Air Raid Pearl Harbor (Navy CPO vs Imp AI)

[RangerJoe]

As you can see, that Kiwi light cruiser is built for running away with more main gun ammo for the rear main guns than the forward main guns.

[ChiefOC]

Interesting points, especially the typo I will fix that glaring error (with great sincerity).

I was referring to Leander's skipper. Look at his rank. The USN Senior Officer Present Afloat (SOPA) in Darwin has sent a letter to the NZ Defense Minister recommending a Meritorious Battlefield promotion to Lieutenant Commander. But three steps might be pushing the envelope (there is a pun in there somewhere).

[ChiefOC]

06 JUL 43

Some late Independence Day presents for FDR. ABDA forces made two separate Amphibious Invasions first week of July. The US Americal Division landed at Banjermasin, while the British 14th Brigade, Along with the 1st USMC Tank Battalion, landed in Oosthaven.

Banjermasin was liberated after a brief skirmish. Though only a brief fight could be expected of a target which has been shelled or bombed virtually every day/night for months, it is a mess. There were a few dozen single and multi-engine aircraft wrecks on the runway as well as wrecked vessels on the beach not to mention the Sargasso Sea size area and description of nearby shipwrecks. Port (level 2) damage is at 100%, Airfield (level 3) service damage is 100%, and Airfield runway dmg is 17%. The defenders withdrew, but adjacent enemy units are not acceptable. Especially since Banjermasin is going to be a Frontline (Headquarters) base.

While rebuilding a Headquarters building, some IJN records were found. In and near Band Aid Bay, (59,100)(59,101)(60,99)(61,101)(61'102), - the following type vessels were lost:

AG: 1
xAK: 63
xAKL: 8
xAP: 10
AO: 2
CM: 1
E: 1
PB: 16
PC: 1
SC: 4
SSX (Midget sub): 8
TK: 2

Total: 117

At Oosthaven, the Allies walked ashore surprisingly without resistance. There was no damage to facilities (Level 3 port and Level 5 Airfield). There is an adjacent IJA unit which could be a problem. It is in a swamp area but is next to the only road north and I don't want it blocking transit or supplies. Sixty-six Marine M3 Stuart Tanks are probing towards Praboemoelih (48,96) with the recently landed US 43rd ID following. Reckon LGEN Patton would call that Recon in Force. I'm going to have the Brit 14th Brigade make a push to see who our neighbors are just NE of Oosthaven. Time for mosquito spray and to recheck your Bren Guns lads! Oh, and I need to whistle up some vessels to move some of this @260,000 (units?) of oil outta Oosthaven.

And speaking of Oosthaven, it is now Homeport for a new SAG composed of CLs HMS Kenya, HMS Newcastle with one Brit DD, three USN DDs and DE HMS Electra. Nice, but not enough teeth for any surface action beyond a small supply convoy. I tried to get the group to bombard the IJA ground unit next door, but it won't. Hmmm.

[RangerJoe]

Is that oil or fuel at Oosthaven? Australia could use oil for its refineries but fuel could be immediately used by your ships in the area. So if it is fuel, bring in tankers and oilers but cover them lavishly with fighters, CVEs could be in the same hex. Older BBs could provide AAA coverage as well as soaking up bombs but torpedoes . . .

Also, put in a minefield at Merak but be careful because there probably is an enemy one already there!

[ChiefOC]

Affirmative Ranger Joe. Oosthaven has 261,175 (tons?) of oil. ZERO fuel, 14,936 (tons?) of supply - though some of this was just unloaded, and 14,502 (tons) of "resources".

Thank you for the recommendations. Is there a refinery in the BTO besides Rangoon? I will likely shuttle some oil over there in any case, but in a very roundabout way. Those waters are still prowled by IJN subs and IJA a/c. Soerabaja will definitely get some of the first oil - not that it has any shortage of oil, as that place is a machine. I already have some vessels taking Java fuel down to Darwin.

Much obliged, as always, for your counsel.

[RangerJoe]

You are most welcome. Magwe supplies Burma with enough oil for the refineries if the oil is not damaged and you own both of them. Otherwise, there is enough oil in India, CONUS, and the like to fully use the refineries. But if you are going to liberate Palembang, then the oil might get used there. Palembang does not provide enough oil for its refineries, it needs oil from Djambi as well. But you will have to have a lot of AAA and fighters to protect Palembang and the base right behind it is on the rail line and can have a rather large airfield.

[BBfanboy]

You need a really good DL on the enemy troops to get your cruisers to bombard, and they won't so so at night, so you need"

-night air recon and day recon from the ships to get any kind of DL
- sometimes several days of recon to increase the MDL (which enables a higher DL when you spot them again)
- "Stay on Station" orders for the Bombardment TF to keep it there in daylight
- LRCAP for that TF
- and set Escorts Bombard so that the big ships will go in closer too

[ChiefOC]

Just to step out of my AAR for a few minutes...

just noted the wardroom chatter on a possible new update/and or rules update. Also some chatter with pilot transfers.

I have done almost no mucking about with changing my pilots in and out of Commands. But I do have one anomaly I would like to change. In my present game, Major Greg Boyington, USMC started in the AVG. After the AVG groups were "withdrawn", he is now in a USAAF P-40 Squadron. I know in real life, he started with the AVG; actually he started with the Marines but resigned to go to China. How the heck do I get "Pappy" into the Marines? I see a Corsair squadron soon to be withdrawn which will come back as VMF 214, AKA The Black Sheep.

And is the micro-management of pilots really a game changer in the first place? I reckon the AI seems to be doing OK to me.

Thanks.

[BBfanboy]

I find micro-management of pilots tedious and sleep-inducing, so most of it I leave to the AI. But if I want to create an elite unit to fly my best fighter models, I know I have to transfer the best pilots to the General Reserve before I can request them for the elite unit using the "Request Veteran" button. There are variable time lags each time you transfer a pilot, so it can take a few weeks to put together an elite squadron.
Other players enjoy the micro management and gaze lovingly at the Ace Pilot scoreboard. I find listing the Aces a waste of time, but in a tight game I guess getting an edge in the air war requires micromanaging training and postings.

[RangerJoe]

If you would like me to, I could open up my game and take screen shots of the air unit particulars, then the pilots. One unit has over 50% of the pilots names in yellow . . .

To me, pilot training and management is a must, especially for fighters. It is a force multiplier and early on when the Allies are short of aircraft, they need the best pilots that they can get into their combat units. After the situation is stabilized, then I can start moving pilots around. Right now, I have a lot of fighter pilots that need training to get their experience, air, and defense levels to be at least 50, 70, and 70. But even then, in heavy combat the experience should be at least 60 for them to start making kills. Of course, when the AI sends unescorted bombers to the same bases, then it is called "Live Fire Combat Training!"

Here is my last combat report:

[ChiefOC]

14 Jul 43

Two noteworthy actions middle of the month. Recon from Port Blair spotted a small Japanese convoy due South near Trinkat Island on a northerly course. Dive bombers scrambled and sank the battleship Yamashiro with 1000 pound bombs. No other ships were hit, and the convoy avoided further spotting.

On Sumatra Allied forces are pushing towards Palembang. The British ran into a steel wall of obstacles and bullets while probing NE of Oosthaven. The IJA ID suffered about the same casualtues as the British, but they are cut off from resupply/support. Further north, US Marine light tanks have entered Praboemoelih (48,92) unopposed and will secure it until the US infantry arrive. Then the tankers will strike out NNW to Benkoelen to secure the west flank.

[RangerJoe]

I would suggest that you attack Palembang from the NW so you don't cross a river. If you can, bomb the defending units until they are numb so there won't be much of a land battle to try and keep the oil and refineries intact. Against a human, then you would have to have AAA units already there to help defend.

[BBfanboy]

Unless you got 20 or more hits with 1000 lb bombs, I would doubt that Yamashiro sank already. Likely FOW. That doesn't mean she won't sink on subsequent days if the crew can't put the fires out. On a ship that big the fires usually take a couple of days to gut it. And if it made it to a Japanese Singapore, all bets are off.

[ChiefOC]

Roger that BBfanboy. I think she took sufficient bombs and torps to go down, but I reckon time will tell one way or the other.

10 Aug 43

Some major developments in CentPac, DEI and BTO.

On 2nd of August, the US Navy invaded Eniwetok Atoll with the US 37th ID leading the assault. The atoll was quickly taken, though the IJA did not go quietly. A flight of land based bombers broke through the massive CAP and dropped torpedoes. A LST, loaded with supplies, was sunk, and battleship Colorado was hit by two torpedoes causing serious damage. Two other auxiliary vessels were also damaged. I had previously leap-frogged AFRD-1 to Wake, which came in handy for emergency priority repairs. Colorado after a quick inspection, now with a heavy ASW escort, is enroute to Seattle for complete repairs and an upcoming refit. Two Squadrons of Corsairs have arrived at Eniwetok, so they should put an end to IJA bomber attacks.

The runway at Eniwetok is just past Level One. I want to neutralize Truk as a base from the air, but Eniwetok won't be able to do it. A level one airfield is fine for Corsairs, but will not suffice for 4E warbirds. The largest the field can be made is Level 3, and I believe 4E bombers need a Level 5 for offensive operations. Southeast by east of Eniwetok, and half the distance to Truk, is the island of Ponape. Recon indicates it has a Level 4 airfield, which could be improved to Level 5. Reckon Ponape and Truk are going to be getting vistors soon.

In the DEI, the US Americal Division is still trudging towards Balikpapan and is closing in. Back at Bandjermasin, the runway is operational and is now home to a squadron of 25 P-40s providing local aircover. Bandjermasin's port is now at level 2.

Over on Sumatra, things are progressing. The USMC Light Tanks ran over and found Benkoelen (45,91) unoccupied. They then dashed over to Djambi (48,88) likewise unoccupied, and are acting as a blocking/supply interdiction force there. The Marine tankers are setting up defensively behind a river and are receiving some supplies via Oosthaven airlift. Allied forces including the British 14th Inf Brigade, the 2nd British ID, 1st Aussie Para Bn and the 1st Madras Const Bn plus a RAF Group Base Force are just across the river from Palembang. They are waiting for arty, and a HQ unit prior to assaulting. Palembang is getting hit by medium bombers out of Oosthaven almost daily. There is also several Allied subs starting patrols to keep Palembang's port closed.

Near Bangkok, Allied forces are isolating IJA defenders. The star out there is the Indian 16th Light Calvary Regiment. As Armoured Reconnaissance, they have been running around with their assortment of lorries and 30-odd armoured cars, sticking their noses into several small towns. It has been setting up a trip wire early warning system and closing roads to the IJA in the area. The central focus, Bangkok, will likely be a tough nut to take; and is presently not subject to Allied surface naval blockade or resupply. But, there are several Allied submarines, in the relatively shallow waters of the Gulf of Siam, providing some effort to keeping Bangkok's port closed to Imperial shipping.

China remains overall unchanged and towns change hands frequently.

Southern Sumatra

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DEI

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[ChiefOC]

11 Aug 43

Last Trip to Java for the Marus

The night of 11 August brought a surprise to Allied Naval HQ. Recon had spotted a small convoy including one large cruiser SEE of Soerabaja. Reinforced by the recent arrival of light cruiser USS Columbia, the ABDA Squadron sortied and intercepted the convoy just (7 hexes) SW of their homeport. The large cruiser turned out to be a large troop carrier (LSD) and the only escort was a diminutive ASW type. Five IJN ships and all their troops being carried were sent to the bottom. Not sure how the marus got past my patrols. But, there is a lesson to be learned there somewhere.

Speaking of Java's primary port, tomorrow will see the first Allied CVTF to make port during the war. The portcall will be for minor damage repairs and refueling. It consists of three USN CVEs, USN CAs Indianapolis and New Orleans, screened by five USN DDs. The tiny carriers altogether are carrying 63 F6F Hellcats and 27 Avengers. It's planned primary mission is to draw out and destroy enemy land based aircraft. Secondary mission will be providing CAP for the growing number of Allied shipping in the DEI.

The only other significant development during the last two weeks was the liberation of Balikpapan by the US Americal Division. The port was being garrisoned by rear area engineers. The wrecks of a handful of Japanese aircraft were found. There is minor damage (14) to the port, and airfield runway (20) but airfield service damage is at 70%.

Aug 31 1943 Stats

Allied base points: 11,011
Japanese base pts: 5,341

Allied a/c pts lost: 5,503
IJA/IJN a/c pts lost: 11,637

Allied Army loss pts: 11,818
IJA/IJN Army loss pts: 8,358

Allied Ships sunk: 288
Pts for sunk Allied ships: 2,004

IJN Ships sunk: 1,570
Pts for sunk IJN ships: 17,625

Political pts: 1251

Japanese score: 24,675
Allied score: 48,351

Balikpapan liberation

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Java Express 1

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Java express 2

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[ChiefOC]

USS Hoe at periscope depth @100 miles SW of coast of Japan.

"Fire 6!...helm swing her around port, reciprocal bearing, for the stern tubes! This carrier is not getting away", said the captain.

15 Sep 43 SitRep

Most actions in the first two weeks of September were submarine battles.

USS Hoe signaled COMSUBPAC, "Unknown carrier sighted", then attacked. She fired eight torpedoes, claiming the carrier could be heard breaking up as she sank from seven hits/detonations. (Post War IJN records record the small cargo ship Haruno Maru was seen to have been hit with at least five torpedoes, as many as eight; and sank within minutes.) Talk about overkill. Similarly as SS Havildar (Brit xAK) loaded with supplies was within sight of land heading for Rangoon, she was hit by two torpedoes; and quickly sank. Extensive search with KVs and aircraft found no sign of the attacker.

I've pulled my Fleet Boats back about 10 hexes from the Japanese coastline. Two subs have struck mines and several of my subs have undergone vigorous attacks; despite my constant shifting of their patrol areas. So I'm withdrawing out of short range air search, and into generally deeper water. Four USN subs are crawling towards my advance base at Wake (AR, AS and AFRD-1) with serious floatation damage (@40) and two more with @10 float damage, towards Naval Base, Adak. Then there is USS Snook. She attacked a small Maru on the surface and was then pounced upon. The Maru took a couple of deck gun hits, but Snook was mauled, likely fatally by escorts. Engine damage and floatation damage are 99% not to mention medium structural damage. Her speed is "0", and the AI has routed her (escort status) into Wenchow, China as closest Allied port.

If Snook gets to China, about six hexs away, I know she will never leave. The Chinese and IJA have been fighting in Wenchow for over a year, and yet could fall any day. I have changed Snook's homeport to Balikpapan where I can get a support group (AG, AR and AS) into there in about a week or two. Now, Snook only needs about 48 days of good weather, good luck and no enemy contact. Yeah right, while being deep in The Emperor's realm at speed 0.

Meanwhile, Palambang has fallen. YAY! Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah!

Seven crushed IJA/IJN (rear area) ground units retreated just to the west, a northerly retreat being blocked by my Lt. Armored unit just to the north. It's noteworthy, and a bit shocking, Supply Officers have found (drum roll/drool) @120K of fuel and @493K of oil stored in Palembang. Confirm, an eighth of a million fuel and nearly half a million oil.

Much further east, US forces have landed at Ponape. The US 108th Infantry Reg, 4th FA Bn, 767th tank battalion, and the 119th USAAF Base Force have dismbarked and are attacking. So far, light casualties. This is my first Amphib Operation with an Amphib HQ adjacent, remaining afloat. Neglible ground losses, so far. Yay! At sea, a bit different. I had no idea about the IJN Naval Fortress there, and neither did rookie BBs South Dakota and Indiana. Both, in their baptism of fire, as well as veterans Washington and North Carolina, took heavy Coastal Defense battery fire. The clangs and thunks which hit Bethlehem steel armor were amusing, but the fire in Indy's superstructure is a bit concerning. USS Sea Snipe and USS Sea Bass (xAKs) were sunk by coastal battery (8") fire while unloading. I have Naval support elements, including a single AKE enroute to Eniwetok. I also have a second IR as reinforcements as well as a LST supply convoy enroute to Ponape.

NEWS.

South of Port Blair, a mixed RN/USN CVTF with USS Wasp, USS Hornet and venerable HMS Hermes were poking around close to Victoria point. A Squadron of Zeros escorting 6 Bettys were spotted inbound and were intercepted by 60+ F6F Hellcats and about 20 Martlets. Several Zeros and four Bettys were shot down for the loss of a Martlet and an F6F.

My CVE CVTF made it's first airstrike on Singapore's docks. Unescorted TBFs carrying bombs reported a hit on a destroyer and a hit on a submarine. Enemy CAP, thankfully Jakes/Claudes, shot down only one TBF. I have to get my F6Fs to learn how to escort. A handful of Bettys tried to sneak past 60 F6Fs to strike the diminutive and slow baby flattops. Only one Betty got away, no damage to the TF.

HMS Royal Sovereign along with CAs HMS Hawkins and HMS Frobisher have been sent back to England. I would have sent HMS Sussex, also, due for recall, with them, but I had her upgrade toggled on; which is in progress at Columbo.

The 1st MarDiv is redeploying from Batavia to Oosthaven.
2nd MarDiv is in the Territory of Hawaii, practicing beach assaults.
The 3rd MarDiv has formed up in San Diego.
The 4th MarDiv has formed up in Aden.
Flocks of USN transport ships are gathering in Aden. Some formidable warships (Code Name TF-1), plus a dozen USN subs, arrive soon.

I've pulled about 30K of oil out of Oosthaven, leaving 307,077 oil still there.

Similarly, Balikpapan has @94K of fuel and 56.8K of oil.

USN TF 1

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[RangerJoe]

The USS Snook may be able to dewater somewhat along the way. There should be nothing wrong with moving to Wenchow unless it is in imminent danger of being lost. In port, the Snook may be able to repair a little more damage. If you have any bases along the way to Batavia, you can try moving to a base, disbanding, then moving again.

[ChiefOC]

"Aden Port Authority, Aden Port Authority, this is U.S. Navy warship 59, requesting pilot as well as mooring and anchoring instructions for Task Force, please come in."

"U.S. Navy warship 59, Warship 59, request granted. Pilot will meet you at the outer marker with anchoring instructions. U.S. Navy Warship 59, be advised your present course has you standing into danger. Recommend alter course to seaward and will advise directly, please respond."

"Aden Control, this is U.S. Navy Warship Ten, Task Force One Actual, request identify threat, I say again identify threat, please respond."

"U.S Navy Warship Ten, this is Aden Lighthouse. Your present course has you headed directly to this facility and uncharted reefs. Aden welcomes your visit, and wishes all hands a safe port call. Aden Lighthouse, out."

30 Sep 43

It has been an interesting two weeks. TF 1, with Essex Class CVs Yorktown II, Lexington II, BBs Massachusetts and Alabama with a Baker's dozen escorts preceeded eight new US Fleet Subs into Aden. Y2 and Lex2 are due a quick ten day refit, but that will happen in Columbo. They are going to support a serious Marine incursion, where though is classified.

The island of Ponape, SE of Truk, has been secured. Hurrah!, Hurrah, hurrah!

The reinforcing 185th IR enroute to Ponape, has been turned back to Hawaii pending consolidation into the 40th ID. This does require the 108th IR being relieved at Ponape. A CVTF centered around newb Essex, Veteran Lexington with assistance from CVL Independence is racing towards Ponape to keep an eye on things.

CVTF 116 (Big E, sister Yorktown with Saratoga) covering Ponape's assimilation, once again has make a call at Oz. Recent sightings of IJN large warships in the Solomon Sea necessitates it. CVTF 116 had been making airfield strikes on Truk. But, it is time to celebrate a strange victory for the Marine pilots of Saratoga's VMF-221 in F4F Wildcats. While patrolling near Truk, VMF-221 had been armed with 100 lb bombs, prosecuting barge traffic. A US Sub reported an unknown carrier nearby, and the Marines investigated. Scoring several bomb hits, VMF-221 sank a small Floating drydock, perhaps one of a couple scuttled by the Brits during the initial Japanese onslaught; and later refloated by the IJN. It would be later identified as an organic local drydock vessel named Dublon - named for the base the vessel serviced.

Locally, US Subs Pogy (16 sys, 5 Flt damage), Shad (19 sys, 37 Flt ), and Drum (13 sys, 2 Flt , 8 Eng) have made port and are having their damages seen to. Silversides is still berthed in AFRD-1 (with 20 sys, 20 Flt and 26 Eng damage) at Wake. Grenadier rendezvoused with Snook to exchange/relieve crew and provide parts. Snook, (now due East of Apparri, Luzon RP) not by any means out of the woods; is now speed 1 (27 sys, 88 Flt and 15 Eng damage). Her chances have gone up from none, to not good. Adm Charlie Lockwood's boats showed "some cheek" (payback) when backed off Japan's coast. As parting gifts, Grouper claimed sinking a destroyer (actually APD Tade) while Kingfish claimed sinking an unknown warship - later identified as Coastal Minelayer Ma 3), fair go lads. Grenadier's Guardians are patrolling in front of Snook, just in case.

On the Island of Borneo, the Americal Division made a surprise attack and wiped out the IJA/IJN Engineering unit at Samarinda, just across the river from Balikpapan. That will remove any adjacent eyes watching Balikpapan turn into a major base, and possible refuge for Snook. Finally, a Dutch Naval attache confided the Brits and Aussies have a significant Halloween surprise for The Mikado.

[ChiefOC]

Aboard His Majesty's Amphibious Command Ship near Pare Pare, Celebes.

"Major Christian, I say, Major Christian, a word, please!", the Ground Commanding General yelled down to the Quarterdeck.

"Here sir!", said the Major, running into view.

"Major!, I see no smoke, I hear no explosions. Any word at all from the bloody beachmasters, does anyone know what the hell is going on?"

"Yes sir, no sir, that is both, General sir", said the frazzled Major. "Some of our chaps mounted carriers* and dashed into the three nearby towns and found no sign of the Japanese, they've gone sir".

*Carriers above refers to the tracked Universal Carriers (the vehicle the British Beachmaster "gave a bash" to in the film 'The Longest Day'), the Commonwealth used as transport and small gun tractors.


15 Oct 43

In the Java Sea, the First NZ Brigade has landed at, and secured abandoned Donggala towards the North end of Celebes. To the SE, Australian units have landed at the beach/plains just West of Kendari, lower right corner of Celebes. An armoured car Squadron is moving to liberate Kolaka (NE) apparently vacant, to provide a point for proper supply and reinforcements.

An additional Commonwealth Amphib landing (67,104) just SE of Palopo is in progress. It appears all three adjacent cities are similarly vacant of IJA units.

Near Pelambang, various Allied units have cleared the Southern tip of Sumatra with two exceptions. Those two are the ubiquitous SNLF in the swamp, just NE of Oosthaven, and a small wrecked engineering unit just SE of DJamji.

There has been an alarming development in the waters around Japan. Through luck and conservative measures, I have only lost three submarines so far during the campaign. [As an aside, USS Snook's fate is still undecided, though she is sailing south with the Philippines off to starboard; with her stats 27 sys, 88 Flt, 15 Eng and Speed 1. Still in great peril.] I had previously had several serious ASW attacks on my Fleet Boats, with a handful of narrow escapes. With frightening efficiency, in the space of a week, USS Halibut (10/11) and Dutch KXII (10/18) were sunk in quick single engagement attacks. Still, I would guess my subs have probably sunk perhaps a thousand enemy ships to date.

Another frightening attack happened several hexes SW of Port Blair. Battleship Prince of Wales was sailing as part of heavy escort to US carriers Hornet and Wasp in their mission of medium bomber suppression in the Andaman Sea. Punching through more than 50 USN fighters on CAP, a Betty bomber, once again, scored a torpedo hit on Prince of Wales (PoW). Damage seemed minor - some system and light (20ish) floatation damage. But the next day while withdrawing, a message was flashed that bulkheads had collapsed and heavy flooding was happening. When I could check, PoW's floatation damage was now 52! I'm cutting speed to hopefully allow DC to shore up bulkheads. Someone needs to get a handle on these Bettys!

Back to the east, there was also excitement as CVTF 116 (Enterprise, Yorktown and Saratoga) was on course towards the Solomon Sea. Once again, the sighting of "Enemy Carriers" was reported. I readied all my a/c accordingly as I had no idea what to expect. The following 'carriers', actually support ships without escort were sunk, including again 500 lb hits from Marine F4Fs:

AV Kamoi (22 pts)
AV Kiyokawa Maru (23)
AD Koshu Maru #2 (14)
AS Rio de Janiero Maru (23)

The following day brought a serious threat. Recon sighted a Haruna Class BC with CA escort, two hexes from my carriers. The carrier's escort only includes CL Helena, and six DDs. And my carriers are now almost out of torpedoes (only 10 remaining on Sara) after their "Carrier strikes." I charted a course due south, HP Sydney, with all strike a/c armed with bombs and set to naval attack. There was no further contact.

Closer to Pearl, Operation Forager has been green lit. Curiously, Forager appears an apt code word. As all the myriad transport TFs, Minesweeper TF, ASW TF, two Surface Combat TFs and HQ TF left, Pearl is down to less than 2K of fuel. That's bad, as my faster Covering CVTFs have not slipped their mooring yet. Then there is the inbound CVTF, including the new rookies CV Bunker Hill, CVLs Monterey and Cowpens and their escorts will arrive in fortnight needing fuel, before joining the other CVs. Ugh. On the bright side, almost 200k of fuel is enroute to Pearl. I guess the new fleet anchorage, including four fast and four standard BBs, (aka great big fat target rich environment) at Midway will just look pretty (juicy) for a while until all the following Birdfarms sort out their schedules. However, Midway has @8k of fuel on hand, there is a replenishment TF already following the Point (Hafa Adai) CVTF, and there is the Forager Hafa Adai Replenishment TF with 16k of fuel.

Midway is 54/52 hexes from Guam and Tinian. I estimate transit time of 11-18 days for Amphib Group, once they up anchor.

[RangerJoe]

Once torpedoes hit and explode, the ships are best set to "cruise" speed. Repairs to systems are also important since that may include pumps or the electrical system to said pumps.