Sitrep August 24, 1942
Wild and wooly couple of weeks.
AI made an opposed invasion of Horn Island and one at Luganville. He went too cheap-Charlie at Horn Island and my reinforced Aussies repelled them. At Luganville he got ashore with about a regiment but couldn't dislodge my dug-in US Army infantry regiment and USMC Defense battalion. I've run most of the 2nd Marine Division in and the rest should be shore in a couple days. My cruisers run off his transports.
We played a reluctant Midway battle. He came with half of Kido Butai (3xCV, 2xCVL) I had my entire carrier force (5xCV) He also brought some CAs and CLs trying to interdict my SF-to-Pearl supply routes. I had some CAs and CLs too. We tried to jockey each other into a mistake. I used my B-17Ds and Catalinas out of Pearl and Midway but never could close within Wildcat range. Neither of us brought enough AOs, so we broke off after swapping a coupla cruisers.
A few days later he brings in an (unsupported?) surface action group (Yamato, Kirishima, 2xCL and 5xDD.) It looked like he wanted to bombard Pearl but he knows how tough Fort Kamehameha is so he broke off. this looked too crazy to be true so I did not sortie all my carriers, just Yorktown and Saratoga. He sank a hapless PT boat but the carrier air groups and 3 squadrons of USMC dive bombers from Pearl mauled his ships. They got away obscured by smoke from the fires. I suspect they'll be in the yard for a while fixing SYS damage.
Despite his small attempts to grab poorly held islands, I have him stopped.
Air success in Burma. Eight squadrons of Blenheims and four squadrons of P-40E have really messes AI up in Burma. Magwe looks like Kuwait 1991. What is Japanese for "Red Adair?" The airfield and resource center at Mandalay are wrecked as well. Minimal losses.
I have Midway and Canton Island as fortified as possible. Hope the islands don't capsize.
I'm thinking I'll try to grab Guadalcanal and maybe Munda just to give his aircrews a place to bleed, but I'm thinking about doing Plan Orange. Initial recon shows damn near nothing in the Marshalls. Could be interesting until I can get some long range air search assets in place.
I've been teaming up B-17D search planes and S-boat subs as a defensive measure. Works surprisingly well. -17Ds at high altitude are tough for his CAP to shoot down and I move the subs onto the threat axis. He finds himself hip-deep in subs and the Mark 10s do explode. I think I can improve on this.
I have diverted six squadrons of B-24D to India. I'll team them up with some newly arrived P-38Fs and engage him at ETO altitudes (31,000 ft) The turbocharged P-38s don't drop off as much maneuverability as Oscars at that attitude. I'll try to wreck Rangoon out of my CAP-trap at Chittagong.
I've been managing my aircrew pretty well. Lots and lots of EXP=70+ and AIR=70+ fighter pilots in lousy planes. I'm still at least six months from good planes.
I Have Returned
Moderators: wdolson, MOD_War-in-the-Pacific-Admirals-Edition
RE: I Have Returned
The war against the improved AI rages on...
Sitrep Sept 16, 1942
Ol' Mo (momentum) has definitely changed jerseys. The more aggressive AI has not realized there is a different situation in Sept. 1942 than in January 1942.
AI still sends out small invasion forces (1 or 2 transports and some ASW escort) out to attack places as if there is the Jan. 1942 level of resistance. Five times AI has tried to nab Horn Island on the cheap. Really, I only have four Australian battalions there and only one is a regular infantry battalion. But this force routinely whips his invasion forces. AI does have a substantial air garrison at Port Moresby so I can't jam in enough supply to further develop Horn Island ... yet. But the tide is turning. It costs me about a small AKL per trip, but I can get supply into Cooktown and I have a fighter group there that has gotten damn good at killing Betties. AI rarely sends Zeros to escort. He has nothing else wit the range to make that flight. Could the script be hoarding Zeroes for a "decisive battle" in the Marianas?
AI did get a brigade sized invasion onto Espirtu Santo but I had the 2nd Marine division there with beaucoup supply. Took a couple weeks, but I eliminated them and now Luganville will become my springboard into the Solomons. Planning is complete. Only thing holding me back is not enough planes just yet. That problem is resolving itself - slowly. I have three squadron (1 x P400, 1 x F$F-3, and 1 x SBD-3 and all with 65+ EXP and the fighters are 70+ AIR all the way down the roster). I have kept most of my Marine fighter squadrons in the remains of the F4F-F3 pools. The stiff-will wildcats are flat-out my best fighters at this time. They will be committed to Guadalcanal to attrit the Zeroes until Hellcats start showing up in May.
Otherwise the over-aggressive AI keeps sending undersized surface action group to harrass me at Pearl but I have the carrier and surface punch of the Pacific fleet concentrated there. AI did catch me with the carriers and BB at sea but even the Yamato cannot stand up to Fort Kamehameha and land-based Dauntlesses. The Yamato limped off to the west and Ft. K is back to full capability.
I've re-evaluated my plans in Burma. AI did not press the Imphal line so I'm prepping an invasion down the coast road through Cox's Bazaar and Akyab. I'll start with a campaign against Rangoon. I have 80+ well-trained B-24s heading for Chittagong and by time they get here, I'll have two squadrons of P-38F and enough pool for operations. I intend to lay some ETO-style whoopass on Rangoon. Come in a 31,000 feet where my turbocharged engine negate much of the Oscar's maneuverability advantage. Yeah, hitting the airfield, port, and refinery from that altitude will be inefficient but the ma thing I want to do is grind down his high EXP and AIR Oscar drivers. Using just P-40Es and 90 Blenheim IVs I've flattened Magwe and Mandalay. I have plenty of well trained and experience Hurricanes to handle defensive duties. P-40K are beginning to arrive, but I intend to commit them in SWP and the Solomons escorting large numbers of medium bombers out n8 hexes. When I can take bougainville, Rabaul is toast.
Not sure where the rest of KB is. subs have spotted individual ships in home waters but nothing concentrated. So, for now I have to keep my carrier force concentrated in three TFs operating together.
Sitrep Sept 16, 1942
Ol' Mo (momentum) has definitely changed jerseys. The more aggressive AI has not realized there is a different situation in Sept. 1942 than in January 1942.
AI still sends out small invasion forces (1 or 2 transports and some ASW escort) out to attack places as if there is the Jan. 1942 level of resistance. Five times AI has tried to nab Horn Island on the cheap. Really, I only have four Australian battalions there and only one is a regular infantry battalion. But this force routinely whips his invasion forces. AI does have a substantial air garrison at Port Moresby so I can't jam in enough supply to further develop Horn Island ... yet. But the tide is turning. It costs me about a small AKL per trip, but I can get supply into Cooktown and I have a fighter group there that has gotten damn good at killing Betties. AI rarely sends Zeros to escort. He has nothing else wit the range to make that flight. Could the script be hoarding Zeroes for a "decisive battle" in the Marianas?
AI did get a brigade sized invasion onto Espirtu Santo but I had the 2nd Marine division there with beaucoup supply. Took a couple weeks, but I eliminated them and now Luganville will become my springboard into the Solomons. Planning is complete. Only thing holding me back is not enough planes just yet. That problem is resolving itself - slowly. I have three squadron (1 x P400, 1 x F$F-3, and 1 x SBD-3 and all with 65+ EXP and the fighters are 70+ AIR all the way down the roster). I have kept most of my Marine fighter squadrons in the remains of the F4F-F3 pools. The stiff-will wildcats are flat-out my best fighters at this time. They will be committed to Guadalcanal to attrit the Zeroes until Hellcats start showing up in May.
Otherwise the over-aggressive AI keeps sending undersized surface action group to harrass me at Pearl but I have the carrier and surface punch of the Pacific fleet concentrated there. AI did catch me with the carriers and BB at sea but even the Yamato cannot stand up to Fort Kamehameha and land-based Dauntlesses. The Yamato limped off to the west and Ft. K is back to full capability.
I've re-evaluated my plans in Burma. AI did not press the Imphal line so I'm prepping an invasion down the coast road through Cox's Bazaar and Akyab. I'll start with a campaign against Rangoon. I have 80+ well-trained B-24s heading for Chittagong and by time they get here, I'll have two squadrons of P-38F and enough pool for operations. I intend to lay some ETO-style whoopass on Rangoon. Come in a 31,000 feet where my turbocharged engine negate much of the Oscar's maneuverability advantage. Yeah, hitting the airfield, port, and refinery from that altitude will be inefficient but the ma thing I want to do is grind down his high EXP and AIR Oscar drivers. Using just P-40Es and 90 Blenheim IVs I've flattened Magwe and Mandalay. I have plenty of well trained and experience Hurricanes to handle defensive duties. P-40K are beginning to arrive, but I intend to commit them in SWP and the Solomons escorting large numbers of medium bombers out n8 hexes. When I can take bougainville, Rabaul is toast.
Not sure where the rest of KB is. subs have spotted individual ships in home waters but nothing concentrated. So, for now I have to keep my carrier force concentrated in three TFs operating together.
RE: I Have Returned
The struggle against the improved AI continues. Sitrep Oct 1, 1942
The outlines of the AI’s defensive plan have become clear. AI strongly holds PM, Milne Bay, Guadalcanal and (to a lesser strength) Rossel Island and Tulagi. I hold Australia, New Caledonia and Espiritu Santo. So most of my air power is out of range of his strongholds for now. But production of P-38s and P-40Ks is beginning. I am building up my pools and the grind will start before long.
I have a prototype set up in India. I hold the Chittagong-Imphal-Ledo line in strength with big air bases at Chittagong, Silchar, and Ledo. Using P-40Es and Hurricanes as escort and Blenheim IV bombers I have reduced Magwe and Mandalay to a nuisance. All other central Burma bases are not defended. I have two squadrons of P-38Fs available and loaded with good pilots (EXP>75 AIR>70) and have 40 P38Fs in my replacement pool. I am unloading eighty B-24Ds in Indian and in a few days will begin grinding on Rangoon from Chittagong using high altitude tactics. While the P-38F are still clumsy the advantages of Oscars is nearly gone at high altitude. 4E bombers will not be overly accurate at 31,000 ft but they too will chew up Oscars. Once I get the quality of his fighter pilots reduced, I’ll bring the bombers lower and flatten Rangoon. Once the port is crushed AI will have supply problems and I can drive down the coast road and take Rangoon.
I plan a similar approach over the Coral Sea. I’ll use the deep pool of P-40K to grind him down at PM and I’ve got five divisions planned to storm that base. Same thing at Guadalcanal.
AI’s nuisance raids have diminished his naval power. One Kido Butai carrier is gone and another damaged. Several big surface units have been either sunk or were last seen on fire.
But once I take PM and Guadalcanal I probably won’t drive too much further. Maybe take Munda/Vella LaVella and maybe some other places in range of Rabaul and slowly neutralize it. But I have no use for New Guinea. I will redeploy and executed the Orange Plan. AI barely holds the Marshalls and Gilberts. I’ll simply hit them from Pearl with all carrier air cover. That will wait til I can start getting Essex class bird farms in mid-43. I intend to storm Kwaj/Roi-Namur, Eniwetok, and Ponape preparatory to attacking the Marianas.
My sub campaign is going well. I always put the boldest skippers in my long range fleet boats and keep them out of shallow water. I’m sinking two or three xAK every day. I’ll use all my S-boats and Asiatic fleet boats to flood the zone in the Solomon Sea to cut down on resupply. Those big bases will become (more or less) self-supporting POW camps.
In the short term, I’m re-arranging logistics lines. The long range of Liberty ships (19,000) allows me to load them in the Eastern US and sail directly (along safe routes) from Panama to my big long haul ports of Sydney, Brisbane, Noumea, Luganville and Pearl. The long haul ports have strong local ASW forces. Smaller ships operate out of the CONUS West Coast.
My Long Island ASW group is paying off on the east Coast of Australia. Two I-boats sunk and two more damaged in a week. My Long Island air wing is a cut-down Marine squadron of biplane dive-bombers with carrier trained pilots (EXP>60 ASW>70 flying at 1000 ft) So far I scrupulously keep that TF out of Betty range of his forward bases. I’ll bring a CVE or two loaded with Wildcats as they come available.
AI is mailing it in in China. Even my unsupplied Chinese are making modest progress. Obvious the AI is scared of people who eat bat soup.
War of attrition at its finest.
The outlines of the AI’s defensive plan have become clear. AI strongly holds PM, Milne Bay, Guadalcanal and (to a lesser strength) Rossel Island and Tulagi. I hold Australia, New Caledonia and Espiritu Santo. So most of my air power is out of range of his strongholds for now. But production of P-38s and P-40Ks is beginning. I am building up my pools and the grind will start before long.
I have a prototype set up in India. I hold the Chittagong-Imphal-Ledo line in strength with big air bases at Chittagong, Silchar, and Ledo. Using P-40Es and Hurricanes as escort and Blenheim IV bombers I have reduced Magwe and Mandalay to a nuisance. All other central Burma bases are not defended. I have two squadrons of P-38Fs available and loaded with good pilots (EXP>75 AIR>70) and have 40 P38Fs in my replacement pool. I am unloading eighty B-24Ds in Indian and in a few days will begin grinding on Rangoon from Chittagong using high altitude tactics. While the P-38F are still clumsy the advantages of Oscars is nearly gone at high altitude. 4E bombers will not be overly accurate at 31,000 ft but they too will chew up Oscars. Once I get the quality of his fighter pilots reduced, I’ll bring the bombers lower and flatten Rangoon. Once the port is crushed AI will have supply problems and I can drive down the coast road and take Rangoon.
I plan a similar approach over the Coral Sea. I’ll use the deep pool of P-40K to grind him down at PM and I’ve got five divisions planned to storm that base. Same thing at Guadalcanal.
AI’s nuisance raids have diminished his naval power. One Kido Butai carrier is gone and another damaged. Several big surface units have been either sunk or were last seen on fire.
But once I take PM and Guadalcanal I probably won’t drive too much further. Maybe take Munda/Vella LaVella and maybe some other places in range of Rabaul and slowly neutralize it. But I have no use for New Guinea. I will redeploy and executed the Orange Plan. AI barely holds the Marshalls and Gilberts. I’ll simply hit them from Pearl with all carrier air cover. That will wait til I can start getting Essex class bird farms in mid-43. I intend to storm Kwaj/Roi-Namur, Eniwetok, and Ponape preparatory to attacking the Marianas.
My sub campaign is going well. I always put the boldest skippers in my long range fleet boats and keep them out of shallow water. I’m sinking two or three xAK every day. I’ll use all my S-boats and Asiatic fleet boats to flood the zone in the Solomon Sea to cut down on resupply. Those big bases will become (more or less) self-supporting POW camps.
In the short term, I’m re-arranging logistics lines. The long range of Liberty ships (19,000) allows me to load them in the Eastern US and sail directly (along safe routes) from Panama to my big long haul ports of Sydney, Brisbane, Noumea, Luganville and Pearl. The long haul ports have strong local ASW forces. Smaller ships operate out of the CONUS West Coast.
My Long Island ASW group is paying off on the east Coast of Australia. Two I-boats sunk and two more damaged in a week. My Long Island air wing is a cut-down Marine squadron of biplane dive-bombers with carrier trained pilots (EXP>60 ASW>70 flying at 1000 ft) So far I scrupulously keep that TF out of Betty range of his forward bases. I’ll bring a CVE or two loaded with Wildcats as they come available.
AI is mailing it in in China. Even my unsupplied Chinese are making modest progress. Obvious the AI is scared of people who eat bat soup.
War of attrition at its finest.
RE: I Have Returned
Sitrep Mid-October 1942
The counter-attack is brewing, but I have to be patient. I haven't seen much of KB lately but last time I tangles with them just a few KB pilots in Zeros mauled my Wildcats. although my flak is much better now flak is still no substitute for good fighters. So I rely on the principal of concentration. One main carrier force (3 TFs). A big (if slow BB) force of seven Standards and six Brooklyns with eight DDs/ My more modern BBs are tied to the carriers for now due to their big flak value.
I'm prepping to hit Rossel Island and Milne Bay. AI has substantial ground forces there but no air assets. I figure with two divisions at each location and some artillery I can blast him out of there/ then PM is in range of my growing force of P-40Ks. I'll have to use my carrier TFs to provide air cover and even then I won't let my carrier TFs get out of land based fighter range.
AI continues to try to harrass me with small invasions that won't work at post March 1942 levels. He has hit three times at Dutch Harbor. I have a regiment of infatry and half a regiment of CD guns and a small attack (1 x xAK, 1 x PB, and some SNLF troops) won't cut it. I mostly ignore these. Maybe a little later I'll start stationing an Omaha and couple old DD and nothing will come home. I did station the Nevada and some four-pipers at Midway to discourage surface bombardments. I also have a whole regiment of CD (48 x six inch guns) and 400 mines with mine tenders, my own mine sweepers, even some PT boats. And 60 divebombers and plenty of fighters and Catalina and my last B-17D squadron. Midway is now a major sub base.
Speaking of subs, I think I have his shipping routes figured out. Despite the fact my Mk.14 are still dud-ridden, I'm sinking two ships a day. I have to keep four AKEs busy running ammo to Midway to keep that base in torpedoes. Lots of contacts and lots of torpedoes fired. Explosions? Not so much, but that will improve.
Upgrades coming fast. In fact I have to hit Milne Bay and Rossel Island quickly or I'll be held up by carrier air group reorganization.
AI did send a small carrier TF to the Indian Ocean and they sank a RN AO, but they were too late to get the big convoy. I had all my 10th AF and China B-25C going to perth to reinforce New-Guinea/Solomons operations.
My air campaign against Rangoon is about to start. I have 80 B-24D on the map and three squadrons of P-38F ready to go. I'm looking to start bombing the first of November or so.
The counter-attack is brewing, but I have to be patient. I haven't seen much of KB lately but last time I tangles with them just a few KB pilots in Zeros mauled my Wildcats. although my flak is much better now flak is still no substitute for good fighters. So I rely on the principal of concentration. One main carrier force (3 TFs). A big (if slow BB) force of seven Standards and six Brooklyns with eight DDs/ My more modern BBs are tied to the carriers for now due to their big flak value.
I'm prepping to hit Rossel Island and Milne Bay. AI has substantial ground forces there but no air assets. I figure with two divisions at each location and some artillery I can blast him out of there/ then PM is in range of my growing force of P-40Ks. I'll have to use my carrier TFs to provide air cover and even then I won't let my carrier TFs get out of land based fighter range.
AI continues to try to harrass me with small invasions that won't work at post March 1942 levels. He has hit three times at Dutch Harbor. I have a regiment of infatry and half a regiment of CD guns and a small attack (1 x xAK, 1 x PB, and some SNLF troops) won't cut it. I mostly ignore these. Maybe a little later I'll start stationing an Omaha and couple old DD and nothing will come home. I did station the Nevada and some four-pipers at Midway to discourage surface bombardments. I also have a whole regiment of CD (48 x six inch guns) and 400 mines with mine tenders, my own mine sweepers, even some PT boats. And 60 divebombers and plenty of fighters and Catalina and my last B-17D squadron. Midway is now a major sub base.
Speaking of subs, I think I have his shipping routes figured out. Despite the fact my Mk.14 are still dud-ridden, I'm sinking two ships a day. I have to keep four AKEs busy running ammo to Midway to keep that base in torpedoes. Lots of contacts and lots of torpedoes fired. Explosions? Not so much, but that will improve.
Upgrades coming fast. In fact I have to hit Milne Bay and Rossel Island quickly or I'll be held up by carrier air group reorganization.
AI did send a small carrier TF to the Indian Ocean and they sank a RN AO, but they were too late to get the big convoy. I had all my 10th AF and China B-25C going to perth to reinforce New-Guinea/Solomons operations.
My air campaign against Rangoon is about to start. I have 80 B-24D on the map and three squadrons of P-38F ready to go. I'm looking to start bombing the first of November or so.
RE: I Have Returned
To avoid hitting you with a wall of words I split up my observations into a second post.
I've noticed this game AIs land operations have been soft. He was aggressive as you'd expect in the PI, Maylaya and DEI, but he moved slowly in Burma (I got most of the Burma Army away and dug in on the Imphal line) and he has been not very impressive in China. After pummelling the Chinese to mid January 1942, he has gone torpid in china. A few bombardments and lots of his light bomber air attacks from over 10,000 feet.
His "lines" seem thin. A few outposts often three or more hexes apart and not all that strong (with a couple exceptions). He made two brief tries at Imphal and Chittagong and got nowhere. I've played this game enough those are two places you flat HAVE TO fight over. Run from Ledo if you have to, but fight over Imphal and Chittagong - otherwise you find yourself fighting on the open country of Assam. In true AI fashion he didn't watch his flanks at Imphal and now I've got two strong infantry divisions isolated south of Imphal. Too tough to quickly eliminate but I've got him contained. A similar force hit Chittagong and retired back into Burma. So far my airedale recon hasn't found that force. He has another two division force at Mandalay and tha's pretty much it. I even managed to hold Lashio.
Further, I haven't seen much of either Zeroes or Oscars after the initial push through the PI, DEI and Maylaya. Lots of Betties and Sallies - about 50% in night raids. Very little escorts. In games against pre-2015 AI the AI has mauled my shallow Hurricane pools. Not so this time. Not only do I have fully equipped Hurri squadrons, but I have some depth in the pools. the pilots have gained much EXP and AIR killing Betties. I even have P-400 aces earned by killing Betties. It's a weird feeling send a P-400 driver to TRACOM.
Throw in the huge land garrisons at remote islands like Guadalcanal and Tulagi, I have to think this AI script is all about making a stand closer to japan. Maybe the Marianas. All those land troops and front-line fighters had to go somewhere, and I haven't killed all that many. With few long-ranged fighters (I've just started getting P-38Gs), I can't really get too aggressive.
Yeah, I know the IJNAF and IJAAF fighter have a rough time with 4E bombers, but I just don't like sending out unescorted bombers, even if P-38s aren't all that hot as escorts.
I'm still months away from Essexes and Hellcats, so I have to avoid irrational exuberence.
I've noticed this game AIs land operations have been soft. He was aggressive as you'd expect in the PI, Maylaya and DEI, but he moved slowly in Burma (I got most of the Burma Army away and dug in on the Imphal line) and he has been not very impressive in China. After pummelling the Chinese to mid January 1942, he has gone torpid in china. A few bombardments and lots of his light bomber air attacks from over 10,000 feet.
His "lines" seem thin. A few outposts often three or more hexes apart and not all that strong (with a couple exceptions). He made two brief tries at Imphal and Chittagong and got nowhere. I've played this game enough those are two places you flat HAVE TO fight over. Run from Ledo if you have to, but fight over Imphal and Chittagong - otherwise you find yourself fighting on the open country of Assam. In true AI fashion he didn't watch his flanks at Imphal and now I've got two strong infantry divisions isolated south of Imphal. Too tough to quickly eliminate but I've got him contained. A similar force hit Chittagong and retired back into Burma. So far my airedale recon hasn't found that force. He has another two division force at Mandalay and tha's pretty much it. I even managed to hold Lashio.
Further, I haven't seen much of either Zeroes or Oscars after the initial push through the PI, DEI and Maylaya. Lots of Betties and Sallies - about 50% in night raids. Very little escorts. In games against pre-2015 AI the AI has mauled my shallow Hurricane pools. Not so this time. Not only do I have fully equipped Hurri squadrons, but I have some depth in the pools. the pilots have gained much EXP and AIR killing Betties. I even have P-400 aces earned by killing Betties. It's a weird feeling send a P-400 driver to TRACOM.
Throw in the huge land garrisons at remote islands like Guadalcanal and Tulagi, I have to think this AI script is all about making a stand closer to japan. Maybe the Marianas. All those land troops and front-line fighters had to go somewhere, and I haven't killed all that many. With few long-ranged fighters (I've just started getting P-38Gs), I can't really get too aggressive.
Yeah, I know the IJNAF and IJAAF fighter have a rough time with 4E bombers, but I just don't like sending out unescorted bombers, even if P-38s aren't all that hot as escorts.
I'm still months away from Essexes and Hellcats, so I have to avoid irrational exuberence.
RE: I Have Returned
Put an AS at Midway to resupply the subs, then regular cargo vessels to haul in supplies. No need to use the AKEs. The AS will also help repair damage. An AR will fix some major damage if the total is about 5 points or less.
Seek peace but keep your gun handy.
I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing!
“Illegitemus non carborundum est (“Don’t let the bastards grind you down”).”
; Julia Child
I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing!
“Illegitemus non carborundum est (“Don’t let the bastards grind you down”).”
; Julia ChildRE: I Have Returned
AS at Midway. Check.
AR at Midway. Check.
Beaucoup supply and fuel at Midway. Check.
I even have minesweepers and ASW vessels present to nullify nuisance attacks.
And the "Bobcats" SeaBees to fix damage.
The AKEs are for torpedo ammo. I've found the game treats torpedoes as being different from regular supply.
Without a loaded AKE I've seen torpedo supplies zero out. Never happens when there is aa AKE present with 'supply' aboard.
AR at Midway. Check.
Beaucoup supply and fuel at Midway. Check.
I even have minesweepers and ASW vessels present to nullify nuisance attacks.
And the "Bobcats" SeaBees to fix damage.
The AKEs are for torpedo ammo. I've found the game treats torpedoes as being different from regular supply.
Without a loaded AKE I've seen torpedo supplies zero out. Never happens when there is aa AKE present with 'supply' aboard.
RE: I Have Returned
Just keep the AS with supplies, those represent the torpedoes. The crew really doesn't eat anything.
Seek peace but keep your gun handy.
I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing!
“Illegitemus non carborundum est (“Don’t let the bastards grind you down”).”
; Julia Child
I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing!
“Illegitemus non carborundum est (“Don’t let the bastards grind you down”).”
; Julia Child-
Jorge_Stanbury
- Posts: 4345
- Joined: Wed Feb 29, 2012 12:57 pm
- Location: Montreal
RE: I Have Returned
As RangerJoe mentioned; AS will resupply torpedoes (only to SS)
AD will resupply torpedoes for DDs and AGPs will resupply PTs/ MTBs
I won't put an AR on Midway, there are too few, at least early on, and on my games, those still afloat are always busy trying to save some crippled cruiser or battleship
AKEs: there are lots of big AGs that can convert, it really makes a lot of sense to convert them all; for AGs, it is better to use the smaller ones (that are also plentiful); put them on small ports in which small escorts operate so that depth charges are refilled
AD will resupply torpedoes for DDs and AGPs will resupply PTs/ MTBs
I won't put an AR on Midway, there are too few, at least early on, and on my games, those still afloat are always busy trying to save some crippled cruiser or battleship
AKEs: there are lots of big AGs that can convert, it really makes a lot of sense to convert them all; for AGs, it is better to use the smaller ones (that are also plentiful); put them on small ports in which small escorts operate so that depth charges are refilled
RE: I Have Returned
I don't know of any AGs on the Allied side that can convert to AKE or AE, so I presume you meant xAKs there?ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury
As RangerJoe mentioned; AS will resupply torpedoes (only to SS)
AD will resupply torpedoes for DDs and AGPs will resupply PTs/ MTBs
I won't put an AR on Midway, there are too few, at least early on, and on my games, those still afloat are always busy trying to save some crippled cruiser or battleship
AKEs: there are lots of big AGs that can convert, it really makes a lot of sense to convert them all; for AGs, it is better to use the smaller ones (that are also plentiful); put them on small ports in which small escorts operate so that depth charges are refilled
The C2 Lassen class xAKs convert to AEs of 5400 capacity - big enough to replenish the Iowa class BBs. The xAKs of about 5250 ton capacity can convert to AKEs of 4200 ton capacity - big enough to handle most other battleships.
The 4900 ton capacity xAKs can covert to AKE too, but I haven't found the need to do so because I have enough AEs and AKEs from the larger xAKs. What I have found is that I run a bit short of xAKs if I convert too many to Support Ships. There is just so much supply to haul over such a long distance in the early part of the Allies war that you need to pace the conversions somewhat.
No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth
RE: I Have Returned
You can use the AGs to run supply. One class actually increases its endurance. Not only that, they will load supplies when not even in a Task Force so that is even a little faster for turn around. If needed to haul resources, then a real AK or xAK needs to be in the convoy to start with but that ship can be removed after selecting the load resources.. That goes the same for APs.
Seek peace but keep your gun handy.
I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing!
“Illegitemus non carborundum est (“Don’t let the bastards grind you down”).”
; Julia Child
I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing!
“Illegitemus non carborundum est (“Don’t let the bastards grind you down”).”
; Julia Child-
Jorge_Stanbury
- Posts: 4345
- Joined: Wed Feb 29, 2012 12:57 pm
- Location: Montreal
RE: I Have Returned
ORIGINAL: BBfanboy
I don't know of any AGs on the Allied side that can convert to AKE or AE, so I presume you meant xAKs there?ORIGINAL: Jorge_Stanbury
As RangerJoe mentioned; AS will resupply torpedoes (only to SS)
AD will resupply torpedoes for DDs and AGPs will resupply PTs/ MTBs
I won't put an AR on Midway, there are too few, at least early on, and on my games, those still afloat are always busy trying to save some crippled cruiser or battleship
AKEs: there are lots of big AGs that can convert, it really makes a lot of sense to convert them all; for AGs, it is better to use the smaller ones (that are also plentiful); put them on small ports in which small escorts operate so that depth charges are refilled
The C2 Lassen class xAKs convert to AEs of 5400 capacity - big enough to replenish the Iowa class BBs. The xAKs of about 5250 ton capacity can convert to AKEs of 4200 ton capacity - big enough to handle most other battleships.
The 4900 ton capacity xAKs can covert to AKE too, but I haven't found the need to do so because I have enough AEs and AKEs from the larger xAKs. What I have found is that I run a bit short of xAKs if I convert too many to Support Ships. There is just so much supply to haul over such a long distance in the early part of the Allies war that you need to pace the conversions somewhat.
I am certain they can in Dababes... that said, I haven't played vanilla in many years
classes are AGs Regulus and Capella
EDIT: I opened scen1 and they can convert to AKE; and by converting the AGs, I have less need to convert xAKs; as you mention they are needed to haul supply
EDIT2: you will need a few (count with one hand few) big AEs to take care of your battleships, C2s obviously preferably as then you don't need to worry about which battleship they can or cannot rearm).
Otherwise, the smaller, former AGs Regulus and Capella are "good enough" for riskier places. They can rearm DD torpedoes, cruiser caliber guns (both 8in and 6in) and carrier sorties/torpedoes. Capellas can also rearm the oldest BB (12in) guns in case you want to put Arkansas at risk
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Jorge_Stanbury
- Posts: 4345
- Joined: Wed Feb 29, 2012 12:57 pm
- Location: Montreal
RE: I Have Returned
ORIGINAL: RangerJoe
You can use the AGs to run supply. One class actually increases its endurance. Not only that, they will load supplies when not even in a Task Force so that is even a little faster for turn around. If needed to haul resources, then a real AK or xAK needs to be in the convoy to start with but that ship can be removed after selecting the load resources.. That goes the same for APs.
yes, early on I would use them to haul supply, but they are less flexible as they won't get into Amphibious TFs, can't carry airgroup or troops, and I would swear (but can;t prove)that they take longer to unload
by the time I need more AKEs, I convert the AGs to AKE as there are enough replacement xAKs from ship arrivals
RE: I Have Returned
OK. A year of war. Sitrep Dec. 7, 1942 Plain vanilla game, BTW.
First I'll do current situation then another post on generalities.
I currently have my big carriers (organized into 3 TF, with cruiser and modern BB flak escort. Biggest flak DDs. Following with the Standards (7x BB, 6x Brooklyns, plenty of DDs) moving from PH to Brisbane/Noumea to cover invasions at Rossel Is. and Milne Bay. I have the Long Island and six DEs (converted four-pipers) as the centerpiece of ASW ops on the Australian East Coast plus SCs and Kingfisher and Catalinas as ASW assets. I just haven't been able to drive him out but the ASW effort keeps him at bay most of the time. I simply have top take these bases as we are stood off from each other limited by range. His Zeroes and my P-38F and G can escort from bases to each others bases but not in adequate numbers. Airedale recon shows 5,000 men at Rossel and 11,000 at Milne bay but no planes at either. I have the 2nd Marine Div planned for Rossel and I US Corps (32nd and 41st ID) planned for Milne Bay. Could be interesting. I still have to use AP and xAP transports. Sure wish I had some LSTs but the first one just showed up on the West Coast.
I built up logistics hubs at PH, Sydney, Brisbane, and Noumea and am working on a reserve supply base at Auckland. Supply/fuel to NE Australia still tight as his Betties can hit them as they run along the coast from Sydney & Brisbane. Darwin is essentially out of supplies. I'm building bases at Coen, Portland Roads and Horn Island but construction is never fast enough. I do have fighters to make these bases something a Betty doesn't want to get too near, and I have marched SeaBees and BF to the bases but progress is slow.
Perth is mostly there to support Dutch subs in DEI. I moved all the Asiatic fleet subs to Brisbane. I have flooded the Solomon sea with two shifts of fleet boats.
Action is picking up in Burma. In Dec. 1941 I just flat RAN the Burma Army to the Chittagong/Imphal/Dimapur ridge, and prepared for a defensive struggle. But I did save enough of the Burma army to hold it solidly. This scrip did not followup aggressively in Burma and it careless about its flanks. I'm impregnable on the ridge and ma probing around Akyab. Not enough punch to boot him out but I can keep him busy.
This script did not aggressively attack either Burma or China. In both I just ran for high value defensible terrain and dug in. Actually my hungry bat-eaters have surrounded and eliminate five strongpoints in China, but after that offensive the Chinese are a bit worn down.
My sub campaign is the usual. Strong group off the soth coat of Japan, Asiatic fleet boats are working around Guadalcanal and the Solomons, but there isn't much shipping there - for now.
Things should go quicker now that my CVE TF has arrived. rather than scattering them out, I concentrated 4 CVE and stripped off the TB and put the four fighter replenishment squadrons on them. So I can put up a local CAP of 108 Wildcats (so-so pilots) to escort supply ships in NE Australia. In a few weeks I'll get four more (bigger CVE) for such duty.
Essexes are seven moths away and I have zero urge to tangle with Kido butai until I have the Essexes and have a chance to train up their fighter pilots. So far, I haven't seen KB for three months. My guess is they're either in Truk or the Inland Sea. I do have subs at both sally ports. If he's in truk and comes out after my invasion forces I'll run to the cover of my big logistics ports where I also have lots of fighters.
As recommended by the board in Dec. 1941 I had all my AKLs run for CT and SF. They run routine long-range supply to PH and CT.
More later.
First I'll do current situation then another post on generalities.
I currently have my big carriers (organized into 3 TF, with cruiser and modern BB flak escort. Biggest flak DDs. Following with the Standards (7x BB, 6x Brooklyns, plenty of DDs) moving from PH to Brisbane/Noumea to cover invasions at Rossel Is. and Milne Bay. I have the Long Island and six DEs (converted four-pipers) as the centerpiece of ASW ops on the Australian East Coast plus SCs and Kingfisher and Catalinas as ASW assets. I just haven't been able to drive him out but the ASW effort keeps him at bay most of the time. I simply have top take these bases as we are stood off from each other limited by range. His Zeroes and my P-38F and G can escort from bases to each others bases but not in adequate numbers. Airedale recon shows 5,000 men at Rossel and 11,000 at Milne bay but no planes at either. I have the 2nd Marine Div planned for Rossel and I US Corps (32nd and 41st ID) planned for Milne Bay. Could be interesting. I still have to use AP and xAP transports. Sure wish I had some LSTs but the first one just showed up on the West Coast.
I built up logistics hubs at PH, Sydney, Brisbane, and Noumea and am working on a reserve supply base at Auckland. Supply/fuel to NE Australia still tight as his Betties can hit them as they run along the coast from Sydney & Brisbane. Darwin is essentially out of supplies. I'm building bases at Coen, Portland Roads and Horn Island but construction is never fast enough. I do have fighters to make these bases something a Betty doesn't want to get too near, and I have marched SeaBees and BF to the bases but progress is slow.
Perth is mostly there to support Dutch subs in DEI. I moved all the Asiatic fleet subs to Brisbane. I have flooded the Solomon sea with two shifts of fleet boats.
Action is picking up in Burma. In Dec. 1941 I just flat RAN the Burma Army to the Chittagong/Imphal/Dimapur ridge, and prepared for a defensive struggle. But I did save enough of the Burma army to hold it solidly. This scrip did not followup aggressively in Burma and it careless about its flanks. I'm impregnable on the ridge and ma probing around Akyab. Not enough punch to boot him out but I can keep him busy.
This script did not aggressively attack either Burma or China. In both I just ran for high value defensible terrain and dug in. Actually my hungry bat-eaters have surrounded and eliminate five strongpoints in China, but after that offensive the Chinese are a bit worn down.
My sub campaign is the usual. Strong group off the soth coat of Japan, Asiatic fleet boats are working around Guadalcanal and the Solomons, but there isn't much shipping there - for now.
Things should go quicker now that my CVE TF has arrived. rather than scattering them out, I concentrated 4 CVE and stripped off the TB and put the four fighter replenishment squadrons on them. So I can put up a local CAP of 108 Wildcats (so-so pilots) to escort supply ships in NE Australia. In a few weeks I'll get four more (bigger CVE) for such duty.
Essexes are seven moths away and I have zero urge to tangle with Kido butai until I have the Essexes and have a chance to train up their fighter pilots. So far, I haven't seen KB for three months. My guess is they're either in Truk or the Inland Sea. I do have subs at both sally ports. If he's in truk and comes out after my invasion forces I'll run to the cover of my big logistics ports where I also have lots of fighters.
As recommended by the board in Dec. 1941 I had all my AKLs run for CT and SF. They run routine long-range supply to PH and CT.
More later.
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Jorge_Stanbury
- Posts: 4345
- Joined: Wed Feb 29, 2012 12:57 pm
- Location: Montreal
RE: I Have Returned
don't use CVEs for supply convoy escort, it is too risky; you might end losing a ship to torpedoes
better to keep them safe for the time you will need them to escort invasion fleets
better to keep them safe for the time you will need them to escort invasion fleets
RE: I Have Returned
OK - here are your seven moths. You should get the Essex carriers next turn ...ORIGINAL: Taxcutter
OK. A year of war. Sitrep Dec. 7, 1942 Plain vanilla game, BTW.
First I'll do current situation then another post on generalities.
I currently have my big carriers (organized into 3 TF, with cruiser and modern BB flak escort. Biggest flak DDs. Following with the Standards (7x BB, 6x Brooklyns, plenty of DDs) moving from PH to Brisbane/Noumea to cover invasions at Rossel Is. and Milne Bay. I have the Long Island and six DEs (converted four-pipers) as the centerpiece of ASW ops on the Australian East Coast plus SCs and Kingfisher and Catalinas as ASW assets. I just haven't been able to drive him out but the ASW effort keeps him at bay most of the time. I simply have top take these bases as we are stood off from each other limited by range. His Zeroes and my P-38F and G can escort from bases to each others bases but not in adequate numbers. Airedale recon shows 5,000 men at Rossel and 11,000 at Milne bay but no planes at either. I have the 2nd Marine Div planned for Rossel and I US Corps (32nd and 41st ID) planned for Milne Bay. Could be interesting. I still have to use AP and xAP transports. Sure wish I had some LSTs but the first one just showed up on the West Coast.
I built up logistics hubs at PH, Sydney, Brisbane, and Noumea and am working on a reserve supply base at Auckland. Supply/fuel to NE Australia still tight as his Betties can hit them as they run along the coast from Sydney & Brisbane. Darwin is essentially out of supplies. I'm building bases at Coen, Portland Roads and Horn Island but construction is never fast enough. I do have fighters to make these bases something a Betty doesn't want to get too near, and I have marched SeaBees and BF to the bases but progress is slow.
Perth is mostly there to support Dutch subs in DEI. I moved all the Asiatic fleet subs to Brisbane. I have flooded the Solomon sea with two shifts of fleet boats.
Action is picking up in Burma. In Dec. 1941 I just flat RAN the Burma Army to the Chittagong/Imphal/Dimapur ridge, and prepared for a defensive struggle. But I did save enough of the Burma army to hold it solidly. This scrip did not followup aggressively in Burma and it careless about its flanks. I'm impregnable on the ridge and ma probing around Akyab. Not enough punch to boot him out but I can keep him busy.
This script did not aggressively attack either Burma or China. In both I just ran for high value defensible terrain and dug in. Actually my hungry bat-eaters have surrounded and eliminate five strongpoints in China, but after that offensive the Chinese are a bit worn down.
My sub campaign is the usual. Strong group off the soth coat of Japan, Asiatic fleet boats are working around Guadalcanal and the Solomons, but there isn't much shipping there - for now.
Things should go quicker now that my CVE TF has arrived. rather than scattering them out, I concentrated 4 CVE and stripped off the TB and put the four fighter replenishment squadrons on them. So I can put up a local CAP of 108 Wildcats (so-so pilots) to escort supply ships in NE Australia. In a few weeks I'll get four more (bigger CVE) for such duty.
Essexes are seven moths away and I have zero urge to tangle with Kido butai until I have the Essexes and have a chance to train up their fighter pilots. So far, I haven't seen KB for three months. My guess is they're either in Truk or the Inland Sea. I do have subs at both sally ports. If he's in truk and comes out after my invasion forces I'll run to the cover of my big logistics ports where I also have lots of fighters.
As recommended by the board in Dec. 1941 I had all my AKLs run for CT and SF. They run routine long-range supply to PH and CT.
More later.
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No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth
RE: I Have Returned
Insects notwithstanding...
My P-38s are not doing well.
I had 75 P-38F in Burma and tried to raid Rangoon.
First attack: High altitude escort with sweep. 25xP-38F sweeping at 35,000 ft. 50 P-38F escorting at 33,000 ft. 80xB24D airfield bombing at 31,000 feet. AI reacted with 20 Zeros, 25 Oscars, and some Nates and Claudes. My planes killed 2xZero, 4xOscar, 5 or 6 Nates + Claude. Not much P-38 losses but a lot of operational damage. All three P-38 squadrons were at half strength after the first strike. 1 or 2 shot down but 10or 12 down for maintenance. I lost a couple bombers but the bomber squadrons were only down 1 or 2 planes. From 31,000 ft my 80 bombers scored two runway hits. My pilot quality should have been quite good. Fighter squadrons were one-third TRACOM candidates with 73+ AIR rating. Bombers were not bad. All have at least 65 GrdB rating. But...from 31,000 ft one can't get too greedy.
So I changed tactics.
Next strike: 65 bombers at 22,000 ft. 40 P-38F at 25,000 ft. Again the mixed-bag CAP. Results: Less Japanese shot down and my P-38s were reduced by 60%. Lost ten bombers as well. Seven base hits. So I decided to pull my hand out of that meatgrinder. Backed the P-38s and B-24s out of his range and let AI fight it out with my Hurris and P-40E around Chittagong. My P-38F and B-24D pools are dry.
A week later I hit Port Moresby. Less planes available. 25xP-38G and 60xB-26 bombing from 10,000 ft escorts at 16,000 ft. I got mauled in one attack. AI put up hordes of Zeroes and Nicks. I lost all but 4 of my P-38s (including eight TRACOM candidate pilots) and half my B-26s. Both groups are out of the game for a while. I do have 25 P-38G in the replacement pool.
How many brothers does Saburo Sakai have? For the whole first year, AI has been very circumspect about putting Zeroes over my bases so his units are at nearly full strength and his pools look deep.
Next order of business is an amphibious invasion of Rossel Island. If I can take this base Guadalcanal and Tulagi are in P-40 range. I do not intend to invade Guadalcanal/Tulagi. Airedale recon shows 50,000 men on those two islands but only 8,000 on Rossel.
My P-38s are not doing well.
I had 75 P-38F in Burma and tried to raid Rangoon.
First attack: High altitude escort with sweep. 25xP-38F sweeping at 35,000 ft. 50 P-38F escorting at 33,000 ft. 80xB24D airfield bombing at 31,000 feet. AI reacted with 20 Zeros, 25 Oscars, and some Nates and Claudes. My planes killed 2xZero, 4xOscar, 5 or 6 Nates + Claude. Not much P-38 losses but a lot of operational damage. All three P-38 squadrons were at half strength after the first strike. 1 or 2 shot down but 10or 12 down for maintenance. I lost a couple bombers but the bomber squadrons were only down 1 or 2 planes. From 31,000 ft my 80 bombers scored two runway hits. My pilot quality should have been quite good. Fighter squadrons were one-third TRACOM candidates with 73+ AIR rating. Bombers were not bad. All have at least 65 GrdB rating. But...from 31,000 ft one can't get too greedy.
So I changed tactics.
Next strike: 65 bombers at 22,000 ft. 40 P-38F at 25,000 ft. Again the mixed-bag CAP. Results: Less Japanese shot down and my P-38s were reduced by 60%. Lost ten bombers as well. Seven base hits. So I decided to pull my hand out of that meatgrinder. Backed the P-38s and B-24s out of his range and let AI fight it out with my Hurris and P-40E around Chittagong. My P-38F and B-24D pools are dry.
A week later I hit Port Moresby. Less planes available. 25xP-38G and 60xB-26 bombing from 10,000 ft escorts at 16,000 ft. I got mauled in one attack. AI put up hordes of Zeroes and Nicks. I lost all but 4 of my P-38s (including eight TRACOM candidate pilots) and half my B-26s. Both groups are out of the game for a while. I do have 25 P-38G in the replacement pool.
How many brothers does Saburo Sakai have? For the whole first year, AI has been very circumspect about putting Zeroes over my bases so his units are at nearly full strength and his pools look deep.
Next order of business is an amphibious invasion of Rossel Island. If I can take this base Guadalcanal and Tulagi are in P-40 range. I do not intend to invade Guadalcanal/Tulagi. Airedale recon shows 50,000 men on those two islands but only 8,000 on Rossel.
RE: I Have Returned
Now you know why they invented Island hopping.
RE: I Have Returned
Yeah. The relative weakness of land forces in Burma and China and the outlandish garrisons at Guadalcanal, Tulagi, and Port Moresby tell me that the script is committed to heavy garrisons farther out than I'd expect.
My grand plan is to essentially stop him at Rabaul by nabbing some island bases in fighter ranges and wearing down his air assets. Mines and tactically deployed subs will keep an eye on him.
I intend to mount a three-pronged offensive:
1. Extreme island-hopping. Generally take Baker, Tarawa, Kwaj/Roi-Namur, Eniwetok, Ponape and a few smaller islands to get full control of the "center of the chessboard" so I can use more direc5 logistical route. Use Ponape to grind down Truk. The Marianas are a logiscial place to go but I fear AI has put enormous garrisons in place there. Where exactly I go will depend on recon.
2. Base on Darwin (gotta build it back up) and drive up the middle DEI (mostly Celebes and oil ports on Borneo and open a straight run through the Malay Barrier.
3. Keep working on Rangoon and the Burma road. AI has the IJA wek in china and my bat-eaters might get me a lot of VP if I can get supply in. Part 2 may offer me scope to invade Hong Kong and daredevil in some xAKs to pump up China well.
KB will have to come out and play sometime, but I'm in no hurry to press him til I have Essexes and Hellcats in numbers.
My grand plan is to essentially stop him at Rabaul by nabbing some island bases in fighter ranges and wearing down his air assets. Mines and tactically deployed subs will keep an eye on him.
I intend to mount a three-pronged offensive:
1. Extreme island-hopping. Generally take Baker, Tarawa, Kwaj/Roi-Namur, Eniwetok, Ponape and a few smaller islands to get full control of the "center of the chessboard" so I can use more direc5 logistical route. Use Ponape to grind down Truk. The Marianas are a logiscial place to go but I fear AI has put enormous garrisons in place there. Where exactly I go will depend on recon.
2. Base on Darwin (gotta build it back up) and drive up the middle DEI (mostly Celebes and oil ports on Borneo and open a straight run through the Malay Barrier.
3. Keep working on Rangoon and the Burma road. AI has the IJA wek in china and my bat-eaters might get me a lot of VP if I can get supply in. Part 2 may offer me scope to invade Hong Kong and daredevil in some xAKs to pump up China well.
KB will have to come out and play sometime, but I'm in no hurry to press him til I have Essexes and Hellcats in numbers.
RE: I Have Returned
Christmas 1942. The Allies get a present. AI must have sent a lot of IJA infantry off to isolated islands I can't get a look at. With typical AI insousiance about his flanks AI let my starving bat-eaters surround and destroy a division and a half just east of Canton. I oozed 92,000 of Chiang's boys into Canton and found only four small rear-area units. I told the bat-eaters there were pork chops in Canton and they destroyed the REMFs and took Canton in a two-day battle. How nice! 60 VP and the promise of some supply. I have a few small infantry units to mop up and Hong Kong looks well defended, but I think I can clean up most of south China by April.
AI retreated sloppily and now I have Akyab surrounded but the garrison is strong and on good defensive terrain.
Still, good times on land for Dec. 1942.
I am manuevering to invade Rossel Island within the week. I also have troops prepped and transport accumulated to hit Milne Bay maybe a week later. My worry is that KB shows up. I've gone all-in to re-take these bazses before 1943. Problem is that I have not attritted the IJNAF enough yet. His aircraft and pilot quality are still quite good. I've tried to adapt with quantity. I have all my big carriers there, three CVEs loded with 28 fighters each and a ASW CVE-based group to beat down his subs. The old dive-bombers on the Long Island have gotten enough EXP that they now routinely attack IJN subs off eastern Australia. But only a few of my fighter pilots are over 75 EXP and 80 AIR and Mildcats are no match for Zeros. Further north his Nicks fight my P-40Ks to a draw.
Logistical situation is good. I now have enough Liberty ships I can run them straight from Panama to Noumea, Brisbane, Sydney, and my growing auxiliary supply terminus at Auckland direct by safe routes. I size the Liberty convoys by what the target port can unload in a day. 19,000 endurance is nice. I've sent a couple of convoys to Brisbane/Noumea made up of smaller long-haul xAKs. this should make supplying smaller ports easier.
AI retreated sloppily and now I have Akyab surrounded but the garrison is strong and on good defensive terrain.
Still, good times on land for Dec. 1942.
I am manuevering to invade Rossel Island within the week. I also have troops prepped and transport accumulated to hit Milne Bay maybe a week later. My worry is that KB shows up. I've gone all-in to re-take these bazses before 1943. Problem is that I have not attritted the IJNAF enough yet. His aircraft and pilot quality are still quite good. I've tried to adapt with quantity. I have all my big carriers there, three CVEs loded with 28 fighters each and a ASW CVE-based group to beat down his subs. The old dive-bombers on the Long Island have gotten enough EXP that they now routinely attack IJN subs off eastern Australia. But only a few of my fighter pilots are over 75 EXP and 80 AIR and Mildcats are no match for Zeros. Further north his Nicks fight my P-40Ks to a draw.
Logistical situation is good. I now have enough Liberty ships I can run them straight from Panama to Noumea, Brisbane, Sydney, and my growing auxiliary supply terminus at Auckland direct by safe routes. I size the Liberty convoys by what the target port can unload in a day. 19,000 endurance is nice. I've sent a couple of convoys to Brisbane/Noumea made up of smaller long-haul xAKs. this should make supplying smaller ports easier.