So, where does that leave us with the movements of the Imperial flattops?
ahh my favorite part, Analysis!
well
We know that Ryujo is at Sorong
but then theres also, most likely, CVL Shoho
so where is she? and where is Zuiho and Hosho and Taiyo?
granted those 2 little CVEs arent that fast, but theyd be good for a Mini KB, which could bring maybe 100 planes into combat, assuming that all the CVEs and Shoho are with it, but then Ryujo is off by herself at Sorong
and obviously, the Big 6, Akagi, Kaga, Soryu, Hiryu, Shokaku, and Zuikaku are still together
but then recon also reported a CVL with them
could this be Shoho or Zuiho? could it have been a CVE? its possible, though i dont think its likely, as if i were Bruno id rather my KB have a good stetpping speed, at least 28 knots, which leaves out Hosho and Taiyo
Shoho also has a top speed of 28 knots, and Ryujos is 29 knots, while that of Zuiho is also about 29 knots
while Hosho, Japans first ever carrier, has a top speed of 25 knots
thus Hosho would only be good for covering amphib operations, same with Taiyo, with a top speed of 21 knots or so
but then the Junyo and Hiyo have a top speed similar to Hosho, due to being built on merchant hulls
but then again, Bruno could operate tham as a baby KB, to cover amphibs, which he seems, to an extent, to be doing, now that hes realized my planes will take a toll if he doesnt cover them, and to range around causing chaos, and provide the incentive for me to keep the still intact Force Z, out of action, due the lack of fighter coverage, and fighters themselves that can effectively cover them
Yes POW took a bomb, but it was minor, no real damage, almost none
and thats what i would do, use the CVEs and perhaps Hosho as a baby KB to cover amphibs and cause chaos, and operate Ryujo and Shoho and Zuiho with the Big 6
but then im not bruno [:'(][:D]
his 3 light carriers, which he probably has, have top speeds around 28-29 knots or so, same as Kaga, so its quite possible
so thus, in KB, i could be facing the Big 6, plus the 3 light carriers, Ryujo, Zuiho, and Shoho
i believe in my game with dennishe, i had Shoho by january 20th IIRC, since i sped her up
and then within a few weeks or months hell have Junyp and Hiyo, and he may put the 3 CVLs he probably has now, with them, and have another KB, not as good as the main KB, but still decent
so with these factors and possibilities in mind, it will deffinitely be a while before the first KB-PacFlt engagement...
unless, of course, he goes for Hawaii...
