jwilkerson(Jpn) Moses (Allies)

[jwilkerson]

Moving on the Ship losses. These are still running very light, at least in the major surface combatant area. Several Allied cruisers were lost this month in a raid on Gili-Gili that saw the Allies remaining off shore when the sun came up. They were visiting warmly by torpedo carrying Bettys and Nells.

[jwilkerson]

And Submarine Losses.

Most of the Allied losses have come when they've tried to mass their subs in a small area and thus subjected themselves to strong countermeasures. Our two losses were both in cases where we should've moved, but sat instead. If you're under enemy air, you really have to move every turn. It is either that or die.

[jwilkerson]

And Air to Air losses.

This is one area I try to work at, at least early in the war (it gets hopeless later).

And if I look at just the planes on this screen and just add up the fighers lost on both sides. I see.

Japanese
A6M2 201
Oscar 55

Or a total of 256 lost


Allies
F4f-4 131
P40B 113
P40E 112
HurII 095
P39D 091
Buffa 087
Brew 059
C21 046
Wirr 039
F2A 038

Or a total of 811

So, we actually do have 3:1 when we look just at the fighter versus fighter exchange ... well a little cooing here !!!

[jwilkerson]

And given that the campaigns in the SRA are starting to wind down - I will offer a strategy summary - with some hints about the future.

Strategic thinking as of end of Feb 1942.

Overall, the attack on the Southern areas is proceeding on an acceptable schedule. DEI and PI could have been done more quickly, but not given that we chose to invade Northern Australia with two divisions in early January. The “botched” American carrier raid on Rabaul, which resulted in both Sara and Lex being heavily damaged has bought us some freedom of action in the SOPAC area, which we have used to push troops and supplies into the Papua/Solomons area much more rapidly that we could’ve done with 4+ enemy carriers operating nearby. In China, both sides continue to maneuver a bit, but I feel like I can stop any offensive he can supply and I feel like he can stop any offensive I can make without significant reinforcement on my part. So for now, stalemate.

Next I will drill a bit more into each area.


DEI.
We are comfortably ashore in the Madioen, Kragen, Soerabaja area. Given the Dutch deployment, we will actually push to take Soerabaja first and then drive West up the Island to Batavia. The following forces are committed to Java:

12 Army HQ
38ID
23IB
56IB
35IB
3xTank Rgts
23 IER
23 Base Force
18 Av Rgt
1st Mortar Rgt

Also we are now landing at Palembang. The forces committed here include:

25 Army HQ
18ID
2xTk Rgts

In reserve and planning for Batavia we have:

IGID
Several engineer and artillery units at Singapore.

It very much looks like Moses has either withdrawn or failed to reinforce his airforce in the DEI, thus air opposition has gotten very weak recently. Also, it has been some time since we’ve seen any significant surface forces, so those have either been withdrawn or are well hidden.

But the pre-requisite for pulling KB out of the DEI is obtaining a LEVEL-4 airbase aboard Java. Once that is done KB will make sail for the East to face the Americans, which we expect will be their primary activity for the rest of the war. We will leave some surface forces in the West to face the British.

Burma.
In Burma we are well ahead of schedule, I think my early prepping for Mandalay broke his defense there, faster than even I expected, though the 33ID did take some significant casualties. Currently we are attempting to take Akyab overland. We have committed the:

15 Army HQ
33ID
55ID
2 Para
12 NLF

To the operation. It will be several more days before the units cross the mountains.


Phillippines.
We are licking our wounds at Lingayen and preparing to go back for a third try at Clark. We’re also bringing in some reinforcements from Singapore, to include the 56ID and some arty and engineers.

China.
We have taken Yenen, but otherwise both sides seem unable to break the stalemate on the ground. This situation will probably remain “static with tension” until either side is able to reinforce. We do have ultimate vulnerability here in China, but it was not our intention for this game to make China the theater of decision. If Moses chooses to do so later, the game could end very quickly. If he can supply oh say 100xP38s and maybe 150xB17s he can shut down both our pilot training programs and the resource/HI production of Japanese occupied China. Then driving for the Coast he could hit the home islands. If the Allies can supply such a campaign, it is ultimately not possible to stop it. But then the only counter is to try to take China out of the game – as the Japanese. And the only real time to do that is right away – China is never more vulnerable than at the start – in fact – I’d say they are only vulnerable at the start! I’ve done that before – taken China out completely – but don’t enjoy the exercise – it doesn’t much remind me of “War In the Pacific”. But we’ll see what happens in this game. I feel comfortable we can hold in China for quite some time yet.

Papua/Solomons.
We will try to build up here with a view towards offering resistance in this area at least until late 1943. Within the next month, we hope to have KB over here in support. We need to try to suppress Port Morseby until oh at least the end of 1942. BY that point the P-38s will drive us back onto the defensive. We hope the Betty/Zero attacks will work until the Tony’s show up and that the Tony’s will curtain the B17s until the P38s show up. That has been the pattern in my other games anyway. And we should have carrier superiority through roughly the end of the year as well.

Oz.
Well our taking of North Oz means that the Allies have to retake this area in order to use it as a jumping off point for an attack directly into the DEI. We still expect this to be the primary counter-attack route and we are starting to build up in Timor accordingly. All four towns, Broome, Derby, Wyndam and Darwin are vulnerable to direct assault, with Broome being probably the most vulnerable to sea borne attack and the others to overland attack. If the Allies play their cards right, we will be unable to intervene with major fleet units until it is too late. So a large well planned attack, on Broome, from the Sea would probably be my opening moving here, if I was the Allies. We would have a bit more notice with a large overland Army heading towards us and we will keep some recon planes in Northern Oz to provide us with that warning. We will also walk down the railroads a fair ways with small units to increase our “eyes”. And we will then keep a watch with the “W” key. This will tell us when something is coming.

Marshalls and Aleutians.
Certainly both sides are ignoring these areas so far. We do plan on sending in token occupation forces to the Aleutians, but will probably only fight hard for one Island. In the Marshalls, also we will put up some token defenses, but do not plan on making a heavy commitment here. The place is just essentially undefendable.

Production.
We have significantly beefed up our air production CAPACITY. In fact our capacity now well exceeds our ability to run production at full capacity, but we can “burst” into certain areas, like fighters or bombers and react to emergencies. Also we can support rapid switchovers to newer types. For example, Oscar production has been boosted, not because we want lots of Oscars, but because they convert to Tony’s which we do want lots of. Zeros will always be useful, so we’ve boosted their production. Same with Betty’s, same with Sally’s.

Regarding ships.
We have shut down all the subs except the smaller RO types, they are just too darned expensive – and Japanese subs have a very low life expectancy unless used under friendly aircover, which is how we intend to use them in the latter part of the war. Also, of course, the Shinano was shut down. We are trying to accelerate some of the smaller carriers and some of the DDs. On the merchant side, we made a major initial investment in AR and MLE, converting 12 of each on day one of the war. Keeping these ships moving through the production process has caused us to shut down all AK and AP and also to increase merchant ship building somewhat. But the AR and MLE will all be available by sometime in June, so that will be nice.

[String]

He can't supply 150 heavy bombers in china. In fact in stock one cant supply even all of the ground forces there.

[ny59giants]

Joe,
What are your maximum expansions plans??
Into SE India?? I feel that is a good thing to create a buffer zone before the British/CW forces launch a counter attack.
How far into the South Pacific?? Noumea?? NZ?? East Pacific islands??

Inquiring minds want to know.[:D]

[jwilkerson]

He can't supply 150 heavy bombers in china. In fact in stock one cant supply even all of the ground forces there.

Well maybe "he" can't .. but I've had it done to me .. late '43 .. can't tell you how it was supplied .. I was just on the receiving end!

What are your maximum expansions plans??

Well one of my failings as a Japanese commander, is my inability to conceive of doing things that were much outside the actual capabilities of the Japanese, IRL. So invasions of USA/Russian/India or even Oz, beyond what we've done already, are "out of scope" for me. Moses' raid on Rabaul bought us a little time in the SOPAC area, but even if we can release KB this turn for the East, I'm sure they will have plenty to do when we get there. So, KB's mission is to fight the Americans, now that the SRA has been secured and without KB, an invasion of India can't happen. I'll rely on minefields, subs, LBA and surface forces to contain the Brits and focus on generating delaying battles against the Americans. We will do a token occupation of the Aleutians and continue to "fill up" the Papua/Solomons area. But the "grand expansion" phase is pretty much over at this point. We went to war for the resources of the SRA, we've (almost) completed the process of securing those. The next step is to defend that area for as long as possible - in theory - until the Americans quit.
That was the Japanese strategy - and I've borrowed it as well!

[Nikademus]

I've heard it can be done if one mobilizes the entire Indian based airforces in supply airlifts.

[jwilkerson]

Soerabaja fell yesterday, so bulk of Java Army now heading for Madioen and thence to Batavia.

Large amount of Allied fighters have staged to Port Morseby, so we will probably have another big battle there tomorrow.

In China seems like Moses is now moving his telephone phone towards Nanchang, so we need to keep the pressure on Changsha supplies.



AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/02/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 81 encounters mine field at Muntok (21,55)

TF 81 troops unloading over beach at Muntok, 21,55
One of those "accidental" unloadings ... [:@]


Japanese ground losses:
46 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 40 encounters mine field at Ominato (70,38)

Japanese Ships
MSW W.8

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Changsha , at 47,36

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 6

No Japanese losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Rangoon , at 29,34

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-17C Fortress x 5
B-17E Fortress x 36
LB-30 Liberator x 43

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 3 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-17C Fortress: 2 damaged
B-17E Fortress: 4 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
209 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Airbase hits 16
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 119
No real defense until the Tony's show up - and that's a loooong time off ...

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
18 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
15 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
11 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
4 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
6 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
10 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Akyab , at 30,29

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21 Sally x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 3 damaged

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
7 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Palembang , at 20,55

Japanese aircraft
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

No Japanese losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Batavia , at 19,59

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
B5N Kate x 45

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate: 3 destroyed, 9 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-18A Bolo: 1 destroyed
T.IVa: 1 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
18 casualties reported

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 14

Aircraft Attacking:
19 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
23 x B5N Kate bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Lae , at 54,87

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
P-39D Airacobra x 48

Japanese aircraft losses
No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
P-39D Airacobra: 2 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
36 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
12 x P-39D Airacobra bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 4th Mongolian Cavalry Division, at 46,24


Allied aircraft
SB-2c x 21


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
72 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
9 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 33rd Division, at 30,29
At Akyab - still waiting for the 55ID to show up .. any day now ...


Allied aircraft
B-26B Marauder x 27


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
11 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Aircraft Attacking:
27 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 21st Chinese Corps, at 43,40

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 21
Ki-27 Nate x 72
Ki-51 Sonia x 12
Ki-15 Babs x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-27 Nate: 1 damaged


Allied ground losses:
18 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
36 x Ki-27 Nate bombing at 2000 feet
36 x Ki-27 Nate bombing at 2000 feet
12 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
16 x A5M4 Claude bombing at 2000 feet
5 x A5M4 Claude bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on So.Sumatra Garrison Battalion, at 20,55

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 12
G4M1 Betty x 37
Ki-15 Babs x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged


Allied ground losses:
173 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

Aircraft Attacking:
20 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
8 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
12 x G3M Nell bombing at 6000 feet
8 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Gull Force Battalion, at 40,75

Japanese aircraft
E7K2 Alf x 8

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
9 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x E7K2 Alf bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Palembang at 20,55

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14

Allied aircraft
T.IVa x 3
Beaufort V-IX x 3
B-18A Bolo x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
T.IVa: 2 destroyed
Beaufort V-IX: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
B-18A Bolo: 1 destroyed

Japanese Ships
DD Shirakumo
DD Shikinami
DD Asagiri, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Amagiri

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x T.IVa launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x Beaufort V-IX launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x B-18A Bolo bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-18A Bolo bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-18A Bolo bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-18A Bolo bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-18A Bolo bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Palembang at 20,55

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14

Allied aircraft
B-18A Bolo x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-18A Bolo: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
AK Tokai Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-18A Bolo bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Palembang at 20,55

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 14

Allied aircraft
B-18A Bolo x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
B-18A Bolo: 2 destroyed

Japanese Ships
AP Nachisan Maru

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x B-18A Bolo bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Merak at 18,59

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 6

No Japanese losses

Allied Ships
AK Nord, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Batavia , at 19,59

Japanese aircraft
G3M Nell x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 2 damaged


Allied ground losses:
9 casualties reported

Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
2 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Muntok at 21,55

Japanese Ships
DD Ayanami
DD Hatsuyuki
DD Shirayuki
DD Isonami
DD Usugumo

Allied Ships
SS Tarpon

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Muntok at 21,55

Japanese Ships
PG Muro Maru
PG Uji
MSW W.5
PG Kozan Maru
PG Eifuku Maru
PG Saga

Allied Ships
SS Tarpon

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 7,93

Japanese Ships
SS I-2

Allied Ships
AK Empire Latimer, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Manila

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 24115 troops, 307 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 972

Defending force 28579 troops, 330 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 479



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Palembang

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 17759 troops, 127 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 336

Defending force 5094 troops, 54 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 43

Japanese max assault: 714 - adjusted assault: 2316

Allied max defense: 31 - adjusted defense: 57

Japanese assault odds: 40 to 1 (fort level 3)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Palembang base !!!
But damage to resources and oil are heavy ... luque of de draw ...


Japanese ground losses:
102 casualties reported
Guns lost 3
Vehicles lost 1

Allied ground losses:
27 casualties reported
Guns lost 4


Defeated Allied Units Retreating!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Bulla

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1325 troops, 9 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 33

Defending force 1685 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 9

Japanese max assault: 27 - adjusted assault: 12

Allied max defense: 4 - adjusted defense: 3

Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
7 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
9 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 46,24

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 14737 troops, 99 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 405

Defending force 4378 troops, 28 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 94

Allied max assault: 786 - adjusted assault: 1048

Japanese max defense: 60 - adjusted defense: 19

Allied assault odds: 55 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
157 casualties reported
Guns lost 6

Allied ground losses:
37 casualties reported
Guns lost 1


Defeated Japanese Units Retreating!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Manila

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2996 troops, 78 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 479

Defending force 46301 troops, 553 guns, 19 vehicles, Assault Value = 972


Japanese ground losses:
51 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

[jwilkerson]

For tomorrow, we have an assult on Akyab (the 55ID finally arrived, to join the 33ID and the 15Army HQ) and a probe against Madioen, with the 38ID and the 3 Tank Rgts going in. It will still be a couple of days before the bulk of the 12th Army shows up, but this is a probe to see if we can either knock them out of the city early or at least mess them up a bit before everyone else arrives.
Oh and the 23IB will attack Malang to the SW of Soerabaja as well. The clearing of Java continues!!!


AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/03/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Changsha , at 47,36
We put some decent damage on Changsha for a change ... hope this is exacerbating his supply issues with the "Tele" ...

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 39
Ki-21 Sally x 63
Ki-48 Lily x 50

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 1 damaged
Ki-48 Lily: 4 damaged


Allied ground losses:
97 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 6
Runway hits 113

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Changsha , at 47,36

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 33

No Japanese losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Batavia , at 19,59
As of the comlpetion of this strike, KB has been relieved and will proceed to Balikpapan for refueling and rearming prior to transfer to the East ...

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 2
B5N Kate x 106

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate: 2 destroyed, 22 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
T.IVa: 2 destroyed
B-18A Bolo: 2 destroyed


Allied ground losses:
50 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 18
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 44

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91
The Allies Chickened out and flew their 150 fighters back to Oz ... weather kept about a third of our fighters on the ground !

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 38

No Japanese losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 62

No Japanese losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 21st Chinese Corps, at 43,40

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 22
Ki-27 Nate x 64
Ki-51 Sonia x 12
Ki-15 Babs x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-27 Nate: 1 damaged


Allied ground losses:
39 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
32 x Ki-27 Nate bombing at 2000 feet
32 x Ki-27 Nate bombing at 2000 feet
12 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
18 x A5M4 Claude bombing at 2000 feet
4 x A5M4 Claude bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 63rd Chinese Corps, at 48,36

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 12

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
22 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Ki-27 Nate bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 7th Chinese Corps, at 48,36

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 23
Ki-30 Ann x 20
Ki-32 Mary x 18
Ki-51 Sonia x 27
Ki-36 Ida x 1

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
84 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 6th Chinese Cavalry Corps, at 49,31

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 12
Ki-15 Babs x 1

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Gull Force Battalion, at 40,75

Japanese aircraft
E7K2 Alf x 8

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
18 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 69,48
We're chasing the sub that boldly tried to bust into the Inland Sea. We've hit it a few times, but not enough apparently ...

Japanese Ships
DD Oboro
DD Makigumo
DD Kazegumo

Allied Ships
SS Nautilus, hits 1, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Manila

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 24062 troops, 308 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 971

Defending force 28743 troops, 329 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 482



Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Bulla

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1332 troops, 9 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 32

Defending force 1574 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 8

Japanese max assault: 26 - adjusted assault: 34

Allied max defense: 3 - adjusted defense: 5

Japanese assault odds: 6 to 1



Allied ground losses:
13 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 48,36
Part of the big Chinese Telephone pole near Changsha is attempting to move one of our speed bumps out of the way. This speed bump was apparently a little to high ... well that and looks like the "die rolls" were pretty heavily skewed in our favor ... looks like they reinforced, so we're probably toast one day soon ...

Allied Shock attack

Attacking force 26454 troops, 221 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1254

Defending force 14116 troops, 180 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 302

Allied max assault: 1152 - adjusted assault: 515

Japanese max defense: 313 - adjusted defense: 625

Allied assault odds: 0 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
116 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Allied ground losses:
516 casualties reported
Guns lost 16


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Manila

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2996 troops, 78 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 482

Defending force 46228 troops, 554 guns, 19 vehicles, Assault Value = 971


Japanese ground losses:
39 casualties reported
Guns lost 2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Muntok

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 402 troops, 0 guns, 29 vehicles, Assault Value = 21

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 0

Japanese max assault: 18 - adjusted assault: 4

Allied max defense: 0 - adjusted defense: 1

Japanese assault odds: 4 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Muntok base !!!

[jwilkerson]

Fairly quiet turn. We took Akyab, thus "ending" the Burma Campaign - well - from our perspective anyway. I'm sure the Brits will have one of their own one day.
And we took Malang aboard Java and setup Madioen which should fall next turn.
KB has begun the journey from Java to SOPAC.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/04/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Perth at 7,100


Japanese Ships
SS I-2

Allied Ships
AK Tjikandi, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Mandalay , at 33,30


Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 8


Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
11 casualties reported

Runway hits 3

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
4 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Akyab , at 30,29

Japanese aircraft
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

No Japanese losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91
Still no Allies at PM - 'bout time for us to take another rest. But reinforcements are on the way, we should be able to almost double our air power in the area, in a few days.

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 43

No Japanese losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 60

No Japanese losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 4th Mongolian Cavalry Division, at 46,23


Allied aircraft
SB-2c x 18


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
26 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
9 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 6th Chinese Cavalry Corps, at 49,31

Japanese aircraft
Ki-27 Nate x 12
Ki-15 Babs x 1

No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Ki-27 Nate bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Akyab , at 30,29

Japanese aircraft
Ki-46-II Dinah x 1

No Japanese losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
G3M Nell x 25
G4M1 Betty x 21

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 2 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 11

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
13 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
12 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
9 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 35
G3M Nell x 9
G4M1 Betty x 60

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty: 1 damaged


Allied ground losses:
11 casualties reported

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 6

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
9 x G3M Nell bombing at 15000 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
7 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
13 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
8 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
8 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 15000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Madioen

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 27596 troops, 198 guns, 409 vehicles, Assault Value = 886

Defending force 8793 troops, 71 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 195

Japanese max assault: 670 - adjusted assault: 262

Allied max defense: 195 - adjusted defense: 229

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 1


Japanese ground losses:
454 casualties reported
Guns lost 6
Vehicles lost 3

Allied ground losses:
420 casualties reported
Guns lost 7


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Malang

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 13775 troops, 130 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 255

Defending force 5053 troops, 5 guns, 3 vehicles, Assault Value = 26

Japanese max assault: 464 - adjusted assault: 186

Allied max defense: 17 - adjusted defense: 16

Japanese assault odds: 11 to 1 (fort level 2)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Malang base !!!



Allied aircraft
no flights


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
90 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Allied ground losses:
8580 casualties reported
Guns lost 5


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Manila
Reinforcements for Luzon from Malaya are arriving in a couple of days, so the "final" reduction of Luzon should start shortly.

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 24042 troops, 306 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 972

Defending force 28834 troops, 330 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 484



Allied ground losses:
69 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Akyab

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 43451 troops, 407 guns, 22 vehicles, Assault Value = 855

Defending force 7692 troops, 48 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 96

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 1

Japanese max assault: 1708 - adjusted assault: 638

Allied max defense: 97 - adjusted defense: 95

Japanese assault odds: 6 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Akyab base !!!



Allied aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft losses
Blenheim I: 2 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
497 casualties reported
Guns lost 7
Vehicles lost 5

Allied ground losses:
249 casualties reported
Guns lost 8


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Manila

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2996 troops, 78 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 484

Defending force 46233 troops, 553 guns, 19 vehicles, Assault Value = 972


Japanese ground losses:
67 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[jwilkerson]

Madioen fell this turn, we now hold 4 out of 9 of the bases onboard Java.

Major re-deployments in process. Lots of boats heading from Java Sea to SOPAC, troops headed to Burma and P.I., planes headed to SOPAC and some low EXP units will head to China for training.

From all appearances it looks like major focus area will now be SOPAC.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 03/05/42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TF 40 encounters mine field at Ominato (70,38)

Japanese Ships
MSW W.8

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Canton Island at 98,99
We got attacks on two ships here this turn - and we were moving this turn to boot - so that usually means there is a very high level of shipping activity in this port. That is a bit suspicious looking, this might be an indicator that he is planning a move towards Gilberts or Marshalls in the not too distant future. We will send another sub here.

Japanese Ships
SS I-19

Allied Ships
AK Alchiba, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Mandalay , at 33,30


Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 10


No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Akyab , at 30,29
He must have just been mad at us for taking Akyab ... we'd much rather have him striking the airbase at Akyab as opposed to almost any other target ... but I doubt he'll keep it up ... but certainly the 4EB bomber force in India is growing and aleady well beyond our ability to do anything about .. at least until the Tony window appears.


Allied aircraft
B-26B Marauder x 46
B-17E Fortress x 44
LB-30 Liberator x 25


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
212 casualties reported

Airbase hits 19
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 133

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
19 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 6000 feet
15 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 6000 feet
7 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
13 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
4 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
10 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
6 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 6000 feet
6 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 6000 feet
3 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder bombing at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing at 6000 feet
3 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
2 x LB-30 Liberator bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91
Still no allied air at PM ...

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 43

No Japanese losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 55

No Japanese losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 35

No Japanese losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 4th Mongolian Cavalry Division, at 46,23


Allied aircraft
SB-2c x 26


No Allied losses

Japanese ground losses:
41 casualties reported

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
6 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
5 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
3 x SB-2c bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on 65th Chinese Corps, at 43,40

Japanese aircraft
A5M4 Claude x 21
Ki-27 Nate x 68
Ki-51 Sonia x 12
Ki-15 Babs x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-27 Nate: 3 damaged


Allied ground losses:
22 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Aircraft Attacking:
32 x Ki-27 Nate bombing at 2000 feet
36 x Ki-27 Nate bombing at 2000 feet
12 x Ki-51 Sonia bombing at 2000 feet
16 x A5M4 Claude bombing at 2000 feet
5 x A5M4 Claude bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Madioen , at 21,64

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
Ki-21 Sally x 42

Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-21 Sally: 7 damaged


Allied ground losses:
19 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 33

Aircraft Attacking:
24 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
18 x Ki-21 Sally bombing at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 8
G3M Nell x 15
G4M1 Betty x 24

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 3 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses


Allied ground losses:
15 casualties reported

Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 13

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 9000 feet
12 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 9000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 9000 feet
3 x G3M Nell bombing at 9000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Port Moresby , at 53,91

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26
G3M Nell x 24
G4M1 Betty x 84

Allied aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M Nell: 3 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 1 destroyed, 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses

Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 30

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 9000 feet
24 x G3M Nell launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 9000 feet
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 9000 feet
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 9000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 9000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 9000 feet
9 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 9000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 9000 feet
10 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 9000 feet
13 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
6 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 9000 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty bombing at 9000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Canton Island at 98,99
Second shipping attack by I-19 this turn at Canton Is.

Japanese Ships
SS I-19

Allied Ships
AK Susan Luckenbach, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Madioen

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 38001 troops, 303 guns, 430 vehicles, Assault Value = 855

Defending force 8157 troops, 54 guns, 2 vehicles, Assault Value = 167

Japanese engineers reduce fortifications to 0

Japanese max assault: 1528 - adjusted assault: 1181

Allied max defense: 163 - adjusted defense: 208

Japanese assault odds: 5 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Madioen base !!!



Allied aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft losses
Hawk 75A: 1 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
322 casualties reported
Guns lost 8
Vehicles lost 2

Allied ground losses:
663 casualties reported
Guns lost 22


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Manila

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 23987 troops, 303 guns, 7 vehicles, Assault Value = 969

Defending force 28891 troops, 330 guns, 1 vehicles, Assault Value = 486



Allied ground losses:
31 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Bulla

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1369 troops, 10 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 33

Defending force 1522 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 6

Japanese max assault: 27 - adjusted assault: 31

Allied max defense: 2 - adjusted defense: 3

Japanese assault odds: 10 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
7 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
72 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at 48,36

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 41853 troops, 331 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 1733

Defending force 14591 troops, 179 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 295


Japanese ground losses:
8 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
5 casualties reported
Guns lost 2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Manila

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2976 troops, 78 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 486

Defending force 46148 troops, 551 guns, 19 vehicles, Assault Value = 969


Japanese ground losses:
37 casualties reported

[jwilkerson]

After 12th Army took Madioen, the three armored rgts we have aboard Java have taken the next two hexes by shock attack in two turns, and I'd expect this to continue possible until we reach Batavia, as he may not have any solid units in between now. The bulk of the 12th Army is following behind, at least they'll be needed for Batavia. A number of forces, including the IGID at Singapore that were planning for Batavia are now replanning for elsewhere.

The Bettys/Nells and Zeros in the SRA are mostly headed East, a few will stay in this area. The Taiyo/Hosho group and the Fuso/Yamashio group will also stay west and be supported by several Cruiser/Destroyer groups. The four KB groups are already headed East. The fleet base now at Balikpapan will redeploy to Truk/Rabaul.

[jwilkerson]

And in the main arena, we've got several groups of Betty/Nell/Zero in route, but over the next couple of days, some small reinforcements of about 40 Betty and about 50 Zero will arrive. Well, they'll arrive in one day, but they'll need to rest for 1-2 days after that.

We are also considering bring a few Sally's to Lae and pulling the Betty/Nell back a bit. The Sally's will hit the airfield harder.

His carrier group has been lurking South of Gili-Gili, but they seem to be fading farther and farther South, each turn. Installations are going up in Australia and Noumea, so looks like he is building up the infrastructure before he lungs forward.

[ny59giants]

Do you think it would be a good idea to build up Gili Gili enough to support Nell/Betty and close down that part of the Coral Sea to naval movement??
It would make it very difficult for him to reinforce or evacuate PM. [:D]

[jwilkerson]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

Do you think it would be a good idea to build up Gili Gili enough to support Nell/Betty and close down that part of the Coral Sea to naval movement??
It would make it very difficult for him to reinforce or evacuate PM. [:D]

Well, it is a good idea to build up almost everywhere [:D] ... and we do have a pile of people (small BFs and small Inf units) headed towards the SOPAC area to "scatter around" down here and GG is certainly one of the scatter targets. But I don't tend to like pile 20 engineers on one hex a create obvious targets, IME it is harder for the Allies to beat down multiple medium sized bases than one large one. In all my other games Ive been able to "control" this area pretty much through the end of '42 and we are pretty early yet, so I don't expect to get kicked out of here any time soon!

Another consideration is that GG is one of the easier places to hit with 4EB from Australia and the Allied players I've faced so far, often use it as a "training" target. Once we get Tony's we can make unescorted 4EB attacks too risky - but then once the Allies get the P-38 than can extent the escort range a good bit. But we hope we're not facing large numbers of P-38s until late '42, hence that target for retaining control of the airspace in this area.

[ny59giants]

Are you planning on taking PM or just try to isolate it?? [&:]
Just trying to get a clearer picture on what your New Guinea and Solomon Island plans are. [:D]

[jwilkerson]

Well the Allies need "something to do" ... and if worrying about PM gives them that, then I'm ok with that. Taking PM is probably not impossible, even still. But I figure it would take several divisions to make it a sure thing and there are zero divisions available outside the SRA/P.I. areas, which we still aren't done taking out.

But the US Carriers for instance, have been hovering South of Gili-Gili .. so that shows that he is trying to "support" PM, which means it is occupying his attention - and not somewhere else we don't know about - so that - for now - is good.

Our main plan in this area over the next couple of weeks is to bring in as much air power as we can and get KB over here and settled in as well. At the same time we're bring lots of "little people" BFs, Garrison Bns, NLFs and fuel and supply into the area. So all this will then give us a "basis" upon which to build. But I can't say when the first "division" will arrive. We're building up the PP to buy one, but that is still about 50 days out and then it has to hitch a ride. But I do see probably bringing the first "purchased" division into this theater, so at least by mid-May there should be one here.

[jwilkerson]

Well, it's pretty slow "action wise" right now, we're still pushing towards Batavia in Java. The first batch of reinforcements (56ID and some arty) have arrived on Luzon and so we are once again on the move. It will be several days before we try to re-enter the Clark Field hex. Each day another group of KB departs Balikpapan for the East, but it will probably be a couple of weeks before we are "in action" over there. Also, a number of air units are in the process of being transfered over though they too have to rest up a bit before going in to action.

But, in the mean time, here are some notes about fleet organization. I try to use "building blocks" ... light surface forces, heavy surface forces and carrier groups, with each of these nominally being about 8 ships, maybe a few more, maybe up to like 12. Then used in combinations as needed. So anyway, here are the Naval Org notes.



(1) Carrier Group: 1-2 CV/CVL/CVE, 0-2 BB, 0-4 CA, 0-2 CL, 4+ DD
Typical: 2xCV, 1xBB, 3xCA, 5xDD

(2) Surface Group: 0-4 BB, 0-4 CA, 0-4 CL, 0-8 DD
Typical Heavy: 2xBB, 2xCL, 4xDD
Typical Light: 2xCL, 6xDD

(3) ASW Group: 4-6 ASW Vessels
Typical Heavy: 2xAPD, 4xDD
Typical Light: 4xPC


(4) Replenishment Group: 4xAO, 8xTK, 4xDD

Fleet Base: 1xAR, 2xAD, 2xAS, 2xAE, 1xFleet HQ (Current Loc: Balikpapan, projected Loc: Truk/Rabaul)

Western Fleet: Fleet Base is Singpore, Naval Repair points have been boosted from 26 to 52 and will be increased again, we want to be able to take some damage off so ships here. The Southwest Fleet also has subordinate Fleets, the 2nd and 3rd. Currently, the 3rd Fleet is the Mobile Fleet HQ, but will remain in the West, redeploying to Soerabaja. The SouthWest and 2nd Fleet HQs will be at Singapore. We may consider moving the 2nd HQ to Kendari much later. Depends on where the main threat is comming from. Right now the major fleet units include the Fuso and Yamashiro, which are accompanied by 2xCL and 6xDD. This group is going into refit at Singapore, the Fuso and Yamashio will upgrade (3/42). So will several destroyers. Meanwhile, the Hosho/Taiyo group will raid out into the Indian Ocean, in conjunction with a Light Cruiser Group. Support for this raid will be supplied by the old Amphibious Group support tanker. There are two additional cruiser groups in the SW Fleet, these are both at Singapore. And finally the Haruna, Kongo Group at Palembang, decision still pending on disposition of this group, but Palembang is not completely secure until the airbase is repaired a bit more. In fact we are pretty desperate for a construction engineer here.

Mobile Fleet: The "KB" now consists of 4 Carrier Groups, one Light Surface Group and the Replenishment Group. Upon transfer to the East, KB will use the forward Fleet HQ of the 8th Fleet at Rabaul and the Combined Fleet HQ will come down to Truk, to join the Fourth and the SouthEastern Fleet HQs. We may also move the SE HQ to Rabaul. Initially we will deploy the Fleet train to Rabaul.

Eastern Fleet: Other Eastern Fleet elements, not currently assigned to the Mobile Fleet include the 3 Cruisier Groups currently in the 8th Fleet at Rabaul and the forming carrier group in home waters which will consist of the Junyo and the Shoho once they get airgroups worked up. There are also 6 Destroyers upgrading in Toyko and 3 new ASW DDs, as well as the Furutaka is almost finishing repair, so this will be a provisional carrier group until these ships reach the fleet and can be integrated.

Submarines: Submarines are operating in all areas and will continue to be. We are actually sustaining operations near Perth, Brisbane, The "GAP" between Pearl and San Francisco, in the Bay of Bengal, and in the SOPAC area.

ASW Operations: We are completing deployment of "safe" zones. These consist of networks of float and patrol planes, and also some dive bombers to perform naval search/ASW missions. These are supplemented by "hunter killer" ASW groups ... large troop convoys and tankers/oilers also have direct escort. We are mostly standardized on groups of 4. The exceptions are a few "heavy ASW groups" (of which there are only 3-4). The typical 4 ship group might be 4xPC or 4xPG or 4xMSW or some combination. As there are over 200 of these, the Japanese can keep about 50 (max) such groups at Sea. at a given point.

[jwilkerson]

Here's a shot of the KB enroute to the East, 4 different carrier groups and the replenishment group. It will be 1-2 weeks before we expect to be "in action".