Forlorn Hopes: The Japanese Respond

[ny59giants]

When I'm unsure that a base has enough fuel to refuel the whole TF or group of TFs like you just had come into Saipan, I pull out those ships that need it the most to refuel them before placing them back in that TF. Next, is set the home port to somewhere close by to prevent the AI from doing what happened to you.

Did your TF have their speed set to mission or full?? 

[Mistmatz]

Whenever I need a TF do exactly the move I want it to do, I set their home harbour to be nearby. Ideally, the vessel with fuel for the lowewst number of remaining hexes should be able to arrive this base with whatever it has left in its bunkers. Obviously going away from cruise speed setting this calculation may easily fail.

But I guess this is common practice and probably John did something similar. Especially as there are a couple of Japanese bases nearby to retreat to.

I guess we can assume KB will fight another day... [;)]

[John 3rd]

My TF had plenty of fuel.  They were set to return to Saipan.  Normal movement set.  All that they had to do was move FIVE hexes and then be in position to launch.  Kaga refueled 2 DD that were at 3,500 of 5,000 capacity the turn prior.  This cost me a hex and cost me a chance to seriously sink some shipping with only 24 Allied Fighters flying CAP. 

What a damned waste!  No wonder Dan refused.  He KNEW I had him dead-to-rights and thus...

Rather pissed off human being at the moment.  Should note this is directed at the AI and not my partner.

[John 3rd]

This is a nice screenshot!

[n01487477]

Frank V Tony100
[*]From what I can tell the Frank is a much better plane because it has higher speed.
[*]They have the same armament.
[*]They have the same range.
[*]The Tony has no groups to build
[*]The Frank (a) and (c) have 2 groups of 36 planes each

Zeke8
[*]lower speed than the Frank
[*]Less range
[*]different armament ... not sure how accurate the weapons are ???
[*]no groups to build

Hope this helps ...

[FeurerKrieg]

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

What a damned waste!  No wonder Dan refused.  He KNEW I had him dead-to-rights and thus...

While I realize it is frustrating, I don't think it is really fair to say that because he knew things would have gone worse is the reason for his refusal of a mulligan. I know if I was in his position I would not allow a redo either.

Things happen - war is not a perfect science. That being said - the things I do to try and minimize refuels at sea:
1) Select closest base possible for the home port
2) Only use 6200 or higher capacity destroyers with carriers (if possible)
3) Always set full speed when preparing to launch a strike - and only cruise speed when getting into position
4) If I'm low on destroyers 6200 capacity destroyers - I'll put fewer in the Air combat TF and set the shorter legged boats in their own TF's set to ASW and have them follow the carriers. Less AA, but that's better than unway refueling.

[Alikchi2]

Navy fighters? I'd invest in the Reppu or Shinden, personally. This late in the war, the difference in Zero quality is minimal.

[Heeward]

Your Iwo Jima operation was a success without you CV's flying a single strike aircraft! You have intiated another raid against his supply lines / exposed bases that he has to respond to. He will either have to pull his horns in or dissapate his efforts even more to escort convoys and maintain greater cap over bases. This will result in either less escorts or less bombers - both of which help you.

[John 3rd]

ORIGINAL: Heeward

Your Iwo Jima operation was a success without you CV's flying a single strike aircraft! You have intiated another raid against his supply lines / exposed bases that he has to respond to. He will either have to pull his horns in or dissapate his efforts even more to escort convoys and maintain greater cap over bases. This will result in either less escorts or less bombers - both of which help you.

That is damned fine thinking! I was saying similar to Michael just this afternoon.

You want to see him stretch? Watch what I about to do in China regarding his B-29 bases...

[John 3rd]

ORIGINAL: Feurer Krieg

ORIGINAL: John 3rd

What a damned waste!  No wonder Dan refused.  He KNEW I had him dead-to-rights and thus...

While I realize it is frustrating, I don't think it is really fair to say that because he knew things would have gone worse is the reason for his refusal of a mulligan. I know if I was in his position I would not allow a redo either.

Things happen - war is not a perfect science. That being said - the things I do to try and minimize refuels at sea:
1) Select closest base possible for the home port
2) Only use 6200 or higher capacity destroyers with carriers (if possible)
3) Always set full speed when preparing to launch a strike - and only cruise speed when getting into position
4) If I'm low on destroyers 6200 capacity destroyers - I'll put fewer in the Air combat TF and set the shorter legged boats in their own TF's set to ASW and have them follow the carriers. Less AA, but that's better than unway refueling.

This reveals how little you know about the Japanese in this Mod. The BEST class of DD I have has a 5,000 Range and that is it.

[FeurerKrieg]

Nothing over 5,000? Man that sounds like no fun at all!

Even the Akizuki's only have 5,000?

[John 3rd]

I would have to look but am sure that is the best I get...

[John 3rd]

The next phase of Japanese hit-and-fade operations. I give it an official title hoping that Dan notices and thinks I am working on another Fleet action. The reality is that the ENTIRE Fleet is going to Soerabaja for repairs and upgrades. I have upgraded that Port to have a Repair Yard of 104 size.

I can defend this Port far more easily then anywhere else. The only B-29 that can hit are unescorted coming from Darwin. There are now 130 Fighters there and when the Fleet arrives that will bump to 400 or so. Should 'deter' the Americans I should think...

Here is Harukaze:

[John 3rd]

This is a Theatre that I expect to heat-up within the next 4-6 weeks. Am moving troops and preparing positions. It is my hope to do some damage down here to any Allied attack...

[2ndACR]

I would leave the squares just as bait or maybe use some naval guard units to prevent para drops. I think all those bases are 0/0 bases that will take some time to buildup. Keep a Div ready, have the shipping ready and the moment the allies land well, sally forth and smash them.
 
Any base you garrison, well you know he will bring the kitchen sink.

[John 3rd]

Strategic Air Defense
New Moves

AA Units
I was looking around the cupboard in Manchuria and spotted something I hadn't thought of.  There are a number of Heavy AA Regiments in Manchuria that I haven't used.  The total was eight of them and they all got orders to move to Pusan for immediate embarkation to Japan.  Currently there are 4 AA units in both Gumma and Tokyo.  The reinforcements will be spread in two groups of four as well.  Am thinking of placing them in Northern Honshu where I have given up my Fighter defense.  Akita and Aomori are the logical spots.   

Air HQ
Since I have ceded Hokkaido to American aerial superiority there is no need for Air HQ in this region.  I ordered 3 Air Flotilla, an Air Division HQ, an Aviation Regiment, and an Engineering Regiment to move to Hakodate.  They did and were lifted off (no interference whatsoever) a few days ago.  I will spread these units around to help with base repair, support, and supply concentration.  Cannot believe that the 40+ AK/AP I used (with no Fighter cover) weren't even touched by American airpower!

Operation Harukaze will begin about July 1st.  Am moving Base Force units around in China to ready my AF for quick strikes.  Have also moved in 4 Sentai of Fighters for training purposes.  The training attacks will occur in conjunction with the bombing strikes at various locations.

[John 3rd]

ORIGINAL: n01487477

Frank V Tony100
[*]From what I can tell the Frank is a much better plane because it has higher speed.
[*]They have the same armament.
[*]They have the same range.
[*]The Tony has no groups to build
[*]The Frank (a) and (c) have 2 groups of 36 planes each

Zeke8
[*]lower speed than the Frank
[*]Less range
[*]different armament ... not sure how accurate the weapons are ???
[*]no groups to build

Hope this helps ...

Damian and Alikchi--Thanks for the thoughts regarding plane choice and research. The plan is to wait until July 1st and then shift some research into new fighter-types. I will not use the Tony-100 or A6M8. Will pick one of the other two Navy choices...

[ny59giants]

AA Units
I was looking around the cupboard in Manchuria and spotted something I hadn't thought of. There are a number of Heavy AA Regiments in Manchuria that I haven't used. The total was eight of them and they all got orders to move to Pusan for immediate embarkation to Japan. Currently there are 4 AA units in both Gumma and Tokyo. The reinforcements will be spread in two groups of four as well. Am thinking of placing them in Northern Honshu where I have given up my Fighter defense. Akita and Aomori are the logical spots.

Why place them in places that have no value to you now?? I would add them to bases that are still important to your economy....like your Frank fighters just to name one. Gumma and Tokyo are large bases for your production and still close enough to the front lines in the strategic bombing campaign against you.

Pull up Tracker and look for all your AA LCUs to see if there are others that could be used.

[John 3rd]

Michael---good thinking as always. I looked around and I actually have 7 plants that will be producing the plane. They are spread around so that is a good thing.

The decision must be made as to which Navy plane to research. Using TRACKER here are the choices:

[Q-Ball]

John, that's a no-brainer: Shinden. They can actually take on Allied fighters on even terms, and don't need to be crack pilots to get kills. Remember back in 1942 when that used to happen?

Relive the glory days with the Shinden. It's the Japanese Corsair.