initial goals of seizing the islands in the deep south Pacific, now it is time to build them up quickly and force the Americans to take losses they cannot politically maintain as they attempt to make their way across the ocean.
After Noumea, the expansion area of the Empire will swing to Gen Mantill in India and Gross Admiral Alex in the SRA.

Sub Ops:
Sub laid mines at Midway made an impact today as the DD Crane was damaged by a Type 88 Mine. Some research will be needed to find which sub will get credit if that destroyer sinks due to the damage (which is unlikely).
Another convoy was spotted off the west coast US, attack subs will again attempt to score some hits.
The Glen sub stationed between Pearl and Palmyra has been ordered to Makin for refuel and rebase southeast of Canton Island as we prepare for defensive perimeter hit and run attacks against convoys bound for Australia and New Zealand.
After the conclusion of Komorebi, more spotter subs will be sent to the far south to spot for our carrier and surface raiders.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
CW-21B Demon - 3
PBY Catalina - 3 (captured at Nandi)
Martin 139 - 1
Brewster 339D - 1


Imperial Air Force
No losses.


At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
SS I-2 20/3/0 (West Coast US)
DD Sawakaze 61/46/5 (Celebes Sea)

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 3/07/42
The airstrike against Chandpur was moderately successful today. At least intel was correct and not a single fighter opposed the mission. Unfortunately Rangoon was socked in with weather so the chance to inflict even greater damage was missed. The strike destroyed several bombers on the ground. Also a strike at Bankha from Singapore did some damage and destroyed a Hudson on the ground there.
Betty's hit more ships at Palembang, today sinking the AK Sipora and Poelau Tello.
The Allied units at Bataan launched a futile counterattack today as well. Likely this will only hurry their surrender.
And again, the Allied planes returned to Miri to be turned away.


Feurer Krieg Area Report
Nells at Rabaul hit Lunga today doing some damage there. Invasion TF for Komorebi given orders to proceed south.

Sub Ops:
The SS I-164 was depth charged multiple times by the DD Paul Jones south of Balikpapan taking a fair amount of damage. It will make for Davao for emergency repairs.
Also after a massive damage control effort, the I-2 has managed to secure from flooding as it continues on to Tokyo to finish repairs.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
Beaufort V-IX - 8
Blenheim IV - 4
Brewster 339D - 2
Lockheed 212 - 2
Hudson I - 1
Martin 139 - 1
CW-21B Demon - 1


Imperial Air Force
G3M Nell - 4


At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
DD Sawakaze 61/46/5 (Celebes Sea)
SS I-164 29/58/0 (Balikpapan)

SS I-2 secured from flooding.

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 3/08/42
The air was relatively quiet today, a small strike was launched against Singkawang as well as against some ground troops near Lashio.
Bettys from Singapore attacked the last cargo ships still floating at Palembang and promptly put it under the waves.
In the Luzon, a massive strike against the defenders at Bataan, Corrigedor and Ft Drum was followed up by a strong attack. The Allied defenders surrendered and over 33,000 enemy troops were put into POW camps. Japanese forces also occupied Butuan, isolating the Allied refugees in the center of the southern PI island.
More Allied planes shot down at Miri.
Interstingly, recon showed lots of Hurricanes over Chandpur so apparently they don't want us bombing there again, thankfully we didn't try that strike twice in a row.


Feurer Krieg Area Report
The capital ships at Truk will wait another day to put to sea, as the CS Nisshin has nearly arrived and it will be added to the OOB, being placed into the Car Div 1. Ground forces are en route to Rabaul where they will wait for the carrier fleets to catch up.
As the final elements of the base force at Sorong unloaded, our forces moved into the area, securing the oil fields and airstrip. Oscar's were immediately flown in to prevent any attempts of the Allies to bomb the oil field there.

Sub Ops:
All quiet.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
CW-21B Demon - 2
Martin 139 - 1
Brewster 339D - 1


Imperial Air Force
H6K4 Mavis - 1


At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
DD Sawakaze 61/57/0 (Celebes Sea)
SS I-164 29/56/0 (Balikpapan)

[GaryChildress]

Hi Bob, how is industry back in Japan doing? I can only imagine that resources must be getting pretty scarce without SRA yet. [&:]

[FeurerKrieg]

Good question Gary. I'll post a screen of produciton figures (tomorrow maybe), but we really need Alex to comment as he keeps track of all the production stuff and would be more famliar. I can tell you we have been pulling oil out of Brunei. The oilfields at Brunei are at 271 working, Miri has anoth 36 working and Sorong has 49 working.

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 3/09/42
Based on intel reports of little or no fighters at Imphal, an airstrike was launched there. Two Hurricanes came out to fight and shot down three of our newer pilots. One of the Hurricanes was shot down. The bombers managed to hit the target though, destroying several Blenheims on the ground.
Airstrikes also launched in China and at Lashio.
An attack at Sinkawang nearly broke through the defenses. The base's fall is likely to occur very soon.
Allied planes were repulsed from Miri as usual.

Feurer Krieg Area Report
Near Suva, Vanua Levu was secured by the 6th NLF. All other SNLF forces are back in Suva base and will rest for a three days before embarking towards the remaining islands in the area. Repairs continue at Nandi. More base forces and construction units are enroute, but will still be a few days until they arrive.

Sub Ops:
No action to report.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
Blenheim I - 8
Brewster 339D - 1
Martin 139 - 1
Hurricane II - 1
CW-21B Demon - 1


Imperial Air Force
A6M2 Zero - 3
Ki-2 Sally - 2
Ki-27 Nate - 1


At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
DD Sawakaze 61/61/0 (Celebes Sea)
SS I-164 30/53/0 (Balikpapan)

[FeurerKrieg]

As mentioned, here is our production info as of 3/9/42.
[center][/center]

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 3/10/42
The SS Thresher was hit by depth charges north of the Philippines, it is unclear if it was significantly damaged or not.
A solid push on the trapped Chinese units at Hsinyang saw the surrender/disbursement of the 49th Chinese Corp. The three remaining units should fall even faster now. The 50th Chinses corp was forced farther north away from Wuchow as the attempted encirclement of Chinese forces in the area continues.[center][/center][center]Japanese soldiers must always be looking for plain-clothes soldiers from the Chinese army.[/center]
An attack on Singkawang continues to make progress, as the defenders fortifications are slowly overcome.
The air was extremely quiet today with no airstrikes launched other than recon and patrol missions.


Feurer Krieg Area Report
The invasion force of Komorebi has arrive at Rabaul and will hold while the CV Divisions follow.
Recon indicate reinforcements have arrived at Upolu, although the number are not great. Pago Pago is still lightly held, and will therefore be the primary target. Once it is secure, Upolu can be bombed by short range bombers prior to its invasion.

Sub Ops:
No action to report.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
None.


Imperial Air Force
Ki-46-II Dinah - 1


At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
DD Sawakaze 61/66/0 (Celebes Sea)
SS I-164 30/52/0 (Balikpapan)

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 3/11/42
A group of ships heading into Manilla harbor encountered a minefield. Although the MSW and DD's did their best to detect and destroy the mines, the AP Kamakura Maru struck a Mk6 mine, taking a significant amount of damage. It will likely dock up in Manilla for emergency repairs.[center][/center][center]A US Mk6 Moored Contact Mine.[/center]
A solid strike was launched against Ledo. Several Mohawk IV's were shot down and the airfield there was hit hard. A couple planes were destroyed on the ground as well.
Other strikes launched on Sinkawang and near Lashio. A Chinese counterattack west of Hsinyang was soundly repulse with heavy losses to the attackers. An attack on Sinkawang made less progress than usual, but it is just a matter of time until the base is captured.


Feurer Krieg Area Report
The 38th Division continues to rest at Truk, rapidly gaining strength for the fight ahead. In the far south Pacific, Betties from Canton Island and Nells from Suva attacked the airfield at Upolu. Flak was quite heavy and the damage inflicted was light. Future attacks will be flown at higher altitudes. Additionally, a Glen recon plane spotted two large ships about 100 miles southeast of Upolu. All Bettys and Nells have been given naval search and attack orders, and a Daitai of Kates has begun moving to Canton Island via Abemama to provide some torpedo power in the event these enemy ships attempt offensive action.

Sub Ops:
No action to report.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
Mohawk IV - 7
C-60A Lodestar - 3


Imperial Air Force
G4M1 Betty - 1
Ki-46-II Dinah - 1
A6M2 Zero - 1


At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
DD Sawakaze 61/77/0 (Celebes Sea)
SS I-164 30/47/0 (Balikpapan)
AP Kamakura Maru 24/25/6 (Bataan)

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 3/12/42
All the action was in Gen Mantill's theater today.
First a large airstrike over Akyab met a defensive CAP of 19 P40E's. Although some Zero's were shot down, the bombers still got through and did a significant amount of damage to the airfield, hitting five Allied aircraft on the ground.
There were other scatter airstrikes all over China and Burma, but the big news was in Central China.
After seeing large amounts of enemy ground troops moving to Hsinyang to try and rescue the trapped pocket there, Gen Mantill targeted Ichang with a stunning paradrop raid. Two massive strikes, first 106 Sonias, then 159 Sallies, hit the lone 4th Chinese Air Base Force that was at the base. Then the 1st Para Regiment braved some moderate flak, made the drop and stormed the town, forcing the Base Force to retreat west. This victory was also made greater in that the base had significant defensive structures in place that were completely bypassed due to the airdrop. (Fort level 5) Countless Japanese lives will be spared from assaulting those fortifications.
As shown in the map below, this completely isolates several Chinese units between Ichang and Hsinyang.
Also, another strong attack at Hsinyang caused the 70th Chinese Corp to surrender, over 10,000 enemy troops were captured. There are still two units left in that pocket, the 78th and 79th Chinese Corps.
[center][/center][center]A Paradrop cuts off many enemy troops.[/center]


Feurer Krieg Area Report
The 38th Division, somewhat rested and at 99% strength, has begun boarding transports at Truk. A large enemy ship is still spotted near Pago Pago, a group of Kates arrived at Canton Island for extra protection. Due to the limited air support there, two Chutai's of float planes were rebased to Nukufetau.
The airstrip at Nandi is nearly usable and the South Seas group will now head for Suva. A Base Force will take position at Nandi within a week.

Sub Ops:
No action to report.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
P-40E Warhawk - 3
Catalina I - 3
Blenheim I - 2

Imperial Air Force
A6M2 Zero - 6
Ki-21 Sally - 4
Ki-51 Sonia - 2
G4M1 Betty - 1

At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
DD Sawakaze 61/78/0 (Celebes Sea)
SS I-164 30/45/0 (Balikpapan)
AP Kamakura Maru 26/25/2 (Bataan)

[FeurerKrieg]

War Report 3/13/42
Large airtrikes launched against Yenen today. Also, smaller attacks against Bankha and Singkawang.
Today the 78th Chinese corp surrender at Hsinyang, this leaves only the 79th Chinese Corp in that pocket. It will likely surrender very soon.[center][/center][center]Chinese troops surrender near Hsinyang.[/center]


Feurer Krieg Area Report
Komorebi begins the real movement today, with the carrier fleets and invasion forces departing from Rabaul. They will head to Vella Levella first, possibly to appear to be heading for Lugna. From there they will move south as detailed previously.
Adm Yamaguchi has been put in command of the Shokokau group again. Other commanders have been assigned and taken to their stations. All Zero fighter units in the area of the operation have been reviewed and several have had their leaders replaced with some of the IJN best.
The 38th Division will also depart from Truk tomorrow enroute straight to Vella Levella, from there on to Koumac.
Farther east, Nells from Suva and Bettys at Canton Island attacked enemy ships at Pago Pago. It would appear that worries of large ships were unfounded as only a DMS, PG and AK were spotted at Pago Pago, with a Nells putting a 250kg AP bomb into the DMS Zane.
A pair of enemy AP's were reported at Tongatapu. Two destroyers at Suva will make a rush move on the island to try and ambush these transports.

Sub Ops:
No action to report.

Non-Ops Air Losses
Allies
None.

Imperial Air Force
None.

At-Risk Damaged Ship Report
DD Sawakaze 61/81/0 (Celebes Sea)
SS I-164 30/48/0 (Balikpapan)
AP Kamakura Maru 26/28/0 (Bataan)