Trading ships for planes

[Hartley]

Is it possible to set up situations where in the long run, playing as USN, Japanase naval attacks result in bomber/pilots losses that are more detrimental to him, than the ship losses are to you ?
I'm talking about situations with no, or very little, CAP.

Or are the game mechanics such that attacking air has the overwhelming upper hand over ships ?



I've already concluded that US ground AA units are all but useless.

[DJAndrews]

Against the AI this situation occurs fairly frequently if you send a surface TF within the extended range of Bettys during thunderstorms. Generally you'll get away with only light damage to a DD, while flak and operational losses will result in multiple losses to the Bettys and escorting Zeros. This is especially true after about October in 1942 (operational losses climb steeply after this). Human players, of course will usually stand down their bombers during bad weather.

You can accomplish a similar result by sending a large TF full of you best AA destroyers, CAs and BBs within range of an enemy carrier during bad weather. While its a much bigger risk, I've seen 50-60 aircraft lost in raids against such TFs while naval losses are confined to damage only. The problem is that you may lose a BB if you're unlucky. If you try this trick against a large carrier force, you'll ususally be sorry.

[mogami]

Hi, In the long Campaigns (scen 14, 17, and 19 among others)
The Allied player does much better if he sends all the ships that arrive with .50cal 20mm AA back to PH. They will begin returning in approx 38 days with AA upgraded (.50cal upgrade to 20mm and 20mm go to 40mm)
Then these ships are much more effective as AA platforms.
You just have to let the Japanese have the month of May.
Avoid any early disaster. Also look for openings to engage in night surface actions against weak Japanese TF. (unescorted transports at Lunga or any base within 2-3 days of fast TF movement.)
These two factors combined improve the USN quickly. Avoid playing the enemies game. (reacting in manners he expects and is prepared for)
AA land Units can be effective. Mass them where the enemy is trying to get off cheap or where you have valuable targets. (Townsville and Noumea) When you do establish a new base move both AA and CD there. (The USMC def Bns are nice except they provide little land combat value. They do provide valuable anti air anti ship strength)