CV hunt

[Oleg Mastruko]

Hi, me and freeboy started 5-8 turns mini-game, named "CV hunt". It is based on the presumption IJN admirals knew the value of CVs and decided to forsake the PH raid and bunch of rusting old BBs in PH harbor, and try to catch the real prize - US CVs, hopefuly on the open sea. They (IJN Admirals) were afraid of attacking heavily guarded PH, and decided to use KB to do some "free hunting" in the Midway-Hawaii-Line islands area, and blocking the approach to PI, should the USN fleet sortie to help Gen. MacArthur. Well that's the general idea of sorts. I am "IJN Admirals". Freeboy is USN.

Not to waste any more words on the "introductory story" it's all explained in this thread. It's like an alternative, and valid opening strategy for IJN, and this is trying to prove it's not gamey nor 100% sure shot, it's risky and requires skill from both sides [8D]

No house rules - players are allowed to do whatever they want.

So, we'll play just several opening turns to see whether human-controlled IJN CVs will be successful in catching the human-controlled USN CVs - with both sides knowing what the other guy is trying to do. We'll play only with Central Pacific assets and CVs, ignoring the other theatres.

Now I'm going to open freeboy's turn...

Oleg

[Oleg Mastruko]

OK, dilemma for IJN is whether to go huntin' with 2 TFs with 3 CV each, or 3 TFs with 2 CV each, or keep whole KB in one TF. Since I have a healthy dose of respect for USN CVs *and* suspected he might want to surprise me, by forming solid 2 CV TF, I decided on an 2 x 3CV approach. (Since he knows I'm after him, he might decide on forming a 2 CV TF and making a stand. 2 of his CVs could easily defeat my 2 CV TF even if it did find him.)

One of IJN groups found both his CVs on the first turn. He decided to go straight for Palmyra it seems. My other group missed completely.

IJN TF launched attacks at both his CV TFs, sinking Enterprise, damaging Lex, and suffering two best IJN CVs damaged in return (both from Lex aircraft).

Lex is damaged but may be able to escape.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/07/41

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 100,71

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27
D3A Val x 59
B5N Kate x 42

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
D3A Val: 2 destroyed, 9 damaged
B5N Kate: 4 destroyed, 11 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat: 8 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Salt Lake City, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CV Enterprise, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
CA Chester
CA Northampton
DD Gridley
DD Ellet, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
6 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
8 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 100,71

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate: 2 destroyed, 10 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Enterprise, on fire, heavy damage
CA Salt Lake City, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CA Chester

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 99,73

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 34

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 28
TBD Devastator x 12

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless: 44 destroyed, 17 damaged
TBD Devastator: 12 destroyed

Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku, Bomb hits 1, on fire <= 1000 lb
CV Zuikaku, Bomb hits 1, on fire <= 1000 lb
CV Hiryu

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
2 x TBD Devastator bombing at 5000 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
3 x SBD Dauntless bombing at 2000 feet
4 x TBD Devastator bombing at 5000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 99,72

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 26
D3A Val x 12

Allied aircraft
F2A Buffalo x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 2 destroyed
D3A Val: 10 destroyed, 4 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F2A Buffalo: 25 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CV Lexington, Bomb hits 3, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
5 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[mogami]

Hi, OK have fun looks interesting but tell me again how the IJN knows the USN CV are at sea and not in port and how they know they are somewhere between PH and Wake.

For reverse intell do one where USN CV know IJN CV are coming to strike PH. Leave the IJN CV set to Port/Airfield attack. [X(]

[Oleg Mastruko]

<devils advocate mode on>
IJN "does not know" (sic) USN CVs are at sea. IJN is too afraid to attack PH directly, Nagumo vetoed that idea, and KB positioned itself as to recon, intercept and attack any USN forces that might be coming to help MacArthur and PI.

Or maybe the IJN knows CVs are at sea, because pro-Japanese agents on Oahu told as much, but it's too late to postpone the Niitakayama Nobore order.
<devils advocate mode off>

I mean this scenario seems as plausible as any other. We read history books so we "know" IJN "must" attack PH but it is not so. Why would it be so impossible for IJN to try camping on the PH-Wake-PI route? IJN is trying to attack US CVs without being gamey, help me out here [:D] IJN gave USN CVs chance to escape allowing turn 1 orders.

O.

[mogami]

Hi, Let the USN player also send out his submarines and search planes once war begins. (If you don't find his CV on turn 1 he knows he is at war right?)

[Oleg Mastruko]

For all I care USN can do whatever USN wants right from the turn 1. USN may form surface TFs in PH and go huntin' after IJN CVs at night. He may unload CV a/c on Johnson Atoll and hope to catch KB without risking a CV.

IMO the jury is still out on this technique, I'm not saying it's fair and realistic, I'm not saying it's unfair and unrealistic - I'd love to try it more vs. humans.

I offer to try it as USN vs. anyone who wants to try. I'd try to escape, or even give the bloody nose to some IJN CVs. Any takers?

O.

[freeboy]

Well, Oleg set it up but with variable setup the US carriers are somewhere... did that setup get used Oleg? If so he surely did not know where the fleets where and got lucky I had hoped to get some bbs' out of pearl for added AAA and use lba to help level the playing field... WOW that was some turn...
I have made my dec 8 moves and we will see how badly he wants to kill lady Lex...

[Oleg Mastruko]

Wow this was quick. On turn 2 he docked lightly damaged Lex at Johnston Island and my First CV Group caught him there.

He sortied with his BBs from PH, and they got their share of damage as well...

End result: 2 CVs sunk, some BBs and CAs moderately damaged. IJN damages: Shokaku 30% sys, Zuikaku 25% sys.

This was almost too easy. [:D] I will repeat I offer to try this from US side vs. anybody who wants to try. I want to prove it's not so easy for IJN as it may seem.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/08/41

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Johnston Island at 102,74

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23
D3A Val x 29
B5N Kate x 34

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 5 destroyed, 5 damaged
B5N Kate: 2 destroyed, 12 damaged


Allied Ships
CV Lexington, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF, near Johnston Island at 102,74

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 23
D3A Val x 29
B5N Kate x 34

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 5 destroyed, 5 damaged
B5N Kate: 2 destroyed, 12 damaged


Allied Ships
CV Lexington, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 104,69

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
D3A Val x 16
B5N Kate x 41

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 6 damaged
B5N Kate: 14 destroyed, 25 damaged

Allied Ships
BB West Virginia, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
BB California, Torpedo hits 1
BB Tennessee, Torpedo hits 1
BB Oklahoma, Bomb hits 1
BB Pennsylvania, Torpedo hits 3, on fire
BB Arizona
BB Nevada, Torpedo hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
9 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
2 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 104,69

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 17

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 7 destroyed, 6 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Pennsylvania, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB Nevada, Bomb hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
7 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 104,69

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
D3A Val x 20

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 2 destroyed, 15 damaged

Allied Ships
BB Arizona
BB Maryland, Bomb hits 2
BB West Virginia, Bomb hits 1, on fire

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
9 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 104,69

Japanese aircraft
B5N Kate x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate: 5 destroyed, 13 damaged

Allied Ships
BB California, Torpedo hits 2
BB Tennessee
BB Oklahoma
BB West Virginia, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 102,70

Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 19
B5N Kate x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 5 destroyed, 4 damaged
B5N Kate: 3 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Salt Lake City, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
2 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
8 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
8 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Day Air attack on TF at 100,68

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25
D3A Val x 24
B5N Kate x 22

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val: 2 destroyed, 8 damaged
B5N Kate: 2 destroyed, 25 damaged

Allied Ships
CL St. Louis
CL Honolulu
CA New Orleans, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CA Minneapolis
CA San Francisco, Bomb hits 3, on fire
CL Raleigh, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CL Helena

Aircraft Attacking:
8 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
7 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
3 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
8 x D3A Val bombing at 2000 feet
1 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
4 x B5N Kate launching torpedoes at 200 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[freeboy]

This shows us what? That these cvs can really hurt the US in the beggining...
I has hoped to get them, the US cvs together with those slow BB's from PH, added AAA etc. and make an attempt at hurting an equal number of CV's///

Next will by my very different approadh to what Oleg did, sent the file recently so its no Oleg with the ball.

Good luck Oleg!

[freeboy]

Turn one results are , we didn't launch against each others carriers, now what will Oleg do? I am sure this will be bloody

[freeboy]

An official public apology to Oleg as I only sent the turn, not the combat save and played my other pbem right after .. Sorry Oleg...

[freeboy]

We are completely at a standstill, I pounded Johnson with a Bombard tf, and he beat off a bombard tf at midway... I still hunt him, he avoids me.. soon the doom awaits those fleets...