Feinder -> RE: Surface Combat TF - Reaction Setting ??? (10/13/2006 11:15:38 PM)
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I wouldn't call it all luck. There is a bit of skill involved in engaging CVs in open water (altho having several ships at your disposal helps tremendously). Had PBEM game as Allies (05-42), got Sigint that invasion TF was heading to Canton and Baker. I knew baby-KB was in SRA, figured this would be escorted by KB, and had damaged Soryu previously, thought she was in the shop. Kinda saw it coming anyway, but figured this was my best shot at actually having an advantage vs. KB (5 or 6 CVs, since no baby-KB) vs. everything in the arsenal (5x USN(75), + RN(45) + RN(33) + RN(20), and some support from Wellingtons at Canton an AF(5). Allied CVs had just raided shipping around Lunga (bagged about 5x DDs, and 2 fish into Mutsu - wish I had gotten that kill, but didn't). Ran like a bat outta he11 towards around SoPac, Suva (fuel) - Pago (fuel) - Canton. Didn't actually stop at Canton, since he was constantly reconning, would spot my CVs. PBYs from Baker spotted KB with mega-invasion TF near Tarawa. Was moving about 2+3 hexes each turn, tracked 'em for two turns. Figured they were heading to one of four hexes next turn. Sortied 4x TFs, each with 1x CL, 4x DDs into expected destination hexes. Moved up my own CVs and held my breath. KB hit onto one of the SC TFs. I lost 2x DDs, but my CL actually landed a single hit on Kaga (not major, but I'll take what I can get). Next morning was lots of airstrikes... 1. Surface engagement -probably- burned some ops points for KB. Every little bit helps. 2. AI must have evaluated the SC TF in same hex as "immenent threat", because launched several smallish strikes vs. my CL and DDs and surrounding SC TFs. Sank probably 3 CLs and about 5 DDs, but those were planes not flying against my CVs. 3. KB's "alpha-strike" targeted RN CVs. Sank RN(45), and damaged CA and PoW. Was a big enough strike that I think Kaga was still launching that morning. 4. My alpha strike mauled Hiryu, Soryu, Kaga (no sinkings, but definatly crippled). More damage to Hiryu, Soryu, Kaga. Also some damage to Akagi, Shok, and Zhi. 5. PM strikes roll around... No strikes from KB... My guess ops points shut down 2nd strike by Akagi, Shok and Zui, because I didn't land but one or two bombs on them in the AM. 6. My PM alpha strike nailed KB again. Pretty much they all in trouble. 7. Day 2, I think it was probably Shok that was still launching while making "best speed" back to Tarawa. 8. She wasn't fast enough. Traded RN(45) + 4x CLs + 6x DDs for Shok, Zui, Kaga, Akagi, Soryu, and Hiryu, Hei, Krishima, Chitose. I'm quite sure that I'll never see that again in my WitP carreer. So I saved the replay, and and will play it again when I get my arse handed to me in my next game (*grin*). Spent the next week bombing transports. Litterally ran out of sorties and then went home. Baker and Canton are still in Allied hands. [sm=Tank-fahr09.gif] -F-
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