For the record.
The JAP Battle Fleet consisting of several Task Forces on Patrol from [ Truk to Nevea ] to [ Lunga / Vila / Shortland ] to [ Gili-Gili ] to [ Coral Sea ] to combat.
SCTF 1 - 25 ships max
Escorts or Tin Cans stripped from all Transport TFs
CVTF 1 - 25 ships max - set to follow SCTF 1
Zuikaku, Shokaku, Kaga, Akagi
1 CS, BBs, CAs, CLs, a few DDs
CVTF 2 - 25 ships max - set to follow SCTF 1
Hiyo, Junyo, Soryu, Hiryu
1 CS, BBs, CAs, CLs, a few DDs
CVTF 3 - 25 ships max - set to follow SCTF 1
Ryujo, Shoho, Zuiho,
1 CS, BBs, CAs, CLs, a few DDs
2 squadrons of Float Fighters on CAP at 5000 feet.
SCTF 4 - set to follow CVTF 1
DDs - approx 12 - 15
SCTF 5 - set to follow CVTF 2
DDs - approx 12 - 15
SCTF 6 - set to follow CVTF 3
DDs - approx 12 - 15
SCTF 7 - set to follow SCTF 1
DDs - approx 12 - 15
AVTF 8 - follow CVTF 3
4 AVs, half set to ASW 1000 feet, half set to Naval 5000 feet
All SCTFs Float Planes set to Naval Search 5000 feet
All TFs are set to Patrol/Do NOT Retire AND Do NOT React To Enemy.
All Val DBs are set to 20,000 feet Naval Attack OR Rest, NO Naval Search
All Kate TBs are set to 1000 feet Naval Attack OR Rest, NO Naval Search
All Fighters in CVTF 1 AND 2 are set to Escort AND 10% CAP at 5000 feet or 20,000 feet to intercept any high altitude dive bombers or low flying torpedo bombers.
All Fighters in CVTF 3 are set to Escort AND 90% CAP at 5000 feet and 20,000 feet.
Now for the Captains Log:
The mighty Imperial Japanese Fleet [ aka The Hammer ] set sail from Truk today. Our Fearless leaders believe the divine wind will be upon us to deliver a mighty blow to Australia and the USN fleet operating from their northern ports. The great IJA 8th Army marches into Port Moresby in a few days and the IJN will be there to support the operations of PNG.
From Truk, The IJN Hammer sailed into the Eastern Solomon sea towards Nevea to investigate USN transport activity. Only reports from search planes are a few transports operating around Efate Port Villa.
The mighty Hammer begins to run low on Petrol. The fleet splits - the CVTF 3 goes to Vila, CVTF 1 and 2 split to Shortland and Lunga.
CVTF 3 transfers Vals and Kates in exchange for extra squadrons of Zeros. Each Light Carrier now has 2 squads of Zeros. These pilots have been training since their arrival and their experience levels are in the 80s.
In fact::: ALL IJN and IJA pilots have been training since the beginning of this war. The squadrons get rested every 3 days and then set to rotate on missions or training. I see the green pilots gain experience and fatigue so the experienced pilots get missions so the green pilots can rest. Training consist of 30% and then rotate to 30% CAP for fighters and Naval Search for bomber pilots.
Now that the fuel tanks are filled up and the aircraft transfers are complete, the Hammer reforms in the Solomon Seas. The TF makes its way slowly towards Gili-Gili searching for any signs of naval activity. Most reports are around the PM area. Our Commander decides to follow Allied Transport TFs as they retreat towards Oz. Several search planes report sightings of allied CVs north of townsville.
All aircraft have been reset to Combat Missions instead of the usual Training / Rest rotation. Now Entering Hostile Waters.......
The Weather report is Clear Blue Sky.
The Hammer moves into position approx 9 to 10 hexes from the Allied CVTFs position.
Several Carrier Captains launch Kates - 3 squadrons.... [ that's insane!!!! ]
All Kates LOST!!!!!
The Next Turn:
The Hammer moves approx 3 hexes closer to the last known position of the Allied Fleet.
SCTF 1 of escort tin cans reacts to the enemy and charges off to the west approx 7 hexes without the rest of the fleet. NO Clue why they run off????
CVTFs all launch strikes at the Allied Fleets. The combat that follows really is strange.... The Allied Pilots all manage to hit IJN Carriers and none of the other 75 SC ships or escorts. Even the Bombers from PM and OZ launch an attack at the IJN Carriers and score?!!!!?...
ENJOY
COMBAT REPORT::::
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 12/26/42
Weather: Overcast
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
A6M3 Zero x 4
G4M1 Betty x 18
Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 16
Wirraway x 3
P-39D Airacobra x 23
P-40E Kittyhawk x 22
P-40E Warhawk x 40
P-38G Lightning x 48
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 3 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 3 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 5 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 6 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter VIC x 2 damaged
P-39D Airacobra x 3 destroyed
P-39D Airacobra x 1 damaged
P-40E Kittyhawk x 3 destroyed
P-40E Kittyhawk x 5 damaged
P-40E Warhawk x 2 destroyed
P-40E Warhawk x 5 damaged
P-38G Lightning x 1 destroyed
P-38G Lightning x 5 damaged
LTJG S.Aihara of F1/Tainan Daitai is credited with kill number 5
Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G4M1 Betty at 4000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 4000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 14,53
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 14
A6M2 Zero x 9
A6M3 Zero x 1
Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 15
no losses
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 13 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 5 damaged
ENS P.Nakasawa of FF1/Yokohama Chutai is credited with kill number 3
Japanese Ships
CV Akagi
DD Yuzuki
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 14,53
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 14
A6M2 Zero x 9
A6M3 Zero x 1
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 3
SBD Dauntless x 10
TBF Avenger x 25
no losses
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 8 damaged
TBF Avenger x 9 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 17 damaged
LT W.Ichimura of FF2/Yokohama Chutai is credited with kill number 4
Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku, Torpedo hits 1
CV Shokaku, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CV Kaga
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 14,53
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 7
A6M2 Zero x 9
A6M3 Zero x 1
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6
SBD Dauntless x 34
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 7 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 19 damaged
CPO U.Oyama of FF1/Yokohama Chutai is credited with kill number 4
Japanese Ships
CV Zuikaku, Bomb hits 1
CV Kaga, Bomb hits 3, on fire
CV Akagi, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 14,53
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 10
A6M2 Zero x 8
A6M3 Zero x 1
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 16
SBD Dauntless x 33
TBF Avenger x 15
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 3 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 4 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 7 damaged
TBF Avenger x 1 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 7 damaged
CPO G.Nakajima of FF2/Yokohama Chutai is credited with kill number 4
Japanese Ships
CV Shokaku, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CV Zuikaku
CV Kaga, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Uzuki, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 14,53
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 5
A6M2 Zero x 4
A6M3 Zero x 1
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6
SBD Dauntless x 31
TBF Avenger x 15
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3 Zero x 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 2 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 8 damaged
TBF Avenger x 2 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 6 damaged
LTJG G.Hori of BII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 4
Japanese Ships
CV Kaga, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CV Zuikaku, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CV Shokaku, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 14,53
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 11
A6M2 Zero x 8
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5
SBD Dauntless x 17
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 7 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 10 damaged
ENS I.Emerson of VF-71 is credited with kill number 3
Japanese Ships
CV Soryu, Bomb hits 2, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 14,53
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 10
A6M2 Zero x 8
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4
SBD Dauntless x 16
TBF Avenger x 12
no losses
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 9 damaged
TBF Avenger x 1 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 11 damaged
Japanese Ships
CV Soryu, on fire
CV Junyo, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CV Hiryu, Bomb hits 1, on fire
CV Hiyo
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 14,53
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 7
A6M2 Zero x 4
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 11
SBD Dauntless x 33
TBF Avenger x 15
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 4 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 15 damaged
TBF Avenger x 4 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 12 damaged
LT W.Ichimura of FF2/Yokohama Chutai is credited with kill number 5
Japanese Ships
CV Hiyo, Bomb hits 2, on fire
DD Ayanami
CV Hiryu, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CV Junyo, on fire
CV Soryu, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 14,53
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 9
A6M2 Zero x 8
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6
TBF Avenger x 8
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 1 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 2 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
TBF Avenger x 2 destroyed
TBF Avenger x 6 damaged
LT W.Ichimura of FF2/Yokohama Chutai is KILLED
Japanese Ships
CVL Ryujo
CVL Zuiho
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 13,57
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 56
D3A Val x 59
B5N Kate x 41
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 140
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 35 destroyed
D3A Val x 12 destroyed
D3A Val x 17 damaged
B5N Kate x 26 destroyed
B5N Kate x 17 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 23 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 22 damaged
LTJG W. Woollen of VF-42 is credited with kill number 5
LT W. Eder of VF-3 is KILLED
Allied Ships
BB North Carolina
CV Saratoga, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
CV Lexington
CV Yorktown, Bomb hits 5, on fire
BB South Dakota, Torpedo hits 2, on fire
CV Wasp, Bomb hits 3, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CV Hornet, Torpedo hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 13,57
Japanese aircraft
D3A Val x 16
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 44
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 10 destroyed
D3A Val x 8 damaged
ENS R. Dibb of VF-3 is credited with kill number 3
Allied Ships
CV Yorktown, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CV Hornet, Bomb hits 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 13,57
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
A6M3 Zero x 16
D3A Val x 29
B5N Kate x 13
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 50
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 5 destroyed
A6M3 Zero x 3 destroyed
D3A Val x 9 destroyed
D3A Val x 18 damaged
B5N Kate x 6 destroyed
B5N Kate x 7 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 10 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4 damaged
ENS O.Vaughn of VF-71 is credited with kill number 4
LT Y. Shiga of DII-1 Daitai is KILLED
Allied Ships
DD Lansdowne
CLAA Van Heemskerck
BB Washington, Bomb hits 3
CV Hornet
BB North Carolina
CV Saratoga, on fire
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Air attack on TF at 13,57
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
D3A Val x 24
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 70
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 5 destroyed
D3A Val x 9 destroyed
D3A Val x 15 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5 destroyed
WO F.Okano of BII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 5
WO F.Okano of BII-1 Daitai bails out and is CAPTURED
Allied Ships
CVE Long Island, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CVE Suwannee, Bomb hits 4, on fire
CVE Chenango, Bomb hits 3, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 13,57
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
D3A Val x 23
B5N Kate x 9
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 65
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 3 destroyed
D3A Val x 7 destroyed
D3A Val x 10 damaged
B5N Kate x 2 destroyed
B5N Kate x 7 damaged
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat x 2 damaged
LTJG L.Chiyoshima of EI-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 4
Allied Ships
CL Boise
BB Indiana
DD Stack, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
CA Salt Lake City, Bomb hits 3, on fire
DD Jarvis
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 79th Regiment, at 9,39
Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ib Oscar x 4
Allied aircraft
Beaufort x 12
P-39D Airacobra x 8
P-40E Kittyhawk x 3
P-38G Lightning x 16
B-26B Marauder x 9
A-20B Havoc x 19
no losses
no losses
Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 51
Attacking Level Bombers:
9 x Beaufort at 1000 feet
6 x A-20B Havoc at 1000 feet
3 x Beaufort at 1000 feet
13 x A-20B Havoc at 1000 feet
9 x B-26B Marauder at 1000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 14,53
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 6
A6M2 Zero x 2
A6M3 Zero x 1
Allied aircraft
B-24D Liberator x 9
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 1 damaged
Japanese Ships
CV Kaga, on fire, heavy damage
CV Shokaku, Bomb hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yukikaze, Bomb hits 1, on fire
Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
4 x B-24D Liberator at 6000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 14,53
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 6
A6M2 Zero x 2
A6M3 Zero x 1
Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 18
no losses
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 10 damaged
Japanese Ships
CV Junyo, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CV Hiryu, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 14,53
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4
A6M2 Zero x 2
A6M3 Zero x 1
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 14
SBD Dauntless x 25
TBF Avenger x 7
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 6 damaged
TBF Avenger x 5 damaged
LT C. Starkes of VF-8 is credited with kill number 3
Japanese Ships
CV Junyo, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CV Hiyo, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Oboro, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
CV Hiryu, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 14,53
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 2
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8
SBD Dauntless x 16
TBF Avenger x 15
no losses
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 2 damaged
TBF Avenger x 10 damaged
Japanese Ships
DD Ushio, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
CV Hiyo, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Shirayuki
DD Yugiri
CV Hiryu, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Ayanami, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 14,53
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 3
A6M2 Zero x 2
A6M3 Zero x 1
Allied aircraft
Beaufighter VIC x 3
B-26B Marauder x 9
no losses
Allied aircraft losses
B-26B Marauder x 6 damaged
Japanese Ships
CV Hiyo, on fire
CV Hiryu, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
CV Junyo, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x B-26B Marauder at 1000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 1000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 1000 feet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 14,53
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 5
A6M2 Zero x 2
A6M3 Zero x 1
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 8
SBD Dauntless x 12
TBF Avenger x 3
no losses
Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 2 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 9 damaged
TBF Avenger x 2 damaged
Japanese Ships
CVL Zuiho
CVL Ryujo, Bomb hits 3, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 13,57
Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 3
A6M2 Zero x 7
D3A Val x 17
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 43
Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2-N Rufe x 2 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed
D3A Val x 5 destroyed
ENS J. Schell of VF-3 is credited with kill number 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 13,57
Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 5
D3A Val x 9
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 41
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 1 destroyed
Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
ENS R. Evans of VF-3 is credited with kill number 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 13,57
Japanese aircraft
A6M3 Zero x 12
D3A Val x 4
B5N Kate x 3
Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 19
Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 2 damaged
B5N Kate x 3 damaged
Allied Ships
CV Yorktown, on fire
CV Wasp, on fire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Lea Lea
Japanese Bombardment attack
Attacking force 3912 troops, 69 guns, 0 vehicles
Defending force 1356 troops, 8 guns, 0 vehicles
WO W.Kurihara of DIII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2
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Saratoga badly hit conisdering it was just one bomb, and Enterprise will be spending some time in drydock and will probably be the flagship of the CVE group come winter. On the other side, although Japan has a great stockpile of reserve planes, I have to beleive that loosing 135+ strike aircraft from teh KB will hurt. we'll see