Campaigning in the North Pacific

[Q-Ball]

I haven't read tons of AAR's, a few, and the ones I have read there isn't alot of action in the North Pacific. I am curious how experienced players feel about this as a theatre of action. It seems easier than IRL to attack or base planes up there. IRL, I can't imagine a sustainable campaign with WWII technology, other than in a brief window in the summer.

It happens to be quickest way to Japan, other than Paramishiro Jima, it's right to the Home Islands.

There isn't alot for the Japanese up there, other than some VP's at Anchorage, and buildling a barrier to prevent move to Home Islands.

Thoughts on this?

[castor troy]

ORIGINAL: Q-Ball

I haven't read tons of AAR's, a few, and the ones I have read there isn't alot of action in the North Pacific. I am curious how experienced players feel about this as a theatre of action. It seems easier than IRL to attack or base planes up there. IRL, I can't imagine a sustainable campaign with WWII technology, other than in a brief window in the summer.

It happens to be quickest way to Japan, other than Paramishiro Jima, it's right to the Home Islands.

There isn't alot for the Japanese up there, other than some VP's at Anchorage, and buildling a barrier to prevent move to Home Islands.

Thoughts on this?

IMO, forget about the North. I was never able to get my aircraft to fly more often than every third or fourth day. It depends on the date, but if it´s before 44 than I would very welcome an Allied player that attacks and perhaps takes Paramushiro Jima. Can be built up to level 4 airfield and if you have stacking limits than there´s not much room for aircraft. One naval bombardment that hits the airfield or a bomber attack that is able to take out the airfield and it would be a damned place for the Allied, surrounded by a lot of big airfields on Northern Japan. Though it´s out of Helen / Sally range. Range from Shikha is 9 hexes IIRC.

[DuckofTindalos]

Actually, it isn't the quickest way to Japan, because there's no infrastructure there.

[niceguy2005]

Because of the weather the Allied player would have to rely more on the navy and downplay LBA...this would play right into Japan's hands.  Japan theoritically could reinforce the northern islands quickly...although some Jap players might be so aggressive that they gut the home island defense.  I think the most strategic value of North Pac is the threat of possible attack, rahter than the actual attack.

[Q-Ball]

Good responses, and other than Paramishiro Jima and the Island behind it, there aren't any bases before the Home Islands. P.J. conveniently has lots of CD guns planted there.

Maybe the advantage for Japan is the distraction, and ability to leverage superior surface fleet. But then again, other than Anchorage, what is worth fighting for as Allies?

[Roger Neilson II]

Well I'm doing it and you can see what's happening in my AAR, look at the last page or so.

http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=1053424

I can confirm that the weather is not too pleasant, and even flooding the islands with engineer units (of which I have loads)its very slow progress. Bear in mind also the Japs in this game have hardly any capital ships left. I'd say this was probably highly untypical of normal situations, though my envelopment strategy will pay off long term here.

Roger

[niceguy2005]

ORIGINAL: Q-Ball

Good responses, and other than Paramishiro Jima and the Island behind it, there aren't any bases before the Home Islands. P.J. conveniently has lots of CD guns planted there.

Maybe the advantage for Japan is the distraction, and ability to leverage superior surface fleet. But then again, other than Anchorage, what is worth fighting for as Allies?

If you're asking what is worth fighting for as the Allies in the Aleutians I think Dutch Harbor is the only asset west of Anchorage worth much of anything. It does make a nice sub base.

A northern invasion is not beyond all reason. Depending on the circumstances of the game it might be justified. I think the Northern route does pose a threat to Japan and Japan needs to be made to feel that it is a possibility.

[AcePylut]

One word:  Blizzard
 
It's always "blizzarding" in the North Pacific!

[haleyjo_68]

I have not done it in PBEM, but was successful in the Northern Pacific against Japan. Resulted in bases that were close enough to Bomb Japan in 1943 and final result was landings in Sahkalin and Hokkaido. But I had only started that branch as a diversion really.

[Yava]

I hate the weather over there as most folks... not to mention that you have to build everything up from rags... It's tempting thou...[;)]

[hvymtl13]

July 43-I've built Kiska up very well and I have placed 53rd Regimental Combat Team, 7th US Army Division, and the 5th Fleet there. Along with some artillery, coastal defense and Anti-aircraft units. It's a 5/5 base with some LBA bombing P.J. since late 42. More harrasing until a HQ unit (5th Fleet) became available and I committed it to NPAC. Lexington currently under extensive repairs (from Kwajelien invasions early 42) along with Enterprise will most likely be sent north to probe the defenses and engage enemy shipping in Aug. 43. 5th Fleet has 70 or so prep points on P.J. and 7th Division already has 100. So invasion is a go when suficient assets for transport and Naval air cover become available.

[Dino]

5th Fleet has 70 or so prep points on P.J.

AFAIK, 5th Fleet is a Naval HQ...I don't think it's presence and prep points are going to help your assault (it might help save some ships, tho).