USN/IJN CV Strategy

[jdcorley]

After a recent battle which pitted the Enterprise and Lexington against Hosho near Rabaul, I barely sank Hosho while the IJN nearly did in the Lex. I think I have figured out the IJN AI mode for CV-CV warfare. Their a/c are better than the USN in 1942 and USN DC isn't that good.

In the latest IJN thrust to capture Rabaul (it's Mid-July 1942), the IJN sent a TF with 6 CVs, 1 CVL, 2 BBs, 4 CAs, 4 CLs, and 8 DDs all the way into the Bismark Sea. I decided to use an adjusted strategy, I sent my 2 CVs near Kavieng, flew off the SBDs and TBDs, and retreated to refuel. These aircraft were much more effective than the land based air on my island bases and in the ensuing 5 day battle I managed to sink all 7 carriers, 2 CAs, 3 CLs and 5 DDs with mixed attacks of aircraft and PTs. Why the IJN decided to sail into Rabaul (where I had 24 PTs based which claimed 4 DDs for the cost of 6 PTs) I'll never know. The AI is focused on taking Rabaul at all costs.[:-] Never give away the AI secret!![:D]