Class is in session - Montereytrench schools USS America

[USSAmerica]

[font="times new roman"]12/14/41 Update:[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]We had the first IJN sub attack on one of my APs heading into Singapore.  I-121 missed.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Songkhia is a bad place for my subs, too.  Both naval movement phases saw ASW attacks on my SS KXI by 8, and then 12 DD ASW groups.  Total of 3 hits could have been much worse.  OK, lesson learned here.  Stay out of these base hexes unless there is a confirmed lack of ASW escorts present.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]One of my Hudsons or Blenheims landed a 250lb scratch on CA Suzuya at Khota Bharu.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]1 Vildebeest scored a torp hit on AP Ryugi Maru, as it left Khota Bharu.  Another torp hit on an enemy AP leaving KB, by SS KXVII.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Things are heating up in the DEI area.  The enemy CVL group sprinted toward Sorong from its position near Palau (8 hexes) and found my AVD stationed at Sansapor.  Glug, glug.  The speed surprised me, but that’s exactly the kind of thing that I expect to learn throughout this game.  I’m going to load up Ambonia with most of the Dutch planes that are in range as well as the AVG.  The CVL TF is currently 4 hexes east of there.  This is a chance to concentrate my Dutch air power and maybe do some good, instead of getting erased from the map a few planes at a time.  Sadly, no TBs are within transfer range of Ambonia.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]My B17s from Manila were ordered to strike at Hong Kong’s Heavy Industry.  They didn’t fly.  Maybe a morale issue?  Both groups are in the upper 50’s for morale.  No detected aircraft at Hong Kong….[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]4 AK escapees from Naga were left with orders to follow a TF that was likely sunk yesterday.  They didn’t know where to go, and wandered from just East of Morotai toward Palau.  They were heading directly for SF.  Luckily, this kept them out of the path of the Jap CVL TF, but will they get crushed by LBA from Palau?  I redirected them due west, toward Morotai, and then on to Darwin.  [/font]

[USSAmerica]

[font="times new roman"]12/15/41 Update:[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]The baby KB retreated back toward Palau, so none of my concentrated Dutch air power attacked it.  It did pick off one of the 4 AKs that had wandered toward Palau, but it’s possible that the rest will make it to safety.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]I noticed a large build up of Jap air power in northern Luzon and anticipated a large strike against Manila.  I moved some of the obsolete fighters to southern PI bases, and I bought the two B17 groups to change them to SE Asia command.  They were then flown to Chungking where they got in a small strike against the Resource industry at Wuhan.  They will be moved to India for ops against captured Burma industries.  This left about 70 P40s on cap over Manila.  The large strike came from both Vigan and Aparri, escorted by about 80 Zeros.  It was ugly.  20-25 P40s destroyed for only 3 total enemy planes.  Only minor damage was done to the airfield at Manila.  It was all repaired during the day, only slowing down the fort construction a bit.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]There was another pounding at Singapore from Saigon.  These big strikes are escorted by only about 10 Zeros, tempting me to bring the AVG back here for another ambush.  The Buffalos that were left here on cap were brushed aside.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Not much other action today.  WO Sze S. ( and his corrupted Rank DB value that prevent me from loading this game into WitpDecoder right now ) led his two plane SB-2c fragment against the HI at Nanchang.  They managed one hit, but he didn’t get killed yet.  Once he’s dead, I should be able to load this save game in WitpDecoder.  Watch, he’ll probably turn into the War Hero of China and live until the end of the war.  [8|][/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]I’m making plans to move the 24th Div from Pearl to Midway, along with an Engr Rgt and a large base force.  I am thinking about dividing the 25th Div and sending a Bde each to Canton, Pago Pago, and Suva to beef up the defenses here.  The 40th Div is currently underway to Pearl from LA, and the 2nd USMC Div is departing San Diego for Noumea.  With the USMC Defense Batallions at Johnston, Midway, Palmyra, and the 2nd USMC Defense Bn on the way to Canton I, I should be fairly well defended against any small raids.  I can’t stop Montereytrench if he brings a large invasion, but it will be a while before he can concentrate that much force.  Until then, my island chain link to Oz should be pretty secure.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Still no working combat reports.  I don’t know why we can’t get them working again.  I managed to get them turned on after the first turn in the test PBEM games I tried.  I don’t want to be a pest to my opponent and continue to ask him, “Are you SURE you turned combat reports on from within the game preferences panel?”  [&:][/font]
 

[AU Tiger_MatrixForum]

I would like to make a few suggestions:

1st. Don't put those brigades on Andaman Island, they will die there. If they are already on ships, send them to India's southern coast, if not leave them in Burma to defend. Andaman is a death trap the same as Rangoon. Once the Japs move into the Bay of Bengal, troops on Andaman are trapped for a LOOOOOOOOOONG time. Place only disposable troops there like refugees from the DEI and the CD unit from Rangoon but with lots of supplies. I hope Divebomber isn't reading this.
2nd. Don't open the resource bombing in China can of worms. That is a battle you will lose. You need those resources badly. I hope Divebomber isn't reading this.
3rd. The three C-47 units on the West coast, convert them to non-restricted command ASAP, and send them where they will be useful. I transferred two to SEA, and the third to SW. you can jump them from PH to Noumea, and then transport to Brisbane. If you do this early enough, you can transfer them to SEA through the DEI, a huge help in SEA, especially if you want to air transport the SEAC China units. Keep one in OZ for help in PM. For defense in China, refer to my new AAR, I have read extensively on China in stock, and it is paying off. My CHS game is another story. [:(]

[USSAmerica]

Thanks for the advice, AU! 
 
Andaman I. is really the only place that I've planned to be aggressive.  After reading your post, I've thought it over some more and I'm reconsidering.  I was really looking to stack up the LCU forces there, but it won't matter if they are completely dominated by LBA from the enemy occupied Burma bases.  My opponent can keep the airfield closed, and blast away at my supply and LCUs.  I had just started unloading the first troops there, so they are being ordered to reload and head to India. 
 
What's the can of worms about resource bombing in China?  I'm just trying to get the most bang for the buck from my B17's while they are transiting from the PI to India.  I figured that knocking down a couple of resource production points would be more effective this early in the game than crunching a few squads or supply points.
 
This raises another question I've been mulling over.  In general, what would have the most long term effect on the Japanese ability to fight:  bombing resources, oil production, or heavy industry?  I can't reach Japan to hit any aircraft factories, so that's an option for much later in the game.  I think I've read that directly attacking manpower does not usually result in much damage.  From what I've been able to see using the WitPDecoder utility, Japan actually is shorter on resources than oil.  For the next year or so of game time, I expect I'll have the chance to hit resource and oil production with my 4EBs, but if I get a shot at damaging some heavy industry, is that more valuable than oil/resources?  All of this is excluding the value of victory points for strategic bombing in Japan.  I'm going to assume I can't reach Japan for quite a while.  Anyone have ideas or opinions about this?  OK, this is getting too long.  I think I need to post in the War Room as well. 
 
I already have my first C47 unit transiting to India.  They have made it to the DEI so far.  The C47's assigned to West Coast command will be the first ones I buy with PPs after I finish the evacuation of PI air groups.  If the air transfer route to India is closed by then, I can handle loading them on a few AK's. 
 
My wife works 7 days on, 7 days off.  She's off this week, so I won't get many, if any turns done. 

[AU Tiger_MatrixForum]

Nevermind, I was incorrect about the resources.

[USSAmerica]

[font="times new roman"]12/16/41 Update:[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]AP Mijer took a pounding 60 miles SE of Singapore from SS I-122.  2 torps and 5 shell hits.  She’s going down with her supply cargo…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]I managed to jump a Jap convoy at Legaspi with 10 DDs at night.  2 CSs, 2 MSWs, 6 PCs and PGs, 5 big APs and 2 AKs.  CS Chitose was an effective magnet, soaking up 51 shells and a torpedo.  Down she goes along with 2 Jakes and 8 Petes.  Only 3 other shell hits, 1 each on a PC, PG, and AP.  I took a total of 5 shell hits scattered over 4 DDs.  Fun, but I wish I could have spread the love around a bit more.  [:)][/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Visit to Singapore from Saigon.  16Z, 36N, 48B.  Damaged 3N and 5B in exchange for 5 Buffalo I downed and 8 other ac destroyed on the ground.  14 points of AF service damage that have not yet been repaired.[/font]
[font="times new roman"][/font] 
[font="times new roman"]1 Blenheim I hit on an AP at Songkhia.  It’s only noteworthy because I’m actually hitting so few enemy ships.  [;)][/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]As I say that, another Blenheim I hit a turret on CA Mikuma at Khota Bharu.  [:D][/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Hmm, I had an open ocean sub intercept.  SS Triton shot at AP Kinryu Maru about 6 hexes SSE of Wake.  Missed her, and the 5 DD escorts missed Triton.  Wonder where this group’s heading?  Possibly returning from Wake I. to the Marshalls.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]AK Kinka Maru sank 120 miles from Saigon after being hit by a sub at Khota Bharu on the 13th.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Still no Combat Reports.  I guess we won’t have them for this game.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Day 5 of “KB location unknown.”  I have to be ready to clear all my ships out of the DEI at any point after 2 more days.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]I took a pounding from the air at Manila and Singapore again today, but at least I hit and sunk several enemy ships.  Good day for me.  [8D][/font]

[WhoCares]

ORIGINAL: USS America
...CS Chitose was an effective magnet, soaking up 51 shells and a torpedo.  Down she goes along with 2 Jakes and 8 Petes.  ...

Sinking Chitose is a real success, as later, I think in '43, it can be converted to a CVL. Of course, sinking its sister (CS Chiyoda, iirc) as well, would have been even better

[USSAmerica]

ORIGINAL: WhoCares

ORIGINAL: USS America
...CS Chitose was an effective magnet, soaking up 51 shells and a torpedo.  Down she goes along with 2 Jakes and 8 Petes.  ...

Sinking Chitose is a real success, as later, I think in '43, it can be converted to a CVL. Of course, sinking its sister (CS Chiyoda, iirc) as well, would have been even better

Sweet! [:D] It gets better and better!

[WhoCares]

ORIGINAL: USS America
....
Andaman I. is really the only place that I've planned to be aggressive.  After reading your post, I've thought it over some more and I'm reconsidering.  I was really looking to stack up the LCU forces there, but it won't matter if they are completely dominated by LBA from the enemy occupied Burma bases.  My opponent can keep the airfield closed, and blast away at my supply and LCUs.  I had just started unloading the first troops there, so they are being ordered to reload and head to India. 
...

Well, sure he can keep it shut for a while but if he doesn't take it, it can still become a stepping stone in the years to come. A base that you don't have to invade first! In the first month he will pound it from sea and air, but once you get a fair number of engineers there, it might become difficult for him to keep it closed. And later in '43 he will regret if he didn't take it...

But if he wants to take it, he needs a fairly strong force with the garrison you planned - sure he will get it if he really wants, but for a little while it distracts a reasonable sized force from his main goals...

[USSAmerica]

ORIGINAL: WhoCares

ORIGINAL: USS America
....
Andaman I. is really the only place that I've planned to be aggressive.  After reading your post, I've thought it over some more and I'm reconsidering.  I was really looking to stack up the LCU forces there, but it won't matter if they are completely dominated by LBA from the enemy occupied Burma bases.  My opponent can keep the airfield closed, and blast away at my supply and LCUs.  I had just started unloading the first troops there, so they are being ordered to reload and head to India. 
...

Well, sure he can keep it shut for a while but if he doesn't take it, it can still become a stepping stone in the years to come. A base that you don't have to invade first! In the first month he will pound it from sea and air, but once you get a fair number of engineers there, it might become difficult for him to keep it closed. And later in '43 he will regret if he didn't take it...

But if he wants to take it, he needs a fairly strong force with the garrison you planned - sure he will get it if he really wants, but for a little while it distracts a reasonable sized force from his main goals...

Ha, two sides to every coin. [:D]

Thanks, WhoCares. That was my thinking, but after weighing both sides, I'd rather have the Brigades available than have them go down in a blaze of glory to a strong invasion force.

[USSAmerica]

[font="times new roman"]12/17/41[/b] Update:[/b][/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Started the day off with good news.  CL Nagara sinks.  [8D]  Then 2 more APs sank 120 miles SW of Saigon.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]17Z, 35N, 41B made their daily visit to Singapore at 15,000 ft.  I lost 3 Buff in the air and 4 planes on the ground, but all damage was repaired overnight.  Thunderstorms are forecasted over all the Indochina airbases this turn, so maybe I’ll be able to repair some of my planes at Singapore.  I think the AVG will make another appearance here on the next good weather day.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]The Japanese sent a couple of smaller scale air raids to Kuantan.  I think he’s getting tired of my Blenheims and Hudsons picking off APs from here.  My base force marched out of Kuantan toward Singapore, so I am pulling all of these tired aircraft out to Singapore and Johore Bharu for some rest and repairs.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]I transferred the last planned LCU in the PI to SWPac today.  Both tank regiments, all of the engineer units, and both headquarters units have now had a cadre evacuated.  I have not pulled cadres for any of the base forces.  I may at a later date, if the opportunity is still there.  I’m now spending PP’s on the air groups in the PI.  I’m moving both of the B17’s to India, by way of China, along with one of the P40 groups.  The other two P40’s and the two older fighter groups will head to Oz to fill out and then may end up fighting in Java, or over PM.  I’ll likely send one Patrol group to India and the other to Oz or Java.  There is now too much Japanese air power building up at Aparri and Vigan for me to make much difference with my planes in the PI.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Montereytrench has been very slow to advance.  He’s landed at Khota Bharu, and is shipping troops or supply to Songkhia, but he has not yet attempted to capture the base at Khota Bharu or advance on Alor Setar.  As far as I can tell, he has not advanced toward Burma yet.  He has taken Vigan, Aparri, and Legaspi in the PI, but has made no attempt to advance.  No moves at all so far in the DEI, PNG, Rabul, or Solomons areas.  He did quickly take Guam and Wake, but the only other base he’s grabbed is Tarawa.  Hmmm…[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]I know when he does move it will be backed up with a big stick.  As of tomorrow, the KB could make an appearance in the DEI or SoPac with little notice. [X(]   Meanwhile, I’m getting a lot of supply into Singapore, a lot of troops out of there to Java, and a lot of DEI oil loaded onto TK’s for a trip to Oz.  [8D][/font]

[USSAmerica]

I'm waiting on the turn from Monterey, so I'm gonna start trying to learn how to play with screenshot assist and paint.net.  Who knows?  Maybe I'll actually get a map or graphic posted in this AAR before the Japanese auto victory.[:D]

Stand back!  This could get ugly.[8|]

[AU Tiger_MatrixForum]

ORIGINAL: USS America

ORIGINAL: WhoCares

ORIGINAL: USS America
....
Andaman I. is really the only place that I've planned to be aggressive. After reading your post, I've thought it over some more and I'm reconsidering. I was really looking to stack up the LCU forces there, but it won't matter if they are completely dominated by LBA from the enemy occupied Burma bases. My opponent can keep the airfield closed, and blast away at my supply and LCUs. I had just started unloading the first troops there, so they are being ordered to reload and head to India.
...

Well, sure he can keep it shut for a while but if he doesn't take it, it can still become a stepping stone in the years to come. A base that you don't have to invade first! In the first month he will pound it from sea and air, but once you get a fair number of engineers there, it might become difficult for him to keep it closed. And later in '43 he will regret if he didn't take it...

But if he wants to take it, he needs a fairly strong force with the garrison you planned - sure he will get it if he really wants, but for a little while it distracts a reasonable sized force from his main goals...

Ha, two sides to every coin. [:D]

Thanks, WhoCares. That was my thinking, but after weighing both sides, I'd rather have the Brigades available than have them go down in a blaze of glory to a strong invasion force.

Good move. To stock the Island well enough would take troops you would need elsewhere, and I don't see how you could possibly get enough supply to last there. Remember the spoilage factor.
And as to a strong invasion force, it would never come. As a Jap player, I would use the place as a self-guarding POW camp/training site for my bombers and bombardment TF's.

[USSAmerica]

[font="times new roman"]12/18/41[/b] Update:[/b][/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Time to get fancy!  (kind of)  I present the first update with Visual Aides!  [/font][:)][font="times new roman"]  Not much yet, but I haven’t started playing with the Paint.net yet, and there’s not really a whole lot of interesting action to show, anyway.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]SS Snapper shot at CL Natori in the hex at Aparri….torpedo fails to detonate.  [/font][8|][font="times new roman"]  She paid for it, too, with 3 hits from the DD escorts.  Not too bad for damage:  19 Sys and 19 Flt.  She should make it to port without sinking.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"][/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Kuantan was pounded a couple of times.  27 Sallys attacked from Saigon, then 15 Sallys and 38 Lilys from PhnomPenh.  Monterey IS getting tired of my bombers picking at his ships from here.  32 runway and 17 service damage, but no planes caught on the ground.  Glad I moved them out yesterday.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]The aviators at Saigon called on Singapore also.  19Z, 47B, 30N.  The good news is that I destroyed one Betty.  The bad news is I lost 3 fighters in the air and 7 planes on the ground.  2 airbase hits, 1 airbase supply hit, and 27 runway hits were mostly repaired by my engineers.  Only 9 service and 1 runway damage points left.  The big damage was more planes destroyed.  Clear weather is forcasted for tomorrow, so the AVG and it’s 46 P-40Bs will move here from Soerabaja to await tomorrow’s visit.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]In China, the 4th New Chinese Corp starts fully prepped for Nanchang, so I marched them there several days ago.  They’ve been sitting there ever since, I believe preventing the 181 resource center from producing resources or supply.  Well, he is getting tired of that, so he hit me with a Bombardment attack.  Not much effect, but I think it was mostly for recon anyway.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"][/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]It seems that he hit me with all 6 units present there.  He doesn’t seem to be as strong here as I thought, but I’m too weak to attack with only the one Corps.  Besides, their purpose is just to be a thorn, and they seem to be accomplishing that.  [/font][:D]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]SS I-154 decided to get a bit cheeky and slipped right into the Singapore hex.  A Dutch Do 24K-2 patrol plane from either Sumatra, Borneo, or Java found and attacked it.   Didn’t hit it, but that should keep it from successfully attacking any ships for a day or so.  The enemy sub activity has been picking up in this area, so I’m sending in a handful of DD’s in an ASW TF.  I’m still getting supplies into Singapore and some troops out to Java.  The supply stockpile is up to 42K with plenty more inbound.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]I’m becoming more and more convinced that the first big Japanese move into the DEI will be supported by the full weight of the KB.  I can’t think of any other reason that Monterey would wait this long to attack.  [&:][/font]
[font="times new roman"][/font] 
[font="times new roman"]After some discussion in the forums about MSWs, I'm changing the MSW TFs that I have patroling my port hexes to ASW TFs.  Most have a decent asw value and this should give them a better shot of engaging any subs found, while they SHOULD continue to sweep for mines.  We'll see.  [:D][/font]
[font="times new roman"][/font] 
[font="times new roman"]Nothing new to report in any other areas.  Time to go play my turn.  [8D][/font]

[USSAmerica]

I'm waiting on the turn from my honorable opponent, so I've been doing a lot of planning and organizing my notes, etc. While looking through things last turn, guess who I found assigned as the skipper of a Dutch PT at Soerabaja:



It seems that the Chinese bomber pilot has a twin brother that is much more likely causing my problems with WitPDecoder. I'm currently attaching his PT to 2 DD's on their way to Singapore. There, WO Sze S. will strike out on his own for the glory of the Dutch people of Chinese descent and attack whatever he can find to pick a fight with at Khota Bharu. [:D]

Question for anyone who might have clicked on the link by mistake and ended up reading this. If I scuttle this PT at sea, with the troublemaker go down with his ship or might he be plucked from the drink to continue his mischief with WitPDecoder? (Reports an error trying to load that he has an "invalid rank.)

[USSAmerica]

[font="times new roman"]12/19/41[/b] Update:[/b][/font]
[font="times new roman"][/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"][/font] 
[font="times new roman"]SS I-154 spends 2 torps and one deck gun shell on AK Liran, loaded with 4500 supplies from Kendari, at Singapore.  She went straight to Davy Jones’ Locker.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"][/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"][/font] 
 
[font="times new roman"]SS I -122 sank AP Van Imhoff with 3 torps and a shell 60 miles SE of Singapore.  She was a stray empty AP that accidentally left Singapore's port without loading any troops, after unloading her supply cargo.  I had ordered her back to Singapore to load up.  [8|][/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"][/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] I’m sending an 8 DD TF from near Cagayan to Singapore to do some asw work.[/font]
[font="times new roman"][/font] 
[font="times new roman"][/font] 
[font="times new roman"][/font] 
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]23Z, 35N, 50B from Saigon attacked Singapore, and were met by 28 members of the AVG and a good handful of their friends.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"][/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]The score was 1 Zero, 6 Nells, 5 Bettys destroyed, with 2 Nells and 4 Bettys damaged, in exchange for 1 Wirraway, 2 Buffalos, 2 P40Bs destroyed and 8 P40Bs damaged.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]After the first few Zeros tangled with the AVG, the rest bugged out.  Their morale must be suffering.  All but 2 of the surviving Bettys turned back as well.  No damage done on the ground at Singapore.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]The AVG will be staying to fly CAP again tomorrow.  [/font][8D]
 
 
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]SS Shark went after a couple of DD’s at Batan I, but her torpedoes fail to detonate.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Not much else to report today.  My first two big convoys from the West Coast will arrive at Pearl the day after tomorrow.  This will bump the sad supply situation there back above 20K and allow the US CV’s to finish filling out their air wings.  [/font]

[USSAmerica]

[font="times new roman"]12/20/41 – 12/27/41 Update:[/font]
[font="times new roman"][/font][/b]
[font="times new roman"][/font] 
[font="times new roman"]Sorry for the long gap between updates.  Monterey was tied up for a good while, and then when we got the turns flowing again, I spent my little available time playing instead of updating this AAR.  Anyway, here’s a brief summary of the last week’s worth of action, as best as I can recall without replaying each individual combat replay.  (Still no combat reports [/font][:(][font="times new roman"])[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Philippines:[/font]
[font="times new roman"]The only advance from the 3 initial invasion bases has been the single LCU from Legaspi marching to Naga.  It has been there for 2 days without any sign of attacking.  I have 2 Phil Divs with 270 assault strength, 3 forts, 73 prep points, and 1876 supply defending Naga.  This unit is preventing the 125 supply/turn from the resource center there.  He has what looks like a strong division at Vigan and Aparri, but they have not moved yet.  I still hold Laoag in between these bases, with the base force there faithfully marching cross country over the mountain to try to escape toward Clark. [:D]  Monterey has built up the air power here and hit me several times at Clark and Manila.  I’ve started having the two remaining P40E squadrons strafe the AF at Aparri instead of trying to fly CAP against his Zeros.  They have had some success at this, destroying a handful of planes on the ground and doing a bit of damage for no losses.  He seems to have no flak at Aparri yet.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]I have used political points to buy all the air groups from USAFFE, except one remaining P40E squadron.  They get reassigned next turn.  I have flown out all the air units to either Darwin or India, except 2 VP squadrons and 2 P40E squadrons that are still having a bit of fun.  The VP’s are flying recon and naval search, spotting targets for my subs, and watching for signs of the KB. [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]My two remaining PT’s attacked what seemed to be two slow moving CA’s, but turned out to be two DD’s.  I didn’t even scratch them.   [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]My subs have had more success.  I hit a transport convoy east of Legaspi with a DD TF (sank CS Chitose) and then pursued it all the way back to Palau with 3 SS.  I managed to pick off CL Nagara and another large AP at Palau.  I’ve sent 4 more SS from Darwin to help hunt in the area of Palau.  The rest of the subs that I had patrolling the eastern side of Luzon have headed north to help hunt between Vigan/Aparri and Taiwan.  I have a total of 19 SS covering the area from Luzon to Pescadores.  I have sightings of over 100 ships in and around Pescadores, and yesterday a Mk14 exploded into an AP.  [X(]  There has been a TF covering the beach at Vigan for weeks that seems to consist of 8 CA’s.  I move/rotate all of the subs in this area every day and I have had a sub move into Vigan’s hex every day, but I have yet to get an attempt at this SC TF.  I’m not going to quit trying!  [:)][/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]China:  [/font]
[font="times new roman"]I’m still taking daily bombardment attacks at Nanchang for not much effect.  My unit there is starting to run low on supply.  I need to check to see if there’s another LCU prepped for Nanchang that I can march in to relieve them.  There have started to be small air raids with Nates and Sonias on Changsha.  I’ve downed a few with flak and he’s dropped a few bombs, but with little effect.  I think this is mostly training flights for his units.  No other action to report, and no advances that I’ve discovered by Japanese forces.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]India:  [/font]
[font="times new roman"]I changed the Southeast Asia HQ commander to Gen. Haig with his Land and Admin skills of 65.  This should speed up the recovery rate for disabled LCU elements in the area.  17th Ind Div continues to slowly fill out at Diamond Harbor.  It’s up to 36/41 of full TOE.  Supply convoys are regularly running from Bombay to Diamond Harbor, which is now up to 99k supply, and from Karachi to Java.  Most of the Chinese bombers are at Calcutta and Dacca, resting to build up morale before starting supply flights into China.  I’ve taken advantage of Monterey’s slow pace of advancement to grab most of the fuel and over 10k oil from Rangoon.  I have a C47 squadron at Mandalay that is ferrying fragments from Singapore to Dacca as they march up from Moulmein and Rangoon.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]I took advantage of Monterey’s busy schedule to organize my notes, particularly for the LCU’s in the India/Burma theater.  I’ve set prep targets and intended destinations for each unit, and I’m working on getting them all to there.  13th, 16th Ind Bdes, and the Rangoon Force are loaded and heading for Ceylon.  1st and 2nd Burma Bdes are unloading at Madras.  1st and 2nd Burma Rifles are almost back at Taung Gyi, from where they will join the BFF Bde in marching to Rangoon and shipping out to Yanam, Trivandrum, and Mannargudi.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]The ground forces that start in India are moving into defensive positions around Ledo, Imphal, Dacca, Dimapur, and Chandpur.  18th UK Div will ship to Diamond Harbor upon it’s arrival at Karachi on 12/30.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Most of the TK’s in this area have headed to Java, staying clear of the Singapore area in transit.  They will grab oil from Palembang/Balikpapan/Java, as long as it’s still safe, and haul it to Perth.  I think Oz can use the oil more than India.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Two B17 groups have arrived at Dacca from the PI, and the 7th BG is at Batavia, slowly making it’s way here.  45 LB30’s in the pool, so they will upgrade upon arrival at Dacca.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]The only moves that I’ve noticed by the Japanese here is an LCU marching up the rail line from Bangkok to Rahaeng.  My line of march for Malayan fragment evacuees, from Moulmein to Mandalay is still open.  I’ve even marched the 108 RAF base force from Victoria Point overland to Moulmein.  [:'(][/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Malaya:  [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Monterey is still moving very slowly and deliberately here.  (There's a theme here)  Since capturing Khota Bharu, he has not advanced.  He has brought in some LBA (including Lillys and Oscars) to stock that base and Songkhia.  They are stepping up the air attack pressure on Singapore, where I am still holding my own thanks to the AVG.  I moved a Dutch patrol squadron to Medan to help finish evacuating fragments from Malaya.  With the Catalina unit at Singapore, they only have about 3 fragments left to fly out to Burma.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]I still have a Bde dug in at Alor Star and at Kuantan to make Monterey fight when he does start advancing, and another Bde at Mersing to deter an amphib invasion from taking the shortcut to Singapore.  Singapore is up to almost 56k supplies with another 13k unloading in the port, and several more AK’s inbound.  There’s no base damage, and the forts are up to 6 + 44%.  The 2nd and 3rd ISF Base Force units are still in Singapore, helping to build.  These units are very overstrength, and I intend to pull them out to work on Java bases, but I am keeping them here for now to continue building forts and supporting the aircraft.  I have several AP’s in port, ready to load them up quickly and haul ass when things get too hot here.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]The biggest pain over the last week for me has been several Japanese subs in and around Singapore.  I’ve lost 5 AP/AK’s to them, but none with troops loaded.  I’ve moved more patrol AC to the area and put them on ASW, as well as the Vildebeast squadron.  They are regularly spotting 5 or 6 subs in the area.  Just spotting them has greatly reduced the number of sub attacks, but I’ve moved a couple of surface ASW groups to the area as well.  One of them, the same group of DD’s that ambushed a TF at Legaspi and sank CS Chitose, really hammered I 155 with 5 or 6 hits over 2 days.  I don’t think I’ll see her any more, except on the sunk ships list.  The counter to this for Monterey would be some visits by Ms. Betty, but I think all the fighters I have on CAP in the area are deterring this.  Option 2 for him would be a tour of the area by the KB.  They could show up in the area at any time.  I have lots of patrol eyes flying, so I should spot them in time to run away quickly if they come .  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]DEI:[/font]
[font="times new roman"]I’ve loaded the entire stockpile of oil at Palembang, and I’m currently loading the 4200 produced there every turn.  It’s all heading to Perth.  I have 5 TK’s in port waiting to start loading, as several of the 7 actively loading are almost full.  I also have a few AK’s loading supply and resources here each turn.  Supplies continue to head to Singapore as long as the route is open, and resources go to Perth.  Since the TK’s have started to line up here a bit, I sent 1 each to Batavia and Soerabaja to load and haul the oil there.  Toboali is also being cleaned out by AK’s, with 6 almost full of supply to go to Sing and 5 almost full with resources.  I have another 6 on standby to take over when they are full.  Tarakan and Balikpapan have also both had their oil and resource stockpiles shipped out.  I have ships in each base continuing to load as they are produced.  Kendari continues to be a source of supply and resource shipments.  I’ve also grabbed most of the fuel stockpile from here and shipped it to Darwin.  I continue to ignore the oil piling up at Brunei and Miri, as I think they are too exposed to send TK’s in.  But I do have to peek longingly at the totals as they pile up each turn.  [8|][/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]I’ve picked up useful sigint that the Japanese 35th Bde is loaded on an AP and coming to Brunei.  In my opinion it’s about time.  [:D]  I have 7 Dutch subs taking up postions along the approach to the base.  I’ve evacuated all the air and the Brit base forces from here and Kuching, so I won’t have much else to hit him with.  I have a good feeling that the slow pace means this invasion convoy will be very well escorted.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]I do have patrol planes covering the entire area, and I’ve concentrated the Dutch air forces at Amboina, Menado, Soerabaja and Batavia.  I have a SC TF around PoW and Repulse at Kendari, a “light” SC TF of Boise, Marblehead, Tromp, De Ruyter, and 7 DD’s based at Balikpapan, but forward deployed at Menado, and a British SC TF based around Revenge at Soerabaja.  The Brits will stick around as long as Singapore still stands, then they will return to India to guard against invasions.  All of the ML's are being herded by 2 DD's and an AK acting as the cow, to Trincomalee to reload.  I changed my mind about building the port at Soerabaja to size 9 (for the enemy to take) a couple of weeks ago and am building forts. [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Oz/NZ:[/font]
[font="times new roman"]I have resources and oil heading to Perth from the DEI, and some supply heading to Java.  The East coast has some supply continuing to flow to Port Moresby, and most of the LCU’s have reached their initial defense destinations, except the Inf Div still marching to Darwin.  The supply and fuel situation is not bad, but there’s not a lot of excess.  Brisbane and Sydney both have around 15 – 20k supply.  35+ AK’s are well on their way to the US to load up, and the first TK convoy full of oil (90k) is several days out of LA, but it is about a 30 day trip from the West Coast to Sydney at 12 knots.  Most of the air groups are fairly well rested and are training, while 2 B17 groups rest up at Brisbane after transferring in.  They are slowly filling out as well.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Darwin still has a bunch of fragments evacuated from the PI.  Of the 2 Tank Bn fragments, one has disappeared.  I don’t know if this is because they are too small or what.  The same thing happened in my "beginner" game vs. the AI.  The second one is a little bigger, 2 vehicles and maybe a squad, so I hope it doesn’t vanish as well.  I’m kicking around the idea of sending a couple AK’s back to Bataan to load up larger fragments.  It could be worth risking 2 AK’s.  I shipped the Sparrow and Gull Forces to Port Moresby, since Monterey has not yet made the first move into the South Pacific.  I still need to get some engineers into Cooktown at some point.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Nothing going on in NZ.  I get a reinforcement Bde there soon that I will have to provide transportation for.  The bases are slowly building AF and forts, and the AC are mostly resting to build morale before their training resumes.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]NG/Solomons:[/font]
[font="times new roman"]I continue to pump supply into Port Moresby.  I have over 22k there now, with another 11k unloading at port.  More is being shipped in.  The forts are building very slowly, but an EAB unit is now only 4 days away.  When they get unloaded, I’ll be able to start building up the AF from it’s current size 3 while I continue to work on forts.  Lark Force is finished flying in from Rabul (as much as can be air transported) and the NGVR Bn is mostly finished being airlifted.  Sparrow Force has completed unloading and Gull Force has almost arrived.  I have a couple of AK’s almost to Rabul to pick up the small amount of heavy gear that couldn’t be airlifted for Lark and NGVR, as well as pulling out some supply.  There is another AP a few days behind them, slated to pick up the base force at Rabul and haul them to PM.  Monterey has given me time to make some moves by not invading the area early, so I’m going to take advantage of it.  Before I start basing any bombers or fighters at PM, I’ll need more AV support there.  I’m ignoring the rest of the Solomon Islands for now, as is Monterey, it appears.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]SOPAC:[/font]
[font="times new roman"]Noumea, Suva, Pago Pago, and Canton I. each have a patrol squadron (and Hudsons at Suva).  They are all also slowly building forts and AF’s.  I’m working on supplies and fuel for each as well.  I’ve consolidated the base forces in the area so Suva, PP, and Canton each have 2 working.  Suva has a FA Bn and a NZ Inf Bde, PP has a USMC CD unit, and Canton has a USMC CD unit on the way.  I have the 27th USA Div split and prepping to provide a Bde for each of these 3 islands at SF.  Noumea has the 2nd USMC Div and 2 USMC Paras on the way.  An EAB unit will arrive at Noumea in 6 days.  I spotted an enemy sub a couple of hexes East of PP, but I didn’t have anything in the area to do anything about it and I’ve lost contact with it.  SOPAC HQ is still sitting at Pearl.  I need to get it shipped to Noumea.  No other action here so far.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]NOPAC:[/font]
[font="times new roman"]I have to admit to my first somewhat “gamey” move.  (Our house rules consist of “It’s a game, let’s play!” [/font][:'(][font="times new roman"])  I have divided the 41st Div at Seattle and marched 1 Bde to Vancouver.  I’m marching the Canadian units from Vancouver to Anchorage for defense, so I can ship out the 37th and 153rd RCT’s to Palmyra and Noumea to beef up the garrisons there.  The Vancouver based units have reached Prince Rupert, but they still have a good way to go.  I still haven’t decided where I want the NOPAC HQ to go from Pearl.  The only other action here, other than resting and training the air when there are not blizzards, is shipping supply to Anchorage and Dutch Harbor from Seattle.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]CENTPAC:[/font]
[font="times new roman"]My subs based here are on the move.  Most of the one’s with Mk14 duds, I mean torpedoes [8|], are grouped into two 6 ship Sub Minelaying TF’s.  They are leaving presents at Kwajalein and reloading at Pearl.  The Mk10 carrying subs are on patrol.  About 7 are surrounding Kwajalein, with 4 more heading to Truk.  The Argonaut is also rotating from Pearl to Kwajalein.  SS Plunger actually hit an AK at Kwajalein last turn and the Mk14 actually exploded!  [X(][:D]  I’m sending an AS to Johnston I. to test the theory that they will function to reload torps on subs in a port as small as size 1.  I also plan to send one to Midway after it is secured with the 24th Inf Div.  I spotted an enemy sub 120 miles west of Johnston I.  I had 2 DD’s there, escorting an AO that was unloading.  I detached them and sent them after the sub.  They managed to hit him 4 or 5 times before I lost contact.  That sub is far enough away from any friendly port that he may not make it.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]My two big supply/troop/aircraft convoys from SF and Seattle have completed unloading at Pearl, while the 3rd convoy, from LA carrying the 40th Div, 102 BF, and another 70k supply, is still about 5 days out.  This has brought the supply situation at Pearl back to a comfortable level of 70k, after I shipped too much out early and dropped it below 20k.  That had prevented my carriers from upgrading to F4F-4’s and filling out the SBD and TBD squadrons.  As soon as the upgraded AC finish repairing, I’m taking all 3 AC TF’s out to pick a fight with someone much weaker than me.  LOL  Maybe a strike at Tarawa before the AF there is big enough to base torpedo bombers.  Then, it will be back to Pearl to escort the planned big troop/supply convoy to Midway and then upgrade the 3rd fighter squadron to F4F-4’s.  Yorktown should have arrived at SF by then as well.  The SC TF around Colorodo, Maryland, and Arizona will escort the Midway convoy and then may hang around at Midway or head to SOPAC.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]My damaged BB’s are heading to SF and LA.  The less damaged, heading to SF, are about 5 hexes ahead of the slower ones heading to LA and should reach SF in 3 days.  Time to make use of all of those ship repair points.  [8D][/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]I’ve started organizing my shipping and loading some of the units prepping for Midway.  I’m sending the 24th Div, 34th Engr Rgt, 64th AA, and the 102 BF arriving from LA.  I’m also sending as much supply as I can spare, but at least 50k.  My current target for supply at Midway is 100k.  I’ll have to unload the 102 BF and reload them, as they are scattered over many ships of the inbound convoy. [8|]  I may need to send NOPAC HQ to Midway for the support.  All of the AK’s and AP’s I don’t need for the Midway excursion will form up and head back to SF today.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Johnston I. and Palmyra both have a base force and USMC Defense Bn.  There is a patrol squadron based at Palmyra and 2 VP’s plus a B18 group at Johnston.  They were hunting the recently spotted sub near there.  Each base has just over 8000 supplies and Johnston has over 6000 fuel.  Palmyra has run dry of fuel.  I’ll load up the AO returning to Pearl from Johnston I. and send it here next.  161st RCT at Pearl will reinforce Johnston I. and the 37th RCT at Anchorage will eventually reinforce Palmyra.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Midway currently has it’s USMC Defense Bn and a base force, along with one VP squadron.  There is a 6 PT TF guarding the base, and 20k of fuel currently unloading with 4500 supply at the base.  When the new residents arrive from Pearl, I’ll start building the port above it’s current size 1, and get the forts building faster.  (currently at 3 +14%).  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]I have the ML and all 8 DM’s rotating around Midway, Johnston I., Palmyra, and Canton I.  I also dropped over 600 mines at Baker Island, just in case. [;)][/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]West Coast:[/font]
[font="times new roman"]I’ve divided the 7th Div to cover SF, LA, and SD.  The 27th Div is waiting to ship out at SF, along with 2 AA units.  All air groups are resting until morale builds to 99 and then training.  I have 3 TK’s at LA and one at SD sucking the West Coast dry of oil as fast as it is produced.  They will ship out to Sydney when full.  I have a massive number of TK and AK reinforcements arriving at SF in 2 weeks.  [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]I really want to buy and transfer several units from here as soon as PP’s become available:[/font]
[font="times new roman"]1.  Transport AC[/font]
[font="times new roman"]2.  Patrol AC[/font]
[font="times new roman"]3.  18th, 19th and 47th Engr Rgts[/font]
[font="times new roman"]4.  Fighters[/font]
[font="times new roman"]5.  Bombers[/font]
[font="times new roman"]6.  Maybe US III or IX Corps HQ for support[/font]
[font="times new roman"]7.  Those 155mm Artillery units at SF look good, but are costly to buy.[/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"] [/font]
[font="times new roman"]Good Thread!  [/b]I’ve written a novel!  [X(]  I do love thinking, planning, organizing, learning, and writing about this great game as much as playing it.  [&o][8D][/font]

[ny59giants]

Consider moving the PBY squadrons from the PI to India (if you haven't done so) due to there longer range in naval search. Plus, The British don't get too many of them and there are enough in Pearl and the WC to send across the Pacific. Got to get what LBA you can to India before the air bridge is closed. 

[USSAmerica]

Thanks, ny!  I forgot to mention it, but one of the VP's at Manila has already been reassigned to SEAC and is bound for Dacca when the fun in the PI is over.  The other one has been reassigned to SWPAC, but it also may end up in Inida.  I hope to transfer a couple of the Dutch VP's to India when the roof caves in on the DEI.  I think the VP and the Transport groups are the most valuable DEI air assets to try to save.

[ny59giants]

I usually combine some of the smaller squadrons (number of planes wise) of Dutch LBA in one squadron as they will come back at Sydney.