Small Ship, Big War - The Voyages of the Hibiki

[princep01]

Prepare for the Decisive Battle......a very long way from where anyone ever imagined it would occur. 

[John 3rd]

NINE CVs!  Lets rock'n'roll...
 
Banzai!
 

[histgamer]

I am confident Hibiki makes it outta this alive however I fear for the Japanese cause. I think even with this massive force the Hellcat's and new American Carriers even if outnumbered will at the very least decimate the Japanese naval airforce and the American Carriers will suffer only modest damage while the Japanese will lose at least one probably two carriers.

[Barb]

I was looking for the Astoria story since I discovered it. I want not to make any bit a criticism over you, but I was expecting something little better. Some rememberances, feelings, common sailors (there were 700-900 sailors aboard) they met. It is an unusual event, so it could be a more unusual in this AAR... too...
But still a great job

[Capt. Harlock]

It is a very powerful attack, however, and has by now established control of a wide area of the island’s relatively flat and arid western side. The Japanese have fallen back into prepared fortifications in the mountainous rainforests on the eastern side of the island and around Noumea at the island’s rugged southern tip.

Key question: have the Americans been able to establish an operational airfield? LBA could well tip the balance of the upcoming Donnybrook.

[Cuttlefish]

September 24, 1943

Location: Kwajalein
Course: None
Attached to: TF 4
Mission: Air Combat
System Damage: 0
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 471

Orders: Proceed south and engage enemy fleet off New Caledonia

---

The task force is returning from a short patrol to the east of Kwajalein. As they near the atoll they spot a group of warships approaching the North Pass near Roi-Namur. Among them is an aircraft carrier. This is hardly an unusual event; more ships are arriving at Kwajalein every day.

As Hibiki draws closer, however, the newcomers are more recognizable. Word spreads quickly among the crew that the carrier is Hiryu. This attracts more than a little interest, and soon there are a number of men lining the rail for a better look.

It is good to see the familiar ship. Most of the men aboard remember the long voyage back from Exmouth, with every day a struggle to keep the carrier from sinking. Even those who lost money in the betting on whether or not the ship would sink are cheered to see her back in action, looking good as new. The last they had seen of Hiryu was months ago and many miles away at Tjilitjap, where her survival was by no means assured.

With Hiryu’s arrival every fleet carrier and light carrier the Japanese possess is now present. A sizeable convoy of tankers has also arrived during the day, and soon the newcomers will be able to fill their tanks with fuel. Aboard Hibiki that evening many men take the time to write letters home. They know it might be some time before they have another chance to get something mailed. They are moved by a deeper impulse as well, though no one speaks of it. The men are confident about the campaign ahead, but they are veterans enough to know that even victory does not not always mean escaping unscathed.

[John 3rd]

What are the CVs that the crew of IJN Hibiki can see???? 
 
Akagi, Hiryu, and...

[Cuttlefish]

September 25, 1943

Location: Kwajalein
Course: None
Attached to: TF 4
Mission: Air Combat
System Damage: 0
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 468

Orders: Proceed south and engage enemy fleet off New Caledonia

---

Excerpt from a letter from Lieutenant Miharu to his wife, Kojima:

Our departure has been delayed another day. No one aboard knows why, but that is often the way it is. Wait and wait some more, then all of a sudden they want you there yesterday. We are now supposed to leave after nightfall tomorrow.

I cannot tell you, of course, just where we are going. It looks as though there will be a large battle, though. The Americans and the British have mustered an impressive fleet, from all reports. Word has reached us that they have new and dangerous planes aboard their aircraft carriers, larger and more powerful than our aircraft. We must rely on our skill and our fighting spirit to carry the day against these new weapons.

You know that I have worried about the power of our enemies since before the beginning of the war. I have traveled across America and to me, even in peacetime, the farms and factories there seemed nearly endless. What resources they must command now I can only imagine. I have a feeling that we must win this coming battle. The enemy grows strong. If we do not stop them now we might end up simply overwhelmed, however much courage and skill we possess.

I do not speak much of this to others, of course. Such talk is regarded as defeatist. Captain Ishii knows my thoughts. He used to doubt them, but lately I think he has come to share my worries.

But do not let my gloomy musings put fear into your heart. I have confidence that Hibiki will bring us through safely whatever happens, as it has so often in the past. I will write to you when I am able to let you know that I am safe.

Your last letter reached me only a couple of days ago. I am glad your mother is feeling better. As far as painting the house goes, I rely on your judgment to…

[Cuttlefish]

September 26, 1943

Location: Kwajalein
Course: None
Attached to: TF 4
Mission: Air Combat
System Damage: 0
Float Damage: 0
Fires: 0
Fuel: 475

Orders: Proceed south and engage enemy fleet off New Caledonia

---

The Japanese fleet departs Kwajalein as soon as darkness falls. The ships depart the anchorage one by one. Once outside the lagoon each proceeds to a designated location. Task forces are organized with brisk efficiency and before long the powerful armada is on its way.

Hibiki’s task force consists of carriers Shokaku, Zuikaku, and Akagi; heavy cruisers Takao and Chokai; light cruisers Yubari and Noshiro; and seven destroyers, including Hibiki. Admiral Ozawa has his flag aboard Shokaku.

The second carrier group consists of carriers Kaga, Hiryu, and Soryu, along with two heavy cruisers, a light cruiser, and eight destroyers. The third group is comprised of carriers Junyo and Hiyo and light carrier Ryuho. They have two heavy cruisers, a light cruiser, and six destroyers. The final carrier group is based around light carriers Ryujo, Shoho, and Zuiho. They have a heavy cruiser, two light cruisers, and six destroyers as escort.

With them go the battleships Hiei, Haruna, and Kirishima and their escorts, plus a heavy cruiser division. Many wakes comb the darkened ocean as the Imperial Japanese Navy heads south to meet the enemy.

[HMS Resolution]

Oooooh! The tension mounts.

[DuckofTindalos]

Well, that's pretty much everything the Japs have. Unless the Allies run away, this could be IT...

[Feinder]

I'll bet the Allies bugger-out.  I've to see the big ka-boom.  But my money is on bugger-out.
 
-F-

[Capt. Harlock]

ORIGINAL: Cuttlefish


Hibiki’s task force consists of carriers Shokaku, Zuikaku, and Akagi; heavy cruisers Takao and Chokai; light cruisers Yubari and Noshiro; and seven destroyers, including Hibiki. Admiral Ozawa has his flag aboard Shokaku.

The second carrier group consists of carriers Kaga, Hiryu, and Soryu, along with two heavy cruisers, a light cruiser, and eight destroyers. The third group is comprised of carriers Junyo and Hiyo and light carrier Ryuho. They have two heavy cruisers, a light cruiser, and six destroyers. The final carrier group is based around light carriers Ryujo, Shoho, and Zuiho. They have a heavy cruiser, two light cruisers, and six destroyers as escort.

With them go the battleships Hiei, Haruna, and Kirishima and their escorts, plus a heavy cruiser division.

Can't complain that the IJN hasn't brought enough food to the party! (With the possible exception of BB's if it comes down to a surface fight.)

[cantona2]

Will the US Navy grant the IJN the 'Decisive Battle'?

[princep01]

Doubtful, but the Americans have had a long time to land troops and supplies and will have a bit longer to continue before the Japanese CVs arrive. He may have a substantial AB or two operating by then. The author has not let us know a lot about the land air situation there.....it builds suspense:). However, if the Americans do decide to stay and fight, both sides may have a lot of land and sea air. This is going to be interesting, but I suspect this is the "Guadacanal" of this game. There may be a series of battles over a few months before victory can be declared.

ORIGINAL: cantona2

Will the US Navy grant the IJN the 'Decisive Battle'?

[Xenocide]

Is there a support group for people who keep refreshing this page?

[John 3rd]

Twelve CVs and CVLs!  A true Fist of Steel descending upon the Americans...
 
More Glory to the crew of IJN Hibiki! 
 
Banzai!  Banzai!!  Banzai!!!

[histgamer]

I doubt this is a Guad type engagement. The location is more remote so it will take forces time to converge. There will either be a decisive battle or many air raids on allied convoys before the allies bring their carriers back for the decisive engagement... Or several raids and the Japanese withdrawing for fuel and supply reasons and then the Americans showing back up or... the Japanese raiding and the Americans pulling out.

[Wirraway_Ace]

My bet is on the Japanese to win another major victory, but not the decisive battle.  Wolffpack simply may not be able to successfully mass his new carriers and surface ships.  He is an Army guy by training, and unless he has set the conditions by establishing extensive PBY recon of the approaches to Noumea, he is likely to get surprised by the entire IJN and lose a bunch of dispersed TFs.
 
Of course, the good news is the crew of the Hibiki will be around to tell us the tale... 

[BigBadWolf]

ORIGINAL: Wirraway_Ace

Of course, the good news is the crew of the Hibiki will be around to tell us the tale...

And with all those flat tops around, they are highly unlikely to become a target. [;)]