Marianas campaign, HFO v WITP Dude

[HawaiiFive-O]

Today saw another carrier battle to the west of Saipan. If my pilots are to be believed, we splashed the Junyo, Hiyo, and probably the Chitose/Chiyoda. It would appear that the Taiho and Ryuho made it through unscathed, but their air groups are most likely shot to pieces.

I was astounded that the 200+ plane Japanese retaliatory strike, with 120 bombers, failed to penetrate my 200 plane CAP. This is total culture shock from UV, where you'd expect at least half the Japanese bombers to get through under these circumstances. When I saw that strike group incoming I was sure I'd have a couple of CVs nailed for at least some damage. But the F6F proved unbeatable, flat out whipping the Japanese flyboys into submission.

After 6 days of nonstop fighting, my own airgroups are looking a little ragged, so I've started rotating some of the carriers back to Eniwetok. The Enterprise and 3 Independence class CVLs are taking the northern route, planning to drop a few more bombs on Saipan on the way home. The Yorktown and Lexington (and 2 CVLs) are taking the southern route, with a strike on the airfield at Guam being the plan. The rest of CVs (4 CVs, 2 CVLs) remain on station to the west of Saipan, just in case the IJN has any fight left in them. I'd prefer if they didn't launch any strikes today, they need a day to get a few more planes airworthy. The carriers I left on station have the most ordnance stores remaining, so both guarding TFs show 50+% sorties remaining.

All the empty transports are headed back as well, covered by 2 CVEs. The other 5 CVEs remain up north, and will return to bombing the hapless defenders of Saipan.

As I expected, the Japanese made a run into Saipan overnight in an effort to catch my transports, but all had fled the scene safely. My two bombardment groups that returned to Eniwetok are now replenished and headed back to Saipan. We are sending the transports back in tomorrow, to continue unloading.

The men on Saipan maintain their shallow beachhead. Disruption levels down into the 30s for all formations. Once it drops into the 20s (arbitrary decision, not really sure what the 'magic' number should be), I'll start making deliberate attacks.

I really like that WITP more realistically models amphibious warfare. No more 'land the troops, order immediate shock attack, clear out the Japs in 2 days'. Now you've got to land, rest for a bit, stock up, and then press the attack. Much better.


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/16/44

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 58,66


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 134
SB2C Helldiver x 143
TBM Avenger x 86


Allied aircraft losses
SB2C Helldiver: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Haguro, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage Reported sunk.
DD Hayashimo
CL Yahagi, Bomb hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage Reported sunk.
DD Akishimo, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Asashimo

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
7 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
3 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
1 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
7 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
3 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
7 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
1 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 58,66


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 12
SB2C Helldiver x 9
TBM Avenger x 14


Allied aircraft losses
TBM Avenger: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Haguro, on fire, heavy damage
DD Asashimo
CL Yahagi, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
2 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 58,66


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 9
TBM Avenger x 8


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CL Yahagi, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 64,63

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 11

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 114

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 5 destroyed, 3 damaged


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 64,63

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 2
P1Y Frances x 4

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 114

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 2 destroyed
P1Y Frances: 4 destroyed


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 64,63

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 14
P1Y Frances x 3

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 114

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 24 destroyed, 1 damaged
P1Y Frances: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
FM-2 Wildcat: 5 destroyed, 1 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 60,64

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 25

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 143
SB2C Helldiver x 137
TBM Avenger x 95

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 64 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 14 destroyed, 1 damaged
SB2C Helldiver: 10 destroyed, 23 damaged
TBM Avenger: 6 destroyed, 38 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Junyo, Bomb hits 11, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage Reported sunk.
CA Kumano
CVL Chitose, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage Reported sunk.
CV Hiyo, Bomb hits 8, on fire, heavy damage Reported sunk.
CVL Ryuho
CVL Zuiho, Bomb hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage Reported sunk.
CVL Chiyoda, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CV Taiho
CA Maya

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
5 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
2 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
7 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
1 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
6 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
3 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
1 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
2 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
7 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
8 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
8 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 61,64

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 115
D4Y Judy x 63
B6N Jill x 63

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 202

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 297 destroyed, 8 damaged
D4Y Judy: 88 destroyed, 6 damaged
B6N Jill: 122 destroyed, 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 25 destroyed, 9 damaged

The Japanese strike failed to make it through my CAP! [X(]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 64,63

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 5
P1Y Frances x 6

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 123

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 5 destroyed
P1Y Frances: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

You can't fault the Japanese for not trying. The Turkey Shoot continues.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Saipan

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2415 troops, 61 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 35774 troops, 191 guns, 2 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
37 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Just making sure they know I'm still here.

[HawaiiFive-O]

Another day, another mauling of the Japanese Mobile fleet off Saipan. Even though we opened the range in order to give our air crews a breather, the Taiho and Ryuho didn't.

Consequently, they were sent to a watery grave.

This turn was remarkable in that 3 Japanese bombers actually made it past our CAP screen. They didn't hit anything though. At least our flak gunners got a little practice in. [:D]

Invasion fleet pointed back at Saipan. Landing force disruption down to the 20s. I decided against launching an attack. As long as the disruption continues south, I see little need. The Japanese defenders won't be getting any relief, and I can take my time.



+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/17/44

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 63,63

Japanese Ships
SS RO-114, hits 4, on fire

Allied Ships
DD Claxton
DD Bennion
DD Bennett
DD Beale

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 54,67

Japanese Ships
DD Yukikaze
DD Isokaze

Allied Ships
SS Pilotfish

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 54,67

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami
DD Yukikaze
DD Isokaze

Allied Ships
SS Pilotfish

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 53,67

Japanese Ships
DD Hatsushimo

Allied Ships
SS Balao

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 59,66


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 16
SB2C Helldiver x 22
TBM Avenger x 4


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CVL Ryuho, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage She's a goner.

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 59,66


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 23
SB2C Helldiver x 27
TBM Avenger x 11


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CVL Ryuho, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
3 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 58,66


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 20
SB2C Helldiver x 39
TBM Avenger x 5


Allied aircraft losses
SB2C Helldiver: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Taiho, Bomb hits 9, on fire Reported sunk.
CA Atago, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
1 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 58,66


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 9
TBM Avenger x 5


Allied aircraft losses
TBM Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Chokai
CV Taiho, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 59,66


Allied aircraft
TBM Avenger x 7


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CVL Zuiho, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage I think she was reported as sunk as well. I'm not sure though, the last few days have been a blur of sinking IJN carriers.

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 60,63

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 3
P1Y Frances x 6

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 40

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 2 destroyed
P1Y Frances: 8 destroyed


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 60,62

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 31
D4Y Judy x 15
B6N Jill x 8
G4M2 Betty x 14
P1Y Frances x 7

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 58

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 31 destroyed, 1 damaged
D4Y Judy: 13 destroyed
B6N Jill: 8 destroyed
G4M2 Betty: 18 destroyed, 4 damaged
P1Y Frances: 17 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 5 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Essex
CV Wasp

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet Holy moly, they actually made it through. Didn't hit anything though.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Saipan , at 63,64


Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 7
F6F Hellcat x 12
SB2C Helldiver x 14 Air crews tattered by this point.
TBM Avenger x 60
SOC-3 Seagull x 2


Allied aircraft losses
SB2C Helldiver: 2 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
59 casualties reported

Port hits 2
Port supply hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
2 x TBM Avenger bombing at 5000 feet
5 x TBM Avenger bombing at 5000 feet
5 x TBM Avenger bombing at 5000 feet
8 x TBM Avenger bombing at 5000 feet
8 x TBM Avenger bombing at 5000 feet
8 x TBM Avenger bombing at 5000 feet
8 x TBM Avenger bombing at 5000 feet
8 x TBM Avenger bombing at 5000 feet
8 x TBM Avenger bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Guam , at 62,66

The Yorktown and Lexington let the boys on Guam know we are thinking of them.

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 4

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 9
SB2C Helldiver x 29
TBM Avenger x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged
P1Y Frances: 8 destroyed, 11 damaged
G4M2 Betty: 3 destroyed, 2 damaged
J1N1-S Irving: 3 destroyed, 6 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SB2C Helldiver: 5 destroyed, 5 damaged
TBM Avenger: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
34 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 27

Aircraft Attacking:
27 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger bombing at 15000 feet
10 x TBM Avenger bombing at 15000 feet
3 x TBM Avenger bombing at 15000 feet
7 x TBM Avenger bombing at 15000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 61,64

Not really sure what this little task force was up to...

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 28
SB2C Helldiver x 21


Allied aircraft losses
SB2C Helldiver: 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
MSW Choun Maru #8, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
MSW Choun Maru #18, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Satsuki

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 58,66


Allied aircraft
SB2C Helldiver x 13
TBM Avenger x 8


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
CV Taiho, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
3 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 58,66


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 35
SB2C Helldiver x 46
TBM Avenger x 20


Allied aircraft losses
TBM Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CV Taiho, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CL Oi
CA Maya
CA Atago, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CA Chokai

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
3 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
2 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 60,64

Japanese aircraft
A6M5 Zeke x 7
D4Y Judy x 5
P1Y Frances x 6

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 40

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5 Zeke: 4 destroyed
D4Y Judy: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
P1Y Frances: 4 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 2 destroyed

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 60,62

Japanese aircraft
D4Y Judy x 6
B6N Jill x 2

Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 51

Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y Judy: 4 destroyed
B6N Jill: 5 destroyed


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 53,67

Japanese Ships
DD Hatsushimo

Allied Ships
SS Balao

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 60,64

Japanese Ships
SS RO-113

Allied Ships
DD Claxton
DD Bennion
DD Bennett
DD Beale

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 60,64

Japanese Ships
SS RO-113, hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Claxton
DD Bennion


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Saipan

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2510 troops, 64 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 35788 troops, 195 guns, 2 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
18 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

[Ron Saueracker]

Seems everytime an IJN sub appears in the AAR combat report, it's the subs last entry. One DD on the American East Coast in 1942 would have stopped Drumbeat in it's tracks at this rate.[:D]

Can't start a PBEM until allied ASW is reduced big time. Feel guilty enough being an allied fanboy as it is![:D][:D]

[HawaiiFive-O]

ORIGINAL: Ron Saueracker

Seems everytime an IJN sub appears in the AAR combat report, it's the subs last entry. One DD on the American East Coast in 1942 would have stopped Drumbeat in it's tracks at this rate.[:D]

Can't start a PBEM until allied ASW is reduced big time. Feel guilty enough being an allied fanboy as it is![:D][:D]

From what I've seen, it appears to be overpowered. I don't have a lot of data points to offer, but in my other PBEM as the IJN, out of 18 subs, I'm down to 5 in a week's fighting.

I'm an avowed Allied fanboy myself, but that's just wrong. [:D]

[incbob]

Very interesting AAR.
I too am a "newbie" and just finished Coral Sea. I am thinking of doing it again or maybe this one. What level do you have the AI playing at?

[HawaiiFive-O]

Actually, it's a PBEM game, so I'm playing a person.

If you want to try this scenario against a PBEM opponent, I can play you. Send me a PM if interested.

[incbob]

dang...sorry forgot which thread I was reading.

I appreciate the offer, but feel I need to learn the game a lot more before I am ready to take a person on.

[HawaiiFive-O]

Not a problem at all. I prefer to play people in WiTP/UV. Better fight that way, but YMMV.

[HawaiiFive-O]

Even though I've sunk about half of the subs he has available, they continue to be a menace. This time he got a hit on the Wasp. [:(]

It's not likely she'll go down (without further assistance along these lines from the IJN), but she is in bad shape and has to return to Eniweto.

I also discovered that, for whatever reason, the CVL Belleau Wood has too many planes on board! I'm going to doublecheck her in the scenario files, but I think it's a slip up in the scenario. She's never flown a mission, as she's over the 115% limit. Bugger. I'll off load her TBMs back at Eniwetok and just use her for CAP until I lose a fighter.

So the Wasp and Belleau Wood, with accompanying escorts, are making the run back to Eniwetok today. Leaving 3 Essex-class CVs and 1 Independence-class CVL on station covering the landing force at Saipan, plus the separate 5 CVE TF. Considering the shape of the Mobile Fleet at this point, I feel I'm pretty safe for the moment.

Disruption only dropped 2-3 points for all formations on Saipan this turn, so it looks like the men are as rested as they are going to be. I've ordered a deliberate attack, to test the Japanese defenses.

The landing fleet is back at Saipan, unloading supplies and the rest of the divisions. Those Japanese CD guns continue to fire, despite my best efforts at suppressing them. The Gridley took it real bad, she'll probably sink (64/75/48). And an AP is up to 15 SYS. But overall, I think I'm in pretty good shape. I do want to finish the landings and get my wounded transports out of the area, though.


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/18/44

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Saipan at 63,64

Japanese Ships
SS RO-115, hits 9, on fire, heavy damage Had the California in her sights and missed.

Allied Ships
BB California
DD Pringle
DD Prichett
DD Miller
DD Marshall
DD Stephen Potter
DD Porterfield

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval Gun Fire at Saipan (63,64) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

1 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
SS RO-115, and is sunk Ghost message from last action, used to happen in UV as well.

Allied Ships
CL Miami

Japanese ground losses:
20 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Saipan at 63,64

Japanese Ships
SS I-5, hits 9, on fire, heavy damage Had the Colorado in her sights, and missed.

Allied Ships
BB Colorado
DD Ringgold
DD Gatling

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval Gun Fire at Saipan (63,64) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

6 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
SS I-5, and is sunk

Allied Ships
AP Cambria, Shell hits 2 She should live, but the 27th loses a few more men.


Allied ground losses:
18 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 62,63

Japanese Ships
SS I-184, hits 6, on fire, heavy damage Had the Wasp in her sights, and put a fish in her!

Allied Ships
CV Wasp, Torpedo hits 1
DD Cowell
DD Cotten

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Saipan , at 63,64


Allied aircraft
SOC-3 Seagull x 2


No Allied losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 59,65


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 61
SB2C Helldiver x 26
TBM Avenger x 9


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
MSW Choun Maru #8, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage Poor little MSW, what are you doing out here?

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
1 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 59,65


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 8
SB2C Helldiver x 23


No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
MSW Choun Maru #8, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Saipan at 63,64

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 23
F6F Hellcat x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 8 destroyed


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Saipan at 63,64

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 13

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 23
F6F Hellcat x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 32 destroyed My pilots like to exaggerate just a little bit.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Saipan at 63,64

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 6

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 23
F6F Hellcat x 37

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 10 destroyed, 2 damaged


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Saipan at 63,64

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 8

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 29
F6F Hellcat x 37

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 1 damaged


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Saipan at 63,64

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 8

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 29
F6F Hellcat x 37

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 1 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Saipan at 63,64

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 29
F6F Hellcat x 37

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 8 destroyed


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Saipan at 63,64

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 8

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 35
F6F Hellcat x 37

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 2 damaged


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Saipan , at 63,64


Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 31
TBM Avenger x 40
SOC-3 Seagull x 2


Allied aircraft losses
TBM Avenger: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
23 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

Port hits 1
Port fuel hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x TBM Avenger bombing at 5000 feet
8 x TBM Avenger bombing at 5000 feet
8 x TBM Avenger bombing at 5000 feet
8 x TBM Avenger bombing at 5000 feet
8 x TBM Avenger bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 53,67

Japanese Ships
DD Shiratsuyu, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage My subs finally get off an attack. Sunk her.

Allied Ships
SS Balao

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Saipan, at 63,64 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

31 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
DD Craven
DD Irwin
DD Gridley, Shell hits 10, on fire, heavy damage Darn it! I think I just lost another destroyer.
DD Hudson
DD Hickox
CL Biloxi
CA Canberra, Shell hits 2
CA Boston
BB Iowa
BB Alabama
BB Indiana, Shell hits 1

Japanese ground losses:
618 casualties reported
Guns lost 12


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Saipan

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 2615 troops, 68 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 35378 troops, 186 guns, 2 vehicles


Japanese ground losses:
49 casualties reported
Guns lost 1

The ground assault begins at dawn.

[HawaiiFive-O]

Heavy fighting on Saipan! Faced with growing Allied strength on the island, the commanders on Saipan order an all out Banzai charge!

Screaming Japanese poured out of the jungle, bayonets fixed. They were met with grim determined resistance. In the end, piles of Japanese corpses surround the beachhead- with little to show in the way of success.

Our probing attacks are reducing their defenses. The island should be ours soon. The engineers are already on the way. Once we get 'er cleaned up, she'll become our unsinkable aircraft carrier from which to bomb the crap out of Tinian and Guam.

Other than some subs sniping at me, the Mobile fleet is nowhere to be found.


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/19/44

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Saipan, 63,64, firing at TF 1014
TF 1014 troops unloading over beach at Saipan, 63,64


65 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
DD Hailey
DD Halligan
AP Bolivar, Shell hits 1


Allied ground losses:
353 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Saipan, 63,64, firing at TF 1015
TF 1015 troops unloading over beach at Saipan, 63,64


135 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
AP De Grasse
DD Bryant, Shell hits 1
AP Sheridan, Shell hits 2, on fire

Japanese ground losses:
6 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
488 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Saipan at 63,64

Japanese Ships
SS I-41, hits 10, on fire, heavy damage Take that, I-41!

Allied Ships
AP Frederick Funston
DD Dyson
DD Dortch
DD Picking
DD Philip
DD Cony
DD Conway

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval Gun Fire at Saipan (63,64) - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

1 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Japanese Ships
SS I-41, and is sunk Gotcha.

Allied Ships
DD Philip

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Saipan, 63,64, firing at TF 1014
TF 1014 troops unloading over beach at Saipan, 63,64


39 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
DD Halford, Shell hits 1
AP Custer, Shell hits 1
DE Fleming, Shell hits 1, on fire Those CDs are on fire today. See what happens when you don't suppress them sufficiently?


Allied ground losses:
317 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Saipan, 63,64, firing at TF 1021
TF 1021 troops unloading over beach at Saipan, 63,64



Allied ground losses:
52 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack at 56,67

I see the much belittled Japanese ASW is working as usual.

Japanese Ships
MSW Wa 22
PG Hong Kong Maru
MSW Choun Maru #21
MSW Toroshima Maru

Allied Ships
SS Plunger

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Saipan at 63,64

Japanese Ships
SS I-185, hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CL Biloxi, Torpedo hits 1, on fire Ouch.
DD Newcomb
DD Paul Hamilton
DD Craven
DD Irwin
DD Hudson
DD Hickox
CA Boston

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Saipan , at 63,64


Allied aircraft
SOC-3 Seagull x 2


Allied aircraft losses
SOC-3 Seagull: 2 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Saipan at 63,64

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 4

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 19
F6F Hellcat x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 2 destroyed


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Saipan at 63,64

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 6

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 31
F6F Hellcat x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Saipan at 63,64

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 31
F6F Hellcat x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Saipan at 63,64

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 1

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 31
F6F Hellcat x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Saipan at 63,64

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 6

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 31
F6F Hellcat x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 1 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Saipan at 63,64

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 31
F6F Hellcat x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 5 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F Hellcat: 1 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Saipan at 63,64

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 4

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 31
F6F Hellcat x 30

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 2 destroyed


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Saipan , at 63,64


Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 31
TBM Avenger x 40
SOC-3 Seagull x 2


Allied aircraft losses
TBM Avenger: 7 damaged

Port fuel hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x TBM Avenger bombing at 5000 feet
8 x TBM Avenger bombing at 5000 feet
8 x TBM Avenger bombing at 5000 feet
8 x TBM Avenger bombing at 5000 feet
8 x TBM Avenger bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Saipan at 63,64

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 19

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 19
F6F Hellcat x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 10 destroyed, 3 damaged


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Saipan at 63,64

Japanese Ships
SS I-185, hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Owen


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Saipan

Banzai! Banzai! Banzai!

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 19140 troops, 163 guns, 2 vehicles

Defending force 45592 troops, 486 guns, 93 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
4425 casualties reported
Guns lost 71
Vehicles lost 2

Allied ground losses:
2 casualties reported That's the way to smoke 'em, Marines.
Guns lost 1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Saipan

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 43568 troops, 485 guns, 78 vehicles

Defending force 30026 troops, 82 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 4

Allied assault odds: 3 to 1 (fort level 4)

Allied Assault reduces fortifications to 4


Japanese ground losses:
457 casualties reported
Guns lost 14

Allied ground losses:
143 casualties reported
Guns lost 4
Vehicles lost 2

[HawaiiFive-O]

We have seized Aslito airfield on Saipan! The day saw heavy fighting, but by the afternoon the Japanese had been pushed back, they now occupy about 1/3rd of the island, with their final stand likely coming at Mount Marpi on the northern end.

Unfortunately, a week and a half's heavy bombardment of the island has left the facilities wrecked. The 1st USMC EAB is busying themselves readying Aslito for flight operations. The 5th and 48th Sea Bees are on the way as well. The 17th CD has been embarked and is on the way too.

My PTs don't really have the range to make it to Saipan, but I formed up a TF including an AGP and we are going to make the trip. I imagine we'll need to replenish at sea a couple of times before we make it.

Most of the invasion force is making the slow trip back to Eniwetok to replenish and rest up for the next move - Tinian/Guam.


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/20/44

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Saipan, 63,64, firing at TF 1013
TF 1013 troops unloading over beach at Saipan, 63,64

CD guns will not stop firing at me.

87 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.
Allied Ships
AP Custer, Shell hits 2
AP Bolivar, Shell hits 3, on fire
AP Cambria, Shell hits 6, on fire
DD Remey
AP Callaway, Shell hits 4, on fire


Allied ground losses:
240 casualties reported
Guns lost 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coastal Guns at Saipan, 63,64, firing at TF 1013
TF 1013 troops unloading over beach at Saipan, 63,64


32 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied ground losses:
50 casualties reported

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Saipan , at 63,64


Allied aircraft
SOC-3 Seagull x 2


Allied aircraft losses
SOC-3 Seagull: 2 damaged

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Saipan at 63,64

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 3

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 19
F6F Hellcat x 15

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 2 destroyed


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Saipan at 63,64

Japanese aircraft
G4M2 Betty x 18

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 19
F6F Hellcat x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M2 Betty: 6 destroyed, 2 damaged


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 65,64

Japanese aircraft
P1Y Frances x 2

Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 6
F6F Hellcat x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
P1Y Frances: 2 destroyed


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on Saipan , at 63,64


Allied aircraft
FM-2 Wildcat x 31
TBM Avenger x 40
SOC-3 Seagull x 2


No Allied losses

Port fuel hits 2
Port supply hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x TBM Avenger bombing at 10000 feet
8 x TBM Avenger bombing at 10000 feet
8 x TBM Avenger bombing at 10000 feet
8 x TBM Avenger bombing at 10000 feet
8 x TBM Avenger bombing at 10000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Saipan

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 12892 troops, 42 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 48426 troops, 495 guns, 92 vehicles



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Saipan

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 46366 troops, 495 guns, 76 vehicles

Defending force 29816 troops, 68 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied engineers reduce fortifications to 3

Allied assault odds: 6 to 1 (fort level 3)

Allied forces CAPTURE Saipan base !!! Hoorah!


Japanese aircraft
no flights

Japanese aircraft losses
E7K2 Alf: 1 destroyed
E13A1 Jake: 2 destroyed
P1Y Frances: 2 destroyed
A6M5 Zeke: 1 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:
800 casualties reported
Guns lost 5

Allied ground losses:
205 casualties reported
Guns lost 6
Vehicles lost 1

[HawaiiFive-O]

Quiet turn. We have vast amounts of men and materiel headed towards Saipan.

The Japanese defenders remain holed up in the islands' rugged terrain. But it is just a matter of time now...



++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/21/44


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Saipan

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 45839 troops, 480 guns, 74 vehicles

Defending force 26769 troops, 16 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 7 to 1


Japanese ground losses:
680 casualties reported
Guns lost 3

Allied ground losses:
139 casualties reported
Guns lost 14
Vehicles lost 1

[Fallschirmjager]

Im sure you know this but...you can send PT's if you want. They will make it about 3/4 of the way then run out of fuel and go 2 hexes a turn after that. But they will make it. Just make sure you have fuel on Saipan to keep ops going.

[HawaiiFive-O]

ORIGINAL: Fallschirmjager

Im sure you know this but...you can send PT's if you want. They will make it about 3/4 of the way then run out of fuel and go 2 hexes a turn after that. But they will make it. Just make sure you have fuel on Saipan to keep ops going.

You are right, they are about halfway there. I did a replenish, and we'll make it no problem.

[HawaiiFive-O]

The Japanese attempted another Banzai charge today. It wasn't quite as catastrophic for them as last time, but I think that's more a function of there being less screaming Japanese to kill, then anything else. [:D]

I rested the divisions last turn, to get their fatigue back into the teens. We'll launch another deliberate attack this turn. I think this will be the pattern for the next few days. Attack - rest - rest - attack.

I don't want to unduly stress my Marines, they've got another island to take in a few weeks. [:'(]

In fleet news, we've positioned one CV TF athwart the Palau - Enitewok line, in case the IJN tries to run traffic through there. Another CV TF is steaming north to relieve the carriers that remain up there providing top cover for all the traffic heading in and out of Saipan. Once we get the airfield up and running, I'll be able to stage land-based fighters on Saipan and not need to tie down carrier forces for this task.

Truly massive amounts of supplies are headed to Saipan, it will serve as the springboard for the assaults on Tinian and Guam.


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/22/44


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Saipan

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 24953 troops, 14 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 47895 troops, 463 guns, 91 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 0)


Japanese ground losses:
938 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Allied ground losses:
12 casualties reported

[HawaiiFive-O]

CENTPAC has declared organized resistance in Saipan over.

Not much else to report.


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/23/44


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Saipan

Japanese Shock attack

Banzai! Banzai! Banzai!

Attacking force 11011 troops, 5 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 54013 troops, 525 guns, 126 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 0)


Japanese ground losses:
126 casualties reported
Guns lost 4

Allied ground losses:
7 casualties reported


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Saipan

Allied Deliberate attack

Attacking force 48961 troops, 524 guns, 81 vehicles

Defending force 12443 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Allied assault odds: 89 to 1 We wiped them out.


Japanese ground losses:
40 casualties reported

Allied ground losses:
5 casualties reported

[GBirkn]

That's got to feel good. The first time I managed to capture Saipan against the AI (after 3 or 4 false starts of horribly mis-coordinating things) I was cheering along when I finally heard the "hooray, hooray, hooray!" sound effect.

[HawaiiFive-O]

ORIGINAL: GBirkn

That's got to feel good. The first time I managed to capture Saipan against the AI (after 3 or 4 false starts of horribly mis-coordinating things) I was cheering along when I finally heard the "hooray, hooray, hooray!" sound effect.

Indeed!

I've found that as long as you are patient, amphibious landings go smoothly. Take your time, as long as you control the air/sea around the battlefield, the enemy's not going anywhere.

[HawaiiFive-O]

Nothing to report. No contact with the enemy. Build up on Saipan continues.

Air assets including P-47s and B-24s transferred to Saipan. Life becomes very uncomfortable for the defenders on Guam and Tinian starting tomorrow. [:D]

[HawaiiFive-O]

Nothing to report for the 26th, nothing happened.

Today we caught what appeared to be a Japanese Fast Transport run to Guam. The CA Mogami and CL Noshiro came under relentless air attack, succumbing to their injuries before night fell.

Our net around Tinian and Guam is pretty tight.

Two days running, our planned land based air offensive against Guam has been grounded by thunderstorms. I hope things will be different today.


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/26/44

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 54,64

Japanese Ships
AV Kiyokawa Maru
DD Nowaki
DD Isokaze
DD Yukikaze
DD Akishimo
DD Asashimo
DD Okinami

Allied Ships
SS Greenling, hits 2, on fire She might make it to Saipan. Might.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 59,67


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 49
SB2C Helldiver x 31
TBM Avenger x 45


Allied aircraft losses
SB2C Helldiver: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged
TBM Avenger: 14 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage Reported sunk.
ML Tsubame
DD Tsuga
CL Noshiro, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage Reported sunk.

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
2 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
1 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
9 x SB2C Helldiver bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 59,67


Allied aircraft
F6F Hellcat x 10
TBM Avenger x 9


Allied aircraft losses
TBM Avenger: 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
CA Mogami, on fire, heavy damage
CL Noshiro, on fire, heavy damage
ML Tsubame

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x TBM Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet