Forlorn Hopes: The Japanese Respond

[2ndACR]

Yep.....above 15,000 feet, all attacks by dive bombers will be by 9 plane elements instead of 4. Helps to magnify the number of hits per ship. But can be very annoying if they go after the BB's and CA's instead of the CV's.
 
Not sure about the torp planes......never tried it.......I always try to use above 15,000 for DB and around 9,000 for my TB's.......helps to spread the CAP, or at least I think it does. CV vs CV anyway........everything else I want 4 plane elements.
 
Watch fuel etc........I would bet he is a week out from any landing.

[ny59giants]

From the "Must Read Threads."

tm.asp?m=1112767

[Mike Solli]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

Settings for Aircraft on Day 1: CAP 50% Range 6, DB 14,000 Ft Range 6 No Search, and TB 12,000 Ft Range 6 No search

Why do you have your DB & TB below 15,000 ft?? They will come in against his ships in 4 plane vs 9 plane formations. I always thought it was best in CV vs CV battles to go in from a higher altitude.

I prefer 4 plane increments. There's the possibility of hitting more ships.

[Mark VII]

I get nine a/c divebombing elements when set at 15,000 feet.

[castor troy]

ORIGINAL: Mark VII

I get nine a/c divebombing elements when set at 15,000 feet.

then the trigger is below 15,000 ft! [;)]

[John 3rd]

Thanks for the discussion gentlemen.  I read the Thread that Michael listed and am going opt for 20,000 CAP, 15,000 DB, and 10,000 TB.  They'll get chopped to pieces anyway but we'll see what happens...

[John 3rd]

I need commentary here. This is my current thinking for the next day. I'll move close to Wake for LR CAP and swing everything I have at Dan's TF.

Making spaghetti for dinner. Will make, enjoy, and come back to issue final orders...

[2ndACR]

I would hold off and see if he launches an air attack on Wake.......then you can hit his CV's while alot of his air groups are set for airfield attack and sweep missions........Nothing better than really catching him off guard and by surprise.
 
I really, really would do that. I would hold north and see what he does.........pray he does not detect you.

[John 3rd]

THAT is my exact fear.  He doesn't know I am there.  If he spots me then he'll run for Eniwetok.  Course if that was the case I would have a field day with his AP/AP that couldn't make the move...

I am limited to a 5 or 6 hex move due to my CVE's low speed. 

Could move NW one hex and wait the day...

[John 3rd]

OK.  I've eaten and thought about things.  One more day will be the order.  I will move the Kaigun one hex NW and wait to see if an attack occurs. 

To provoke things I will move the ships at Wake one hex WEST to trigger and American attack.  My Fighters will be on LR CAP.  Regardless of how many I lose, this should damage the American morale for a follow-up day of battle.  Additionally, I will strip the Home Isles of 2-3 Fighter Sentai/Daitai to move into a supporting position at Tinian.

[2ndACR]

How about saving the CVE's for any followup strikes and maybe LR CAP your primary CV fleets........that should really increase your possible reaction distance.

[John 3rd]

You mean sacrifice the CVEs or what.  I do not understand.

[2ndACR]

NO, never sacrifice.......keep them behind your CV's. That frees your CV's for full speed........once the battle occurs, your fleet CV's will move to full speed, your CVE's will move at their full speed. That should put about 2-4 hexex between your fleets........the CVE's are a full strike force (as much as they can be) to be used to chase down damaged ships, add additional punch on his depleted air groups etc.
 
Basically, your fleet CV's will hit first, CVE's second.
 
Keep only your land based a/c on LRCAP, not your CV's........keep them hidden.

[John 3rd]

I think I get your idea.

Let me see if I have it right:

1.  Hold off for a day to see if Dan strikes Wake (thus hurting his air groups as well as morale) on May 28th.
2.  Move in with the CVs on the 29th with whatever LRCAP that still exists from Wake.  Split CVEs to follow behind somewhat.
3.  The Battle plays out on the 29th.
4.  On the 30th release the CVEs to attack with their air groups.  I would add to that the moving in to Wake, Truk, and Kwal several hundred Frances and Betty bombers.

How is that???!!!

[2ndACR]

You have the idea now........never sacrifice your speed, but figure out how to make use of the different speeds.
 

[John 3rd]

Going back to the turn and will make final decisions so I stop agonizing over this stupid thing. 

[John 3rd]

I've had a very long day!

In addition to agonizing over this set of turns I have met with my lawyer and we are considering some major moves regarding my situation.

Here is the final product:

[2ndACR]

I think we have a winner........take your heart pills...................LOL

[John 3rd]

Boy that is the truth.  I've thought about this stupid game all day! 

I know the media has had a severe case of BDS (Bush Derangement Syndrome) the last eight years.  How many of us can admit to having WitPDS?  [:D][:D][:D]

I would say that this thinking is a back-handed complement to the game desigbners and everyone who has helped and Modded the game.  I thank them and Brian in particular for making me focus on this thing when my mind probably should be elsewhere.  On the OTHER hand (sound like Fiddler on the Roof) considering my 2008, I am thankful for having the distraction!

Anyway...I need to finish my turn for The First Team:  Part Two.

[Mike Solli]