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The agony of command ... you are now in the position of those who made these decisions in real life affecting hundreds of thousands. Ike at D-Day, Mitscher at Marianas, Spruance at Midway etc etc. The wait can be terrifying, and exciting, anxious for word of how it turned out yet afraid to witness the next combat phase. I wonder how many alcoholic drinks you consumed before you clicked send?

As Gandalf said 'the deep breath before the plunge'

Waiting news with anticipation

Is the family out of town? That's usually when I am in a turn or bing watching a series and suddenly notice it's closer to daylight than sunset. [;)]

Whatever you did, the way this game is going, you may have the same choice to make tomorrow when you wake up sometime in the afternoon! [:D]

As he stood on the flying bridge of Enterprise, the ship surging northward at 25 kts. in the gathering dawn light, the young sailor studied the face of the Great Man from a distance. He wondered what it was like to bear the fate of so many. Did he have no internal doubt? There was no external evidence of uncertainty, greying temples..yes..but the jaw was set resolutely. Suddenly, he noticed a furrowing of the brow on the older man's face. Had something been overlooked? Orders not sent? The expression grew stronger.


































BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRP


Ah, it was that pickled herring and ketchup on Wonder bread from 3:30! He stepped forward. "Your coffee sir"

[:D]

Here's how things may shape up tomorrow.

The red line is what kept me unsettled last night. That and the fact that Bunker Hill is only 33 hexes from Pearl Harbor.

The additional added factor that gave me the final nudge to go was that KB reportedly has 900 aircraft.

Then it occurred to me that in the past (years ago, in our WitP game when the Allies invaded Hokkaido), John loaded up his carrier with fighters to bleed the first strike badly. That thought almost prompted me to cancel here, but then I realized that I John does that again - blunting my strike ability, I still have a lot of extra strike aircraft in the Marshalls plus some extra fighters. And in that case the Marshalls would be a refuge also.

I'm reading and appreciate your comments (we've even drawn Mandrake into the discourse - the last time he participated in this AAR was back in September 2013 when the game was called - he posted a comments something like "malo malo" referring to the tension leading to the suspension of the game), but I am tired enough that coherent replies don't seem possible.

How many planes do you have in the Death Start? 2000? Are your carriers covered by any sort of LBA CAP?

Good luck CR, I think you will be in fine position to launch. I am expecting KB to end up on your white line somewhere.

Thanks for the excellent map and commentary. They really help bring things into focus for all of us peanuts out here. [:'(]

Death Star has 1100 aircraft. Mouseover (based upon something like two weeks of detection) indicates KB has a total of 900 aircraft.

The three main USN CV TFs each have an embedded fast BB. CV Victorious TF has an embedded slow BB. There are three combat TFs with slow BBs and three other combat TFs: a big one with three CAs, one with CL/DDs and one with five DDs. There are also four or five ASW and MSW TFs. So the radar screen should be a bit muddled for John. Not to mention that he apparently has no detection on any of my TFs - not a one of them.

Death Star will be too distant for direct LRCAP. But long range bombers and fighters (P38s) are set at max ranges at Midway, Wotje and Maloelap. I don't expect much from them, other than perhaps some recon and distraction. But the Marshalls have more than 300 fighters if Death Star has to retire there short of fighters.

Do you mean he doesn't even know there are carriers about? [X(] This should be fun. [:)]

Muy bueno, senor! Vaya con Dios!

Looks like KB is with his oilers now and mini KB is moving to meet them next turn. Worth a sprint to battle? The forum wonders ...

9/20/43

I think today was the Battle of Jug Tavern. When I watched the replay it clearly was. But when I opened the action turn file, I suddenly noticed I had some damaged ships. Of course, I'm reporting to you on the actual events, but it will take me a bit of time to wrap my head around what I "saw" and what 'is." Nevertheless, I think today was Jug Tavern. JEB Stuart's joy-riding days are over.

Thin Man: The turn began with John's email comment: "I bet you were up all night waiting for the results of this turn." That's a neutral comment, but knowing John as I do I felt it was subdued and that, therefore, either nothing happened or the Allies did well.

The next propitious event was that several Allied floatplanes set to night search found enemy ships (it was a last minute decision to dedicate the floatplanes of 5 or 6 BBs and CAs to night search since I had so many present anyway.

Then the shooting commenced. What I saw and what the combat report shows are wildly different, so I'll simply summarize to say that Mini KB ended up pretty close to Death Star while Steroid KB was further back, but still in range.

Apparently, Death Star focused solely on Mini KB in overwhelming numbers. Massed a.m. and p.m. strikes sank eight CVEs (Chuyo, Taiyo, Kuzuryu, Hosho, Shinyo, Kayo, Unyo, and Saiyen) and a handful of escorting DDs (the latter is a significant bonus since combat ships are probably John's achillees heel).

The movie showed all incoming Japanese strike targeted outlying TFs, but the turn shows that a number of Allied ships took hits from massed strikes from Steroid KB: BB Massachusetts 1 B, 2 TT (moderate damage), CV Enterprise 1B, CV Hornet 1B, CVL Princeton 1B, CL St. Louis 1 TT.

The air loss screen shows that Japan lost 520 aircraft while the Allies lost 75. Of this number, Japan lost 257 Judys, 157 Jills, and 149 Zero 5Bs and 8s. The major Allied losses were 24 F4F, 13 Hellcat, 5 TBV, 9 SBD and Helldivers.

If these numbers are to be believed, Steroid KB is seriously weakened. But mouseover shows she still has 756 aircraft. I don't know what to believe there. My hunch is that Japanese air losses were significant, but the sync issues leave me uncertain.

Do the Allies press the battle? I think the ships (except Mass) and aircraft are good to go. John can probably replace many aircraft from land-based squadrons. I've seen the title of his AAR post. I don't know whether he's serious about seeking battle of if that's deception meant to distract me while KB sprints NW or NNW. I truly don't know what to expect from him.

So, do I offer battle or not? I'll check my damaged ships one more time, especially Hornet and Enterprise. If they are good to go, I probably will press the attack.

Am I overlooking anything about the second round of air strikes? I don't think so. I'll check sorties, aircraft numbers, etc, but every TF was 100% going in, so everything should be fine. I'll also check AA numbers.

Man, I have to tell you, seeing massed strikes hammer enemy flattops was an awfully good feeling. The battle isn't over yet. Japanese subs are lurking. John is probably pissed. But it's a good way to start. A very good way.

A Jug Tavern way.

Circus: The second good thing that happened during the turn (following the night-search success and prior to the air battles) was that Haddo put two TT into damaged CL Niyoda in the Kuriles. She may have been mortally wounded.

Here's a quick post of the full combat report, just in from John (so that I can check against sync issues). Later on, I'll redact some of the unnecessary, space-filling info. But for now I want to get back to the turn.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Sep 19, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Ketoi-jima at 134,49

Japanese Ships
CL Niyodo, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Haddo

CL Niyodo is sighted by SS Haddo
SS Haddo launches 4 torpedoes at CL Niyodo


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Taongi at 142,107

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 51
B6N1 Jill x 9
D4Y1 Judy x 12

Allied aircraft
Martlet IV x 9
F4F-3A Wildcat x 11
F4F-3 Wildcat x 5
F4F-4 Wildcat x 60
FM-1 Wildcat x 10
F6F-3 Hellcat x 64

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5b Zero: 4 destroyed
B6N1 Jill: 5 destroyed
D4Y1 Judy: 8 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
FM-1 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
VF-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
Raid is overhead
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
VF-71 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-22 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 8 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-23 with F4F-4 Wildcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-31 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
Raid is overhead
No.882 Sqn FAA with Martlet IV (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
No.896 Sqn FAA with Martlet IV (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
No.898 Sqn FAA with Martlet IV (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
VC(F)-33 with FM-1 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-35 with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-37 with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
VF-60 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 7 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-Training Squadro with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(3 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Taongi at 141,106

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 45
A6M8 Zero x 11
B6N1 Jill x 9
D4Y1 Judy x 13

Allied aircraft
F4F-3A Wildcat x 4
F4F-4 Wildcat x 40
FM-1 Wildcat x 8
F6F-3 Hellcat x 96

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5b Zero: 8 destroyed
A6M8 Zero: 4 destroyed
B6N1 Jill: 6 destroyed
D4Y1 Judy: 8 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3A Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 3 destroyed

Allied Ships
DD Eaton

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-Training Squadro with F6F-3 Hellcat (12 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(16 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
12 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
VF-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
Raid is overhead
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
Raid is overhead
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
VF-8 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
VF-71 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead
VF-22 with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
Raid is overhead
VF-23 with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Raid is overhead
VF-31 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
Raid is overhead
VC(F)-33 with FM-1 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-35 with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Raid is overhead
VF-37 with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Raid is overhead
VF-60 with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
Raid is overhead
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VRF-1F with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
VRF-4F with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
Raid is overhead
VRF-6F with F4F-4 Wildcat (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 25000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 25000.
Raid is overhead
4 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Taongi at 142,106

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 44 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 14 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M8 Zero x 11
B6N2 Jill x 4

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N2 Jill: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
SC-631

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

Carrier support unable to supply air cover..


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Taongi at 142,107

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 75 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 19 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 26
A6M8 Zero x 11
B6N1 Jill x 8
D4Y1 Judy x 16

Allied aircraft
Martlet IV x 9
F4F-3A Wildcat x 10
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1
F4F-4 Wildcat x 49
FM-1 Wildcat x 8
F6F-3 Hellcat x 60

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5b Zero: 2 destroyed
A6M8 Zero: 2 destroyed
B6N1 Jill: 5 destroyed
D4Y1 Judy: 10 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed

CAP engaged:
VF-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead
VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-71 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-22 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-23 with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-31 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 17000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 52 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
No.882 Sqn FAA with Martlet IV (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
No.896 Sqn FAA with Martlet IV (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
No.898 Sqn FAA with Martlet IV (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-33 with FM-1 Wildcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-35 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-37 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-60 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-Training Squadro with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead
3 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Taongi at 141,107

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 119 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 82
A6M8 Zero x 18
B6N1 Jill x 68
B6N2 Jill x 19
D4Y1 Judy x 90

Allied aircraft
Martlet IV x 9
F4F-3A Wildcat x 25
F4F-3 Wildcat x 9
F4F-4 Wildcat x 118
FM-1 Wildcat x 21
F6F-3 Hellcat x 193

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5b Zero: 2 destroyed
B6N1 Jill: 26 destroyed, 4 damaged
B6N1 Jill: 1 destroyed by flak
B6N2 Jill: 7 destroyed, 1 damaged
D4Y1 Judy: 37 destroyed, 9 damaged
D4Y1 Judy: 9 destroyed by flak

Allied aircraft losses
Martlet IV: 1 destroyed
F4F-3A Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F4F-4 Wildcat: 2 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Kettle Creek
BB Alabama
BB Massachusetts, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 2
CVL Princeton, Bomb hits 1
CV Hornet, Bomb hits 1
CA Minneapolis
CV Essex
CV Olustee
CV Wasp
CV Enterprise
CL St. Louis, Torpedo hits 1
CVL Brandywine

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
1 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
1 x B6N2 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
9 x B6N2 Jill bombing from 11000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
7 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
6 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
5 x B6N1 Jill bombing from 11000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
5 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
10 x B6N1 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
1 x B6N1 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
1 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
5 x B6N1 Jill bombing from 11000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
7 x B6N1 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
2 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
6 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
13 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 38 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 10 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 9 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-71 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 13000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-22 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 8 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-23 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 5000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-31 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
No.882 Sqn FAA with Martlet IV (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 41 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
No.896 Sqn FAA with Martlet IV (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
No.898 Sqn FAA with Martlet IV (0 airborne, 2 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 43 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-33 with FM-1 Wildcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 10000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 32 minutes
VF-35 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 6 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 39 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-37 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 5 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 42 minutes
VF-60 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
VF-Training Squadro with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 13 on standby, 28 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
30 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Taongi at 141,107

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 118 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 47
A6M8 Zero x 8
B6N1 Jill x 12
B6N2 Jill x 5
D4Y1 Judy x 23

Allied aircraft
Martlet IV x 8
F4F-3A Wildcat x 21
F4F-3 Wildcat x 8
F4F-4 Wildcat x 106
FM-1 Wildcat x 19
F6F-3 Hellcat x 182

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5b Zero: 8 destroyed
B6N1 Jill: 6 destroyed
B6N2 Jill: 3 destroyed
D4Y1 Judy: 15 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat: 1 destroyed
FM-1 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Essex

Aircraft Attacking:
1 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
11 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
12 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 1 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
13 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 1 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 8000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 50 minutes
7 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-71 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 17 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-22 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-23 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-31 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 5 minutes
8 planes vectored on to bombers
No.882 Sqn FAA with Martlet IV (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
No.896 Sqn FAA with Martlet IV (1 airborne, 1 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 36 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
VC(F)-33 with FM-1 Wildcat (1 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-35 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 12810.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-37 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-60 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
5 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-Training Squadro with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 24 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 2000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
27 planes vectored on to bombers
VRF-1F with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 11 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
9 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Taongi at 141,107

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 91 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 30 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 7
B6N1 Jill x 14

Allied aircraft
Martlet IV x 8
F4F-3A Wildcat x 18
F4F-3 Wildcat x 7
F4F-4 Wildcat x 90
FM-1 Wildcat x 17
F6F-3 Hellcat x 153

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5b Zero: 1 destroyed
B6N1 Jill: 5 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3A Wildcat: 1 destroyed
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CV Enterprise, Bomb hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B6N1 Jill bombing from 11000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VF-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 8 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 14000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-8 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 1 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 13 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
VF-71 with F6F-3 Hellcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes
VF-22 with F4F-4 Wildcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
VF-23 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 14270 and 16000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes
VF-31 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
No.882 Sqn FAA with Martlet IV (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
No.896 Sqn FAA with Martlet IV (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
VC(F)-33 with FM-1 Wildcat (0 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 4 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
VF-35 with F4F-4 Wildcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
VF-37 with F4F-4 Wildcat (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers
VF-60 with F4F-4 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes
VF-Training Squadro with F6F-3 Hellcat (12 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
12 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 23 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 19000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes
VRF-1F with F6F-3 Hellcat (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
9 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Taongi at 143,103

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 29 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 25
A6M8 Zero x 5

Allied aircraft
Martlet IV x 9
F4F-4 Wildcat x 44
FM-1 Wildcat x 7
F6F-3 Hellcat x 180
SB2C-1C Helldiver x 97
SBD-3 Dauntless x 39
SBD-5 Dauntless x 136
TBF-1 Avenger x 174

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5b Zero: 8 destroyed
A6M8 Zero: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed
SB2C-1C Helldiver: 1 damaged
SBD-3 Dauntless: 1 damaged
SBD-5 Dauntless: 1 damaged
TBF-1 Avenger: 11 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVE Saiyen, Bomb hits 2, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
CVE Unyo, Bomb hits 14, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
CVE Shinyo, Bomb hits 5, heavy fires, heavy damage
CVE Hosho, Bomb hits 4, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
CVE Chuyo, Bomb hits 7, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
CVE Kaiyo, Bomb hits 8, Torpedo hits 2, and is sunk
CVE Taiyo, Bomb hits 6, Torpedo hits 4, and is sunk
CVE Kuzuryu, Bomb hits 5, and is sunk
DD Satsuki, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk
DD Takanami, Bomb hits 1, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Murasame, Bomb hits 4, and is sunk
DD Naganami, Bomb hits 8, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Tamanami, Bomb hits 9, and is sunk
DD Akebono, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Kiyonami, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
11 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
18 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
16 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
17 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
18 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
11 x F6F-3 Hellcat sweeping at 15000 feet
20 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
11 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
12 x F6F-3 Hellcat sweeping at 20000 feet
18 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
16 x F6F-3 Hellcat sweeping at 20000 feet
7 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
18 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
9 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
18 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
11 x F6F-3 Hellcat sweeping at 20000 feet
16 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
5 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
7 x F6F-3 Hellcat sweeping at 20000 feet
9 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
9 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
9 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
9 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
7 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
3 x Martlet IV sweeping at 10000 feet
8 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
3 x Martlet IV sweeping at 15000 feet
9 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
9 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
9 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo
7 x F4F-4 Wildcat sweeping at 10000 feet
7 x SBD-3 Dauntless bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
7 x F4F-4 Wildcat sweeping at 10000 feet
6 x TBF-1 Avenger bombing from 5000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
13 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
8 x F6F-3 Hellcat sweeping at 15000 feet
4 x F6F-3 Hellcat sweeping at 15000 feet
8 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
14 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
16 x F6F-3 Hellcat sweeping at 20000 feet
8 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
11 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
8 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
16 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
9 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
9 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
15 x F6F-3 Hellcat sweeping at 20000 feet
4 x F4F-4 Wildcat sweeping at 15000 feet
4 x F4F-4 Wildcat sweeping at 10000 feet
4 x F6F-3 Hellcat sweeping at 15000 feet
3 x FM-1 Wildcat sweeping at 10000 feet
8 x F4F-4 Wildcat sweeping at 15000 feet
9 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
12 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SB2C-1C Helldiver releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-5 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
Zuikaku-1/A with A6M5b Zero (3 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
Zuikaku-1/B with A6M5b Zero (0 airborne, 7 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 10000 and 12000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 19 minutes
202 Ku S-1 Det A with A6M5b Zero (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
202 Ku S-1 Det B with A6M8 Zero (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes

Ammo storage explosion on CVE Saiyen
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVE Hosho
Ammo storage explosion on CVE Chuyo
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVE Unyo
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVE Kaiyo
Ammo storage explosion on CVE Kuzuryu
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVE Kuzuryu
Ammo storage explosion on CVE Taiyo
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVE Taiyo
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVE Chuyo
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring CVE Shinyo
Magazine explodes on DD Satsuki
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Kiyonami
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Akebono
Fuel storage explosion on CVE Chuyo
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring a Shikinami class DD
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Takanami
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring a Japanese DD
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring DD Murasame


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Eniwetok at 127,108

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M8 Zero x 32
N1K1-J George x 1

Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 3

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 destroyed

CAP engaged:
Nagasaki-3 Ku S-1 with N1K1-J George (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 26000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 26000.
Raid is overhead
Akagi-1 with A6M8 Zero (15 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(15 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
15 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 11000.
Raid is overhead
Ryukaku-1 with A6M8 Zero (5 airborne, 12 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 16000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 22 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Taongi at 141,107

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 32 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 10 minutes

Japanese aircraft
B6N1 Jill x 14

Allied aircraft
Martlet IV x 8
F4F-3A Wildcat x 14
F4F-3 Wildcat x 5
F4F-4 Wildcat x 69
FM-1 Wildcat x 13
F6F-3 Hellcat x 121

Japanese aircraft losses
B6N1 Jill: 2 destroyed

No Allied losses

CAP engaged:
VF-1 with F6F-3 Hellcat (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 16000.
Raid is overhead
VF-2 with F6F-3 Hellcat (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Raid is overhead
VF-3 with F6F-3 Hellcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes
VF-42 with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 47 minutes
VF-6 with F6F-3 Hellcat (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Raid is overhead
VF-8 with F6F-3 Hellcat (7 airborne, 1 on standby, 4 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 11000 and 13000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
VF-9 with F6F-3 Hellcat (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Raid is overhead
VF-16 with F6F-3 Hellcat (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Raid is overhead
VF-71 with F6F-3 Hellcat (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes
VF-22 with F4F-4 Wildcat (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
Raid is overhead
VF-23 with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 14270 and 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
VF-31 with F6F-3 Hellcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Raid is overhead
No.882 Sqn FAA with Martlet IV (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Raid is overhead
No.896 Sqn FAA with Martlet IV (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Raid is overhead
VC(F)-33 with FM-1 Wildcat (3 airborne, 3 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 15000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 21 minutes
VF-37 with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 12000.
Raid is overhead
VF-60 with F4F-4 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 15000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 15000.
Raid is overhead
VF-Training Squadro with F6F-3 Hellcat (26 airborne, 0 on standby, 1 scrambling)
26 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 9000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes
VRF-1F with F6F-3 Hellcat (9 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
9 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 11000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes
VRF-2F with F4F-3A Wildcat (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 8000 , scrambling fighters to 13000.
Raid is overhead



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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Taongi at 143,103

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 46 NM, estimated altitude 16,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 21 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 1
A6M8 Zero x 2

Allied aircraft
TBF-1 Avenger x 18

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 2 destroyed

Japanese Ships
DD Kiyonami, and is sunk

CAP engaged:
202 Ku S-1 Det B with A6M8 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters between 15120 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 15 minutes
Zuikaku-1/A with A6M5b Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters to 17000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 50 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Taongi at 143,103

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 37 NM, estimated altitude 18,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 1

Allied aircraft
TBF-1 Avenger x 18

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
TBF-1 Avenger: 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
CVE Shinyo, Torpedo hits 3, and is sunk
DD Akebono, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
Zuikaku-1/A with A6M5b Zero (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 11000 , scrambling fighters to 4000.
Raid is overhead



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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Taongi at 143,103

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 15 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Allied aircraft
TBF-1 Avenger x 18

No Allied losses

Japanese Ships
DD Naganami, and is sunk

Aircraft Attacking:
18 x TBF-1 Avenger launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo

Naganami dead in the water ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Taongi at 143,103

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid detected at 31 NM, estimated altitude 15,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Allied aircraft
Swordfish I x 13

No Allied losses

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x Swordfish I launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Mk XII Torpedo

Great victory! he lost over 400 strike aircraft, all your CV's still operable; I would try to strike him again.

That has to be the greatest strike coordination that I've ever seen.

Looks like by the time the Swordfish showed up there was nothing left to sink! The probably took off in the am phase but didn't get there until the afternoon.

If he hasn't managed to refuel yet, then he's toast.

You could end the war here

Oh man, at minimum, he lost the mini-KB...if he's stupid, he'll hang around, otherwise, he should get the hell out of Dodge.

To paraphrase another Civil War Battle - McClellan had Lee by the balls at Antietam, but then dithered away a victory that could have ended the war.....