surface to surface combat

[yamato]

Is there a disadvantage to having a surface combat group docked when attacked ?
Currently have had my BB/CA/DD task force docked at Lunga
pounded not once but twice by allied CA/DD task forces sneaking into there---both times they pounded each of my transport docked task forces before taking on my surface group last---and even then have smoked me so bad that the last time I didn't even score a single shell hit, despite having two battleships
to their none--and pretty much equal in destroyers and cruisers
numbers. Did notice that my systenm damage was higher before the encounter---but still in the twenties and teens with even less on the battleships. Am I missing something here ? Both were nightime engagements.

[corbulo]

Yamato,
I have had similar experiences with all previous versions as well. I dont think it matters docked or not docked as (correct my if I am wrong) a TF will dock itself anyway. The only safe thing to do is move all the combat vessels over to the Transport TF, this way they will protect the convoy and the enemy will not get to the transports before the combat ships. This is tried and true way which I have used many times.

[Yamamoto]

I have had just the opposite experience. Whenever I invade a hex and I have a surface combat group escorting my invasion group the surface group always does battle with any enemy forces before my invasion group does.

I think putting capital ships in with your transport force is a bad idea (if it’s even possible). I think they probably wouldn’t perform as well as they would if they were in a task force who’s actual purpose is combat.

Yamamoto

[NorthStar]

Also, "teens and twenties" is pretty high for system damage!

I try not to operate above 10 unless absolutely necessary, and pretty much never above 15. I've seen it stated elsewhere (by Mogami, I think) that ships with 20+ system damage are essentially useless in combat -- or at least at a serious disadvantage.

Also, do you have the group set to "React to Enemy"? If you don't, this may be having an effect, as well.

[Admiral DadMan]

Originally posted by Yamamoto
I have had just the opposite experience. Whenever I invade a hex and I have a surface combat group escorting my invasion group the surface group always does battle with any enemy forces before my invasion group does.

I think putting capital ships in with your transport force is a bad idea (if it’s even possible). I think they probably wouldn’t perform as well as they would if they were in a task force who’s actual purpose is combat.

Yamamoto

If you have warships (CA's and DD's) in the same TF as transports, they will screen the transports from the enemy warships, fighting a delaying action while the transports escape. If you group all of your warships in a separate TF, there is a better chance that enemy warships will evade the covering TF, and hit the transports. That's what Doorman attempted in the Java Sea Battle, and that's what the IJN was trying at the first Savo Island.

Warships also contribute their AA flak value for air defense, where if they're in a separate TF, they may or may not...