After the fall of Bouganville the allies began a series of airstrikes designed to close the IJAAF airfields. In 4 game turns the allies burned 80000 supply points from an undisclosed location. Today you can see the results.
With total control of all airspace the allies were able to slip the BunkerHill TF w/in 2 hexes of Rabaul w/o any IJAAF response. Each sqn was able to leasurly pick a different transport TF.
As the USN (TF 57)savors complete control and domination of the Coral sea it is surprised by a small IJN CV TF. 15 Vals make it thru the CAP to run into flak.
What would you do??? I have made my move and sent Ike a turn. As I drinl my red wine I want to thank Ike99 as this game moves into the last game month. We started almost a year ago (6/29/2008) and I am extremely greatful to Ike99 for a very competitive game.
Again, I have made my move, what whould u do in this situation???
The USN tried to catch the KB. 1 hex short. Same old story. IKE99 can make his ships move when he has too. Looks like I shot down the truk LBA as it launched 4 airstrikes against my carriers w no counterstrike from me.
I expected the KB to retire to Tokyo and ordered the USN CV TFs to move east w/ patrol/react to enemy w/ SpruanceTF. Two other CVTFs ordered to follow. Spruance decided to stay w/in 7 of truk and attack the KB.
CV Soryu, Bomb hits 3, on fire
CV Akagi, Bomb hits 4, on fire
CL Noshiro
CV Hiryu, Bomb hits 2, on fire
CVL Shoho, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
The Long Island was tasked to cover the Nauru Island invasion. Seemed to have helped drive off reinforcements from Truk w/ the 15 TBFs. Too bad. Pohnpei was captured this turn. Far to the South, the IJA has started an offensive in the New Georgia Island group by walking from Munda to Lambeta. One reinforced regiment from the 25th Div seems to be holding the line. Another offensive has started near Nazib as the IJA walked from Madang w/ one regiment. 13 game turns left in this game.
Truk was Port attacked and the Mitsu and Mushashi were sunk. As per SOP MS units were to begin mine clearing operations on 12/19/43 but have been delayed because of a large ship count stationed in the Truk harbor. As the allied invasion fleet approaches word has spread in the fleet that Truk harbor has not been cleared of anti ship mines.
I could see the Japs holding a few surface ships at Truk under all curcumstance to stop an invasion. The loss of Truk would be a 4000 vp point swing. On today's air action the Yamato took alot of damage but would still put out alot of damage if I put a TF in the Hex.
DD Okinami, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
BB Mutsu, Bomb hits 9, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
BB Musashi, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 2, heavy damage
CL Noshiro, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hamanami, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Samidare
DD Makinaio
BB Yamato, Bomb hits 10, Torpedo hits 3, on fire
PG Choko Maru #2, Bomb hits 3, on fire
BB Musashi, Bomb hits 9, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CL Noshiro, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Okinami, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
BB Yamato, Torpedo hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
CA Suzuya, Torpedo hits 3, on fire
Without CAP I will not be able to continue search missions from Pohnpei. The IJA finally lauched a large strike at an CAPless fast trans TF coming up from the rear and did make some hits. Note the allied minesweeper operating in Truk.
