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RE: And another thing... - 5/13/2011 11:15:25 PM   
rtrapasso


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RE: And another thing... - 5/13/2011 11:40:28 PM   
witpqs


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Status: offline 		Thanks for posting a picture, Bob. Chickenboy won't.

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Post #: 32
RE: And another thing... - 5/14/2011 12:07:35 AM   
rtrapasso


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quote:

ORIGINAL: witpqs

Thanks for posting a picture, Bob. Chickenboy won't.

Here's a more detailed view:



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Post #: 33
RE: And another thing... - 5/14/2011 1:12:59 AM   
Chickenboy


Posts: 24520
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: San Antonio, TX
Status: offline 		Tough crowd.

I've been laid low by Strep throat the last three days. Only managed to flip one turn (yesterdays) during this time. In my febrile delirium, I must have forgotten to take screenshots of the (nonexistent) action from this singular turn.

The Cap'n has the latest turn(s) and has also been the recipient of my prodding. Since I'm on the mend (God bless Beta-lactams!), I expect an update tomorrow at the latest.

UPDATE: I've just sent Cap'n Mandrake an email explaining that 'the usual thread monkeys are acting up in my AAR, so I'd better get an update to 'em soon.'

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Post #: 34
RE: And another thing... - 5/14/2011 3:12:32 AM   
USSAmerica


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Status: offline 		Hmmm....I have a suggestion for something you can do while you're waiting..... 

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"Good times will set you free" - Jimmy Buffett

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Post #: 35
For those about to rock... - 5/14/2011 3:25:34 PM   
Chickenboy


Posts: 24520
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: San Antonio, TX
Status: offline 		...

Battle stations...battle stations...

Of course this would be more meaningful if I had some fighting ships to provide these orders...

First, the obligatory screen shots to silence the teeming masses. Here, Tinian gets blasted by a concerted Allied CV airstrike:








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Post #: 36
RE: For those about to rock... - 5/14/2011 3:26:35 PM   
Chickenboy


Posts: 24520
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: San Antonio, TX
Status: offline 		And the overall situation on May 31, 1944 for the IJ side:




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RE: For those about to rock... - 5/14/2011 3:49:43 PM   
Chickenboy


Posts: 24520
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: San Antonio, TX
Status: offline 		Here's the balance of the report:

1. Tinian and Guam airfields pummeled. I lose some 30 airframes on the ground. Allies lose 3x TBFs from OPS / AA. If I had a heavy CAP aloft, it would have been shredded by Corsair and Hellcat sweeps (36 planes apiece) to little effect. I lost the airframes, which sucks, but not the trained / training pilots.

I've evacuated all aircraft from Saipan, Guam or Tinian. They're not ready to resist the might of the Allies yet. I've sent them to either Yap, Babeldoab or Iwo Jima for the short term.

2. I've created 5x midget subs at Guam with restricted patrol orders to either Guam or Rota.

3. All submarines set for patrol in theatre are ordered to aggregate / swarm the area immediately East of Rota, return to Saipan for additional fueling / instructions or congregate off of Pagan.

4. The submarine mining TFs (containing 200 type 88s) are redirected to Guam. Once unloaded, there will be some 435 mines on Guam. Hope they brought beaucoup minelayers for the party. I've set them to fast speed, so they ought to make Guam about the time that the Allied Amphibious TFs show up.

5. CL Oi and DD Satsuki will sortie from Saipan towards the SE. They're taking a dogleg course, hoping to get into what appears to be a replenishment convoy just behind most of the surface / CVTFs in the vanguard. It would be entirely worth it to get a couple shells into some heavily laden AOs. More likely than not, they'll tangle with a supersized SCTF and get blown to pieces. But, like they say about the lottery-you can't win if you don't play. I'm buying me a ticket.

6. Pagan is interesting. It appears as though he is splitting his forces significantly here, with the Pagan assault being done 'on the cheap' with CVE coverage (and perhaps some SCTFs too).

I've reinforced Pagan's airforces to bring them up to strength. Currently, they stand at 39 A6M5s and 30 D4Y1s (Judys). The A6M5s are set to escort (range =2), D4Y1s naval bomb (range=2). Hopefully, they will be complemented by an ordered naval strike from Iwo Jima consisting of 42 A6M2s / A6M5s escorting a mere 8 G3M3 Nells on a torpedo attack mission.

Summary: My airforces are somewhat damaged, but live to fight another day. I just hope that the delay that I will impart is sufficient for the task. He's going for invasion before the Japanese fleet arrives, hoping to set up staging sites at Pagan and (guess) Guam before going for Saipan. I need to start collecting some bounty with my available "assets", as thin as they are.



< Message edited by Chickenboy -- 5/14/2011 3:54:20 PM >

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RE: For those about to rock... - 5/14/2011 6:15:52 PM   
witpqs


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Status: offline 		Hey Bob, we've been adjectivized - we're teeming! I suppose that's better than being "quivering masses".

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Post #: 39
RE: For those about to rock... - 5/14/2011 6:36:31 PM   
rtrapasso


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quote:

ORIGINAL: witpqs

Hey Bob, we've been adjectivized - we're teeming! I suppose that's better than being "quivering masses".

Go, teem, go...

Of course, we were also classified as "Thread monkies" above...

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Post #: 40
...we salute you - 5/14/2011 9:01:03 PM   
Chickenboy


Posts: 24520
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: San Antonio, TX
Status: offline 		May 30 Allied Turn:

Situation screenshot




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Post #: 41
RE: ...we salute you - 5/14/2011 9:34:33 PM   
Chickenboy


Posts: 24520
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: San Antonio, TX
Status: offline 		May 30 Allied Turn update:

Geez, this is embarassing. I've made an Allied Deathstar. Pathetic.

The deathstar consists of 6 TFs, of which 4 are CV TFs (15-16 ships with 2-3 CV, 1-2 CVLs, a fast BB, a CLAA, supportive CA, CL and several DDs). The remaining two TFs are an ASW TF (leading the rest) and an SCTF with slower surface combatants. A total of 896 combat aircraft in the hex. Pretty nasty stuff.

Anyways, a healthy airbase and port strike hit Truk today. Numerous enemy fighters were shot down either by escorting or sweeping fighters. The day's A2A exchange was 19 A6M2s (plus 3 more lost to OPS) in exchange for 2 F6Fs A2A over Truk. Interestingly, I lost 6 F6Fs to OPS.

The ARD was caught in port and bombed. It was spotted aflame and badly damaged. It will be of no further use to the enemy. A large xAK was sighted fleeing the area and sunk by torpedo bombers. Truk won't be getting any more shipping traffic for a while.

For the time being, Truk is not in the fight, but it is annoyingly close for interdiction of supplies-I'll have to watch it over time. I've ordered a B24 unit from Eniwetok to start working over the airfield to make it less desireable.

Note to self: In the other mirror game, the enemy has entirely ignored Truk. A line from Eniwetok to Guam stretches within 8-9 hexes of Truk, thus making this a great thoroughfare for damaged ships leaving the fight. I'll have to put some naval bombers here to pick off some damaged (unescorted) strays.

Elsewhere, an Allied SS at Yap got mauled by DC attack-the second getting so pinched there. Alright, I can take a hint. I suspect he objects to my patrolling these waters.

Next orders:

Operation Surfeit: The Allied carriers will continue (see image) to the Northwest to a point 8 hexes distance from Tinian, 7 from Guam. I suspect that naval attack forces there will attempt an attack on the TF-or at least that's my hope. Attriting the existing IJNAF LBA capabilities is priority numero uno for the next 5-6 days.

I also want some of those support ships that he's got stuck in Babeldoab. Good ole Yankee mail reading has identified CL Oi (Oi!) In Peleliu too. I'm going to bag what support ships I can before his fleet comes into play. Easy points now, maybe more risky later.

Next one-two days: Fend off incoming IJNAF LBA attacks. Airfield attacks on Guam and / or Tinian. Three-four days: Destroy airfields at Yap and head West to liquidate shipping in / around Babeldoab.

Elsewhere:

Several large replenishment groups have arrived Eniwetok and have been disbanded. This port will be the primary resupply and refuel position for the Allied fleet. Eniwetok will have approximately 300,000 tons of fuel in AO replenishment TFs on hand (another 250,000 tons at the port itself). Additional supplies are en route. AS, AR, AV and other auxiliary support ships arrived and supplied-now disbanded in port. Of course, the AD Infinitum has certainly arrived for the Allies too.

The meat of the Guam invasion forces will approach Eniwetok from the SE in the next two days. Guam invasion forces consist of:

2nd Marine Division
4th Marine Division
22nd Marine Regiment
706 Amphibious Tank Battalion
708 Amphibious Tank Battalion
305 RCT
2nd USMC Tank Battalion
325 Artillery Group
2x Amphbious HQ groups (afloat in AGCs)
Several Base force, AA and other support units
6x CVE cover TF
Minelayer preinvasion support

This will have maximal CVTF support as well as SCTF support.

Rota group:

This group just finished loading on some of the newly arrived ships at Pearl. Ought to be enough to load:

16th USN Seabees
101 USN BF
40th TD BN
27th ID
1st USMC Air Division (I may redirect to Guam, depending)
2nd Marine Amphibious Tractor BN
534 Amphibious Tractor BN

They will begin the voyage tomorrow after completing their load.

On with the body count!

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(IJ) June 2nd - 5/15/2011 12:23:36 AM   
Chickenboy


Posts: 24520
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: San Antonio, TX
Status: offline 		On the menu tonight: Shredded airframes.

Well, the CVEs noted escorting the Pagan expedition were not *just* CVEs. There were a whole lot of other big CVs and CVLs in the midst. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Obligatory screenshot:






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RE: (IJ) June 2nd - 5/15/2011 2:03:37 AM   
Chickenboy


Posts: 24520
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: San Antonio, TX
Status: offline 		(IJ) June 2 Update:

During the night an Allied SCTF of 5 DDs found my two remaining PB picket boats off of Guam, easily sinking them both with gunfire.

Then this happened to them: (hee hee)

TF 109 encounters mine field at Guam (106,95)

Allied Ships
DD Sigsbee, Mine hits 1
DD Norman Scott, Mine hits 1


Lots of submarine intercepts, particularly minisubs!
RO-68 arrives at a firing position and fires 6 torpedoes at BB Pennsylvania at Saipan. All miss. Later in the turn, Minisub Ha-5 shoots two more at BB Pennsylvania, missing with both.

SSX Ha-15 fired 2 torpedoes at a DD off of Saipan. One of the torpedoes hits! Banzai! It's a dud! anti-Banzai!

Minisub Ha-7 takes a shot at DD Welles off of Guam. One of the torpedoes hits! Any guesses?

I-8 spots a lightly escorted TF consisting of a DD and a bunch of LSTs @ 133,89. It takes a shot at the DD and misses, of course. There are several other TFs running East to West on the hexline 133. 133 = Pagan. These must be follow-on forces for the Pagan occupation.

Note to self: I get carrier support in 5 days (dunno where they come in). LSTs are slowish. Possible to maybe intercept some of these later movers enroute.

IJN Surface activity: HA! My two combat-capable surface units (CL Oi and DD Samatake IIRC) have curiously missed the Allied CVTF and are sitting (observed but still alive) just East of Saipan. I think I forgot to reset their orders to "Absolute" risk and they balked at their proximity to an air TF. I'll forget for now that that was one of their targets to try to plink. No matter-it was my oversight. I've ordered them to clear the area and head due East for about 10 hexes. Once there, I'll pull them North in an effort to intercept the LST TFs heading East to West on hexline 133. Now THAT would be fun! If I can get them clear next turn (I've increased their movement to 'full speed' next turn), they'll be 10 hexes away from the nearest (known) CVTF and I may have a shot at a heroic sea intercept of a laden LST fleet.

Air activity: My naval air attacks were well coordinated and escorted! BANZAI! The enemy was in significantly greater strength than believed! anti-Banzai! Nells and Zeroes from Iwo Jima and Judys and A6M5s from Pagan were all shredded by the surfeit of enemy CAP above his CV TFs. There's at least 3 fleet CVs and 3 CVLs unaccounted for earlier. Oops.

Air to air losses are pretty brutal. I lose 88 aircraft to his 6.

Down south, the Allied CVTFs give Guam a/f a working over. Good thing I'd vacated completely. Those aircraft that I vacated earlier to Yap have been flown down to Truk for now. I am happy to note that-even without an air HQ present at Truk-that I have torpedo capability. This may be an interesting opportunity to say 'Hello' on any returning TFs to Eniwetok without heavy air cover. He's left Truk alone to this point-an oversight I'm happy to take advantage of.

Stratosphere issues: I notice some air activity with Corsair and Hellcat sweeps and CAP around Pagan set for 36,900 feet, 35,500 feet and 38,800 feet. This prompts an interruption in the action whilest I clarify our house rules about stratosphere sweep and altitude for mission profiles. We didn't have this discussion before playing our turns, nor did we discuss other 'gamey' features that we wished to avoid. Cap'n Mandrake is a neat guy and, I think an underrated strategist. But he's not much for rules or reading the manual or understanding the game issues or that sort of thing.

Thankfully, he agreed with a proposal of mine to limit air activity to 25,000 feet. An exception was made for high altitude recon which can go higher. That should keep it pretty simple. Crisis averted.

Back to Pagan: Amphibious landing underway. Like I said-not a bad move from his POV. It's not a particularly graceful departure onto the beaches though:

Amphibious Assault at Pagan

TF 85 troops unloading over beach at Pagan, 110,89


Allied ground losses:
1547 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 280 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 488 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 170 (0 destroyed, 170 disabled)
Vehicles lost 109 (4 destroyed, 105 disabled)


10 Support troops lost from landing craft during unload of III US Amphib Corps
Engineer Vehicle lost overboard during unload of 102nd Combat Engr Rgt
Motorized Support accidentally lost during unload of 22nd Marine Rgt /2
Motorized Support lost overboard during unload of 111th RCT /1

He's got over 400 AV there (granted, they'll be disrupted as hell, but still) versus my 3x Base Forces and SNLF Battalion. [Draws sword, prepares to charge.] It will be a bloody end for the Japanese on Pagan-probably tomorrow, latest June 4.

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Allies June 2 update - 5/15/2011 5:29:42 AM   
Chickenboy


Posts: 24520
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: San Antonio, TX
Status: offline 		The story so far:






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RE: Allies June 2 update - 5/15/2011 5:38:53 AM   
Chickenboy


Posts: 24520
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: San Antonio, TX
Status: offline 		Update:

Relatively quiet turn.

CVTFs: Some IJNAF snoopers shot down (4) over the TF, but nothing else. Tomorrow, the Allied carriers arrive at a point 6 hexes from Tinian. They will conduct an airfield attack on their way West to punish Babeldoab and Peleliu ports and shipping. I note a 4 ship TF between Yap and Babeldoab that will likely be engaged tomorrow.

An unfortunate IJN Troop transport TF was found and dispatched by carrier air at Satawal. Likely enroute to or from Truk. 1800 Japanese troops go down with their ships.

Submarines: No engagements, but I've got a ton of USN submarines entering the map quarter to the North and West of the Marianas. They should be in position in 5 days when the IJN CVs and SCTFs show up. Their ability to scout and-if lucky-get a shot at one of the CVs will be most welcome.

Elsewhere: All transport TFs are enroute to Eniwetok. The first one slated for Guam (2nd and 4th Marine Divs) should arrive in two days. Others will arrive over the next week.

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IJN June 3 update - 5/15/2011 7:13:51 AM   
Chickenboy


Posts: 24520
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: San Antonio, TX
Status: offline 		Quick update:

Interestingly, no landing materializes at Guam. Allied forces pull away to the East and are either heading NE to link with the Pagan forces or heading East-returning towards Eniwetok.

I lose an AMc and E near Saipan. I thought the E would be able to make port, but it's pummeled by heavy surface forces before it can disband. I also lose 2x SS-RO boats with another two damaged by ASW. In exchange, the Allies get two more DDs hit by mines (a total of 6 now, IIRC).

The Allies order some DMS to sweep mines at Saipan. It's suicide. They lose 4 to the Coastal defense guns, whilest clearing about 25 mines. There's still in excess of 260 in the harbor.

CA "Boston" Is torpedoed by an RO boat on hexline 133 near Marcus island-it was escorting LST West. Just a single hit so it should survive.

CL Oi's famous wild ride lasted less than 40 miles. SS Muskellunge put another fish into her just to the East of her previous position. She's done for one way or the other now, with upwards of 70 floatation damage. I'm going to throw her at the nearest CVTF and see if anything fun happens. After a desultory DC barrage, her DD partner bails on her and is seen near Truk at flank speed. I'll disband it into Truk and see if I can cause some havoc along the Allies shipping lines.

At Truk, I've put together a pretty stout group of fighters as well as two groups of Betties and a singleton Jill unit. They're ordered out on Naval attack with a range of 12. They've a good chance of getting through a moderate CAP-worth a shot at anything transitting Marianas-Eniwetok.

Pagan: Surprisingly, it has yet to fall. Allies continued unloading and bombarding from naval support vessels. For the land phase, I'm sure they'll attack tomorrow once they have reconnoitered the tremendous weakness of this position.

I'm loading up more of Pelileu's Infantry Division and moving it towards Saipan. I hope to be able to backfill after the Allies depart for the time being.

ACMs from Truk in 3 days. Combined Fleet arrives in 4.

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IJN June 4 update - 5/16/2011 3:32:28 AM   
Chickenboy


Posts: 24520
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: San Antonio, TX
Status: offline 		IJN June 4 Update:

Heavy Allied ship activity around Pagan still. Attempts to interdict with midgets (2 sunk) and RO-boats (2 sunk) are unsuccessful today. More enroute tomorrow. His ASW ammo can't hold forever. I'm getting shots off (particularly with the midgets!), so I'll keep putting 'em into a position to get an opportunity. More TFs inbound on hexline 133. So are more trailing IJN subs.

Still on Pagan: An Allied Deliberate attack comes off at (only) 3:1, drops forts to 3, but doesn't evict the IJ forces present. Unbelievably, my SNLF and 3x AF Battalions will hold against a reinforced division equivalent for 5 days. I'll last until at least June 5.

Otherwise, he's pulled back, away from the Central Marianas.

The Truk attack went off well. It was two TFs of aircraft carriers, but the IJNAF had enough fighter cover to push through at least a token strike package. Hornet is hit!:


Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 160 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 56 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 66
A6M2 Sen Baku x 12
A6M5 Zero x 37
B6N1 Jill x 6
G4M1 Betty x 4
G4M2 Betty x 11



Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 73


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero: 15 destroyed
A6M2 Sen Baku: 3 destroyed
A6M5 Zero: 9 destroyed
B6N1 Jill: 2 destroyed, 2 damaged
G4M1 Betty: 2 damaged
G4M2 Betty: 2 destroyed, 5 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 3 destroyed

Allied Ships
CLAA Oakland
BB New Jersey
CV Hornet, Torpedo hits 1
CV Enterprise
BB Alabama



Aircraft Attacking:
10 x G4M2 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
5 x B6N1 Jill launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
10 x A6M5 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo
9 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
5 x A6M2 Zero sweeping at 15000 feet
5 x A6M2 Sen Baku sweeping at 10000 feet

CAP engaged:
VF-14 with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(18 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 10 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 24000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
VF-24 with F6F-3 Hellcat (8 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(15 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 5 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 25000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 53 minutes
VF-10 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 19 on standby, 12 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 8 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 18000 , scrambling fighters between 1000 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes


Elsewhere:

CA Boston is on the sunk list.

I get some decent implements in 3 days. Can't wait!

Some curious OPS losses on the daily air losses for the Allies. I can't imagine that Hornet had that much damage from one TT, although the combat message *did* say "CRITICAL DAMAGE" from the hit. Alas, no fuel, magazine or ammo explosion.







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< Message edited by Chickenboy -- 5/16/2011 3:35:14 AM >

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Post #: 48
RE: IJN June 4 update - 5/16/2011 4:48:33 AM   
witpqs


Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline 		If a carrier is on fire then I believe she can not land planes.

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Post #: 49
RE: IJN June 4 update - 5/16/2011 6:12:30 AM   
Chickenboy


Posts: 24520
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: San Antonio, TX
Status: offline 		I think it depends on the level of OPS damage, but I'm optimistic that this is the explanation for the OPS losses in the Hornet's case.

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Post #: 50
Allied June 3 update - 5/16/2011 1:38:09 PM   
Chickenboy


Posts: 24520
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: San Antonio, TX
Status: offline 		Allied June 3 Update:

This one will be brief:

First third of the Guam invasion force(s) arrive Eniwetok. Second group coming up from South, arrives June 5 latest. Third group coming from East may arrive before the cessation of hostilities. Very slow.

The Allied carrier fleet moves towards the West, pinning the rat fleet of the IJN against the far map side. An email from the Cap'n confirms that he has 'no where [sic] to hide'. En route, carriers mass against a vacant Tinian airbase, heavily damaging it.

Intel confirms that portions of an IJN ID are loaded at Peleliu. Somebody was trying to do some shipborne reinforcement. Naughty Naughty. He's got significant air assets at Peleliu and Babeldoab, so I'm sure he'll take a shot at my carriers tomorrow too. We'll see how it turns out: there will be much mayhem tomorrow and I'll cover it in detail.

Elsewhere, USN ASW TFs fan out between Eniwetok and the Marianas. A series of engagements during the night leave three IJN submarines feeling mighty low. If he keeps playing gone, I'll probably move some ASW TFs up to Guam, Tinian and Rota (no naval guns to contend with) to start attritting his plentiful submarine assets further.

A bombardment TF will strike Wake in the morning before dipping down to Eniwetok to join the rest of the crowd.



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RE: Allied June 3 update - 5/18/2011 8:01:29 PM   
Chickenboy


Posts: 24520
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: San Antonio, TX
Status: offline 		General update:

The Cap'n has suspended hostilities temporarily by not sending back turns .  He's had a plumbing problem in his house that resulted in some flooding, so we're having a break in the action.

Prior to that, however, we experienced a problem in gameplay with this scenario.

I have not loaded up this scenario and don't know where the Japanese reinforcements come in or where.  As my latest (Allied) turn stated, I was loading up for bear and going to go and beat up on Babeldoab and Pelileu airfields and shipping.  Based on the ETA (from my game as Japanese), I also recalled that there were some 4 turns left until the Japanese carriers arrived on map.

Apparently, the Cap'n may have set the scenario to variable reinforcements (), because he got the carriers last turn.  And they're out of fuel too.  They are still out of range of my Allied Death Star, but only just.

The Cap'n was concerned that I was gaming the entry of these ships and camping out for them.  I assured him that I was not and had no foreknowledge of their entry location.  I shared with him my intent for the incursion and what my goals were.  I also informed him that I would not be doing any more of this sharing information until the scenario was over after this issue was resolved.

We'll work out some sort of compromise-this time-in which I pull back the Allied CVTFs while he scrambles for cover.  But this agreemement needs to be based upon the damage I do to Babeldoab and Peleliu (don't know yet), as I was considering a possible follow-up strike on either depending on the damage I inflict with the first go around.

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IJN June 5 update - 5/21/2011 5:03:13 PM   
Chickenboy


Posts: 24520
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: San Antonio, TX
Status: offline 		1. Pagan succumbs to another deliberate attack today and 5:1 odds. Quite a tenacious grasp. I expect Marine air to be rolled in shortly.

2. CV Lexington (sitting in support just off Pagan) eats a TT!, courtesy of SS-I-85

Sub attack near Pagan at 111,89

Japanese Ships
SS I-185

Allied Ships
CV Lexington, Torpedo hits 1
CA Baltimore
CL Miami
CLAA San Juan
DD Callaghan
DD Burns

3. Elsewhere, an AKA and LST are both sunk enroute to Pagan by submarines. An RO- boat is beaten senseless, as is an SSX off of Pagan. Still, I consider it a good day.

4. I order DD Satsuki from Truk to attempt a mid-ocean intercept of retreating Allied CVTFs. She succeeds:

Night Time Surface Combat, near Truk at 116,106, Range 10,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Satsuki, Shell hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
CV Hornet
CVL Princeton
CVL Belleau Wood
CV Wasp, Shell hits 3
CLAA Reno
DD Rowe
DD Saufley
DD Selfridge
DD Phelps


(sigh) If only I had some better surface combatants. A CA, a CA, my kingdom for a CA....

Still, Wasp took the gauntlet slap for the team. Graphics confirmed Hornet smoking. So, she's out of the fight for a bit. Satsuki falls back to Truk for emergency repair.

5. Several Allied BBs bombard Truk overnight. I'd moved out all functional airframes after yesterday's air strike. Truk naval guns are significant and give back some love:

Night Naval bombardment of Truk at 112,108 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

429 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
BB New Jersey, Shell hits 2
BB Alabama, Shell hits 15
BB South Dakota, Shell hits 2
BB North Carolina, Shell hits 5

Japanese ground losses:
113 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 25 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


6. Two moderate sized reinforcement TFs are formed at Babeldoab or Peleliu. They'll make their way to either Guam or Saipan with reinforcements within the next 3 turns.

7. Naval reinforcements two days out.



< Message edited by Chickenboy -- 5/21/2011 5:06:36 PM >

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IJN June 6-7 update - 5/25/2011 5:15:21 PM   
Chickenboy


Posts: 24520
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: San Antonio, TX
Status: offline 		IJN June 6-7 update (briefly):

Pagan is immediately overstacked with Allied aircraft after capture. Some 300-350 aircraft are present, seemingly evenly split between fighters, bombers and auxiliary aircraft. I would venture mostly naval search aircraft for the latter.

Another RO-boat and two SSx boats sniffing around Pagan are pummeled. I lose the two latter minisubs, , while the former limps to Guam. A previously damaged RO boat that made port at Saipan is sunk by LBA based out of Pagan.

Allied carriers withdraw to the East. Several ships remain around Pagan, still unloading, apparently. I assume that these are under CAP from Pagan, as the carriers have withdrawn from range.

I'm consolidating LBA IJNAF airgroups at Yap, Babeldoab and Iwo Jima. I should be able to cobble together a decent strike package one more time. I'll try to coordinate with carrier-based aviation.

Speaking of which...

A host of IJN reinforcements arrive . I'll post an OOB later, but it will help lots. We're not even, but the IJN isn't a complete whipping boy any longer.

A question for the peanut gallery (assuming there is one...):

Pagan is overstacked big time. I've got high detection levels on the island. This is begging for naval bombardment, IMO.

However, the most effective naval bombardment units that I have (BBs, including Yamato and Mushashi) will be unable to reload after this is done. Babeldoab has something like 115 naval support and is port level 5. I've got no AE, AKE or other ship capable of reloading these bemoths either. Leafing through the reload appendix in the manual, I don't believe that I can reload any BBs in this scenario, but CAN reload 8" guns from CAs. Is my interpretation correct?

I would like to save the Yamato and Mushashi to break up any landing groups at Saipan, Guam or Tinian, as I believe their best use will be in ship to ship naval warfare, but toasting 300 planes on an island would be helpful too.

What say you about the most effective use of the IJN BBs in this scenario? Conduct the bombardment with the CAs and save the BBs for later?

Back to the update:

I've loaded another 9,000 troops from the 14th ID at Peleliu onto two amphibious TFs. They reach position WSW of Guam and SW of Saipan. I've waited for the carriers to withdraw before trying to make a break into Saipan and Guam with reinforcements. I break up these two TFs into multiple small TFs, evenly split between Guam and Saipan. Each TF now consists of 1-2 transport ships with 1-2 small escorts.

Trying to land troops under Allied air cover / patrol is very dangerous, particularly for the Saipan-bound TFs here. I'm wondering if it's even worth the risk to supplement the IJA contingents already on these islands. I'm hoping that the supernumerary TFs, small size and proximity to target give me a precious day to unload this cargo. I also wonder if it may not be best to wait a couple turns for IJNAF carrier-based air coverage...

Back to the reinforcements-newly arrived IJN TFs are bingo on fuel and are directed towards Babeldoab. Once at Babeldoab, the incoming mega TFs will be repackaged and repurposed.

I suspect the USN is in an operational pause whilest loading up the Guam and Saipan contingents at Pearl. If this is the case, I'll have about two weeks in game time to prepare for the Saipan and / or Guam operation(s).



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Allied June 4-5 update - 5/25/2011 5:46:37 PM   
Chickenboy


Posts: 24520
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: San Antonio, TX
Status: offline 		Allied June 5-6 update:

On June 4-5 an Allied bombardment TF gives Wake a good pummeling. The Wake CD guns could have been effective reinforcements to the Marianas, had they been so reinforced. That won't be an option now-most of the guns on the island have been destroyed...

The Allied "Death Star" gives Babeldoab, Yap and Pelileu a good working over. A Japanese amphibious transport TF is found and sunk at Babeldoab. Several support ships are damaged or sunk in harbor. All islands suffer moderate airfield damage. At Babeldoab and Peleliu, several A6M5s on CAP are swept out of the skies by Allied fighters before the strike packages deliver the goods.

The June 6 Babeldoab strike is largely blunted by weather. I order the carriers to stay in the region for one more day to give the island another going over. There's still some support ships at anchor that I want dead. It's worth another day to try to accomplish this.

In the meantime... On June 5, the IJN reinforcement TFs show up about 6-7 hexes due North of Babeldoab.

Compromise realized: As per our agreement, I keep my fangs rooted to the area Yap-Babeldoab-Pelileu and do not give chase or 'react' to the presence of the IJN TFs. Cap'n Mandrake moves them out of the area to the ENE. Destination: Iwo Jima.

He agrees to keep the IJN carriers on station at Iwo for the next 10 days in exchange for me not hunting them down and destroying them now. Additionally, pilots will stand down (no 'training') fully. Thereafter, the IJN carriers will be free to reengage.

Compromise? **** that noise: Because I had preset my submarine patrol ranges well beforehand, I informed the Cap'n that I would not be reprogramming them. It was intuitively obvious that the IJN carriers would be operating in the NW quadrant of the game screen preferentially and I programmed a number (most?) of the USN submarines' patrol zones accordingly-at the beginning of the game in some cases.

Take that Bushido Bandits!: This focus on the NW quadrant of the map pays dividends. CVL Zuiho is torpedoed by a patrolling American submarine on June 5 and set aflame. Damage doesn't look fatal-yet-but she's likely out of the fight.

I can't be held responsible if she retreats to Babeldoab or Peleliu whilest these islands get blasted to bits by Allied carrier air, so it's all good.

To the East, the logistic 'tail' drags on. The first Guam assault TF has arrived at Eniwetok and refueled. I hope the Marines are comfortable on board the ship, because we haven't the time for unloading and shore leave, unfortunately. The second Guam assault TF arrives in two days. The third in approximately 7 days. Slow going...

Other map developments:

I order 4 ASW TFs NW of Eniwetok towards Guam. The Cap'n has lots of minisubs sitting in harbor there that are in need of a DC makeover. On June 5 one of these TFs deals roughly with a fleet I-boat in its way. Dunno if it will sink, but it's out of the fight after 12 hits.

Somewhat to my surprise, on June 5 one of these ASW TFs comes under attack from Truk-based Judys.
They all miss. It looks like Cap'n Mandrake has loaded up Truk and Guam with fighters and attack aircraft. Presumably the idea is to bushwack the Allied carriers as they return. I'm not too worried about the aircraft carrier TFs-they can take care of themselves, but I do take pause with the lightly armed DEs and DDs in the ASW TFs.

I order the ASW TFs to stand off a bit from their island target. In particular, the one attacked from Truk is repositioned to be within range of Truk attack aircraft *as well as* about 54 LRCAPing USMC VMF Corsairs from Eniwetok. The Marines are anxious to bloody the IJNAF nose, so here's hoping they can do so.

Next Steps: On June 7, the Allied carriers will return to Eniwetok, where they will replane, rearm and refuel. Shortly thereafter, the naval invasion of Guam will commence.

< Message edited by Chickenboy -- 5/25/2011 5:48:03 PM >

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Allied June 6 update - 5/28/2011 5:20:38 PM   
Chickenboy


Posts: 24520
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: San Antonio, TX
Status: offline 		Allied June 6 update:

ATTENTION WITPQS: PLEASE NOTICE SCREENSHOT BELOW.

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Post #: 56
RE: Allied June 6 update - 5/28/2011 5:21:23 PM   
Chickenboy


Posts: 24520
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: San Antonio, TX
Status: offline 		Allied June 6 update:




Attachment (1)

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Post #: 57
RE: Allied June 6 update - 5/28/2011 5:32:26 PM   
Chickenboy


Posts: 24520
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: San Antonio, TX
Status: offline 		Allied June 6 update:

A series of IJNAF LBA attack several Allied TFs between Babeldoab and Guam. Allied carrier air holds the line. 134 Japanese planes are slaughtered to the loss of 7 Allied planes for the day.

Unfortunately, there are no 'bites' on the LRCAP'ed ASW TF between Eniwetok and Truk. I'll keep it in place one more turn just in case weather obscured it.

Another strike on shipping / port facilities at Babeldoab. Two xAKs and an AS are sunk. The AS was particularly important here-without it, there is nowhere in theatre for the Japs to reload their submarine torpedoes or repair even modest damage. This will pay dividends in terms of neutralizing his subs.

Allied CVTFs will return to Eniwetok now-they're needed back with the rest of the fleet. The surface fleet in attendance with the CVTFs will bombard Guam on the return leg.

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RE: Allied June 6 update - 5/28/2011 6:01:10 PM   
witpqs


Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
Status: offline 		Ahhh, that's better!

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Post #: 59
IJN June 8 update - 5/28/2011 9:46:13 PM   
Chickenboy


Posts: 24520
Joined: 6/29/2002
From: San Antonio, TX
Status: offline 		IJN June 8 update:

Screenie to follow...




Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Chickenboy -- 5/28/2011 9:47:12 PM >

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