Killing Casey Kasem-Marianas style (CB v. Cap'n Mandrake)

[Chickenboy]

Too clever by half, darnit...[:(]:

The amphibious TFs that I had attempted to get into Saipan and Guam are picked to pieces by submarines and DBs from Pagan. Four transports are either sunk or badly damaged and in danger of not making port. I order all remaining amphibious TFs to full speed, direct pathway to Guam. Most should at least make the hex, but I don't know about unloading...

Guam's airfield (runways at least) is back to "0" damage, so I order two fighter Sentai there to fly CAP. I should have 27 fighters up in the air for anything that attempts a naval attack at Guam-I'm hoping that I can bag some of the (unescorted) Dauntlesses that mauled one of the amphibious TFs.

Elsewhere, my large SCTF reinforcements arrive at Babeldoab and refuel. The carriers are right behind 'em and will make Babeldoab tomorrow. Then what?

Rearmament possible: I've reconsidered the map. I've forgotten about Truk as a resupply spot. It has port size 7 and 210 naval support. It can reload everything but the Yamato and Mushashi's 18" monsters. Thus, I *could* do a bombardment of Pagan with BBs and manage to refill them at Truk. I'll look over this option tomorrow.

Hunting for blood...: I order the CA Takao, CL Yuhagi, DD Yuhagi and E Tsuga into a SCTF and start them towards Iwo Jima. I've also spent some PP to provide the TF with an aggressive commander. I'm going to take a shot at any shipping he still has at Pagan and use fighter cover at Iwo to LRCAP the TF as it egresses. It will be in a position to act in three days. If he still has ships in harbor at Pagan, I'll burn 'em.

[witpqs]

USN subs are murder at this point. Did this scenario get the split tube revisions?

[Chickenboy]

Don't know. How can I tell?

[Chickenboy]

IJN June 9 Update:

Screenshot below:

Carriers arrive Babeldoab: SCTF reinforcement TF and oversized carrier reinforcement are split up appropriately. I should have two powerful SCTFs available and three air combat TFs with approximately 450 combat aircraft. I've selected appropriate admirals with good air skills (air combat TFs) or naval / aggression skills (SCTFs). Yes, all the 'big names' are present and accounted for. I'll post the OOBs next turn.

Ugh, redux: The effort to get ground troops into the Marianas was a failure. During the night, two more transports are torpedoed and sunk. Escorts pick a few hundred troops out of the water and deposit them on Guam. The other transport TFs make Guam, but don't have time to fully unload. No attacks materialize from Pagan for some reason. I dock the TFs to ensure full unloading of troops during the night / early morning hours. I fully expect an attempt at pummelization tomorrow morning.

Out of the approximately 10,000 troops dispatched, only about 3,000 make Guam. The rest are lost at sea...

On a happier note: The SCTF (in screen shot) is LRCAPed from Guam next turn and will take station 9 hexes from Pagan. He's pulling his transport TFs, so I don't know if there will be anything left for me when I arrive or not. Two turns more, Cap'n Mandrake-just leave them there two more turns...

[witpqs]

Look at a sub. If it has no more than 2 torpedo tubes on one line, it's the newer rendition. If it has more than it's the older model. The point is that the least a sub can fire is one line. With only 2 tubes per line, a sub can fire one line (2 tubes) at small targets and more at juicier targets.

[Chickenboy]

Allied June 7 update:

IJN submarine woes:

The pummelization of Babeldoab and Pelileu ends and the Allied death star swings Eastward again. During the morning phases, 4 IJN submarines are 'hit' by enhanced CV-based ASW and naval search efforts.

During the night, 2 x ASW TFs move into Guam, killing three SSX submarines. Elsewhere, a fleet IJN SS (Glen-equipped) is pounded to death by Allied ASW just north of Eniwetok.

One of the Allied DEs on ASW sweep of Guam is mined, resulting in heavy damage. It's been detached in an escort convoy back to Eniwetok. It will be a 50:50 affair to make port.

Elsewhere: The second (main) landing force for Guam arrives Eniwetok. The third (mostly support troops) is about three days out. Should be about the right timing for CV refuel / rearm and escorting the Amphibious TFs back to Guam.

A series of ineffectual IJNAF strikes swing at the ASW TFs around Guam. No hits are scored.

Recon of Truk indicates some 80 fighters and 20 bombers: He's loading up the a/f here to take another shot at the Allied carriers. He's welcome to his attempt-a middlin' force like that will get beaten to death.

[Chickenboy]

IJN June 10 update:

Well, I guess I don't have to worry about those any more: The rest of the amphibious transport ships are butchered at Guam, but AFTER they finish their unload. I don't lose any more ground troops.

Preparations: My SCTF arrives on station 9 hexes west of Pagan. It was detected by a submarine, which was fended off by the escort vessel and destroyer. The combat report doesn't give any hint of anything heavier, so here's hoping I can go in unexpected still. There are still several transport TFs present in Pagan. Fingers crossed.

The SCTF goes in at flank speed with orders to retire to Iwo Jima. 100 IJNAF fighters on LRCAP will cover from Guam and Iwo Jima.

The Allies' CVTFs continue to fall back towards Pearl for replenishment.

Openings?: With a DL of 3, I note some 45 ships in harbor at Eniwetok, including at least two BBs. The Allies have apparently chosen to overload Pagan with the entirety of their USMC aviation, leaving Eniwetok scarcely defended. Only some 11 fighters are present.

The newly formed CVTFs set sail to the SSE of Babeldoab, eventually doglegging to the East and approaching Truk from due West. The goal is to get within 7-8 hexes of Eniwetok and launch a port attack. Here's hoping he has laden AOs, AS, AD, AE and other high value targets present. It's a fine opportunity to butcher a sizeable percentage of his support fleet, underdefended and unexposed. A CA-heavy TF will accompany the carriers (bombardment options?), but the Mushashi and Yamato are going to sit this one out at Babeldoab.

[Chickenboy]

IJN June 10 update:

Course plotted for attempted Eniwetok attack...

[Chickenboy]

IJN June 10 update:

OOB for the 3 CVTFs:

[rtrapasso]

[Menser]

Just a thought Chickenboy,
You can turn the guns off individually on a ship to prevent them from firing ........ So your BB loading dilemma is solved ..... just Turn off the 18's for a day

[USSAmerica]

What?  Is this my one thing new to learn today?  If so, I can start drinking beer already and take a nap for the rest of the day!  [:D]

[Chickenboy]

ORIGINAL: Menser

Just a thought Chickenboy,
You can turn the guns off individually on a ship to prevent them from firing ........ So your BB loading dilemma is solved ..... just Turn off the 18's for a day

Menser: Pray tell...how? I'd love to be able to do that for a prospective bombardment TF. [&:]

[Chickenboy]

IJN June 11 update:

Long lances for LCIs: The naval SCTF goes into Pagan during the night. Tee hee....

Night Time Surface Combat, near Pagan at 110,89, Range 12,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CA Takao
CL Yahagi
DD Yunagi
E Tsuga, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
DE Martin, Shell hits 9, and is sunk
DE Mitchell, Shell hits 9, and is sunk
DE Sederstrom, Shell hits 8, and is sunk
DE Seid, Shell hits 8, and is sunk



Improved night sighting under 78% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Clear Conditions and 78% moonlight: 12,000 yards
Range closes to 24,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese radar detects Allied task force at 24,000 yards
Range closes to 18,000 yards...
Range closes to 12,000 yards...
CONTACT: Allies radar detects Japanese task force at 12,000 yards
CA Takao engages DE Mitchell at 12,000 yards
CA Takao engages DE Sederstrom at 12,000 yards
CA Takao engages DE Mitchell at 12,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
CA Takao engages DE Seid at 8,000 yards
CL Yahagi engages DE Sederstrom at 8,000 yards
CL Yahagi engages DE Mitchell at 8,000 yards
DE Sederstrom engages E Tsuga at 8,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
CL Yahagi engages DE Seid at 7,000 yards
CL Yahagi engages DE Sederstrom at 7,000 yards
CA Takao engages DE Mitchell at 7,000 yards
DE Martin engages E Tsuga at 7,000 yards
Moosbrugger, Fred orders Allied TF to disengage
Range closes to 5,000 yards
CA Takao engages DE Seid at 5,000 yards
CL Yahagi engages DE Sederstrom at 5,000 yards
CL Yahagi engages DE Mitchell at 5,000 yards
Range increases to 6,000 yards
DE Mitchell sunk by CA Takao at 6,000 yards
CL Yahagi engages DE Seid at 6,000 yards
DD Yunagi engages DE Martin at 6,000 yards
CA Takao engages DE Martin at 6,000 yards
Range closes to 5,000 yards
DE Seid sunk by CA Takao at 5,000 yards
CL Yahagi engages DE Sederstrom at 5,000 yards
DD Yunagi engages DE Martin at 5,000 yards
E Tsuga engages DE Sederstrom at 5,000 yards
Range increases to 6,000 yards
DE Sederstrom engages E Tsuga at 6,000 yards
DE Martin sunk by CA Takao at 6,000 yards
DD Yunagi engages DE Sederstrom at 6,000 yards
E Tsuga engages DE Sederstrom at 6,000 yards
DE Sederstrom sunk by CA Takao at 6,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...


During the day phase, 6 LCIs are slaughtered at Pagan before the SCTF beats feet for Iwo Jima. One of the LCIs is hit by a Long Lance torpedo. It turns into a ghost gray metallic mist. Overkill much? [8|]

When the am air phase comes up, the TF is 2 hexes SE of Iwo. The LRCAP holds magnificently against the expected Allied reprisal, which comes in the form of unescorted Avengers TBFs and lightly escorted Dauntless DBs. The Allies sustain heavy losses against some 45 LRCAPing IJNAF fighters. Guam fighters are out range now.

For the day, the Allies lose 38 planes (mostly A2A) versus the 21 planes lost by the IJNAF. This is a major affront to Allied air superiority! BANZAI! [&o]

The Allied TBFs manage to plant two bombs on CA Takao. With modest damage, she'll make for Babeldoab in a very roundabout manner. She's done her bit for now.

Limping to Victory: Against all odds, CL Oi avoids an Allied submarine during the night and makes port in Babeldoap. She'll survive-after having taken 2 torpedoes and other explosive insults. Tough ship.

Engage slithering mode: The KB (or what's left of it in 1944) leaves Babeldoap undetected. At least that's what I think. I doubt the SW corner of the map is well patrolled by Allied SS assets, so here's keeping fingers crossed. Two days of sail before I'm able to get into launch position for the Eniwetok attack.

I move the fighters from Guam (some 43 of them) and Yap (15 or so) to Truk. They'll help with LRCAP on KB when the assault goes in. The Guam fighters have high fatigue levels, so they'll benefit from a couple days rest before their next adventure.

I also order in two moderate sized Betty units. I'll use them to high altitude recon the port the day before the attack goes in, so's I know what to expect.

Peanut gallery question: I'm pretty sure there's a lot of ships in harbor at Eniwetok. There's likely some standing TFs in harbor too, that I haven't detected. What would you do in terms of dividing KB efforts against the port attack vs. naval attack?

[Chickenboy]

Allied June 8 update:

Annoying little vermin: During the night, I-184 puts two torpedoes into CV Bunker Hill, leaving her aflame. [:@] When morning comes, the CV has surprisingly little engine, fire or systems damage (only 8 sys). Good news. Bad news: she's got 42 floatation damage.

I have 2 ARs at Eniwetok right now, with another 2 due to arrive in a couple days. She'll survive if I get her to port soon (without any more torpedoes, thank you very much). She can still make 18 knots.

The Allied CVTFs are due to rendevous with some heavy ASW escort on the return route to Eniwetok next turn. Once they arrive at the same hex, I'll have the ASW TF lead the pack again to sweep the way. Additional ASW escorts are dispatched from Eniwetok with orders to patrol the approaches to Eniwetok.

Guam: Three ASW TFs working over Guam SSX TFs destroy a minisub during the night. Unfortunately, three of the DEs hit mines thereafter. They're only moderately damaged, but out of the fight. All ASW TFs leave the hex. Most will meet with the CVTFs to their Southeast. Escort TFs with the damaged DEs will make way directly for Eniwetok.

Rambutyo-yeah you heard me: This dot hex was added on to the scenario map. It's just to the SE of Manus and the Admiralties. Great place for a AVD supported float plane recon base. I dispatch an AVD, an AKA with supply to unload and some escort DDs. They'll set up a base there and then I'll order in some PBYs.

From Rambutyo, I should be able to spy on the whole SW corner of the map. There shouldn't be any undetected KB movements of the type that I'm executing in the mirror game to the Southwest of Truk.

[witpqs]

Nice - very aggressive!

[Chickenboy]

If you wouldn't mind providing me your insight on the 'peanut gallery' question, I'd appreciate it, my Argletonian colleague. [&o]

[witpqs]

Ah - I read both sides of this one, so this is general. BTW - I have never looked at this scenario, so this is really general! Your forces are outclassed & outnumbered. I figure the best way to get licks in is to be aggressive. And, as always, seek to make the combat be on your own forces best terms. Pulled the aerial attackers into range of your CAP - good! Sent warships in to where enemy defenses encountered were weak - good!

Of course I am not suggesting fruitless attacks. Your defensive position on the mutually supporting islands could take a big bite out of the enemy, so sometimes the best thing is to hunker down and/or strike in concert with the enemy's vulnerability while he is attacking. But some forces would just be hunted down, like that little surface force. So using it to set EHQ with problems to solve and keep him off balance - good!

[Chickenboy]

Allies June 9 update:

Haven't received the latest turn with me as IJN for a couple days. The Cap'n appears to be busy with work-related demands.

Here's the Allied update:

Contact broken: Allied ASW TFs depart Guam on orders to Eniwetok.

CVTFs make good speed towards rendevous with several escorting ASW TFs-heading back to Eniwetok. Bunker Hill is healing up her floatation damage (gotta love Allied damage control 'on') nicely and will be just fine. If she heals her floatation damage quickly enough, there's no reason why she can't be back in the fight later in the scenario.

The AVD TF departs Eniwetok en route to the SW map corner.

A group of 8 fleet SS boats mined Babeldoap and Pelileu on or around June 3. They're heading to Eniwetok. I'll turn them into patrol boats upon arrival to supplement the heavily patrolled NW map corner.

Speaking of corners: The Cap'n and I have exchanged communiques regarding the disposition of the recently arrived IJN TFs. June 8 marks the mutually agreed day that IJN CVTFs can depart Iwo Jima. Guess I know how he's planning on playing this one with his carriers-saving them by hanging out in the NW corner of the map. I oughta go hunting just for spite.

I've detailed a couple submarines to patrol this zone. As indicated above, I'll supplement this area with additional fleet boats coming off of mining duties shortly.

[rtrapasso]

[>:] [>:]