Coral Sea Scenario advise

[[RS]Wedge]

I have had UV since release, but have not played it for 3-4 years now. I just recently updated my version to 2.5 and started the Coral Sea scenario.

I sent my Air Combat TF to 17,44 to help ward off any attacks against Buna, PM, and GG. I was able to pretty much take out a IJN invading TF to GG, but then two days later I was hit hard by IJN fighters and bombers - I ended up losing both the Yorktown and Lex.

I am about to restart the scenario. What can I do to protect these CVs? I made sure to stay south of GG - I guess I put them too close to GG?

Thanks.

[SuluSea]

For added help protecting the carriers. I like to get just close enough to Port Moresby with the Carriers to let their fighters and fighter bombers give me added long range CAP for the Air Combat TFs and also have enough range for the air strikes from carrier based forces to be effective against the transports.

[[RS]Wedge]

That is what I figured.  This current scenario is pretty much a wash.  I will finish it out, but next time I will put my carrier group south of PM.
 
 

[ILCK]

ORIGINAL: [RS]Wedge

I have had UV since release, but have not played it for 3-4 years now. I just recently updated my version to 2.5 and started the Coral Sea scenario.

I sent my Air Combat TF to 17,44 to help ward off any attacks against Buna, PM, and GG. I was able to pretty much take out a IJN invading TF to GG, but then two days later I was hit hard by IJN fighters and bombers - I ended up losing both the Yorktown and Lex.

I am about to restart the scenario. What can I do to protect these CVs? I made sure to stay south of GG - I guess I put them too close to GG?

Thanks.

Early on if the Japs have fighter escorts they'll almost always get through your CAP and once they do you will lose ships. The only thing that keeps USN CV's with F4F's from getting smoked is staying away from Japanese bases where they can bring fighter cover. If you engage the IJN CV's you are also going to lose ships.

[[RS]Wedge]

I moved the Yorktown and Lexington to the south of PM with a lot better results.  I ended up losing Buna, but won in a decisive victory at the end of the scenario.

Ok, I'm hooked.

[8D]

[bigbaba]

the line between right south of GG and south of lunga is imho the "red line". if you cross it, you will get some visit by japanese bombers from rabaul escorted by zeros...at least in a long scenario.


in the coral sea scenario, i would run a low % CAP, until you expect a fight in the next turn, so your fighter pilots are well rested for the fight. if you sight the japanese carriers, get close to them on direct course at full speed, so your outdated devestators can also join the strike force. and like ILCK said, the japanese will brak through your CAP, so its better to give your strike force a strong fighter escort to give them a chance to inflict at least the same damage into the japs carriers which they cause to your ships. a CAP around 30-40% should be enough imho.

[SuluSea]

ORIGINAL: [RS]Wedge

I moved the Yorktown and Lexington to the south of PM with a lot better results.  I ended up losing Buna, but won in a decisive victory at the end of the scenario.

Ok, I'm hooked.

[8D]

Good News!![;)] You can use Lunga CAP for added help against the IJN Carriers but as already mentioned its best to stay away from carrier duels in early '42.