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"Death Star" for the purposes of this query means the practice of cocooning major fleet activities within several or even a few very large TFs operating together, and together not just for single operations but seemingly on a permanent basis. What tactics have others employed to whittle away at the death star short of using a Star Wars character? Since the year and the side change the parameters of the question, the time frame I am most curious about is '41-'42 where the IJN is utilizing the tactic. So as not to inflame anyone's hemorrhoids I am not too interested in a debate about the propriety/efficacy of the tactic....I just want some ideas on combatting it!

Prepare counter attacks in many theaters. Activate the attack in the theater farthest from where the death star shows up.

For direct action recognize you can trade losses at 3-1 and still be winning the game. You need to maintain your fleet in being, so you can't trade carriers at that ratio. But anything else can be thrown in the wood chipper. Subs and Mines are great.

Subs, hit-n-run SCTFs , CVE/CVL bait to make part of deathstar react into and be hit by KB

Something I have not yet seen mentioned...

While it is not a counter, ANYTHING you can do to keep that big group of ships scurrying across the map is a major bonus. The more scurrying,the bigger the bonus.

ORIGINAL: Lecivius

Something I have not yet seen mentioned...

While it is not a counter, ANYTHING you can do to keep that big group of ships scurrying across the map is a major bonus. The more scurrying,the bigger the bonus.

I call this Hither and Thither.

Hit 'em where he ain't. The 'Death Star' can only be in one place at a time.

My rule is that if my opponent keeps his carriers together then I split mine. The thing is that due to offensive operations you will pretty much know where KB is all through 1942. I conduct offensive operations in any theater that he is not operating in. If my opponent splits KB, I keep my carriers together and look for a favorable opportunity to engage. Offensive operations to keep him off balance is the rule. Do not be afraid to lose a few land units. All American units are easily replaced and it is not a disaster to lose a few Commonwealth as well. If he goes hand in foot for India then I make offensive moves in the Solomons. Simple really. If I get lucky and whack a carrier with some mines or a sub then fine but I never look to fight an intact KB until mid 43. No real need for that I know of.

As for the Japanese fleet, I am looking to sink as many DDs as I can in 42. If I get something else then fine. Sink DDs and the rest of his fleet becomes vulnerable later.

If the Japanese player likes to operate in mass then it is costing him in fuel. It is costly slinging those BBs all over the map. It is important to look at the whole campaign. Too many players want to win the war in 1943. Every move I make, I am thinking of how it will effect my opponent in resource costs. I think a lot of Japanese players over reach and over produce early in the war. I look to capitalize on that.