From my amateur view it looks like you did all to make the operation a success.
Will be interesting to see what Michael will do. He´s a hard nut.
A Glorious Way to Die: John 3rd vs. NY59Giants BTS: Lite
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
"NUTS!"
YES: He is nuts.
Just sent the next turn. The Johnston Invasion Force will be spotted this coming turn. I am leaving KB up in the Gulf of Alaska for two more days. My SS spotted whats looks like a TF coming up from the Seattle Area this turn. Have kept the Vals and Kates training but will shift them active next turn. If I spot nothing then it is time to head south to provide air cover for Eastern Storm.
Badly need to do a comprehensive update but have only been able to keep this side of the Pacific going. Sorry about that. Maybe I can do that today? We'll see...
Just sent the next turn. The Johnston Invasion Force will be spotted this coming turn. I am leaving KB up in the Gulf of Alaska for two more days. My SS spotted whats looks like a TF coming up from the Seattle Area this turn. Have kept the Vals and Kates training but will shift them active next turn. If I spot nothing then it is time to head south to provide air cover for Eastern Storm.
Badly need to do a comprehensive update but have only been able to keep this side of the Pacific going. Sorry about that. Maybe I can do that today? We'll see...
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
"NUTS!
Should note that I made a second landing in Java and watched the Dutch Air Force impale itself on Japanese airpower. Over two days I lost 5 fighters in exchange for nearly 50 planes. NICE!
He can bring back his Death Star right now and not impact the DEI. All oil facilities and major resource hubs shall be in my control within 3-5 days.
He can bring back his Death Star right now and not impact the DEI. All oil facilities and major resource hubs shall be in my control within 3-5 days.
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
US CVs in the NORTH!
January 31, 1942
Patience and knowing thy opponent may just truly pay off. The Americans--as expected and hoped for--arrive and pummel the Japanese BAIT (losing 3 APD and 6 AK). Whether this is worth it shall be seen NEXT TURN. KB is ordered to move north and ENGAGE the enemy.
Strength:
USA 2 CV and 1 CVL (with extra fighters)
Japan 5 CV, 4 BC, 2 CA, 2 CL, and 10 DD
Air Inventory: 156 Zero, 115 Val, 87 Kate, 8 Recon Kate, and 34 Jakes
Decided to get sneaky by transferring all 39 Zeros from the three CVEs to augment KB Fighter Strength. The CVEs are staying far enough out of the battle area to be available to pick-up 'wounded' carrier aircraft while not getting into the actual battle.
Have the TF set to arrive smack in the middle of Michael's retreat path. REACT is set to the full 6. Hope to spot the enemy at extreme range and launch outside the American range of comfort. If closer then so be it.
Here READERS is the first true roll of the dice for Japan.
BANZAI!
Patience and knowing thy opponent may just truly pay off. The Americans--as expected and hoped for--arrive and pummel the Japanese BAIT (losing 3 APD and 6 AK). Whether this is worth it shall be seen NEXT TURN. KB is ordered to move north and ENGAGE the enemy.
Strength:
USA 2 CV and 1 CVL (with extra fighters)
Japan 5 CV, 4 BC, 2 CA, 2 CL, and 10 DD
Air Inventory: 156 Zero, 115 Val, 87 Kate, 8 Recon Kate, and 34 Jakes
Decided to get sneaky by transferring all 39 Zeros from the three CVEs to augment KB Fighter Strength. The CVEs are staying far enough out of the battle area to be available to pick-up 'wounded' carrier aircraft while not getting into the actual battle.
Have the TF set to arrive smack in the middle of Michael's retreat path. REACT is set to the full 6. Hope to spot the enemy at extreme range and launch outside the American range of comfort. If closer then so be it.
Here READERS is the first true roll of the dice for Japan.
BANZAI!
- Attachments
-
- Aleutians 1-31.jpg (670.6 KiB) Viewed 181 times
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
US CVs in the NORTH!
February 1, 1942
The ambush is sprung up north as KB moves into a blocking position HOPING to catch US CVs. Doesn't happen. Michael chooses to move farther west and launch an Air Strike against Umnak (more wasted sorties from two days of flying--pretty sure he doesn't have many TTs left either).
Surprise is complete BUT NO STRIKES FLY! Crap..
The Kido Butai is spotted but just at a detection level of TWO. What does that probably give him for info?
Here is my proposed move. CAP is at 50%, all Kate/Val set at 11,000 Ft, and we throw out a pair of BCs with 4 DDs to mess with any STF that get too close.
Michael said he would be gone for a few hours. Am going to sit on this and think before sending. Any thoughts, ideas, and/or commentary my readers???
The ambush is sprung up north as KB moves into a blocking position HOPING to catch US CVs. Doesn't happen. Michael chooses to move farther west and launch an Air Strike against Umnak (more wasted sorties from two days of flying--pretty sure he doesn't have many TTs left either).
Surprise is complete BUT NO STRIKES FLY! Crap..
The Kido Butai is spotted but just at a detection level of TWO. What does that probably give him for info?
Here is my proposed move. CAP is at 50%, all Kate/Val set at 11,000 Ft, and we throw out a pair of BCs with 4 DDs to mess with any STF that get too close.
Michael said he would be gone for a few hours. Am going to sit on this and think before sending. Any thoughts, ideas, and/or commentary my readers???
- Attachments
-
- Aleutians21.jpg (870.82 KiB) Viewed 181 times
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
CenPac
February 1, 1942
Johnston Atoll
The cat is out of the bag FOLKS! Only at this range does the Johnston Atoll Invasion Forces get spotted. Escort will arrive from Midway in the form of 3 CA, 3 CL, and 6 DD. Landing force is the 6th Inf Brigade and a large Base Force. Following them is the 1st SNLF Para Brigade.
Coming up from Christmas is a TF carrying an Air Flotilla, BF, and engineering unit to add to the Lihue Invasion Force loading at Midway.
Johnston Atoll
The cat is out of the bag FOLKS! Only at this range does the Johnston Atoll Invasion Forces get spotted. Escort will arrive from Midway in the form of 3 CA, 3 CL, and 6 DD. Landing force is the 6th Inf Brigade and a large Base Force. Following them is the 1st SNLF Para Brigade.
Coming up from Christmas is a TF carrying an Air Flotilla, BF, and engineering unit to add to the Lihue Invasion Force loading at Midway.
- Attachments
-
- Johnston21.jpg (707.55 KiB) Viewed 181 times
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
RE: CenPac
Great trap!!! What bad luck not getting anything.
No clue as to what he sees.
Good luck.
I just got done listening to an interview from a Naval College guy who thought the best Japan could have done is to put everything they have at taking some Islands near to Hawaii, and making America fight for each one in a grueling war of attrition and hope public sentiment would favor a negotiated settlement.
He didn't mention logistics.[:)]
What makes you think Michael will know you are going for Hawaii and not just a listening post/tripwire.
No clue as to what he sees.
Good luck.
I just got done listening to an interview from a Naval College guy who thought the best Japan could have done is to put everything they have at taking some Islands near to Hawaii, and making America fight for each one in a grueling war of attrition and hope public sentiment would favor a negotiated settlement.
He didn't mention logistics.[:)]
What makes you think Michael will know you are going for Hawaii and not just a listening post/tripwire.
RE: CenPac
He probably knows there some CVs coming to party. It's a difficult choice for him right now. Go south and then east or hide up in Nome. You are taking the KB close to his surface fleets. Hope you have some night search going. He probably knows there's a couple CVs and probably making a direct run towards them.
Enjoying this AAR. I've been away for years. Back now. Lahaina is the short term key for you. Need to get that base up to level 4 for your LBA.
I'm setting up an RA55 scenario. Haven't taken the plunge yet to start a game. Reading these AARs gets me wanting to again.
Enjoying this AAR. I've been away for years. Back now. Lahaina is the short term key for you. Need to get that base up to level 4 for your LBA.
I'm setting up an RA55 scenario. Haven't taken the plunge yet to start a game. Reading these AARs gets me wanting to again.
-
Mike McCreery
- Posts: 4344
- Joined: Sat Jun 29, 2013 2:58 pm
RE: CenPac
ORIGINAL: Lowpe
Great trap!!! What bad luck not getting anything.
No clue as to what he sees.
Good luck.
I just got done listening to an interview from a Naval College guy who thought the best Japan could have done is to put everything they have at taking some Islands near to Hawaii, and making America fight for each one in a grueling war of attrition and hope public sentiment would favor a negotiated settlement.
He didn't mention logistics.[:)]
What makes you think Michael will know you are going for Hawaii and not just a listening post/tripwire.
I think taking islands close to America would have been a motivator rather than a deterrent to Americans.
RE: CenPac
ORIGINAL: vicberg
He probably knows there some CVs coming to party. It's a difficult choice for him right now. Go south and then east or hide up in Nome. You are taking the KB close to his surface fleets. Hope you have some night search going. He probably knows there's a couple CVs and probably making a direct run towards them.
Enjoying this AAR. I've been away for years. Back now. Lahaina is the short term key for you. Need to get that base up to level 4 for your LBA.
I'm setting up an RA55 scenario. Haven't taken the plunge yet to start a game. Reading these AARs gets me wanting to again.
Hope you enjoy RA. GREAT TIMES with it!
His moving south is a definite concern. I wanted to keep my CVEs close enough to pick-up damaged air groups but have decided to pull Ibuki and Hosho back towards Midway. We'll leave Taiyo close enough with an empty deck and hangar. If he stumbles on her then that is better then all three of them.
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
RE: CenPac
Last chance for opinions. Time to finish the orders within 30-45 minutes...
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
CenPac
This was his last strike of the day today. His strikes the previous day (against shipping) were of similar size.
I am pulling the trigger. We're going in.
SENDING turn...
I am pulling the trigger. We're going in.
SENDING turn...
- Attachments
-
- Aleut Allied Strike.jpg (674.71 KiB) Viewed 187 times
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
Battle of the Bay of Alaska
ACTION!
Allied carriers stay protected all day under snow but the Japanese have free reign to plaster everything EXCEPT the US CVs.
Allied carriers stay protected all day under snow but the Japanese have free reign to plaster everything EXCEPT the US CVs.
- Attachments
-
- Aleutians22.jpg (724.79 KiB) Viewed 188 times
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
Battle of the Bay of Alaska
February 2, 1942
Combat Report
Battle of the Bay of Alaska
On a day featuring an incoming blizzard, the carriers of Kido Butai--Vice-Admiral Yamaguchi Commanding--find themselves in a sunny eye of the storm. Only through the heroism of several Floatplane pilots does he know that the American Carrier TFs sit due west of his TF. He is perfectly positioned to slug it out with them but cannot risk his valuable pilots going into the storm. After waiting several hours, he reluctantly orders several small attacks on the numerous target surrounding his TF.
Morning Strikes:
1. 18 Zero 9 Val vs 9 P-40 at Akutan where a KV is hit 3 times and sunk.
2. 35 Zero 9 Kate vs 4 Buffalo and 4 Wildcats at Cold Bay hit the destroyer Selfridge with two bombs.
With weather heading downhill quickly he finally orders full deckload strikes at the STF near Cold Bay and the large Landing Force at Akutan.
Afternoon Strikes:
1. 25 Zero, 60 Val, and 36 Kate vs 9 Fighters blast their way into the Invasion Force. The attack wave does quite well hitting 3 KV, 3 AK, and9 AP. Two APs are sunk beyond those mentioned as damaged.
2. 17 Zero 18 Kate vs 16 Fighters nail the surface TF placing 4 bombs on CL St Louis and 3 bombs on CL Helena.
3. 11 Zero 17 Val fly to Kodiak and fight their way through 18 Fighters hitting two TK and sinking a YO Oiler.
Total Plane losses are 11 Zero (5 ATA--6 Ops), 7 Val (4--3), and 1 Kate (0--1).
Frustration grips the Japanese staff on board Shokaku. Fuel is starting to become a major issue. The ever-aggressive Yamaguchi desires to stay and crush the enemy CVs. Heated discussions occur as to what to do tomorrow.
Tentative decisions are reached to do the following:
1. Kido Butai retires SW towards Midway to support Operation Eastern Storm and replenish airframes/sorties.
2. Detach two Battlecruisers and 4 DD to join the 2 BCs and 3 DDs leading the carriers to stage an attack upon all that damaged shipping at Akutan. TF to retire to Adak and then head south for Midway.
CRAP! We stage a PERFECT ambush to be foiled by the weather twice in two days. Hitting that landing force is a nice bonus to a crappy situation. Suggestions, thoughts, ideas ANYONE??
Combat Report
Battle of the Bay of Alaska
On a day featuring an incoming blizzard, the carriers of Kido Butai--Vice-Admiral Yamaguchi Commanding--find themselves in a sunny eye of the storm. Only through the heroism of several Floatplane pilots does he know that the American Carrier TFs sit due west of his TF. He is perfectly positioned to slug it out with them but cannot risk his valuable pilots going into the storm. After waiting several hours, he reluctantly orders several small attacks on the numerous target surrounding his TF.
Morning Strikes:
1. 18 Zero 9 Val vs 9 P-40 at Akutan where a KV is hit 3 times and sunk.
2. 35 Zero 9 Kate vs 4 Buffalo and 4 Wildcats at Cold Bay hit the destroyer Selfridge with two bombs.
With weather heading downhill quickly he finally orders full deckload strikes at the STF near Cold Bay and the large Landing Force at Akutan.
Afternoon Strikes:
1. 25 Zero, 60 Val, and 36 Kate vs 9 Fighters blast their way into the Invasion Force. The attack wave does quite well hitting 3 KV, 3 AK, and9 AP. Two APs are sunk beyond those mentioned as damaged.
2. 17 Zero 18 Kate vs 16 Fighters nail the surface TF placing 4 bombs on CL St Louis and 3 bombs on CL Helena.
3. 11 Zero 17 Val fly to Kodiak and fight their way through 18 Fighters hitting two TK and sinking a YO Oiler.
Total Plane losses are 11 Zero (5 ATA--6 Ops), 7 Val (4--3), and 1 Kate (0--1).
Frustration grips the Japanese staff on board Shokaku. Fuel is starting to become a major issue. The ever-aggressive Yamaguchi desires to stay and crush the enemy CVs. Heated discussions occur as to what to do tomorrow.
Tentative decisions are reached to do the following:
1. Kido Butai retires SW towards Midway to support Operation Eastern Storm and replenish airframes/sorties.
2. Detach two Battlecruisers and 4 DD to join the 2 BCs and 3 DDs leading the carriers to stage an attack upon all that damaged shipping at Akutan. TF to retire to Adak and then head south for Midway.
CRAP! We stage a PERFECT ambush to be foiled by the weather twice in two days. Hitting that landing force is a nice bonus to a crappy situation. Suggestions, thoughts, ideas ANYONE??
- Attachments
-
- Aleutians 2-2b.jpg (731.33 KiB) Viewed 187 times
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
Johnston Atoll
The Japanese storm ashore on February 2nd and face a Base Force and 1st marine Defense Bn. The Forts are easily overcome with a 3-1 assault dropping them to nothing. Johnston will fall tomorrow and the Paras will land as the Brigade is immediately lifted off to land at Lihue.
Invasion Forces:
Lihue Invasion Force: TF leaves Midway, an Air Flotilla and Engineer TF passes west of Johnston, and the TF lifting the 6th Inf Brigade will all combine into one at Laysen.
Hilo Invasion Force departs Christmas Isle.
Kona Invasion Force almost finished loading and will depart tomorrow.
LaHaina IF begins loading tomorrow.
KB-2 (5 CVL and 2 CAV) depart from Christmas NW towards Johnston in case the Americans get frisky.
Invasion Forces:
Lihue Invasion Force: TF leaves Midway, an Air Flotilla and Engineer TF passes west of Johnston, and the TF lifting the 6th Inf Brigade will all combine into one at Laysen.
Hilo Invasion Force departs Christmas Isle.
Kona Invasion Force almost finished loading and will depart tomorrow.
LaHaina IF begins loading tomorrow.
KB-2 (5 CVL and 2 CAV) depart from Christmas NW towards Johnston in case the Americans get frisky.
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
RE: Johnston Atoll
Damn, was watching this unfolding and sure to find you catching your prey. Too bad... I have been following your several recent AARs as often as I could, John, some very daring and good play from your side. Most exciting stuff! Keep it up! Can't chime in with any advice since I glanced at your opponents AAR as well... Unbelievable how well you know each other!
RE: Johnston Atoll
I say pull back from the Aleutians. USN CVs are likely to flee and Allied shipping is simply not valuable enough. The decisive theater will be Hawaii, not the Aleutians.
RE: Johnston Atoll
Darned good point Sir. I've been thinking about that myself. The BCs are much more needed to the south. Think I might just shift over to a CL and DD TF and see if they can do more damage without risking much in exchange.
WE appear to be about 4 days from the Hawaiian Operation being fully known by Michael.
WE appear to be about 4 days from the Hawaiian Operation being fully known by Michael.
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
RE: Johnston Atoll
ORIGINAL: janh
Damn, was watching this unfolding and sure to find you catching your prey. Too bad... I have been following your several recent AARs as often as I could, John, some very daring and good play from your side. Most exciting stuff! Keep it up! Can't chime in with any advice since I glanced at your opponents AAR as well... Unbelievable how well you know each other!
Appreciate the thoughts Sir. The trap was PERFECT! Dratted weather...
Spoke with Michael on the phone while he was between calls at work. He was mildly---shall---I---say---nervous regarding the outcome. He didn't think he was running into the full KB. He wanted the story of the turn and so I relayed. Played up staying to fight, in hopes he retreats while I do, to make him REALLY WANT to leave.
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.