Question on Ship Commitment

[Q-Ball]

I'm a newbie to UV, very cool! I do have a question on how Ship Commitments work. I am on my first game, #16 as Japanese, with 100% ship commitment setting. It's 11/15/42, and so far I have only been assigned 2 CV's, the Ryujo and Junyo. Both were heavily damaged in a battle; I sent Ryujo back to Tokyo for repairs, and Junyo is still reparing in Truk.

Is it normal not to get Zuikaku or Shokaku this late? I thought sending Ryujo back to Japan might trigger the assignment of another carrier, is that how it works? Or, are you always better off repairing ships in theatre, because you might not get it back when it's ready?

For what it's worth, I have been assigned alot of BB's (3 Kongo class, Mutsu, and Yamato). Are they sent in lieu of CV's?

I understand about commitment levels, but don't understand how ships are chosen to be committed. Any answers out there? What do you vets do, do you always repair your ships in theatre? If not, what's a good rule of thumb on when to send it home?

[mogami]

Hi, I think the starting Japanese level is 12k and then it drops to 7k In the ship availbilty screen you see the current probability of Japan releasing new ships. It can be low-moderate-high
if low you will want to send ships back to Tokyo and hope they send what you want when the level goes up. Send the ships with some system damage to make it worth while. If the level is already high then check the number of escorts in Japan, if this is low send back DD's In a PBEM game I had to return quite a few BB's and other ships to get the level to change and hope HQ would send me a few CV (I have been stuck with 1 CV and 1 CVL for months but had 6 BB) Now the level is high and ships are once again in route. I think you are nearing the end of the 12k period so you need to return some ships in a hurry.
Save the game in a new slot, and then try this. If it works let every one know and keep going. If it don't you have the saved game to return to (and let us know results) I will up date you if I get any CV to be transfered this way

[Q-Ball]

Hey, thanks Mogami! I am sending back a number of damaged or somewhat useless ships, including 2 BB's (I don't like Mutsu, too slow), 1 CL, 2 DD's, 3 AV's, 2 AP's, and Junyo (38 sys damage still). Hopefully that's enough to trigger some reinforcements.

Hey, another question: Is it worth it to march over the Kokoda trail to attack PM (or Buna if you're the Allies)? It's safer than transport, but it must be tough to supply those troops, plus they must be pretty worn out by the end of the trip. Any experience out there with this?

[mogami]

Hi, Mutsu might be slow but she has big guns. Before Japan built the super BB Mutsu and her sister naagto were 2 of the largest BB around (I sent her home too, with out CV air cover I did'nt want to risk her.) I never walk where I can ride or fly to. If your moving between friendly bases it's ok but not to fight. I'm in the chat room if you want to stop by for a vist.