History of a Spanish War: Fremen (JFB) vs Fletcher (AFB).

[Fletcher]

FROM: LCDR MOSSELEY, S.P, USS POLLACK. OFF IWAKI.
TO: RADM WITHERS, J.R, SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET, P.H.
SUBJECT: ENEMY SHIP SUNK.
DATE: DEC 30TH 1941.

ENEMY SHIP SIGHTED NEAR IWAKI ATTACKED ON SURFACE. 10 SHELL HITS AND 2 TORPEDO HITS REPORTED. SEVERAL OTHER TORPEDOES FAILS TO DETONATE. ENEMY SHIP SINKS AFTER HEAVY BLOW AND BURNING.
SHIP IDENTIFIED LIKE XAK YAMAHUZI MARU.

END //

[Fletcher]

FROM: RADM. LEXINGTON, NORTHERN WATERS.
TO: VADM HALSEY, CARRIER FORCE, USN PACIFIC FLEET. P.H.
SUBJECT: ENEMY AMPHIBIOUS FORCE ENGAGED.
DATE: DEC 30TH 1941.

HIGH PRIORITY MESSAGE /
BEWILDERED

ENEMY AMPHIBIOUS FORCES SPOTTED BY OUR NAVAL SEARCH FLOATPLANES HEADING EAST.

AIR COMBAT GROUP LAUNCHED SEVERAL AIR STRIKES AGAINST ENEMY SHIPS LIKE FOLLOWING:

1ST WAVE: 6 DIVE BOMBERS SBD-3 ESCORTED BY 4 F2A-3 ATTACK UNDER MODERATE RAIN 2 ENEMY XAK NEAR BULDIR ISLAND AT 156,48. 1 BOMB HIT REPORTED ON XAK OKUYO MARU. CASUALTIES ON TROOPS ABOARD.

2ND WAVE: 6 DIVE BOMBERS SBD-3 ESCORTED BY 2 F2A-3 ATTACK UNDER LIGHT RAIN 1 ENEMY XAK NEAR BULDIR ISLAND AT 158,48. 5 BOMB HITS REPORTED AND ENEMY SHIP SUNK WITH TROOPS ABOARD.

3RD WAVE: 4 TBD-1 DEVASTATOR ESCORTED BY 1 F2A-3 ATTACK 1 ENEMY AO IDENTFIED LIKE AO NARUO, NEAR ATTU ISLAND AT 154,48. NO HITS REPORTED.

4TH WAVE: (AT AFTERNOON) 5 SBD-3 ESCORTED BY 4 F2A-3 STRIKE 2 ENEMY XAK NEAR BULDIR ISLAND AT 156,48. NO THIS REPORTED.

5TH WAVE: (AT AFTERNOON) 4 TBD-1 DEVASTATOR ESCORTED BY 1 BUFFALO STRIKE ENEMY CARGO SHIP NEAR BULDIR ISLAND UNDER SEVERE STORMS. NOT HITS REPORTED.

SPOTTED TWO BATTLESHIPS(?) HEADING EAST. TOMORROW WILL TRY TO SMASH ENEMY CONVOYS.

END//

[Fletcher]

FROM: LCDR CHAPPEL, L.H. USS SCULPIN. TSUSHIMA STRAITS.
TO: RADM WITHERS J.R., SUBMARINE FORCE, USN PACIFIC FLEET. P.H.
SUBJECT: HIGH VALUE TARGET ENGAGED.
DATE: DEC. 31ST 1941.

HIGH VALUE TARGET SPOTTED UNESCORTED NEAR TSUSHIMA STRAITS. SEVERAL TORPEDOS LAUNCHED, SEVERAL HITS, BUT NOT EXPLODES. SURFACE TO ATTACK SHIP. 10 SHELL HITS REPORTED BUT 2 HIT ON MY OWN SUB. I MUST TO SUBMERGE DUE DAMAGE.

RETURNING TO PEARL HARBOR AFTER MODERATE DAMAGE IN SURFACE COMBAT (42 FLOOD -BUT ONLY 1 MAJOR-)

END //

[Fletcher]

FROM: ADM. NIMITZ, CHESTER W., CINCPAC, P.H.
TO: RADM. SPRUANCE, RAYMOND A., USS ENTERPRISE.
SUBJECT: HYPO
DATE: DEC 31ST 1941.

INTERCEPTED JAPANESE MESSAGE REPORTING CHANGES IN 4TH INFANTRY DIVISION TARGET. JAPANESE WILL SEND THIS GREAT UNIT TO MALAYA. THIS UNIT ABOARD SHIPS HEADING BABELDAOB PLANNING SINGAPORE (PORT MORESBY THE LAST TARGET REPORTED). HYPO REPORT.

USS SARATOGA HAVE ORDERS TO RENDEZVOUS WITH YOU. YOU WILL TAKE THE JOIN COMMAND OF BOTH CARRIERS.

USMC UNITS UNLOADED AT PAGO PAGO READY FOR ANY COUNTERSTRIKE IF JOINT CHIEF OF STAFF WILL

END //

[Fletcher]

FROM: CDR. JEFFRIES, R., USS S-37, YELLOW SEA WATERS.
TO: RADM. WITHERS, J.R., SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET, P.H.
SUBJECT: ENEMY SHIP SUNK
DATE: JAN 1ST 1942

ENEMY FREIGHTER SPOTTED NEAR KEIJO, AT 101,50. 04 TORPEDOES LAUNCHED. ENEMY SHIP SUNK AFTER 1 TORPEDO HIT.

NO ESCORTING SHIPS.

END //

[Fletcher]

FROM: WCDR. LONGFIELD, G.P. NO.34 RAF SQDRN. SINGAPORE.
TO: ACOM COBBY, HENRY. 224 GROUP RAF, SINGAPORE.
SUBJECT: NIGHT ATTACK AGAINST KUCHING.
DATE: JAN 1ST 1942.

FOLLOWING YOUR ORDERS TO DISTURB ENEMY AIR OPS FROM KUCHING, WE LAUNCHED AN NIGHT AIR ATTACK AGAINST ENEMY AIRFIELDS ON THIS BASE. TWO ENEMY TWIN-ENGINE TORPEDO-BOMBERS WERE DESTROYED AT GROUND.

NO OWN LOSSES.

END //

[Fletcher]

FROM: CDR SIMPSOM, RODGER W., USS MAHAN, PICKETT FORCE. NORTHERN WATERS.
TO: RADM. SHERMAN, USS LEXINGTON. TASK FORCE 1. NORTHERN WATERS.
SUBJECT: ENEMY AMPHIBIOUS FORCE ENGAGED.
DATE: JAN 1ST 1942.

ENEMY AMPH FORCE SPOTTED NEAR ADAK ISLAND, RANGE 8,0000 YARDS, ENEMY SHIPS SUSPENDS LANDINGS OPERATIONS. MAXIMUL VISIBILITY IN RAN : 13,000 YARDS.

XAK ASO MARU, XAK RYUYO MARU, AXK MEIU MARU, XAK TEISEN MARU, XAK IWAKI MARU, XAK MEISON MARU AND PB NAKO MARU SINKS AFTER SEVERAL SHELL AND TORPEDO HITS AT POINT BLANK FIRE.


END //

[Fletcher]

FROM: LCDR. STOUT R., USS HULL, ASW DES DIV IN NORTHERN WATERS.
TO: RADM. SHERMAN, USS LEXINGTON.
SUBJECT: ENEMY CARRIERS ENGAGED !
DATE: JAN 1ST 1942.

UNDER SNOWING WEATHER CONDITION, ENEMY CARRIERS HIRYU AND SORYU ESCORTED BY 4 ENEMY DESTROYERS WERE SPOTTED NEAR ADAK ISLAND, AT 161, 51, RANGE 10,000 YARDS. LOW VISIBILITY DUE TO RAIN.
USS AYLWIN AND DD WORDEN ENGAGED CV HIRYU UNSUCCESFULLY. 1 SHELL HIT REPORTED ON DD HAMAKAZE AND 1 SHELL SHIT ON DD AYLWIN.

ENEMY CARRIER SORYU SCREENED FROM COMBAT. ENEMY BREAK OFF, WE ARE HEADING TO EAST A TOP SPEED.

END //

[Fletcher]

FROM: RADM. SHERMAN, USS LEXINGTON., NORTHERN WATERS.
TO: ADM NIMITZ, CHESTER W., USN PACIFIC FLEET HQ, P.H.
SUBJECT: ENEMY STRIKE REPORT.
DATE: JAN 1ST 1942

UNDER THUNDERSTROMS ENEMY LAUNCHED AN AIR STRIKE AGAINST THIS T.FORCE, 18 KATES, 24 VALS ESCORTED WITH 18 ZEROS DOGFIGHTED WITH OUR 13 F2A-3 BUFFALOS.

ENEMY GET 3 BOMB HITS ON CV SARATOGA, 1 TORPEDO HIT ON CA CHESTER AND 2 BOMB HITS ON CL TRENTON.

CV LEXINGTON, FIGHTING MODERATE DAMAGE (25 SYSTEM, 20 FLOOD). LIGHT DAMAGE ON CRUISERS.

ENEMY LOST 2 ZEROS AND 1 VAL. OWN LOSSES ONE FIGHTER.

END //

[Fletcher]

FROM: RADM. SHERMAN, USS LEXINGTON,
TO: ADM. NIMITZ, CHESTER W., USN PACIFIC FLEET, P.H.
SUBJECT: AIR STRIKE AGAINST ENEMY CARRIERS.
DATE: JAN 1ST 1942.


AFTER ENEMY CARRIERS SPOTTED BY CATALINA FLIGHT REPORT FROM DUTCH HARBOR AND DESTROYER ASW DIV SIGHTING CONTACT. I LAUNCHED AN AIR STRIKE WITH 15 SBD-2, 15 SBD-3, 9 TBD-1 ESCORTED WITH 8 F2A.

ENEMY CAP WITH 18 ZEROS.

NO HITS ON ENEMY CARRIERS. WE LOST 4 F2A, 4 SBD-2 AND 1 SBD-3, 3 TBD-1 BY ENEMY FIGHTERS AND FLAK.

END //

[Fletcher]

FROM: RADM SHERMAN, FREDERCICK, USS SALT LAKE CITY, USN PACIFIC FLEET. NORTHERN WATERS.
TO: ADM NIMITZ, CHESTER W., CINCPAC, P.H.
SUBJECT: LEXINGTON LOST.
DATE: JAN 2ND 1942.

HIGH PRIORITY MESSAGE/
TOP SECRET /

USS LEXINGTON CAPSIZED THIS MORNING AFTER A HEAVY BLOW. THE SHIP SUNK WITH HEAVY CASUALTIES. I TRANSFER MY FLAG TO USS SALT LAKE CITY, AVOIDING CONTACT WITH ENEMY CARRIER TASK FORCES, HEADING WEST COAST.
USS TRENTON WILL NEED REPAIRS AT DRYDOCK.

END //

[Fletcher]

FROM: LCDR FENNO F.W., USS TROUT.
TO: RADM WITHERS, J.R., SUBMARINE FORCE, P.H.
SUBJECT: ENEMY SHIP SUNK
DATE: JAN 2ND 1942.

ENEMY SHIP SPOTTED WHEN MY BOAT ON SURFACE. 2 SHELL HITS AND TWO TORPEDO HITS SENT HER TO BOTTOM UNDER MY OWN EYES.
MY POSITION: 91,98, NEAR BABELBAOB, PALAOS ISLAND.

END //

[Fletcher]

FROM: RADM. SHERMAN. USS SALT LAKE CITY, NORTHERN WATERS.
TO: ADM. NIMITZ, CHESTER W., CINCPAC, P.H.
SUBJECT: ENEMY BATTLESHIP AT DUTCH H.
DATE: JAN 3RD 1942.

DUTCH HARBOR USN RADIO STATION REPORTING ENEMY BATTLESHIPS STRIKING OUR DEFENSIVE POSITIONS AT DUTCH H. BB IDENTIFIED LIKE MUTSU. ONE LIGHT CRUISER WITH HER.

END //

[Fletcher]

FROM: LCDR Jarman, L.J. K.XVI, OFF CAMRANH BAY.
TO: RADM DOORMAN, EAST INDIES SQDRON. ROYAL NETHERLANDS NAVY. BATAVIA.
SUBJECT: HIGH VALUE TARGET TORPEDOED
DATE: JAN 4TH 1942.

HIGH VALUE TARGET SPOTTED NEAR CAMRANH BAY. ENEMY SHIP IDENTIFIED LIKE AO SHIRETOKO MARU. 2 TORPEDOES LAUNCHED, 1 TORPEDO HIT, ENEMY SHIP ON FIRE, AND HEAVY DAMAGE.
MY POSITIION: 68,72, NEAR CAMRANH BAY.

END//

[Fletcher]

FROM: CDR VAUGH, N. USS S-18. NORTHERN WATERS
TO: RADM. WITHERS, J.R., SUBMARINE FORCE, PACIFIC FLEET, P.H.
SUBJECT: ENEMY SHIP TORPEDOED AND SUNK AT DUTCH H.
DATE: JAN 4TH 1942.

ENEMY CARGO SHIP SPOTTED OFF DUTCH HARBOR (170,50). TARGET IDENTIFIED LIKE XAK YUBARI MARU. LAUNCHED 4 TORPEDOES WITH 2 TORPEDO HITS, ENEMY SHIP SUNK UNDER MY OWN EYES. SHIP SUNK WITH VEHICLES CARGO.

END //

[Fletcher]

FROM: CDR KLINE, C. 103RD USN BASE FORCE, DUTCH HARBOR.
TO: ADM. CHESTER W. NIMITZ, CINCPAC, PACIFIC FLEET, P.H.
SUBJECT: ENEMY LANDINGS AT DUTCH.
DATE: JAN 4TH 1942

SUPPORTED BY HEAVY GUN FIRE FROM BB MUTSU, ENEMY TROOPS ARE LANDING AT DUTCH HARBOR. TWO ENEMY CARRIERS IN THE AREA. ONE ENEMY CARGO SHIP HAVE BEEN STRUK BY 2 SHELLS FROM OUR COASTAL BATTERIES.
REQUESTING AIR SUPPORT.

END //

[LoBaron]

Wow you are really hurting his tanker capacity Fletcher. [X(]

[Fletcher]

Hi LoBaron
Thnx for comments
I wait that !....all my USN submarine force is in antishipping duties into japanese strategic maritime links near Hokkaido, Honshu and Kyushu. The only exception are the electric boats from West coast, patrolling the northern waters trying to intercept the enemy amph/carrier TFs.

[LoBaron]

Seems very effective.
Too bad you didn´t put one or the other 4.7inch into a CV. [;)]
 
Really enjoy reading your AAR.

[Fletcher]

(BUT nearby to put a fish on her LoBaron)

FROM: LCDR Stevens, USS S-35.
TO: ADM. NIMITZ, CHESTER W., USN PACIFIC FLEET HQ. PH
SUBJECT: SORYU ENGAGED.
DATE: JAN 5TH 1941.

ENEMY CARRIERS SHADOWED FROM YESTERDAY, I GET A GOOD POSITION TO ATTACK AND I LAUNCHED 4 TORPEDOES AGAINST CARRIER IDENTIFIED LIKE CV. SORYU. NO HITS. WILL FOLLOW IN PATROL AROUND TARGET.

END//