Wild Sheep Chase - obvert (J) vs JocMeister (A)

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

ORIGINAL: obvert

Hitting a transport with two 800kg bombs should do it, right? [:)]

Not necessarilly, sad to say. I think the 800kg are AP and sometimes they seem to pass through ships that are not armored ... anyway, less damage than you would think. So probably, but unless you heard sinking sounds, it might not be. Allies and their damage control!! [:@]

Wow! Imagine the kind of hole that would make in the bottom of a ship! A massive piece of metal ripping through deck after deck until punching through the ballast and the hull bottom, and then if the fuse was too long and it blew underneath, that would still be a lot like running over a magnetic mine, right?

Not sure how they are modeled but I can't imagine a nice outcome in reality no matter if there was an explosion inside the ship or in the water below. I've got some more examples to post though that I know did do their job well! On that right away.

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]23 October, 1944[/font]
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[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]SUBS: [/font] Two Allied subs nailed a TF of returning transports today, sinking one and hitting two others. Yuck. Help is on the way an luckily no big tankers are near, only little guys.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]NORTH PACIFIC: [/font] Since half of the fleet CVs and the CVLs are repairing either upgrades or damage, I decided not to use the KB as a whole in the heavily protected areas of Allied advance near the PI and Marianas soon. I did however send 4 CVs to Hokkaido for a possible mission into sea lanes near Wake once the Allied fleet had moved out. Then I noticed the activity up here and thought, why not?

This action has two intentions. Firstly to close down the easy advance of Allied interests in the North and hopefully drag any ongoing operations into winter. Secondly to give Jocke the go ahead to try something risky, possibly even without CV cover so that I can see if we can catch him out. I have three other operable CVs guarding the approaches to the Bonins (from well out of search or even recon range) that could be shifted to hit a careless move in the PI as well.

If recent invasions are an indication Jocke is undaunted by LBA and will risk ships (and troops) in the interests of speed. If I wait for him to us the CVs to escort, there is no way to slow his advance, but at least there is a chance if he uses simply LBA, as seen yesterday. I am sending in the strike planes to an area that can transfer them in one day to the PI and in at least two to the Borneo areas. I will be readying several kami groups but it will take a few more days to transfer pilots.

So, up near Umnak the 4 CVs hit a gaggle of DDs (including The Sullivans, which has been a nasty fighter, but likely no more) sinking at least 9 and probably 2 APA and 2 AKA. I was hoping the CVEs would swoop in to protect and they would be in the mix here, but alas he only used one P-38 group as LR CAP for this op. The kamis flew but got no hits. Still fun! These CVs will stay for one day here aiming for a few more ships and then will move back to the HI. It may seem silly bu the VPs are needed to keep this going as long as possible, and APA/AKA are nothing to sneeze at for their value.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]CENTRAL PACFIC:[/font] Saipan was nailed again by the troops there, but today the Allies took the worse losses even though forts went to 0. They must be a bit worn down.

The other CVs, three fleet CVs and a CS, will move toward Yokohama for fuel, then edge down to the SW toward the PI just in case Legaspi is looking tasty now.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]PI:[/font] One large 46 plane Peggy (T) group will be at Manila/Clark plus about 200 DB and another 50 TB. A few kami groups will be formed and be ready to fly in with escorts. I have another base with an HQ at Antimonan, a size three that could host 50 kamis and 100 escorts.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]S/SW PAC:[/font] I'm getting convinced now that yes, all stuff is moving through Cent Pac. The Graces will reposition to Truk and look to pop into Pagan for a surprise one day.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]S DEI: [/font] The Kirishima is hit by one TT. Subs are getting nasty down here. She has only about 20 float damage, but with a BB that is some time in the yard. Not what I needed. Especially when these were already heading back.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]BURMA: [/font] Nothing new here.

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR October 22, 44
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Sub attack near Cam Ranh Bay at 65,72

Japanese Ships
xAK Florida Maru, Torpedo hits 1
PB Ma 4
xAK Sinkyo Maru
xAK Kosei Maru
xAK Heian Maru
xAK Hokusei Maru
PB Shonon Maru #11

Allied Ships
SS Trepang

SS Trepang launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Florida Maru
Trepang diving deep ....
PB Shonon Maru #11 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Shonon Maru #11 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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Sub attack near Cam Ranh Bay at 65,72

Japanese Ships
xAK Florida Maru, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Trepang

SS Trepang launches 2 torpedoes


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Night Air attack on Soerabaja , at 56,104

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 24 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J1N1-S Irving x 26
J1N1-Sa Irving x 5

Allied aircraft
B-29-1 Superfort x 37

Japanese aircraft losses
J1N1-S Irving: 4 destroyed
J1N1-Sa Irving: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-29-1 Superfort: 7 damaged

Manpower hits 113
Fires 56202

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 9000 feet
City Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Yokosuka Ku S-3 with J1N1-S Irving (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 1 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 56 minutes
302 Ku S-3 with J1N1-S Irving (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 8000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
332 Ku S-3 with J1N1-S Irving (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 2 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
S-812 Hikotai with J1N1-Sa Irving (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 2 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 6000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes

Some CAP have air radar

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Night Air attack on TF, near Babar at 76,117

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 34 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 6

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 2 damaged
E13A1 Jake: 1 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
APA John Penn
DD Hammann

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x E13A1 Jake bombing from 1000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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Night Air attack on Soerabaja , at 56,104

Weather in hex: Thunderstorms

Raid detected at 11 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
J1N1-S Irving x 5
J1N1-Sa Irving x 3

Allied aircraft
B-29-1 Superfort x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
J1N1-S Irving: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
B-29-1 Superfort: 4 damaged

Manpower hits 6
Fires 62969

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-29-1 Superfort bombing from 9000 feet
City Attack: 20 x 500 lb GP Bomb

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Sub attack near Quinhon at 66,71

Japanese Ships
xAK China Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage
xAK Hukusei Maru
xAK Hokusei Maru
xAK Meisan Maru
PB Shonon Maru #11

Allied Ships
SS Tinosa

SS Tinosa launches 2 torpedoes at xAK China Maru
PB Shonon Maru #11 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Shonon Maru #11 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


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Sub attack near Quinhon at 66,71

Japanese Ships
xAK Sinkyo Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
xAK Hukusei Maru
xAK Hokusei Maru
xAK Meisan Maru
PB Shonon Maru #11

Allied Ships
SS Tinosa, hits 1

SS Tinosa launches 2 torpedoes at xAK Sinkyo Maru
PB Shonon Maru #11 attacking submerged sub ....
PB Shonon Maru #11 is out of ASW ammo
PB Shonon Maru #11 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

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Submarine attack near Quinhon at 66,71

Japanese Ships
xAK China Maru, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Tinosa

xAK China Maru is sighted by SS Tinosa
SS Tinosa launches 2 torpedoes

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Amphibious Assault at Umnak Island (169,51)

TF 495 troops unloading over beach at Umnak Island, 169,51

Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 5 (0 destroyed, 5 disabled)
Vehicles lost 3 (0 destroyed, 3 disabled)

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Morning Air attack on TF, near Umnak Island at 169,51

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 76 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 37 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 17
E13A1 Jake x 6

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 2 destroyed
E13A1 Jake: 2 damaged
E13A1 Jake: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
DD Haggard
DD Hailey

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x E13A1 Jake bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on TF, near Umnak Island at 169,51

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M3 Nell x 13

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M3 Nell: 5 destroyed
G3M3 Nell: 1 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
AKA Uvalde
DD Robinson
SC-740
DD Rowe

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x G3M3 Nell flying as kamikaze
Kamikaze: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
343rd FG/11th FS with P-38G Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes

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Morning Air attack on TF, near Umnak Island at 169,51

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 78 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 32
A6M5c Zero x 32
B5N2 Kate x 14
B6N1 Jill x 16
B7A2 Grace x 31
D4Y4 Judy x 83

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N1 Jill: 2 damaged
B6N1 Jill: 1 destroyed by flak
B7A2 Grace: 2 damaged
B7A2 Grace: 1 destroyed by flak
D4Y4 Judy: 15 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Smalley
DD David Taylor, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Ross, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Robinson, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
SC-743, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
AKA Tolland, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
APA Dutchess, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Watts, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Haggard, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Rowe
DD Jarvis II
SC-740
DD Hailey, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD The Sullivans
AKA Uvalde, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
APA Adair, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x D4Y4 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb

Massive explosion on AKA Tolland
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AKA Tolland
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Watts
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring APA Dutchess
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring APA Adair

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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Umnak Island at 169,51

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 73 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 36 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 7
E13A1 Jake x 3

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
DD Watts, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x E13A1 Jake bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
343rd FG/11th FS with P-38G Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes

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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Umnak Island at 169,51

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 68 NM, estimated altitude 6,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 25 minutes

Japanese aircraft
G3M3 Nell x 4

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
G3M3 Nell: 2 destroyed

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
AKA Tolland, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x G3M3 Nell flying as kamikaze
Kamikaze: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
343rd FG/11th FS with P-38G Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes

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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Umnak Island at 169,51

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 32
A6M5c Zero x 32
B5N2 Kate x 14
B6N1 Jill x 16
B7A2 Grace x 29
D4Y4 Judy x 83

Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
B7A2 Grace: 3 damaged
B7A2 Grace: 1 destroyed by flak
D4Y4 Judy: 7 damaged

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
DD Rowe, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Smalley
DD Haggard, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
DD The Sullivans, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Jarvis II, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Watts, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk
DD Robinson, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x D4Y4 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 800 kg AP Bomb

CAP engaged:
343rd FG/11th FS with P-38G Lightning (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 4000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes

Massive explosion on DD Haggard
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Rowe
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Jarvis II
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Watts

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Ground combat at Guiuan (82,85)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 8916 troops, 188 guns, 90 vehicles, Assault Value = 285

Defending force 111 troops, 15 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 5

Allied adjusted assault: 93

Japanese adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 93 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied forces CAPTURE Guiuan !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), preparation(-), fatigue(-), experience(-)
Attacker: fatigue(-)

Japanese ground losses:
143 casualties reported
Squads: 8 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 11 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 20 (20 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Units destroyed 2

Assaulting units:
22nd Marine Regiment
29th Marine Regiment

Defending units:
Maizuru 1st SNLF /1
113th AA Rgt /1


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Ground combat at Saipan (108,93)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 46853 troops, 1064 guns, 1055 vehicles, Assault Value = 1520

Defending force 25608 troops, 358 guns, 349 vehicles, Assault Value = 259

Allied adjusted assault: 1797

Japanese adjusted defense: 683

Allied assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 1)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 0

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(+), experience(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
1696 casualties reported
Squads: 12 destroyed, 67 disabled
Non Combat: 8 destroyed, 139 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 12 disabled
Guns lost 44 (14 destroyed, 30 disabled)
Vehicles lost 8 (2 destroyed, 6 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
1499 casualties reported
Squads: 11 destroyed, 122 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 36 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 19 disabled
Guns lost 38 (1 destroyed, 37 disabled)
Vehicles lost 26 (1 destroyed, 25 disabled)

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Reinforcements:

[font="Trebuchet MS"]E No.112 arrives at Tokyo[/font]

Losses:

[font="Trebuchet MS"]Loss of xAK Florida Maru on Oct 23, 1944 is admitted
Loss of LB-521 on Oct 23, 1944 is admitted[/font]

Ships Sunk:

[font="Trebuchet MS"]DD Haggard is reported to have been sunk near Umnak Island on Oct 23, 1944
DD Hailey is reported to have been sunk near Umnak Island on Oct 23, 1944
DD Robinson is reported to have been sunk near Umnak Island on Oct 23, 1944
DD Ross is reported to have been sunk near Umnak Island on Oct 23, 1944
DD David Taylor is reported to have been sunk near Umnak Island on Oct 23, 1944
DD Watts is reported to have been sunk near Umnak Island on Oct 23, 1944
SC-743 is reported to have been sunk near Umnak Island on Oct 23, 1944
AKA Uvalde is reported to have been sunk near Umnak Island on Oct 23, 1944
xAK Floridian is reported to have been sunk near Darwin on Apr 24, 1944
DD Jarvis II is reported to have been sunk near Umnak Island on Oct 23, 1944[/font]
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[font="Trebuchet MS"]It seems using the Graces with bombs really gets a greater chance of hits and thus turns the battle against quick DDs. Once they are hit and slowed down the TBs then get in some licks. I only let one Grace unit use bombs to try just this idea, and it definitely was shown in the replay as I watched. All TBs missed before the bombs hit, and the Judys mostly did as well, but the Grace with it's 2 x 250kg diving really did the job. (Of course this shot is one using TT to finish things off). Love that plane!!![/font]
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[GreyJoy]

Erik, I see you are converting a lot of sentais to Kamikaze role... are you sure it's convenient?
I mean, I'm thinking a lot about that and i'm not that sure that a Kami unit it's better than a regular one, providing you have decent pilots to fill it.
To me, the Kamis are really worth once you start to run short of trained pilots. not before.

I'm not convinced (nor I've seen AAR evidences) that a Kami plane is more effective than a "regular" bomber plane.
Let's say you have a Ki-43 IIIb sentai.
Let's say you have 40/50 pilots trained in LowNav skill to spare.
It is convenient to convert that Sentai to Kami role or it is better to use it for Low-Naval bombing?

Consider that, AFAIK, the Kami effectiveness is calculated considered the regular bombload. So If you send that sentai in a regular low-nav attack, you're gonna have trained Oscars skip-bombing with 2x250kg bombs, while if u send them as Kami you're gonna have exactly the same effect on the hit target...but you're gonna lose ALL the planes and pilots... while using them as regular low-level bombers you have some chances of saving some frames and some pilots...and, above all, you keep the usage flexibility (that sentai could then be used for escort/CAP duties if needed...you just need to change the pilots and voilà!)

...I don't know...just thinking out loud

[PaxMondo]

kami = higher hit percentage. think of it as a lot of dive bomb attacks which are your highest hit percentage of any attack.

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy

Erik, I see you are converting a lot of sentais to Kamikaze role... are you sure it's convenient?
I mean, I'm thinking a lot about that and i'm not that sure that a Kami unit it's better than a regular one, providing you have decent pilots to fill it.
To me, the Kamis are really worth once you start to run short of trained pilots. not before.

I'm not convinced (nor I've seen AAR evidences) that a Kami plane is more effective than a "regular" bomber plane.
Let's say you have a Ki-43 IIIb sentai.
Let's say you have 40/50 pilots trained in LowNav skill to spare.
It is convenient to convert that Sentai to Kami role or it is better to use it for Low-Naval bombing?

Consider that, AFAIK, the Kami effectiveness is calculated considered the regular bombload. So If you send that sentai in a regular low-nav attack, you're gonna have trained Oscars skip-bombing with 2x250kg bombs, while if u send them as Kami you're gonna have exactly the same effect on the hit target...but you're gonna lose ALL the planes and pilots... while using them as regular low-level bombers you have some chances of saving some frames and some pilots...and, above all, you keep the usage flexibility (that sentai could then be used for escort/CAP duties if needed...you just need to change the pilots and voilà!)

...I don't know...just thinking out loud

A while back I posted that I agree completely with everything you've just mentioned. [;)]

Most attacks for a while will be conventional. Lots of DB/TB and 2E TB mixed in with Oscars coming in low and the DBs going high. Now that kamis are active a good number of damaged planes should also dive in and go for it too, which could add to the hit totals.

The kamis I'm making so far are really in-game tests of the various kinds of airframes and situations. I've only converted a few units so far. Two Peggy (T) units are converted to see if they get better hits this way than with TT with the increased accuracy Pax mentions and their already good speed/durability combo. I have lots of good low naval IJAAF pilots that have been doing the ASW for years. Same for the one Frances group converted. I have one G3M3 group, the only one to make an attack so far, which will basically be used for any unprotected advances near the Aleutians as it's a restricted group.

After this I've converted one IJAAF fighter group to actually test the Tony line, especially the later models. They're more durable than the Oscar with the same bomb load and speed. I also converted one Seiran group to see if I can sneak these onto dot bases in various places and one other small 9 float plane group using Jakes for the same.

The other thing is to see if the kamis are more likely to fly than other LBA, especially fighters in low naval, as I've had some problems getting them to be reliable in the past.

That's it! So less than ten groups altogether, and they were all training or rear area groups. So in the front lines no fighter groups have been taken offline for instance.

PS - I just got my first training group as well. I hadn't really understood previously what this means. These are great! A ten plane unit that can train 30 pilots but not do anything else.

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]24 - 25October 1944[/font]
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[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]SUBS: [/font] Air ASW gets to a few subs along the Indochina coast and the Es move in to hit another.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]PI:[/font] Supply runs though the bases erasing the yellow and red flags, which is good. About 4k AV are now on Luzon with still a few units that can be added to form divisions on the wat. After Cotabato I'm making sure to at least close th aback for this time even if I'm unable to lock it. I'm getting a division equivalent into Aparri and Lingayen, both clear hexes that he might like to land in. All of the smaller bases on the West side will get at least a brigade, maybe more if there is time. Right now most troops are in Manila to use the supply and HQs to fill out quickly. All nearby bases on Formosa, Okinawa and along the Chinese coast are getting theirs as well and filling out with staging air strike groups.

Manila and Clark have 5 HQa between them with two more at Antimonan and one at Lingayen. The last two are only level three bases, but won't be able to host more than 150 planes anyway. Most other bases are level 2 fields. This is intentional so that if something small falls I might actually have a chance to hit back and keep it closed.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]S/SW PAC:[/font] All strike planes leave the area to head back North, then West and down toward the PI. I need all Graces there now. Still struggling to get a pool of these planes, as they are in every group that will take them.

I'll begin flying all Truk troops out to Pagan and the North Marianas to make those tough and possibly shift some farther back if I'm able. Two small 9 plane transport groups are all I can afford here.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]NORTH PACIFIC: [/font] No more excitement in the North. The CVs turn and head home to replenish. Then down toward Okinawa. I send in the dogs and get the final APA still trying to unload supply before sinking and put it and an SC to rest. Two DDs collide though and will need yard time back home. He did take Umnak but with no support troops. The fields are bombed immediately and that will continue.

I'll leave the area naked except for very minimal air cover for now, as winter is coming fast. The Peggy (T) here don't have torps but are 70 skill low naval, so will be the main deterrent to any further incursions plus the Nell kamis if I have warning.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]S DEI: [/font] The wounded ships make their way back as something looks to be brewing. A CL led SAG is stationed at Babar and that usually means something. I'll post one Peggy (T) kami group to Taberfane, which has a level 4 field and 13k supply still. A small AF Coy will fly in for support. For escort 40 Tojos move in, meaning the attack will be no more than 8 hexes. Either they'll get skewered on the CAP at Babar (60 fighters listed) or might get a shot at a convoy with troops moving up from Darwin. I have three bases down here that are in about the same shape, so if it works this could become a useful tactic! [;)]

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]BURMA: [/font] Troops began moving out of the river crossing hex. Arty started first, now I've turned on all troops, making a nice big arrow on the stack that should give Jocke notice that something is happening. All are still in combat mode but of course gave up their two forts. All should make it across in four days now. The I'll have to decide what to leave behind.

Air strikes continue to hit Moulmein fields.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]CENTRAL PACFIC:[/font] Just bombardments at Saipan and Guam.

[font="Trebuchet MS"]--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR October 24, 44
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Invasion Support action off Umnak Island (169,51)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

4 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
SC-740
APA Adair, heavy damage

SC-740 fired at enemy troops

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Night Time Surface Combat, near Umnak Island at 169,51, Range 10,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
CL Yahagi
DD Onami
DD Hayanami
DD Kiyoshimo

Allied Ships
SC-740, Shell hits 4, and is sunk
APA Adair, Shell hits 1, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk

Japanese Ships Reported to be Approaching!
Allied TF begins to get underway
Japanese Ships Reported to be Approaching!
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 53% moonlight: 11,000 yards
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 10,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 10,000 yards
CL Yahagi engages SC-740 at 10,000 yards
APA Adair sunk by CL Yahagi at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 8,000 yards
DD Hayanami engages SC-740 at 8,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards
DD Onami collides with DD Kiyoshimo at 169 , 51
CL Yahagi engages SC-740 at 6,000 yards
Range closes to 5,000 yards
SC-740 sunk by CL Yahagi at 5,000 yards
Combat ends with last Allied ship sunk...

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Sub attack near Balikpapan at 64,99

Japanese Ships
TK Urato Maru, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage Small 6k ton TK, empty
SC Ch 46
TK Hachijin Maru
TK Amakusa Maru
PB Tokati Maru

Allied Ships
SS Golet

SS Golet launches 2 torpedoes at TK Urato Maru
Golet diving deep ....
PB Tokati Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Tokati Maru attacking submerged sub ....
PB Tokati Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Air attack on TF, near Babar at 76,117

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 48 NM, estimated altitude 2,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 8

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 5 damaged
E13A1 Jake: 1 destroyed by flak The info is worth the Jake lost. I may even act on it soon.

Allied Ships
DE Coolbaugh
CL Phoenix

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x E13A1 Jake bombing from 1000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 60 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 23rd Ind.Mixed Brigade, at 79,91 (Davao)

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 22
B-17E Fortress x 11
B-24D Liberator x 12
B-24D1 Liberator x 14
B-25C Mitchell x 13
B-25D1 Mitchell x 93
B-25G Mitchell x 17
B-25H Mitchell x 6
B-25J1 Mitchell x 3
FM-2 Wildcat x 19
F4U-1A Corsair x 10
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 43
PBJ-1D Mitchell x 13
PV-1 Ventura x 12

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
72 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x PBJ-1D Mitchell bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Moulmein , at 55,55

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 76 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 22 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
Wellington B.X x 16
B-25C Mitchell x 16
B-25D1 Mitchell x 16
B-25H Mitchell x 32
PBJ-1D Mitchell x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
E15K1 Norm: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-25H Mitchell: 1 damaged
PBJ-1D Mitchell: 1 damaged

Airbase hits 14
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 42

Aircraft Attacking:
15 x PBJ-1D Mitchell bombing from 15000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Umnak Island (169,51)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 2864 troops, 42 guns, 46 vehicles, Assault Value = 116

Defending force 217 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 2

Allied adjusted assault: 51

Japanese adjusted defense: 1

Allied assault odds: 51 to 1 (fort level 4)

Allied forces CAPTURE Umnak Island !!!

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), experience(-)
Attacker: leaders(-)

Japanese ground losses:
82 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 13 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
3 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
364th(Sep) Infantry Regiment

Defending units:
48th Nav Gd /1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Akutan Island (171,49)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 818 troops, 14 guns, 16 vehicles, Assault Value = 35

Defending force 700 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 23

Allied adjusted assault: 31

Japanese adjusted defense: 25

Allied assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 4)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 3

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), leaders(-), experience(-)
Attacker:

Assaulting units:
Rocky Mountain Rger Battalion

Defending units:
53rd Nav Gd /2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR October 25, 44
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sub attack near Cam Ranh Bay at 69,75

Japanese Ships
xAK China Maru, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Shark II

xAK China Maru is sighted by SS Shark II
SS Shark II launches 2 torpedoes


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Cam Ranh Bay at 65,71

Japanese Ships
E No.24
E No.22

Allied Ships
SS Becuna, hits 7

SS Becuna is sighted by escort
Becuna diving deep ....
E No.24 fails to find sub and abandons search
E No.22 attacking submerged sub ....
E No.22 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Umnak Island , at 169,51

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zero x 11
Ki-67-Ia (T) Peggy x 17

No Japanese losses

Airbase hits 16
Airbase supply hits 8
Runway hits 31

Aircraft Attacking:
17 x Ki-67-Ia (T) Peggy bombing from 6000 feet
Airfield Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb, 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 30th Special Base Force, at 79,91 (Davao)

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 8
B-17E Fortress x 12
B-24D Liberator x 11
B-24D1 Liberator x 10
B-25D1 Mitchell x 42
B-25G Mitchell x 17
B-25H Mitchell x 25
B-25J1 Mitchell x 3
FM-2 Wildcat x 22
PB4Y-1 Liberator x 20
PBJ-1D Mitchell x 11

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 damaged
B-25H Mitchell: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
44 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 5 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x PBJ-1D Mitchell bombing from 10000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Babeldaob , at 90,97

Weather in hex: Light cloud

Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights

Allied aircraft
B-24J Liberator x 101

Japanese aircraft losses
N1K2-J George: 16 destroyed on ground
J2M3 Jack: 4 destroyed on ground
Ki-56 Thalia: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24J Liberator: 9 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Airbase hits 61
Airbase supply hits 14
Runway hits 144

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 10000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Davao (79,91)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 23986 troops, 690 guns, 617 vehicles, Assault Value = 731

Defending force 13849 troops, 117 guns, 63 vehicles, Assault Value = 306

Allied adjusted assault: 449

Japanese adjusted defense: 787

Allied assault odds: 1 to 2 (fort level 4)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), preparation(-)
Attacker:

Japanese ground losses:
696 casualties reported
Squads: 11 destroyed, 70 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 28 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 28 disabled
Vehicles lost 14 (1 destroyed, 13 disabled)

Allied ground losses:
218 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 24 disabled
Non Combat: 2 destroyed, 9 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Guns lost 18 (1 destroyed, 17 disabled)
Vehicles lost 9 (1 destroyed, 8 disabled)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ground combat at Akutan Island (171,49)

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 838 troops, 14 guns, 16 vehicles, Assault Value = 37

Defending force 700 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 23

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 2

Allied adjusted assault: 8

Japanese adjusted defense: 73

Allied assault odds: 1 to 9 (fort level 2)

Combat modifiers
Defender: terrain(+), forts(+), leaders(+), experience(-)
Attacker: leaders(-)

Japanese ground losses:
27 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Allied ground losses:
8 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Assaulting units:
Rocky Mountain Rger Battalion

Defending units:
53rd Nav Gd /2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/font]

Reinforcements:

[font="Trebuchet MS"]Fugaku-tai arrives at Hamamatsu
4th RF Gun Battalion arrives at Tokyo
30th Recon Regiment arrives at Tokyo
142nd JAAF AF Bn arrives at Tokyo
APD T-12 arrives at Yokohama/Yokosuka
ML G-426 arrives at Shimizu[/font]

Losses:

[font="Trebuchet MS"]Loss of TK Urato Maru on Oct 24, 1944 is admitted
Loss of xAK China Maru on Oct 25, 1944 is admitted[/font]

Ships Sunk:

[font="Trebuchet MS"]SC-740 is reported to have been sunk near Umnak Island on Oct 24, 1944
Previous report of sinking of CVL San Jacinto incorrect. Intelligence reports ship is still in service
APA Adair is reported to have been sunk near Umnak Island on Oct 24, 1944[/font]
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[font="Trebuchet MS"]These things rock! I have about 4 more coming soon. This'll free up planes and ensure I have some pilots at least for the duration of the game, even using kamis. [8D][/font]
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

[SqzMyLemon]

I'm sure you've posted something about the aircraft before, but do you find the Ki-61 Tony useful at all? I've got two factories R&D'ing it right now and advancing it nicely, but wonder if I'd be better served switching them to a different airframe? Keep going until the Ki-100? Are you planning on using that aircraft at all?

In my other PBEM as the Allies, the Tony hasn't performed well in most cases against bombers or the P-40K and up.

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

I'm sure you've posted something about the aircraft before, but do you find the Ki-61 Tony useful at all? I've got two factories R&D'ing it right now and advancing it nicely, but wonder if I'd be better served switching them to a different airframe? Keep going until the Ki-100? Are you planning on using that aircraft at all?

In my other PBEM as the Allies, the Tony hasn't performed well in most cases against bombers or the P-40K and up.

I've mentioned a few times that it's not the best, but can be useful. After the Ia which is crap the Ib and Ic are not bad as supplementary CAP or escort in the later variants that have longer drop-tank assisted range. In the rear protecting bases out of sweep range the Ki-61 Id is great.

The Tony KAI should be good against fighters even with it's 380 MPH speed, but it hasn't shown much in this one. Now, Jocke's style might not be the best measure either as he likes to throw everything at one location and sweeps with only the best available airframes.

The Ki-100 is being built extensively now. It will be both a low naval/kami plane and a service 1 escort/supplemental Cap plane. With it's higher durability and better armament but lower maneuverability than the Oscar it should be good in those roles and better against bombers. I've only seen a small group get mauled by P-51B sweeps so that wasn't a good indication of it's usefulness. I'll keep you updated.

[SqzMyLemon]

ORIGINAL: obvert

The Ki-100 is being built extensively now. It will be both a low naval/kami plane and a service 1 escort/supplemental Cap plane. With it's higher durability and better armament but lower maneuverability than the Oscar it should be good in those roles and better against bombers. I've only seen a small group get mauled by P-51B sweeps so that wasn't a good indication of it's usefulness. I'll keep you updated.

Sorry if I missed those comments previously. Turning 45 tomorrow so the memory is getting even weaker. [:D]

I think I may produce them in small numbers then and use them in China most likely. I think I'll keep the R&D factories as such since I believe the Ki-100 is along the same upgrade path. If so, it won't require any repairs to switch over once the Ib and Ic are researched.

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

ORIGINAL: obvert

The Ki-100 is being built extensively now. It will be both a low naval/kami plane and a service 1 escort/supplemental Cap plane. With it's higher durability and better armament but lower maneuverability than the Oscar it should be good in those roles and better against bombers. I've only seen a small group get mauled by P-51B sweeps so that wasn't a good indication of it's usefulness. I'll keep you updated.

Sorry if I missed those comments previously. Turning 45 tomorrow so the memory is getting even weaker. [:D]

I think I may produce them in small numbers then and use them in China most likely. I think I'll keep the R&D factories as such since I believe the Ki-100 is along the same upgrade path. If so, it won't require any repairs to switch over once the Ib and Ic are researched.

Wow. Happy Birthday!

Mine is in a month and I'm moving into the mid-40s at 42. Better than the alternative though! [:)]

Your planned use sounds about right> Yes, you will be able to upgrade all of the way to the Ki-100 II if you choose to keep those factories in R n D. I've chosen not to go all of the way to the Ki-100 II as I'll have so many other god airframes soon that seems unneeded.

[witpqs]

Sorry if I missed those comments previously. Turning 45 tomorrow so the memory is getting even weaker.

As your elder I can tell that memory is the second thing to go. You probably already forgot about the first thing. [:D]

[SqzMyLemon]

ORIGINAL: witpqs

Sorry if I missed those comments previously. Turning 45 tomorrow so the memory is getting even weaker.

As your elder I can tell that memory is the second thing to go. You probably already forgot about the first thing. [:D]

As far as I know, just lack of use is the problem and not any dysfunction [;)]. However, my spouse is 48 and the commonly believed myth about a woman's libido increasing in her 40's, is just that, a myth. [:D]

[GreyJoy]

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

ORIGINAL: witpqs

Sorry if I missed those comments previously. Turning 45 tomorrow so the memory is getting even weaker.

As your elder I can tell that memory is the second thing to go. You probably already forgot about the first thing. [:D]

As far as I know, just lack of use is the problem and not any dysfunction [;)]. However, my spouse is 48 and the commonly believed myth about a woman's libido increasing in her 40's, is just that, a myth. [:D]

LOL [:D][:D][:D]

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

ORIGINAL: witpqs



As your elder I can tell that memory is the second thing to go. You probably already forgot about the first thing. [:D]

As far as I know, just lack of use is the problem and not any dysfunction [;)]. However, my spouse is 48 and the commonly believed myth about a woman's libido increasing in her 40's, is just that, a myth. [:D]

LOL [:D][:D][:D]

Or maybe she just realizes that ours has been heading downhill since we were 18 years old! [;)]

[GreyJoy]

ORIGINAL: obvert

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon



As far as I know, just lack of use is the problem and not any dysfunction [;)]. However, my spouse is 48 and the commonly believed myth about a woman's libido increasing in her 40's, is just that, a myth. [:D]

LOL [:D][:D][:D]

Or maybe she just realizes that ours has been heading downhill since we were 18 years old! [;)]

That's soooooooo true [8D]

[GreyJoy]

...and AE isn't exactly a libido enancher...for me at least[:)]

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy

...and AE isn't exactly a libido enancher...for me at least[:)]

Hours hunched over a computer sweating out your defenses, drinking too much coffee and turning your hand into a claw don't get you going? [:D]

Yeah, me neither! I try to separate the two activities with a visit to the gym.

I still remember years ago when I was in my late 20's, and my so so attractive 22 year-old tall blond dancer GF called me LATE one night when we hadn't been planning to get together. I had been playing Masters of Orion for like 6 hours and it was after 2AM. She wanted me over but when I got there nothing was working! I think that night was the beginning of the end for that particular romance. [:-]

I'm going to stop thinking about that now ... [:D]

[fcharton]

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy
...and AE isn't exactly a libido enancher...for me at least[:)]

It is the other way around, actually: AE is played by old gentlemen who use it to kill the time that should be devoted to romance, if (if only!) their libido was still what it used to be/should have been/might have been...

Francois

[SqzMyLemon]

Playing Japan can be depressing enough, let's not add fuel to the fire. [:-] [8D]

[Bullwinkle58]

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy

ORIGINAL: obvert

ORIGINAL: GreyJoy





LOL [:D][:D][:D]

Or maybe she just realizes that ours has been heading downhill since we were 18 years old! [;)]

That's soooooooo true [8D]

Mother Nature's little inside joke.