TF Creation Doctrine - Tip of the Sword or Kitchen Sink?

[Aelbric]

With the myriad of TF types available and the dozens of possible ship types, how do you all build your TFs? What is the best composition for Air Combat, Surface Combat, etc. for each side?

[DoomedMantis]

Now there is a question and a half

It all depends on the mission.

Generally though a rule of thumb for me

for every BB, 2 CA's
for every CA 1 CL and 2 DD's

I try not to overload surface force TF's though past 10-12 ships, so if I have 2 BB's in a group I might have

BB, BB, CA, CA, CA, CL, CL and 5 DD's

it all depends on the mission, and whether you expect to have to fight a surface engagement.

If Im sending in transports to invade then I put CA's with them for suppression, for normal transports (resupply etc) I try to make sure I have plenty of ASW support. I find it easier to have larger TF's with 6 or so support ships, rather than smaller groups with less escort, aminly due to the size of the game.