Mines in friendly ports

[Kingfisher]

I'm currently playing #16, and so far the AI has been sending multiple bombardment TFs down to PM. They are averaging one every other night and are slowly destroying the base. I don't have any effective counter to it - LBA refuses to strike the TFs even though they are spotted rounding the corner at GG the evening before.

I'm thinking of trying out mines, and have deployed two mine warfare TFs composed to 2 DMs each at Townsville for this very purpose. My question is, what hex(es) would be the best location for the minefield? The corner at GG, or PM itself? If the latter, do I run the risk of having my own ships hitting the mines?

[Nomad]

Keep in mind that you can only reload the DMs at Brisbane and Noumea. You will very occasionly hit one of your own mines, but it is rare. Putting them in deep water is not too effective over time, but if there is traffic most every day, then i would try putting some in the choke point.

[tocaff]

How about running a couple of CVs to a point about 7 hexes SE of GG and spring a nasty trap on those pesky bombardment groups?  Remember not to loiter for long unless you're willing to tangle with the IJN's CVs.

Mines through the choke point at GG would be a useful thing where the dot base island (forgot it's name). I'd consider using subs to lay the mines and then hang around watching for an MSW to arrive. 

Better is a loitering sub or 2 on a patrol in this area that will sometimes put fish into a target.

[Kingfisher]

The CVs are a couple of days out from PH.

I went ahead and deployed two fields, one just east of GG and the other to the right of that and next to that major reef. However, it didn't appear to help much as yet another BB TF ran right thru without effect.

The lack of contribution from allied LBA has me wondering if the game is coded to to give the Japanese an advantage in this regard. The AI seems to have no reservation about sending waves of unescorted Bettys against my own SC TFs, yet my own LBA refuses to strike their Japanese counterparts.

[tocaff]

It's early in your game?  If that's true Allied LBA is very green and that's why they sit around.  Once you get to '43 they'll be bombing the crap out of anything that moves.