Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition

[Schlussel]

Week 61: February 3rd – February 9th 1943

North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu. No IJN activity in the region.




Central Pacific:
Only a single IJA raid on Tabiteuea this week. There were over 30 Bettys in the raid, but there weren’t any escorts. After my P-40’s shot down about 7 of them, the rest tucked tail and ran home to mommy.




Southern Pacific:
Theater is quiet.




New Guinea/Solomons:
Mussau’s base expansion activities are coming along nicely. Both the port and airfield have reached Level 1, and the airfield should be level 2 in a few days, which means it can support offensive missions. Once this happens, I have a few squadrons of Dauntlesses that are ready to fly in and prey on IJN shipping travelling to Rabaul.

The IJN makes a surprise appearance in the area when BB Hiei +escorts show up near Namantanai and maul a supply TF unloading there. Dauntlesses stationed at Buka are able to score 4 bomb hits (500lb) on Hiei before she retreats Northeast towards Truk, but odds are the damage was superficial.
Australian forces at Salamaua continue to bombard the base’s defenders using artillery and level bombers. The Japanese defenders are well dug in, so I’ll probably have to wait them out. No signs of the Japanese running out of supply yet.

The Allies assault Lae…and by the end of the week, forts are at zero, and the Japanese AV has dropped from 152 to 45. The Allies are at 334 AV and are on the verge of taking the base: however, Allied fatigue is high after 4 deliberate attacks, so I might pause for a day or two before making one final push.

Rabaul’s garrison stands at 20 units, 85K troops, 404 Guns, and 238 AFV’s….quite a tough nut. There is a silver lining though, that large of a garrison will burn through supply pretty quickly (my garrison at Akyab is a similar size and it goes through 9K supply a week), this will make my blockade that much more effective. I have 2 divisions (the 32nd and 37th) 2 tank battalions + support units already at 100 prep, but I have yet to decide if I will pull the trigger and invade. A lot depends on how effective the Allies are in preventing the Japanese from resupplying Rabaul.




DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, Japan continues their intermittent Brunei bombings, but no sign of invasion. Nothing else of note in the region.




SE Asia/China:
The standoff at Akyab continues, air raids from both sides attempting to break the stalemate. For the first time in a while, the Allies’ AV equals that of the Japanese. The enemy’s supply shortages are really showing their effects now. To compound matters for the Japanese, I have finally got a respectable fighter presence in the air over Akyab, and now IJAF raids are being beaten back on a consistent basis. I have a few supply convoys coming in early next week…once they unload, I will try a reconnaissance in force.

In central Burma, the Chindit force continues the march south towards Ledo, and advance elements have reached the town’s outskirts. There is no sign of a Japanese presence, so Ledo should be mine by tomorrow. Once Ledo is secure and has an adequate garrison, the Chindits will advance to their next objective, Taung Gyi.

In China, Chengchow holds. No deliberate attacks this week as the IJA licks its wounds. Normal bombardments continue at Wuchow and Nanning.




IJN Watch:
-1 BB and 2 CA’s near Namantanai (2/3 thru 2/4)




Notable Base Captures:
-New Hanover [SW Pacific] occupied by the Allies (2/3)




Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 3,482 [+87]
Biggest Losses (#):SBD-3 Dauntless (285), F4F-4 Wildcat ( 269), P-40E Warhawk (230)

Japanese: 8,954 [+242]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (2,370), Ki-48 Lily (1,282), Ki-27b Nate (831)


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 446 [+1]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 818 [+26]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 8,979 [+14]
Japanese: 4,657 [+140]
A/J Ratio: 1.93 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 31,538 [+576]
Japanese: 25,244 [+224]
A/J Ratio: 1.25 to 1




Operation Tropic Thunder
Phase 1A - LAZARUS: Nov.1942 – Jan. 1943
-Capture Finschfen – COMPLETE
-Capture Umboi Island
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hansa Bay

Phase 1B – FOUR LEAF: Nov.1942 – Jan. 1943
-Capture Namatanai – COMPLETE
-Capture Kavieng – UNDERWAY [Assault force marching from Namatanai]
-Capture Massau Island – COMPLETE [Engineers building base facilities]
-Capture Manus – UNDERWAY [Assault Troops passing through “The Slot” en route to the invasion beaches]

Phase 2 – TIGER BALM: Jan. 1943 – Feb. 1943
-Capture/Neutralize Rabaul
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hollandia




Other Notes:
-The appearance of IJN surface assets near Rabaul was surprising, even more so because I didn’t see it coming at all (plus I was more concerned with the KB appearing). I realize I was relying far too much on carrier search aircraft. PBY’s and Dauntlesses have been flown in to Buka and it should definitely stabilize the situation until I can build up an LBA presence in the area north and east of Rabaul.

-VMF-112 is the first squadron to upgrade to F4U-1 Corsairs. While it’s an early model with a few issues, one can’t complain about its 400+ mph top speed. I’m excited to start utilizing the new Allied toys that begin appearing in 1943.

-Of the 242 Japanese planes lost this week, 140 were destroyed on the field. It definitely makes the higher Allied air losses easier to stomach.

[Macclan5]

ORIGINAL: Schlussel

-VMF-112 is the first squadron to upgrade to F4U-1 Corsairs. While it’s an early model with a few issues, one can’t complain about its 400+ mph top speed. I’m excited to start utilizing the new Allied toys that begin appearing in 1943.

-Of the 242 Japanese planes lost this week, 140 were destroyed on the field. It definitely makes the higher Allied air losses easier to stomach.

The Corsairs are exciting to get!! ... but word of caution don't get victory disease.[8D]

I got Corsairs with a bunch of 50 odd Experience in my own game and deployed them on CAP and Sweeps north of Tarawa. (PDU off much like yourself I do believe)

The Corsairs got mauled by a group of Zero's that were probably KB trained from a downed Carrier earlier in my game.

After about a month I upped the average experience using reserve pilots / plus got additional Airframes to replace the ones lost. They in turn finally mauled (the same?) bunch of Zekes and Betties.

Well done on the airframe attrition front.

As I said in another AAR... A good day in the air war is nice... A good war in the air is much much more important.

Your losses are F4Fs and P40Es... no big.

Once the P40K's are mainstream they stand up significantly better; then the F4Fs (with some exceptions) get over taken by multiple squadrons of Corsairs among the Marines and Hellcats on the Carriers.

Good Luck and keep rolling. [:D]

[Schlussel]

ORIGINAL: Macclan5

ORIGINAL: Schlussel

-VMF-112 is the first squadron to upgrade to F4U-1 Corsairs. While it’s an early model with a few issues, one can’t complain about its 400+ mph top speed. I’m excited to start utilizing the new Allied toys that begin appearing in 1943.

-Of the 242 Japanese planes lost this week, 140 were destroyed on the field. It definitely makes the higher Allied air losses easier to stomach.

As I said in another AAR... A good day in the air war is nice... A good war in the air is much much more important.

We'll said sir, it's all about having a strategy for the long haul, through the good days and bad. I've found there's a fine line between sticking to a plan and knowing when to alter your strategy. I've had plenty of experience with the latter. [:D]

Thanks for the tip on the Corsairs, my lone squadron has about a 55 average experience. I assume defense rating is also important, and that is lower (mid 40's I believe). I'll train 'em up a little more before sending them into the hornets nest.

[BBfanboy]

Or you could transfer in good pilots for the Corsairs and send the original pilots for training. That would get your Corsairs into action sooner but you also have to look at replacement rates and service rating issues.

[Schlussel]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Or you could transfer in good pilots for the Corsairs and send the original pilots for training. That would get your Corsairs into action sooner but you also have to look at replacement rates and service rating issues.

Hmmm, that's a good point...I was training new squadrons and using the reserve pool just to replace combat losses. I do have over 400 trained Army pilots (+50 EXP) in my reserve, so it wouldn't hurt to do what you said to some green LBA squadrons. Like you said, I can get squadrons into the action quicker that way, and I can just keep an eye on the pool to make sure I maintain a healthy reserve.

As for the Corsair squadron...upon closer inspection...the group only has 8 use able planes, and they are all still undergoing maintenance (ground crews probably saw they received planes with bent wings and thought they were damaged...yuk-yuk), so I can't really use them yet anyway. For now I'll train them up I the squadrons get about 8 working planes and then use your strategy to replace the least experienced.

Thanks for the tip BBF! Appreciate you following and commenting.

[BBfanboy]

In case you are not aware, the first Corsairs you get are NOT carrier capable. Great for defending one of those island bases though!

[Schlussel]

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

In case you are not aware, the first Corsairs you get are NOT carrier capable. Great for defending one of those island bases though!

Yeah and whats funny is the squadron that upgraded to Corsairs was a veteran group on the Lexington. It was weird to see a squadron that was carrier trained, but not carrier capable. [X(]

Its now safe and sound at Noumea.

[Schlussel]

Week 62: February 10th – February 16th 1943

North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu. An IJN sub attacks a small supply convoy near Vancouver Island. Luckily both torpedoes miss, but the Japanese sub makes a clean getaway.



Central Pacific:
This week the Japanese resumed daily fruitless raids on Tabiteuea. Even when the IJA raids had escorts, the Allied CAP still got to the bombers…and it only takes 2 or three Betty kills before the rest turn back for home.



Southern Pacific:
Theater is quiet.



New Guinea/Solomons:
The Japanese begin raiding Mussau from Truk. Aviation support is lower than anticipated due to casualties taken during the initial landings. This has forced me to only have a fighter squadron transferred in, once support is higher, I’ll fly in some SBD’s. For now, 3 American carriers supporting the Manus landings have the Bismarck Sea swarming with attack aircraft. The IJN has tried a few un-escorted blockade running missions, but SBD’s operating from the carriers and Finschafen have made them costly endeavors.

The IJN tries some sort of mission to Rabaul, escorted by 2 BB’s and 2 CA’s. Dauntlesses get a few bomb hits on one BB (Haruna), but the Japanese make it to Rabaul and back relatively unscathed. Not sure if this was a reinforcement/re-supply/or troop withdrawal, because Rabaul’s garrison is relatively unchanged at 87K troops and 21 units. Daily recon missions have Rabaul’s detection at 9/14, so we’ll see if anything changes in the coming weeks.
Australian forces at Salamaua continue to bombard the base’s defenders using artillery and level bombers. The Japanese defenders are well dug in, so I’ll probably have to wait them out. No signs of the Japanese running out of supply yet.

A final Allied assault captures Lae. Engineers are now busy repairing the damage my 4E bombers inflicted (runway and service damage in the mid-90’s). The fleeing Japanese garrison heads north towards Nadzab. I have troops ready to pursue, but they pause a few days to recoup losses.

4E bombers at Lunga, Shortlands, and Buna stand down to prepare for an intense bombing campaign aimed at Rabaul. Liberators are in route from Pearl (via ship) and once they arrive, the plan is to make it rain over Rabaul.



DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, Japan continues their intermittent Brunei bombings, but no sign of invasion. Nothing else of note in the region.



SE Asia/China:
Eager to test the Japanese defenses, I order a deliberate assault on the IJA troops outside Akyab.The assault results in a 1:2 ratio, but the good news is the Japanese did not build any forts, and the combat reports indicated they got a negative bonus for lack of supply. Both sides lost about 150AV, but by the end of the week, the Allies are up 100, while the Japanese have not been able to repair at all. Allied troops are just about ready for the next assault.

In central Burma, the Chindit force captures Ledo, and begin constructing fortifications.
In China, Chengchow holds amid two IJA deliberate attacks. Normal bombardments continue at Wuchow and Nanning.

IJN Watch:
-2 BB’s and 1 CA in area north of Rabaul (2/13 thru 2/16)



Notable Base Captures:
-Lashio [Burma] occupied by the Allies (2/10)
-Lae [New Guinea] captured by the Allies (2/10)



Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 3,566 [+84]
Biggest Losses (#):SBD-3 Dauntless (300), F4F-4 Wildcat ( 269), P-40E Warhawk (231)

Japanese: 9,164 [+210]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (2,372), Ki-48 Lily (1,164), Ki-27b Nate (1,006)


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 448 [+2]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 842 [+24]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 9,012 [+33]
Japanese: 4,753 [+96]
A/J Ratio: 1.90 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 32,077 [+539]
Japanese: 25,405 [+161]
A/J Ratio: 1.26 to 1



Operation Tropic Thunder
Phase 1A - LAZARUS: Nov.1942 – Jan. 1943
-Capture Finschfen – COMPLETE
-Capture Umboi Island – UNDERWAY [Assault troops en route]
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hansa Bay

Phase 1B – FOUR LEAF: Nov.1942 – Jan. 1943
-Capture Namatanai – COMPLETE
-Capture Kavieng – UNDERWAY [Assault force reaches base and is bombarding]
-Capture Massau Island – COMPLETE
-Capture Manus – UNDERWAY [Assault Troops land and are probing Japanese defenses]

Phase 2 – TIGER BALM: Jan. 1943 – Feb. 1943
-Capture/Neutralize Rabaul [Most troops are at 100 prep, the exception is the 37th Inf. Div, (a late addition) which is at 47]
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hollandia



Other Notes:
-The P-40K squadron at Tabiteuea has been a Betty killer ever since it transferred onto the island. A quick check shows it has claimed 308 kills, most of them Bettys. As you can see, the successes have done wonders for the average pilot experience, which was hovering right around 45 when it arrived. Twelve pilots have over 10 kills, two such pilots share the squadron record, which stands at 18. Something tells me tomorrow may push this number even higher.

[Schlussel]

Week 63: February 17th – February 23rd 1943

North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu. I form a few 1 ship TF’s to re-supply Kodiak, Umnak, and Amchitka before they run out. Otherwise the week is pretty quiet in this sector.



Central Pacific:
Two IJN subs post up right outside of San Francisco and take down 2 TK’s, 1 AK, and an LST in a single turn (with multiple attack runs). I had ASW on patrol in the adjacent hex with reaction on, but they didn’t intervene. I checked the commander and he had low aggression…so the lack of killer instinct may have been the culprit. The TK loss hurts, because fuel is the only factor limiting my operations in the SWPAC. I have 750K at Noumea and 100K at Milne Bay, so I am okay for the time being, but as operations expand I will need a larger flow of fuel. Initially I was using AK’s to haul fuel, but I saw some great posts here in the forum that made the case against doing that.

For the near future I have added more ASW patrol groups (both sea and air) in the SF area and my other major ports of embarkation (LA-San Diego, and Seattle) to discourage any future attacks…and all commanders have high (60+) aggression.



Southern Pacific:
Theater is quiet.



New Guinea/Solomons:
Landings at Umboi Island and Manus go off without a hitch. The Umboi garrison is mostly support troops, and it falls quickly, while Manus still holds on. Disruption has been an issue, so I am resting the Manus assault units a few turns before giving it another go.

The Japanese continue raiding Mussau from Truk. Additional aviation support arrives from Noumea, and the Allies waste no time transferring in a Dive bomber and recon squadron. Now we begin to really tighten the noose around Rabaul.

Speaking of Rabaul, recon indicates the garrison there is still at 87K troops. That’s quite a tough nut, but with the Allied blockade in full effect, supply should become scarce with all those mouths to feed. I’m still 50/50 on whether I capture Rabaul or bypass it…it all depends upon how the bombing campaign goes, which kicks off in about a week. Seven old American battleships will start things off with a night bombardment of Rabaul. That will be followed by a solid week of aerial bombardment (Mitchells, Liberators, Fortresses’…oh my!). If I get evidence of enemy supply shortages (lack of AA fire, lots of destroyed squads, etc.) during that time, I’ll pull the trigger. Currently I have 3 Infantry Divisions, 2 Tank Battalions, 4 Field Artillery Regiments, plus support units totaling about 1,100 AV...all are 100% prepped except for one of the infantry divisions, which is currently in the upper 50’s.

Australian forces at Salamaua continue to bombard the base’s defenders using artillery and level bombers. The Japanese defenders are well dug in, so I’ll probably have to wait them out. No signs of the Japanese running out of supply yet.

After a quick rest, a portion of the Allied troops at Lae begin marching north towards Nadzab while the rest head west towards Wau to assist closing the Salamaua pocket. There has been a definite drop-off in Japanese shipping around northern New Guinea (thanks in part to Allied dive bombers), and this should aid in my advance up the coast. Recon shows most of the bases to have minimal garrisons, and the first major roadblock looks to be Hansa Bay.

A new development is the discovery of the KB at Hollandia. At least 5 CV’s have been spotted there for a good part of the week. It adds a twist to the Rabaul operation, but as long as I have mutually supporting airfields and a strong LBA presence in the area, things should be good. A part of me would welcome a move by the KB into the Bismarck Sea, but I also know I should be careful what I ask for.




DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, Japan continues their intermittent Brunei bombings, but no sign of invasion. Nothing else of note in the region.



SE Asia/China:
After a few days’ rest, the Allies assault the Japanese position outside Akyab. Both sides take about 2,000 casualties and suffer about 180 disabled and destroyed squads. AV ratio at the end of the week was 1,013 to 1,124 in favor of Japan (it was 1,176 to 1,222 on 2/18). While the Allies took a larger AV hit, the good news is the ratio of destroyed squads to disabled was much higher for the Japanese. Plus the Allies in Akyab can rebuild, while the Japanese forces are out of supply and don’t have the same luxury.

In central Burma, British regulars reach Lashio, so the Chindit force begins advancing towards the next objective, Taung Gyi. The goal of this OP is to cut the Japanese supply of Mandalay at either Mekilta or Toungoo.

In China, Chengchow holds amid more IJA deliberate attacks. Japanese bombardments continue at Wuchow and Nanning.



IJN Watch:
-2 BB’s and 1 CA in area between Kavieng and Truk (2/17 thru 2/21)
-5 CV (80F/120B) and 2 BB spotted at Hollandia (2/19 thru 2/23)



Notable Base Captures:
-Umboi Island [New Guinea] captured by the Allies (2/20)



Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 3,637 [+71]
Biggest Losses (#):SBD-3 Dauntless (300), F4F-4 Wildcat ( 276), P-40E Warhawk (233)

Japanese: 9,337 [+173]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (1,542), Ki-48 Lily (1,435), Ki-27b Nate (840)


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 452 [+4]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 854 [+12]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 9,038 [+26]
Japanese: 4,869 [+116]
A/J Ratio: 1.86 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 32,487 [+410]
Japanese: 25,567 [+162]
A/J Ratio: 1.27 to 1



Operation Tropic Thunder
Phase 1A - LAZARUS: Nov.1942 – Jan. 1943
-Capture Finschfen – COMPLETE
-Capture Umboi Island – COMPLETE [Base captured and facilities fully repaired]
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hansa Bay UNDERWAY [Armed Force advancing from Lae towards Saidor]

Phase 1B – FOUR LEAF: Nov.1942 – Jan. 1943
-Capture Namatanai – COMPLETE
-Capture Kavieng – UNDERWAY [Assault force bombarding, Japanese forts at 4]
-Capture Massau Island – COMPLETE
-Capture Manus – UNDERWAY [Assault Troops make good headway, resting up for next attack]

Phase 2 – TIGER BALM: Jan. 1943 – Feb. 1943
-Capture/Neutralize Rabaul [Most troops are at 100 prep, the exception is the 37th Inf. Div, (a late addition) which is at 56]
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hollandia



Other Notes:
-The concentration of shipping continues at Noumea for the upcoming Rabaul operation. To date, this will be the largest amphibious assault attempted by far, and it’s got me checking and double-checking to be sure I’ve got enough shipping to ferry all the men and materiel I’ll need….and to think the guys who actually did this stuff didn’t have fancy computers and elaborate spreadsheets at their disposal. [X(]

[Schlussel]

Situation Report – March 1st 1943







Central/North Pacific:

Capital Ships: 4-BB (@Pearl Harbor)

Fuel Reserves: 1,530K @ Pearl Harbor

Near-Term Plans: Continue developing Tabiteuea and bases in Aleutians.

Long Term Plans: Operation to secure critical bases in Marshalls.





New Guinea/Solomons:



Capital Ships: 5-CV, 4-CVE, 1-CVL, 10-BB

Fuel Reserves: 726K @ Noumea
102K @ Milne Bay
8K @ Sydney

Near-Term Plans: Capture Kavieng and Manus, move up New Guinea coast towards Hollandia.

Long Term Plans: Isolate/Capture Rabaul





SE Asia/China:



Capital Ships: 4-BB (@Colombo)

Fuel Reserves: 1,262K @ Colombo

Near-Term Plans: Hold Akyab. Chindit Raid in Central Burma.

Long Term Plans: Launch two-pronged attack into Burma. Force A will advance down the coast from Akyab to threaten Prome/Rangoon, while Force B will advance through central Burma and threaten Mandalay. The goal of both advances is not to capture territory, but to keep Japanese LCU’s in this theater occupied…although if I can do both, that would be a nice bonus.



Base Status:

Akyab:
Port Size: 4.00 (+0.28)
Airfield Size: 7.56 (+0.34)
Supplies: 39K (4 Weeks of normal operations)

Amchitka:
Port Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 6.20 (+0.19)
Supplies: 1K (2 Weeks of normal operations)

Attu:
Port Size: 2.45 (+0.10)
Airfield Size: 2.68 (+0.11)
Supplies: 7K (75 Weeks of normal operations)

Buka:
Port Size: 1.05 (+0.72)
Airfield Size: 2.97 (+0..42)
Supplies: 11K (10 Weeks of normal operations)

Buna:
Port Size: 3.12 (+0.56)
Airfield Size: 8.12 (+0.25)
Supplies: 69K (15 Weeks of normal operations)

Finschafen:
Port Size: 4.51 (+0.69)
Airfield Size: 5.29 (+0.61)
Supplies: 37K (19 Weeks of normal operations)

Lunga:
Port Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 7.65 (+0.16)
Supplies: 24K (6 Weeks of normal operations)

Milne Bay:
Port Size: 4.84 (+0.14)
Airfield Size: 6.15 (+0.11)
Supplies: 122K (80 Weeks of normal operations)

Munda:
Port Size: 5.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 6.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 32K (10 Weeks of normal operations)

Mussau:
Port Size: 2.13 (+1.46)
Airfield Size: 3.23 (+2.56)
Supplies: 8K (4 Weeks of normal operations)

Myitkynia:
Port Size: N/A
Airfield Size: 3.55 (+1.24)
Supplies: 2K (4 Weeks of normal operations)

Pago-Pago:
Port Size: 3.29 (+0.11)
Airfield Size: 5.94 (+0.08)
Supplies: 4K (4 Weeks of normal operations)

Port Moresby:
Port Size: 5.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 9.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 72K (10 Weeks of normal operations)

Tabiteuea:
Port Size: 4.00 (+0.23)
Airfield Size: 5.63 (+0.78)
Supplies: 26K (13 Weeks of normal operations)

Tulagi:
Port Size: 6.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 4.26 (+1.46)
Supplies: 148K (70+ Weeks of normal operations)

Umboi Island:
Port Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 6.07
Supplies: 16K (4 Weeks of normal operations)

Umnak:
Port Size: 2.45 (+0.16)
Airfield Size: 5.02 (+0.39)
Supplies: 1K (1 Week of normal operations)

[Schlussel]

Week 64: February 24th – March 2nd 1943

North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu. A Japanese sub sinks one of my re-supply AK’s near Coal Harbor. Bolingbroke bombers on ASW duty finds the perpetrator the next day and reports hitting it, however there weren’t any sinking sounds, so I’m assuming it’s still out there.




Central Pacific:
No sign of the IJN sub that caused the ruckus last week outside SF harbor. I have 3 ASW TF’s and a couple Kingfisher squadrons scouring the vicinity. At this point scaring the sub off is just as good as sinking it.




Southern Pacific:
Theater is quiet.




New Guinea/Solomons:
The Japanese garrisons at Manus and Kavieng are putting up a good fight. I’ve got a substantial AV advantage at both places, but I can’t seem to dislodge either force. Like other hot-spots in the theatre, I am content wearing the enemy down with bombardments peppered with deliberate attacks.

Massau Island is now well-supplied and self-sufficient. P-38 and P-39 squadrons keep the Bettys at bay and SBD-3’s hunt for any Japanese transports foolish enough to approach the Bismarck Sea.

Australian forces at Salamaua continue to bombard the base’s defenders using artillery and level bombers. The Japanese defenders are well dug in, so I’ll probably have to wait them out. No signs of the Japanese running out of supply yet.

KB is still chillin’ at Hollandia. Reports indicate 7-9 CV’s sporting 100F/170B. No signs of enemy movement so far.

Allied BB bombardment groups are headed towards Rabaul to take shots at the large enemy presence there. In addition to the 87K troops, there are now about 100 fighters and 30 bombers. In the last week, I have been resting up my bomber groups and this has allowed Rabaul’s airfield to become operational. From the level 9 airfield, the Japanese have launched strikes at my assets at Finschafen and Buka. No real damage has been inflicted, and I welcome the attacks, because anything that uses up Rabaul’s supply now will make the base easier to capture in the coming weeks (not saying it will only take a week to capture, just that the attack will commence in a few weeks[:D])




DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, Japan continues their intermittent Brunei bombings, but no sign of invasion. Nothing else of note in the region.




SE Asia/China:
Continuing to grind the enemy at Akyab. I now have air superiority over the base, and its having a real positive effect on the fatigue and disruption recovery times of my units slugging it out on the ground. In anticipation of an offensive in this area, I buy out 2 tank brigades (50th and 267th) and the 25th Indian Division and order them to cross the Indian border into Burma. They reach Chittagong at the end of the week and continue their advance towards Akyab on foot.

In central Burma, the Chindit force continues advancing towards Taung Gyi. No signs of enemy presence in the area…yet.
In China, Chengchow holds amid more IJA deliberate attacks. Japanese bombardments continue at Wuchow and Nanning.




IJN Watch:
-2 BB’s and 2 CA approach Feni Islands, but head back to Truk without making contact
-7-9 CVs (100F/170B) and 2 BB spotted at Hollandia all week.




Notable Base Captures:
-None




Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 3,736 [+99]
Biggest Losses (#):SBD-3 Dauntless (330), F4F-4 Wildcat ( 276), P-40E Warhawk (235)

Japanese: 9,571 [+234]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (2,007), Ki-27b Nate (990), Ki-48 Lily (906)


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 457 [+5]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 864 [+10]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 9,061 [+23]
Japanese: 4,940 [+71]
A/J Ratio: 1.83 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 32,873 [+386]
Japanese: 25,759 [+192]
A/J Ratio: 1.28 to 1




Operation Tropic Thunder:
Phase 1A - LAZARUS: Nov.1942 – Jan. 1943
-Capture Finschfen – COMPLETE
-Capture Umboi Island – COMPLETE [Base captured and facilities fully repaired]
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hansa Bay UNDERWAY [Armed Force advancing from Lae reaches Nadzab and is bombarding

Phase 1B – FOUR LEAF: Nov.1942 – Jan. 1943
-Capture Namatanai – COMPLETE
-Capture Kavieng – UNDERWAY [Assault force bombarding, Japanese forts at 4]
-Capture Massau Island – COMPLETE
-Capture Manus – UNDERWAY [Allies AV advantage is 118 to 66, resting up for next attack]

Phase 2 – TIGER BALM: Jan. 1943 – Feb. 1943
-Capture/Neutralize Rabaul [Most troops are at 100 prep, the exception is the 37th Inf. Div, (a late addition) which is at 67]
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hollandia




Other Notes:
-After months of careful planning, Operation Tiger Balm is ready to commence on or around the 6th of March…a little behind schedule. As stated before, I have 8 BB’s that will start off the fireworks by peppering Rabaul with 16” shells…then the bombers go in. The plan is to have the airfield be shut down by the second day of the operation (earlier is better of course), then most bombers will switch to ground attack, while some continue to hit the runways to keep them out of action. At my disposal are 18 bomber squadrons (14 of them are heavies). Each bomber group is filled with its compliment of airframes, they are fully rested and are as ready as can be expected. The time has come to put a little Tiger Balm on this jungle’s nuts.[8D]

[Taxcutter]

You're doing a good job keeping up the offensive in Solomons/New guinea at this early date in 1943.

[Macclan5]

Yes indeed congratulations Sch !

It "appears" that the big nut to crack may not be Rabul at all ! You have the troops, prep, supply and infrastructure to grind out that base.

It does appear Hollandia will be a challenge though ??

For a few weeks perhaps a few months it appears that some of the KB has been parked at Hollandia waiting for you. Probably launching air stikes, possibly recovering from damage ?

Now based on losses I doubt the spotted 7 - 9 CVs is correct but there could be CV X 3? CV X 4? Add in a bunch of TK or xAL (which fog of war often mistakes as CV) or even BB / CA and you have a formidable KB awaiting you.

Do you have any Catalina's performing dedicated RECON ? Do you have any of those glorious Bomnber type PBYs (range 21 plus) moved forward continental USA / Hawaii ? Are you able to get more robust recon ?

Time to consolidate carriers and form Task Force 38 Mr Spruance [8D]

[Schlussel]

ORIGINAL: Taxcutter

You're doing a good job keeping up the offensive in Solomons/New guinea at this early date in 1943.

Thanks Tc, the first 6 months of game time saw the Allies on the defensive 95% of the time, so its nice to be able to be the aggressor. Although, as you know, offensive ops are much more challenging logistically....but I am hanging in there and learning a lot along the way. I have been following your game versus Ironman, and I am eager to see how your upcoming Solomons offensive goes. Give 'em hell Admiral!

[Schlussel]

ORIGINAL: Macclan5

Yes indeed congratulations Sch !

It "appears" that the big nut to crack may not be Rabul at all ! You have the troops, prep, supply and infrastructure to grind out that base.

It does appear Hollandia will be a challenge though ??

For a few weeks perhaps a few months it appears that some of the KB has been parked at Hollandia waiting for you. Probably launching air stikes, possibly recovering from damage ?

Now based on losses I doubt the spotted 7 - 9 CVs is correct but there could be CV X 3? CV X 4? Add in a bunch of TK or xAL (which fog of war often mistakes as CV) or even BB / CA and you have a formidable KB awaiting you.

Do you have any Catalina's performing dedicated RECON ? Do you have any of those glorious Bomnber type PBYs (range 21 plus) moved forward continental USA / Hawaii ? Are you able to get more robust recon ?

Time to consolidate carriers and form Task Force 38 Mr Spruance [8D]

I appreciate it sir, while I still have a long way to go, at least I have the ball rolling in the right direction.

You might be right about Hollandia, as the KB's presence changes things. Currently the plan is to occupy and build up Manus and Hansa Bay, and then use them to launch 4E bomber strikes on the port, but I'm not sure how effective that will be. As you said I might have to move in with my own flattops. As of right now i've got 5 fleet carriers in the region with another 4 Escort Carriers, which means the force balance is even or slightly in Japans favor, however the big unknown is the composition of their carrier squadrons.

As for intel, I have two PBY squadrons that are set to recon Hollandia, and I have their search arcs set to include the enemy base as well. Even with all that, the distance between my closest PBY base (Terapo) and Hollandia is 11 hexes...and that's probably a big reason why the base detection is only at 1/4. There is still a lot that is unknown about the Japanese presence there. In the coming weeks, I have more troops headed to Manus that will hopefully speed up its capture. For there, I will have a base that will give me much better PBY coverage and hopefully better recon info as well.

And what are those bomber PBY's you speak of? I will have to do a little searching to see where those assets are.

[Macclan5]

ORIGINAL: Schlussel

And what are those bomber PBY's you speak of? I will have to do a little searching to see where those assets are.

PBY4 -1 (s) and PBY4 - 2 (s).

You are in March 1943 and I think they show up around this time. I am not at the game to check. If they are not there they must be coming soon.

In essence a Naval / Marine variant of the B24.

As I recall they show up on the west coast first (March Field? San Diego? San Francisco?) and perhaps a squadron in Peal Harbor.

Or perhaps one of my Catalina upgraded to them from those particular bases.

One of the variants has a recon range of 21 or 24 off the top of my head.

They were inexpensive to buy out from West Coast command and frankly without them ....They nicely came on line as a number of Catalina squadron become forced withdrawls (depending on where and how you are deployed).

I certainly certainly needed them to scout the Mariana's from Wake and Roi Namur.

I also used them from Madang for Hollandia and then again from Aitape / Hollandia for Pelieau.

[BBfanboy]

That would be PB4Ys. I know that in the Marianas scenario they are present and I could recon Marcus Island all the way from Eniwetok!

[Schlussel]

I think I found what you were both talking about...a PBY Liberator Squadron. 25 Hex normal range wow...and I thought the Catalina's 14 hex range was good. I have 1 squadron currently available, with another set to arrive in about a week. I'll definitely have to put these to good use.

Appreciate the tip guys! [&o]

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: Schlussel

I think I found what you were both talking about...a PBY Liberator Squadron. 25 Hex normal range wow...and I thought the Catalina's 14 hex range was good. I have 1 squadron currently available, with another set to arrive in about a week. I'll definitely have to put these to good use.

Appreciate the tip guys! [&o]

Take note that these guys have a high service rating, and they suffer a lot of pilot and plane fatigue on long missions. So although it is possible to split the 7-plane squadron, you would end up with all of the aircraft in the hangar at the same time from unsustainable ops. IMO it is better to just keep the squadron intact and recon one target per turn (generally two aircraft perform the mission - one AM and one PM).

[Schlussel]

You read my mind BBF. Once the group got to the SOPAC, I was planning to split the squadron and dedicate them to recon only...but I will hold off on splitting as you suggested. I'll definitely need these guys around to recon the Marianas when the time comes.