Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition

[PaxMondo]

ORIGINAL: Schlussel

I think I'll do the supply check you suggested every couple months just to make sure the AI stays competitive. It is mostly just a scan for base exclamation points though, as I want to maintain as much FOW as possible.

I check once/month. Exclamation check is good for everything EXCEPT advance supply depots like Truk. For those, you need to be sure it is well stocked OR any amphib ops will fail ...
Sometimes I have to intervene ... literally. load up head 2 head, create a supply convoy and send it where it needs to go.

[Schlussel]

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

ORIGINAL: Schlussel

I think I'll do the supply check you suggested every couple months just to make sure the AI stays competitive. It is mostly just a scan for base exclamation points though, as I want to maintain as much FOW as possible.

I check once/month. Exclamation check is good for everything EXCEPT advance supply depots like Truk. For those, you need to be sure it is well stocked OR any amphib ops will fail ...
Sometimes I have to intervene ... literally. load up head 2 head, create a supply convoy and send it where it needs to go.

Good point, I'm thinking Truk, Singapore, and Babeldabob (sp?) are the advance supply depots. Am I missing any?

[Schlussel]

Situation Report – August 1st 1942





Central Pacific:
Surface Forces: 1-BB, 5-CA, 18-DD (@Pearl Harbor)

Fuel Reserves: 429K @ Pearl Harbor

Near-Term Plans: Continue developing bases in Aleutians.

Long Term Plans: Advance west along the Aleutian Island Chain, ultimately occupying and developing Attu as a search plane base.



New Guinea/Solomons:


Surface Forces: 3-CV , 1-CVL, 4-BB, 5-CA, 11-DD (@Noumea)

Fuel Reserves: 128K @ Noumea
15K @ Port Moresby
197K @ Sydney

Near-Term Plans: Evict Japanese forces from Milne Bay, Re-take Terapo. [Cumberland Phase 1]

Long Term Plans: The advance up Solomon Island Chain to secure forward bases (Shortlands/Buka) to threaten Rabaul. Also an attack across the Owen-Stanley Range toward Buna on New Guinea. [Cumberland Phase 2 & 3]



SE Asia/China


Surface Forces: 2-CV , 5-BB, 9-CA, 2-DD (@Colombo)

Fuel Reserves: 511K @ Colombo

Near-Term Plans: Fortify/develop bases along Indio-Burmese border to check Japanese advance.

Long Term Plans: Launch two-pronged attack into Burma. Force A will advance down the coast to threaten Prome/Rangoon, while Force B will advance through central Burma and threaten Mandalay. The goal of both advances is not to capture territory, but to keep Japanese LCU’s in this theatre occupied so they cannot be used elsewhere.


Base Status:

Adak:
Port Size: 6.88 (+0.36)
Airfield Size: 6.19 (+0.49)
Supplies: 64K (61 Weeks of normal operations)

Akyab:
Port Size: 2.97 (+0.36)
Airfield Size: 6.23 (+0.40)
Supplies: 1.2K (<1 Week of normal operations)

Amchitka:
Port Size: 3.22 (+0.88)
Airfield Size: 1.00 (+0.00)
Supplies: 14K (28 Weeks of normal operations)

Baker Island:
Port Size: 3.00 (+0.08)
Airfield Size: 1.37 (+0.12)
Supplies: 19K (39 Weeks of normal operations)

Cox's Bazaar:
Port Size: 3.00 (+0.24)
Airfield Size: 6.90 (+1.09)
Supplies: 6K (3 Weeks of normal operations)

Johnston Is.:
Port Size: 2.04 (+0.16)
Airfield Size: 2.07 (+0.01)
Supplies: 17K (71 Weeks of normal operations)

Luganville:
Port Size: 4.85 (+0.56)
Airfield Size: 6.10 (+0.71)
Supplies: 21K (20 Weeks of normal operations)

Lunga:
Port Size: 3.65 (+0.74)
Airfield Size: 6.14 (+0.74)
Supplies: 35K (6 Weeks of normal operations)

Milne Bay:
Port Size: 2.80 (+0.42)
Airfield Size: 4.00 (+0.00)
Supplies: 41K (20 Weeks of normal operations)

Midway:
Port Size: 2.80 (+0.42)
Airfield Size: 4.00 (+0.00)
Supplies: 41K (20 Weeks of normal operations)

Pago-Pago:
Port Size: 2.00 (+0.00)
Airfield Size: 5.22 (+0.41)
Supplies: 3K (5 Weeks of normal operations)

Port Moresby:
Port Size: 3.81 (+0.42)
Airfield Size: 6.58 (+0.76)
Supplies: 50K (12 Weeks of normal operations)

[BBfanboy]

I read recently that CVs can only operate at half capacity for air launches in a base hex. I understood this to be in a TF as opposed to docked or disbanded and nothing was said about whether the base hex had to be friendly or enemy. So you CVs at Akyab should move one hex out and cap at Range 1 to cover Akyab.

[Schlussel]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

I read recently that CVs can only operate at half capacity for air launches in a base hex. I understood this to be in a TF as opposed to docked or disbanded and nothing was said about whether the base hex had to be friendly or enemy. So you CVs at Akyab should move one hex out and cap at Range 1 to cover Akyab.

Thanks BBF,I'm glad you and the other forumites got my back.[&o]

[jmalter]

BBf is quite right - CV/CVL air ops are restricted to 50% when the TF is in a base-hex, it doesn't matter if the base-hex is friendly- or enemy-controlled.

The good news is, that restriction doesn't apply to CVEs. Unless the CVE is over-capacity w/ 2 VRF sgds, in which case it shouldn't be anywhere near danger, b/c it can't conduct air ops at all.

[Andy Mac]

Excellent AAR really enjoying it

[Andy Mac]

This game was started under 8th Dec staert so probably doesn't have the latest AI scripts which improve "some" of the issues you are noticing unfortunately not all as there is a limit to what a scripted AI can achieve

[Schlussel]

ORIGINAL: jmalter

BBf is quite right - CV/CVL air ops are restricted to 50% when the TF is in a base-hex, it doesn't matter if the base-hex is friendly- or enemy-controlled.

The good news is, that restriction doesn't apply to CVEs. Unless the CVE is over-capacity w/ 2 VRF sgds, in which case it shouldn't be anywhere near danger, b/c it can't conduct air ops at all.

Thanks jmalter, that tip about the CVE's will come in handy, as I get a steady stream of them starting in about 60 days.

[Schlussel]

ORIGINAL: Andy Mac

Excellent AAR really enjoying it

Thank you sir. Your first match against PzB is what got me hooked. [&o] [&o][&o]

ORIGINAL: Andy Mac

This game was started under 8th Dec staert so probably doesn't have the latest AI scripts which improve "some" of the issues you are noticing unfortunately not all as there is a limit to what a scripted AI can achieve

Ahhh, I didn't realize the Dec. 8th scenario had a slightly older script. No worries, I applaud what you've done with the AI. It has given me quite a good game so far...and that is no small feat considering all the moving parts.

[jmalter]

ORIGINAL: Schlussel

ORIGINAL: jmalter
BBf is quite right - CV/CVL air ops are restricted to 50% when the TF is in a base-hex, it doesn't matter if the base-hex is friendly- or enemy-controlled.
The good news is, that restriction doesn't apply to CVEs. Unless the CVE is over-capacity w/ 2 VRF sgds, in which case it shouldn't be anywhere near danger, b/c it can't conduct air ops at all.

Thanks jmalter, that tip about the CVE's will come in handy, as I get a steady stream of them starting in about 60 days.

So you can see, CVE TFs can follow your Bomb/AmphTFs at range 0, but following CV/CVL TFs must be set to stand off 1 hex when they arrive at target, w/ CAP airgroups set to range 1.

Some CVEs arrive w/ 2 VRF airgroups, best to fly one group to a shore base for training - USN is really short on airgroups that can be used for training.

Some CVEs arrive w/ a 'composite' airgroup of F & TB planes, you'll want the TB component trained to max ASW.

[Schlussel]

ORIGINAL: jmalter

So you can see, CVE TFs can follow your Bomb/AmphTFs at range 0, but following CV/CVL TFs must be set to stand off 1 hex when they arrive at target, w/ CAP airgroups set to range 1.

Some CVEs arrive w/ 2 VRF airgroups, best to fly one group to a shore base for training - USN is really short on airgroups that can be used for training.

Some CVEs arrive w/ a 'composite' airgroup of F & TB planes, you'll want the TB component trained to max ASW.

Good points as always. So in your experience with CV TF's standing off @ 1 hex, do you prefer to use CAP with range 1, or use LRCAP and set its target to the TF/base that needs it? I'm sure there is a give/take here since doing just CAP means you might not get as much fighter coverage over the target, but you do get some CV protection.

[Schlussel]

Week 35: August 5th – August 11th 1942
North Pacific:
Base building continues at Adak and Amchitka. Engineers land at Attu and begin developing the westernmost island in the Aleutians. No IJN activity in the region.

Central Pacific:
Supply routes still humming along nicely. No IJN raiders or activity.

Southern Pacific:
No sub sightings this week, although an IJN surface TF (2-BB, 1-CA, 2-DD) makes an appearance near the Ellice Islands after raiding the area between Sydney and Noumea last week. Here the Japanese force sinks 2 xAPs and an xAK…luckily they were returning to Pearl and their cargo holds were empty. In addition to the transports, the enemy TF also moderately damaged their escort, CA San Francisco (35-SYS / 30-FLT), but she fought back and put a few 8” shells into BB Haruna and CL Tenru. The damage inflicted was probably minor, but it allowed SF to escape. She’s now heading towards Baker Island to get patched up before making the trip back to Pearl.

New Guinea/Solomons:
Lae’s AF is at level 3 and now has Bettys operating out of its facilities…not good. For their first act, the Japanese bombers damaged a few AK’s delivering supplies near Cooktown. Raids from Rabaul have hit this area before, but they rarely hit anything. The shorter travel distance may have contributed to this change…or maybe it’s a coincidence. To counter, I had my squadron of Mitchells @ Port Moresby target Lae’s airfield. No report on damage, but looks like the bombings have kept the AF silent. Continued bombing runs will make sure it stays that way.
Milne Bay remains a stalemate, AV is still about equal. Bombers from both sides continue to hammer the enemy forces. The Japanese are getting the short end of the airframe attrition, but they have kept my ground forces disrupted enough that I have delayed this week’s ground assault. I’ll probably need another week until I’m ready for a deliberate attack.
In the Solomons, my troops at Tassafronga have made respectable progress on developing the AF there (63%), troops are now digging in, in case the Japanese decide to react. Attention now shifts to Tulagi and Munda. Recon of Tulagi shows about 3K troops, while Munda shows no garrison whatsoever. I’m keeping the PBY’s on Munda recon duty for another week to make sure…but if it’s still empty, I might send the 2nd Marine Raider Bn. (prep @ 60) to snag the low hanging fruit, sooner rather than later.
Elsewhere, the Terapo invasion force has assembled @ Sydney and is on its way north. They might take a little longer than usual because they are swinging east to avoid the IJN sub gauntlet on the Australian coast. Also, with the new air threat from Lae, I have designated the CV Wasp to protect the amphibious TF. To increase my CV’s defensive strength, I’ve switched out a DB and TB squadron to make room for more Wildcats.

DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, the standoff @ Cebu continues. My forces outnumber the attackers, but lack of supply keeps me from any offensive action.
In the DEI, Japan continues the aerial raids on Brunei…no invasion force spotted yet, no Intel reports either.

SE Asia/China:
After the beat down they suffered last week, the Japanese wisely halt their Akyab offensive and just bombard all week…probably awaiting reinforcements. I welcome this as the respite gives my engineers time to build forts back to 2…and in one more turn, it should be @3. Unless there is some sort of disaster, I should be able to hold Akyab for the rest of the year. I have 1,400 AV and most are now quality British units that have transferred from the European theatre. Once I get a good reading on the quantity of Japanese reinforcements nearing Akyab, I might be in a position to go on the offensive.
In China the Allied defensive strategy is paying off, especially near Wuchang where my troops have baited the Japanese into attacking. They have beat back 3 deliberate IJA attacks this week and inflicted 3,200 casualties, while only suffering 300 of their own. However, the one location I chose to continue my assault was in the north @Taiyuan. I outnumbered the Japanese there 450 AV to 24, so I decided to Shock attack and try and take the city before Japanese reinforcements could arrive. I had horrible timing, as about 3,000 AV worth of Japanese reinforcements arrived that turn and I ended up losing over 7K troops in my attack…DOH! [Insert face palm here]. I retreat east and await reinforcements coming from Yenan. Luckily the Japanese don’t look to be pressing their advantage here.



KB Watch:
-No sightings



Notable Base Captures:
-Eggano [Sumatra] captured by Japan (8/6)
-Buka [Solomon Islands] captured by Japan (8/8)




Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 1,897 [+40]
Biggest Losses (#): Dauntless (233), Wildcat (228), Buffalo (129)

Japanese: 3,707 [+124]
Biggest Losses (#): Betty (777), Zero (523), Lilly (366)



Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 343 [+3]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 413 [+18]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.



Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 8,273 [+74]
Japanese: 2,652 [+118]
A/J Ratio: 3.12 to 1



VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 20,297 [+620]
Japanese: 19,958 [+196]
A/J Ratio: 1.01 to 1


Other Notes:
-Dauntlesses of the Cactus air force based at Lunga sink another 10+ AK’s near Tulagi. The Japanese are paying dearly trying to supply an outpost that far forward.
-Some more sub success this week. Two more IJN tankers are sunk, one near the home islands and one near Truk. I don’t think the IJN is as ‘tanker poor’ as the Allies at this point in the war, but then again, the Japanese do rely on oil to a much larger degree.

[Schlussel]

Week 36: August 12th – August 18th 1942
North Pacific:
Base building continues at Adak and Amchitka and Attu No IJN activity in the region.

Central Pacific:
KB appears astride my supply line NE of Pearl Harbor with 100 Fighters & 150 Bombers, and sinks over 20 AK’s before the rest can scatter. The good news is none of them were carrying troops/guns; however, half were full off supplies, and supply is just as critical right now (especially for my offensive in the South Pacific.

Southern Pacific:
No sub sightings this week. The Japanese surface TF has left, and I take the opportunity to get my convoys in the area to get back on track. CA San Fran. makes it to Baker island and crews are patching her up for the longer trek to the shipyards in Pearl Harbor.

New Guinea/Solomons:
Lae’s AF has stayed silent all week, thanks to some Mitchell’s based out of Port Moresby. Periodic fighter sweeps have also helped clear the sky and allow minimum enemy resistance to my bombing runs.
The situation at Milne Bay has shifted decisively in my favor. Early in the week, I landed two artillery units to help with bombardment (since that’s all I seem to be able to do there lately), and the move pays off instantly. The days’ bombardment nets an estimated 800 Japanese casualties, and that is repeated by another 500 the following day. By the end of the week, I try a deliberate attack that bags about 1,000 enemy casualties. Now the Japanese AV is now down to about 75, while my forces hover right around 250. While AV isn’t the best gauge of strength, it does indicate that I am sapping the Japanese forces of their ability to fight. If this trend continues, I should have the base cleared in a couple days.
In the Solomons, Tassafronga is up to a level 1 AF and I move in a squadron of Wildcats. Munda still shows no garrison, the 2nd Marine Raider Bn. (prep @ 65) gets ready to embark.
At Terapo, my forces storm the beach and find the base abandoned. The Japanese must have just moved to the adjacent hex because my PBYs reported a garrison the previous day. I’ll take the freebie, now base expansion begins, as id like that AF to help support next year’s assault on Rabaul.

DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, the standoff @ Cebu continues. My forces outnumber the attackers, but lack of supply keeps me from any offensive action.
In the DEI, Japan continues the aerial raids on Brunei…no invasion force spotted yet, no Intel reports either.

SE Asia/China:
Burma is relatively quiet. My forces at Akyab outnumber the enemy, but I am waiting to see what reinforcements the Japanese have before making any deliberate attacks (don’t want a repeat of last week’s China debacle).
In China the Allies stay defensive, licking their wounds from the previous weeks fighting.



KB Watch:
-3 CV spotted anchored in Hollandia (8/11)
-4 CV spotted anchored in Hollandia (8/14)
-1 CV spotted anchored in Hollandia (8/15)
-4 CV spotted North East of Pearl Harbor (8/16)
-6 CV spotted North East of Pearl Harbor (8/17)
-6 CV spotted North East of Pearl Harbor (8/18)



Notable Base Captures:
-Terapo [New Guinea] captured by Allies (8/13)
-Sepandjang [Java] captured by Japan (8/14)
-Kaoping [China] captured by Japan (8/17)



Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 1,924 [+27]
Biggest Losses (#): Dauntless (245), Wildcat (232), Buffalo (129)

Japanese: 3,820 [+113]
Biggest Losses (#): Betty (788), Zero (646), Val (323)


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 364 [+21]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 427 [+14]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 8,329 [+56]
Japanese: 2,729 [+77]
A/J Ratio: 3.05 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 20,625 [+328]
Japanese: 20,344 [+386]
A/J Ratio: 1.01 to 1



Other Notes:
-Dauntlesses of the Cactus airforce based at Lunga sink 8 AK’s near Tulagi. This is part of my “Death by 1,000 papercuts” strategy.

[Schlussel]

Week 37: August 19th – August 25th 1942
North Pacific:
Base building continues at Adak, Amchitka and Attu. Mid-week, KB appears near the Aelutian islands launching small air raids on Dutch Harbor and Attu. Minor base damage is inflicted, but 2 AK’s are sunk.



Central Pacific:
KB has moved out of the area (to the North Pacific it seems), and things are back to normal.



Southern Pacific:
Taking advantage of the lack of Japanese presence in the region, I send the 1st Marine raiders (100 prep) to take Funafuti and secure the Ellice Islands. They overpower a small Japanese base force and take the Island on the initial shock attack. While this is a minor island, I was starting to believe it was giving the enemy some really useful Intel, as any IJN attack on my supply line seemed to be in this area. Recently I had been swinging convoys south to the Samoas before turning West. Now I can go with the more direct (and fuel efficient) route.



New Guinea/Solomons:
We’re continuing to whittle down the Japanese presence at Milne Bay with bombardments, as my infantry units have had high disruption. There is no rush here, I have air superiority and good control of the sea lanes…no need to risk extra casualties with a hasty assault. I’ve got my artillery units bombarding to keep the enemy disrupted while my infantry rests up.
East of Port Moresby, the Australian units on the Kokoda Trail begin their malaria-infested march towards Buna, support units (HQ/ENG/ART) from Port Moresby are hurrying to catch up to the main body.
After last week’s capture of Terapo, Japan has shifted some bombing runs to target the new Allied base. The Warhawks stationed there have done well, but some enemy bombers got through due to the sheer size of the raids. The result was an AP sunk and numerous close calls.
In the Solomons, the amphibious assault of Munda hits the beaches and the base is secured swiftly. This prompts an immediate air response from the Japanese, and fierce air battles rage over the island. Betty’s get through my CAP and sink 2 AK’s full of supplies and take a shot at CV Wasp. It is here that I notice a definite quality increase in the Japanese Zero pilots. Normally my Wildcats get the best of escorting enemy fighters, but in the skies above Munda, the Japanese seem to consistently have the upper hand…maybe these squadrons are former carrier squadrons operating out of Rabaul. I plan a nighttime Mitchell raid for early next week to see if I can catch some planes on the ground.
On the high seas, I spot a sizeable IJN effort to resupply Tulagi. I detach BB North Carolina and CL Boise from CV guard duty to intercept and results are mostly good. They sink a Japanese an AMC, an AK, an AP, and a destroyer, but not before the destroyer puts a torp into North Carolina (damn you long lance and your accuracy!!). North Carolina has about 20 FLT, and she’s headed back to port.



DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, Japan attempts to shift the status quo at Cebu. Two small IJN task forces drop off reinforcements, and now the force balance is just about equal. Despite having low supplies, my forces are holding their own (defensively), and time will tell if this new development marks the end of the Allied presence in the Philippines.
In the DEI, Japan continues the aerial raids on Brunei…no invasion force spotted yet, no Intel reports either.



SE Asia/China:
In Burma, Japanese ground units probe my defenses at Akyab. I am continuing to rest my forces, as a stack of 5 Japanese units approach from the east. It seems every time I beat back a Japanese assault, they bring up more reinforcements and try again…each time getting closer and closer to succeeding. My inner Joshua Chamberlain wants to try an attack of my own, but I think keeping this standoff going is in my best interests. I like the fact there are over 100,000 Japanese troops at the far western reaches of their empire…as they can’t intervene elsewhere. In other news, the Kalemyo airfield reaches level 5 and preparations are in motion to turn this into my forward airbase in central Burma. Once the air support arrives, fighters and bombers will follow suit.
In China the Allies stay defensive, except in the north, where I take advantage of the Japanese weakness at Taiyuan. After their victory over two weeks ago, they left Taiyuan and had only a small rearguard. I was able to return with a single Chinese regiment and quickly overpower the Japanese garrison before they could reinforce. Now I have reinforcements on the way and the Chinese dig in awaiting an enemy reaction.



KB Watch:
-1 CV spotted North East of Kavieng (8/19)
-1 CV spotted anchored in Hollandia (8/20)
-4 CV spotted SE of Dutch Harbor (8/22)
-1 CV [10F/10B] spotted near Feni Island (8/24)
-3 CV [40F/60B] spotted West of Kiska (8/25)



Notable Base Captures:
-Funafuti [Ellice Islands] captured by Allies (8/20)
-Pakhoi [Southern China] captured by Allies (8/22)
-Taiyuan [Northern China] captured by Allies (8/23)
-Munda [Solomon Islands] captured by Allies (8/24)



Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 1,961 [+37]
Biggest Losses (#): Dauntless (249), Wildcat (246), Buffalo (129)

Japanese: 3,949 [+129]
Biggest Losses (#): Betty (935), Zero (729), Lilly (472)


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 368 [+4]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 441 [+14]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 8,358 [+29]
Japanese: 2,843 [+114]
A/J Ratio: 2.94 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 21,091 [+466]
Japanese: 20,456 [+112]
A/J Ratio: 1.03 to 1



Operation Cumberland
Phase 1: Aug.-Sept. 1942
-Capture Tassafronga - COMPLETE
-Secure Milne Bay - IN PROGRESS
-Capture Terapo - COMPLETE

Phase 2: Oct.-Dec. 1942
-Capture Tulagi – IN PROGRESS
-Capture Munda – COMPLETE
-Advance to Buna – IN PROGRESS

Phase 3: Jan. 1942 - July 1943
-Northern NG Coast
-Bougainville



Other Notes:
-Still shuffling around Fighters in the SW Pacific. Some Wildcat squadrons are being withdrawn from frontline bases to Noumea and being replaced with Warhawks and Airacobras. While perusing the aircraft replacement database, I noticed I have fewer than 5 Wildcats in the pools, while my Warhawk/Airacobra counts are both over 100. While I like the versatility of the Wildcat, it’s overshadowed by the sheer numbers of Warhawks and Airacobras I now have in the SW Pacific. Now that my forward bases can support larger numbers of aircraft, I’m giving the Wildcats a well-deserved breather. Plus I can better utilize their abilities when operating off a CV.

[Schlussel]

Week 38: August 26th – September 1st 1942
North Pacific:
Base building continues at Adak, Amchitka and Attu. No sign of KB.

Central Pacific:
An IJN surface force (2-CA/2-DD) shows up north of Canton Island and surprises an Allied Tanker TF Escorted by CA Helena and DD Blue. A night battle ensues and the Helena and 2 Tankers are quickly sunk, but DD Blue strikes back and hits CA Chikuma with a Torpedo (BLUE…you’re my BOY!!!). This allows the remaining 5 TK’s to escape with minor damage.

South Pacific:
After capturing Funafuti, I land a Seabee unit to help with base expansion. No IJN activity.

New Guinea/Solomons:
Tried a deliberate attack A Milne Bay and got 1:1 odds. Casualties were low on each side but my disruption jumped up past 30. It’s back to bombarding for the rest of the week while my infantry units recuperate.
The Australian units (11th Aus. Brigade/6th Aus. Cav./3rd Tank Brigade) on the Kokoda Trail arrive at Buna and bombard the defenders, to get an idea of their strength. Reports indicate the presence of the 66th Inf. Group and 85th Naval Guard Unit. The other units are base forces and support. I outnumber the Japanese 2:1 in AV, and Allied disruption is surprisingly low, so a deliberate attack will be on tap for next week.
In the Solomons, the slot was on fire all week. The Japanese responded strongly to my capture of Munda and the base was raided daily by 40-50 bombers. My defenses mostly relied on LRCAP from Tassafronga. Mid-week, I was able to bring in a carrier (CV Wasp) to provide additional CAP and so far actual base damage was light. The airfield @ Munda is already @ LVL 1, and AV support troops are inbound.



DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, the standoff at Cebu continues. The Japanese are content to bombard for the time being.
In the DEI, Japan continues the aerial raids on Brunei…no invasion force spotted yet.


SE Asia/China:
In Burma, Japanese ground units launch another deliberate attack on my position at Akyab. The Allied defenses hold. I have rotated out a few battered British units with fresh reserves arriving from Calcutta. The situation looks as good as can be expected.
In China the Allies stay defensive, waiting for the Japanese counterattack at Taiyuan. In the south, I take the opportunity to grab the vacant port city of Kwangchowan.


KB Watch:
-4 CV spotted anchored in Hollandia (8/28)





Notable Base Captures:
-Kwangchowan [Southern China] captured by Allies (8/27)
-Normanby Island [New Guineands] captured by Japan (8/31)
-Great Nicobar [Sumatra] captured by Japan (9/1)





Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 2,048 [+87]
Biggest Losses (#): Dauntless (274), Wildcat (255), Buffalo (129)

Japanese: 4,081 [+132]
Biggest Losses (#): Betty (940), Zero (613), Lilly (511)



Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 373 [+5]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 461 [+20]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.



Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 8,399 [+31]
Japanese: 2,920 [+77]
A/J Ratio: 2.87 to 1



VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 21,497 [+406]
Japanese: 20,827 [+371]
A/J Ratio: 1.03 to 1



Operation Cumberland
Phase 1: Aug.-Sept. 1942
-Capture Tassafronga - COMPLETE
-Secure Milne Bay - IN PROGRESS
-Capture Terapo - COMPLETE

Phase 2: Oct.-Dec. 1942
-Capture Tulagi – IN PROGRESS
-Capture Munda – COMPLETE
-Advance to Buna – COMPLETE

Phase 3: Jan. 1942 – July 1943
-Northern NG Coast
-Bougainville


Other Notes:
-Two more IJN Tankers fall victim to working USN torpedoes. With all the duds, seeing a torp (or two) actually explode is extra satisfying.

[PaxMondo]

ORIGINAL: Schlussel

Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 1,961 [+37]
Biggest Losses (#): Dauntless (249), Wildcat (246), Buffalo (129)

Japanese: 3,949 [+129]
Biggest Losses (#): Betty (935), Zero (729), Lilly (472)


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 368 [+4]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 441 [+14]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 8,358 [+29]
Japanese: 2,843 [+114]
A/J Ratio: 2.94 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 21,091 [+466]
Japanese: 20,456 [+112]
A/J Ratio: 1.03 to 1

ok, you're at a point in a stock AI game where things are going to start falling apart due to losses.

You have 2 choices:

1. You can either just keep going, and it will get easier and easier as the AI falls apart.

2. You can intervene on the AI's behalf.

You won't need any suggestions for strategy 1, but here are a few things for strategy 2.

Aircraft:
IJN 2E losses are such that pools and air groups are likely getting quite low. The AI isn't good at managing builds or models.
So, you want/need to do both. Open up the turn Head-2-Head. Then look at the air groups and pools for Betty. If low, see if you have Nell pools.
You can't add aircraft into the game, but you can increase production (build AC factories) and change models used by air groups. Make adjustments that will get the air groups back on their feet.
Repeat this for all other major aircraft (F, LB, TB, DB)

Ships:
+400 ships lost by IJN at this date is a big deal. IJN replacement rates are like about 10 ships/month total ... in other words what the allies get in a day.
You can't replace ships, but you can accelerate them. Look where they are low (TK, DD, patrols, etc.) and then set some for acceleration. Don't go crazy on this, accelerate ~50 ships now.

Materials:
Look at Tokyo. It should have +1M on ALL materials: resources, oil, ,fuel, supply. If it is even close to 1M or below, you need to run VH difficulty more often than you are. double (at least) what you have been doing.


If you do all the above, you should be able to get another 6 months out of this game ... depends upon how well you play and how many days/month you are at VH. Also, plan to have to intervene like this once/month until game end.

GOOD LUCK!!!

[Macclan5]

Subscribed

Schlussel –

Thank you for continuing to maintain and update this.

I am a new player to the game and I have followed your AAR with intense interest.

There are many interesting aspects of this AAR that mirror my own game and interestingly many that don't. We seem to be playing at a remarkably similar pace.

One key difference "I think" is that I am playing PDU Off. In your settings you don’t specifically mention this on page 1; this may explain some very different air squadron dispositions in the Coral Sea.

I think this will be an excellent resource for many new players (much as the older one by Sardaukar) is.

Request as always:

1)You have not updated key base and supplies level in some time.

I think I found this most interesting because you are possibly envisioning these bases as a series of mutually supported (i.e. 2 -3 bases in area) hard points from which you will choose to counter attack as the opportunity arises. At least I may be putting my thoughts in to your AAR but I suspect we are thinking alike.

These key base statistics speaks to your diligence in supply management early which is important to learn in this game. It provides new players a bench mark to understand logistics in 1942 are much more important than shuffling Carriers around in open ocean.

2)You also used to update a section called KB Watch. Could you continue to update or expand it to be Imperial Japanese Navy watch with key ships that FOW allows you to spot? I am thinking of the BB’s of course when spotted. Additionally small flotillas with multiple Cruisers

Perhaps you dropped it as you have not discovered a CV in some time. You seem to have been more (and less) successful than I. I think I have indeed sunk some 3 – 4 carriers and a CVL in my game but my Carrier force is fully intact (no losses compared to Enterprise). I last spotted the 2 mini KB around Rabul some months ago but I think the AI has sent them away for upgrades (December 1942)

<spoiler caution?> My own stand off at Akylab and southern New Guinea each drew a 2 BB surface combat and bombardment strike from Japan. It was not a complete surprise but the point I could do nothing about it (positioning). I think that no matter what the Carrier status of Japan is..knowing where their powerful BBs are is equally important in the game... if you spot them... even with FOW.

[Macclan5]

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

ORIGINAL: Schlussel

Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 1,961 [+37]
Biggest Losses (#): Dauntless (249), Wildcat (246), Buffalo (129)

Japanese: 3,949 [+129]
Biggest Losses (#): Betty (935), Zero (729), Lilly (472)


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 368 [+4]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 441 [+14]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 8,358 [+29]
Japanese: 2,843 [+114]
A/J Ratio: 2.94 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 21,091 [+466]
Japanese: 20,456 [+112]
A/J Ratio: 1.03 to 1

ok, you're at a point in a stock AI game where things are going to start falling apart due to losses.

You have 2 choices:

1. You can either just keep going, and it will get easier and easier as the AI falls apart.

2. You can intervene on the AI's behalf.

You won't need any suggestions for strategy 1, but here are a few things for strategy 2.

Aircraft:
....
So, you want/need to do both. Open up the turn Head-2-Head.
Then look at the air groups and pools for Betty. If low, see if you have Nell pools.
You can't add aircraft into the game, but you can increase production (build AC factories)

Ships:
+400 ships lost by IJN at this date is a big deal.
You can't replace ships, but you can accelerate them... accelerate ~50 ships now.

Materials:
Look at Tokyo. It should have +1M on ALL materials: resources, oil, ,fuel, supply.

GOOD LUCK!!!

Edited above

Thank you Sir PaxM for this advice and additionally the specific instructions.

Your observations ~ and importantly specific instructions add a lot of value to this AAR for new players.

This is equally true for Mr Moose, BB, Herr Hans, et al

[Schlussel]

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

ok, you're at a point in a stock AI game where things are going to start falling apart due to losses.

You have 2 choices:

1. You can either just keep going, and it will get easier and easier as the AI falls apart.

2. You can intervene on the AI's behalf.

You won't need any suggestions for strategy 1, but here are a few things for strategy 2.

Aircraft:
IJN 2E losses are such that pools and air groups are likely getting quite low. The AI isn't good at managing builds or models.
So, you want/need to do both. Open up the turn Head-2-Head. Then look at the air groups and pools for Betty. If low, see if you have Nell pools.
You can't add aircraft into the game, but you can increase production (build AC factories) and change models used by air groups. Make adjustments that will get the air groups back on their feet.
Repeat this for all other major aircraft (F, LB, TB, DB)

Ships:
+400 ships lost by IJN at this date is a big deal. IJN replacement rates are like about 10 ships/month total ... in other words what the allies get in a day.
You can't replace ships, but you can accelerate them. Look where they are low (TK, DD, patrols, etc.) and then set some for acceleration. Don't go crazy on this, accelerate ~50 ships now.

Materials:
Look at Tokyo. It should have +1M on ALL materials: resources, oil, ,fuel, supply. If it is even close to 1M or below, you need to run VH difficulty more often than you are. double (at least) what you have been doing.


If you do all the above, you should be able to get another 6 months out of this game ... depends upon how well you play and how many days/month you are at VH. Also, plan to have to intervene like this once/month until game end.

GOOD LUCK!!!

Thanks for the detailed response Pax.[&o] I want to get as good of a game out of the AI, so I'm going for option 2. I opened up a turn as Japan that occurred about a week ago (to perserve a little OPSEC for the AI). Overall the AI looks to be holding up pretty well. Here's what I found:

Aircraft:
-Frontline airgroups are all filled out (at least 90 of their airframe capacity).

Replacement Pools:
-Betty: 130 ac.
-Sally: (1c) 60 ac.
-Sally: (2b) 45 ac.
-Lilly: 65 ac.
-Nell: 0 ac. (None were being used = no ac groups upgraded to this?)
-Val: 1 ac. I expanded factories for this model)
-Kate: 80 ac.
Zero (M2): 230 ac.
Zero (M3): 55 ac.
Tojo (2a): 50 ac.

Ships:
-All support ships looked good, lots in active TF's and plenty of reserves scattered and forward main bases (Truk, Singapore, etc). The one exception was TK's, they only had 2 idle, so I accelerated about 15 TK's. DD's looked good as well.

Materials:
-Tokyo has
2.1 MIL Supply
1.6 MIL Oil
1.5 MIL Fuel
1.8 MIL Resource