About US invasion fleets in late 43

[feryveroweb]

What is the best formations to set in an invasion fleet?

[Raverdave]

Formations? You don't get to set formations in this game. However, if you are taking about the make-up of ships....then that is a different matter. I always like to to send some protection with my transports, made up of CAs Cls and DDs just incase the otherside decides to send in a bombardment TF to break-up the invasion fleet. One or two MSWs to sweep a path is also a good idea....there will always be mines if the other guy is on his toes.
I also try to make sure that the AKs and APs are no larger than 1500, as they can unload faster than the 2000 and 3000 APs and AKs.

A separate TF madeup of at least two BBs some CAs, CLs and DDs is also a good idea....to bombard the invasion area....set to do not retire...so they can also lend support if the enemy sends in a bombardment TF.....they are also good for acting as a magnet for the air attack that will come just as soon as the enemy wakes up to what you are doing.

Lastly, you will need aircover, either in the form of some CVEs or CVLs standing a few hexs off the invasion hex, just to give some CAP and or LRCAP.


Last but not least keep a close eye on the weather, try and time you invasion with a thunderstorm....it helps to hide your invasion fleet, and also could cause his aircraft not to launch because of bad weather.

Also a big set of balls and a dollop of luck can go a long way as well.

[Odin]

I form my TF´s depending on which Thread can be expected..when i plan an invasion and theres much enemy naval stuff around, i mix in some heavy units, such like CA´s or so...

When i´m shure the enemy has his surface stuff far away, in Truk for example, i often send them with light escort, accompanied with a bombard Tf, of course...

I normally used Land based aircraft to cover it...using carriers close to an enemy stronghold like Rabaul can turn into a desaster;)