When an upgrade is not an upgrade

[geofflambert]

I have yet to see a DD torpedo anything in a PBEM game. I have seen it in AI games. You can't defend CVs from aircraft with TTs. I upgrade all TKs for flak. A large number of the IJN TKs also at the same time become AOs. If it gets close to the home islands and I still have any CVs, those TK/AOs will make good flak protection (en masse) because they won't be shipping anything around and they'll make tempting targets as well. And do convert any CLs you can to CLAAs, it's definitely worth it.

[Q-Ball]

IJN DDs is a whole separate post probably!

I convert Minekazes to APDs
I upgrade Kamikaze; I use solely as rear escorts for valuable TK or troops convoys, or fast transport
Mutsukis are good rear escorts, or AA escorts in a pinch; they have decent AA value

Yugumos are AA escorts; DP main armament means they should be with CVs

Akizukis (the 3.9 in DDs) are obviously AA escorts as well

Don't covert Momis to APDs, they lose too much speed; keep as DD, use as rear-area escort

All other Special-Type DDs (Fubuki through Kagero) are general Fleet DDs. One sub-class does have DP main guns, can't recall which one; that should be with CVs.

[Jorge_Stanbury]

why APDs? Japan treats each surface ship like some sort of fast transport, so I don't think there is a need to make a specialized APD?

[Q-Ball]

ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury

why APDs? Japan treats each surface ship like some sort of fast transport, so I don't think there is a need to make a specialized APD?

Good question. On the Minekaze, you pick up more capacity, and the only thing you sacrifice is old torps. If I'm not using them for surface combat anyway, I'd rather have the extra space. That's the way I see it.