As you remember my opponet desired to use computer controlled submarines and in this version of WitP AE, the computer controlled IJN submaines are focusing on Merchant traffic not Military traffic. Although, submarines are mining Suva and Midway frequently. Thus submarines not the KB have my main attention.
I did make a mistake in terms of optimum play. I tried to move FUEL from Soerabaja (and the IJN player committed SCTF's and the KB to stop this). The optimum play IMHO was to move OIL to the land of OZ. The 9X factor of fuel production and 1X supply was a much better proposition given that time was the major constraint and certain loss of refineries in the DEI. I also see I needed to move OIL from Abadan to refineries in the Land of OZ at Melbourne.
One advantage of playing the Allies thus far is that I can make mistakes figuring out this puzzle because resources are so abundant. My focus is to get these resources into the areas I plan to conduct my offensives. This game is about logistics and the IJ player is at a distict disadvantage that beomes worse as time marches on.
India: I am thinking about trying to defend India from a line extending north of Chittagong. I am not sure if this is possible or not. I have moved the 53rd Bde and avitaion reousrces toward Chittagong arriving in 10 days. I realize that sailing would be faster but I have noted submaines now patroling the area.
DEI: Amphib forces are now 200 miles from Bativia and Soerabaja. I count 4 IJN SCTF's, one 4 CV KB, and 5 Amphib TF's ready to invade. All air forces are concentrated in Soerabaja. The funny thing about the air war is that the Wilebeasts have scored 3 ships 1 CA dmaged, 1CL severely damaged. and a xAK still on fire 2 days later whose smoke obscured further attacks!
SoPac: The forces for further deployment have been offlaoded at PH and are getting ready to be onloaded for Amphib to Suva and Pango Pango. (Remember Suva is a 3 level and PP a 2 level port big ships cannot dock!). I have PBY's at Suva, & PP giving me eyes into the area.
CenPac: The BigE and Saratoga are waiting 480 miles East of Wake Islands. One lesson for launching air raids against fixed targets. Have assests at the Launch point and the Target that monitor weather. I started my turn in clear the launch point was "severe storms" and the target was "exterme overcast". However, it should be noted that the IJ patrol craft had no problems taking off and finding my CVTF's
. [A game glitch in my view, but I understand someone will find some anecdotal evidence in history when this occured 
] Anyway knowing the weather before getting into range was a lesson learned. One thing I strongly feel about the carriers at this point. The problem is not numbers in my mind as I will have 5 in theater wihtin 60 days. IN 3/42 teh Lexington class get Radar and and AA upgrades which I am thinking might be an edge for survivablity. I will wait for Apr to move CV assests into the Suva area using Aukland as the resupply base. This means stocking fuel and supplies at Aukland ahead of time.
The land of Oz: I am taking the Houston and American DD forces out of the Land of Oz and moving them toward PH. Here we will do the 3/42 upgrades and escort forces from PH to the Suva area.
Ok ... more as things develop.
