Scen 19 Japanese Strats?

[Jon_Hal]

I'm starting a game as the Japanese VS. AI allies. I wanted to get the learned opinion on the board as to what some good opening strats are for Scen 19. I tried to make it as random as possible with 200% ship comit and Very Varible Re-enforcements. I've had the game a while but this will be my first undertaking as Japanese.

How important is capturing PM?

What are some opening moves you guys have found successful?

Thanks

[kvandoc]

I have a similar problem. I am in the same scenario and decided that an initial assualt on PM would be too costly as the LBA and the CVA sandwich me and I lose a CV at least. So, I decided overland from Buna to siege PM. Well, I did well at first. Sustained 1 or two bomb hits from the USN and LBA aircraft and nailed the Lexington bad. My subs found here not too long after and sent her to the bottom. The Yorktown is withdrawing to Nomea, but ALL the USN is in PM. I am covering my landing craft at Buna as 20,000 are disembarking. I am almost finished when the USN launches from PM with about 75 assorted aircraft (75% of them dauntlesses) and just rapes the IJN CV taskforce. All 3 CV's get 8+ hits on them and they are useless. I have 190 carrieraircraft, but it is like they won't defend. At best I get 9 Zero's to defend and that is all. What is the matter? Help me save my TF!!!

Musicman

[DoomedMantis]

My initial moves are usually to secure Lunga and the surrounding Islands, then send a Fast Transport to take Gilli and Buna. After this I spend a month preparing to take PM and building up Lunga.

You dont have the resources in the first month to take PM, as the best way to secure it is to have at least 3 bombardment TF's with BB's on contant rotation to close down PM airbase. There is also no rush to take PM as its almost impossible to defend against a well prepared offence.

I fond that woodlark island can be a good staging area for the bombardment TF's, but you need to make sure you have aircover there for your Tankers and transports unloading. The Rufes usually suffice with an AV in support. Also by the time that you are attacking PM with Bombardment TF's you should have 5-6 Carriers. I tend to also follow up some of the bombardments with airfield attacks from the carriers, depending on where his carriers are.

The main thing about PM is to keep it closed, and destroy his supplies. If your transports are in place to land usually on the second day of bombardments you will get most unloaded without even losing a transport except maybe to subs.

Once you have taken PM the world is your oyster

[DoomedMantis]

If cumalative damage is above 50 on a carrier it cant launch.

Pm is to large a base to leave unclosed

ORIGINAL: kvandoc

I have a similar problem. I am in the same scenario and decided that an initial assualt on PM would be too costly as the LBA and the CVA sandwich me and I lose a CV at least. So, I decided overland from Buna to siege PM. Well, I did well at first. Sustained 1 or two bomb hits from the USN and LBA aircraft and nailed the Lexington bad. My subs found here not too long after and sent her to the bottom. The Yorktown is withdrawing to Nomea, but ALL the USN is in PM. I am covering my landing craft at Buna as 20,000 are disembarking. I am almost finished when the USN launches from PM with about 75 assorted aircraft (75% of them dauntlesses) and just rapes the IJN CV taskforce. All 3 CV's get 8+ hits on them and they are useless. I have 190 carrieraircraft, but it is like they won't defend. At best I get 9 Zero's to defend and that is all. What is the matter? Help me save my TF!!!

Musicman

[DoomedMantis]

I also make sure that I take the beach just NW of PM with a Fast Transport drop so he has nowhere to retreat to

[Jon_Hal]

What about end runs to either Luganville or even northern Australia? Seems like the first month is a prime time to make some pretty bold moves if available. Anyone try this?

[CMDRMCTOAST]

I think you would choke on the supply issue and become mired down
and lose too many ships tryin to salvage the offensive. IMHO

[madflava13]

You need PM secure before you can move on N. Oz... Then you can base Betties and Nells there to protect the invasion, suppress airfields, etc.

The first few months is too soon - you don't have the strength in LCUs or CVs to support and continue an invasion. You also need to have accounted for the US carriers (either by sinking or sending back to Pearl with damage). If you haven't, any move on Luganville or N. Oz will get defeated by combined LBA and USN CV strikes....

Just my two cents...

[DoomedMantis]

If PM is still open then a run on N Aust is suicide, especially against a human opponent. All your transorts heading to N Aust have to pass within bombing range of PM, and you need it as a base of support for your operations.

Also Lugnaville can be taken easily, but is hard to defend until you have reduced his strength. You also can be closed down from a bombiong campaign