RE: Small Ship, Big War

RE: Small Ship, Big War (Full Version)

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tocaff -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (10/2/2008 10:37:15 PM)
Any kind of good op for Japan that really hurt the Allies at this point in the war would be a major coup.

Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (10/3/2008 12:21:36 AM)
August 17, 1944 Location: 300 miles south-southeast of Okinawa Course: North Attached to: TF 23 Mission: Air combat System Damage: 3 Float Damage: 0 Fires: 0 Fuel: 312 Orders: Return to Kagoshima --- Hibiki and the other Japanese ships speed north under a clear night sky. Those aboard the blacked-out ships can see stars overhead in numbers and brightness that would astound a city dweller. The mere sliver of waning moon hanging low on the eastern horizon does nothing to offset their brilliance. The air is warm and the seas fairly calm. On the bridge Lieutenant Miharu checks the ship’s heading. A few faint hooded lights illuminate the instruments but otherwise the bridge is dark. Miharu can barely see the other men standing nearby, some with bulky night vision glasses around their necks or held to their eyes. From behind him comes a low murmur of voices in the dark as some matter of ship’s business is discussed. A lookout on the starboard side suddenly speaks up. “Sir, something is happening with the starboard screen.” Miharu raises his own glasses and scans the destroyers he can see beyond the bulky carriers. One destroyer, Akishimo he thinks, is swinging out of formation. As he watches the ship’s signal light begins to flash. --- What has happened is that an alert lookout aboard Akishimo has spotted the faint feather of phosphorescence made by a periscope. The destroyer comes around to attack, her forward guns firing once before the periscope disappears. The submarine responds by taking a bow shot at the destroyer. The torpedoes miss and Akishimo launches depth charges over the spot where the periscope was last seen. The result is inconclusive. Akishimo and sister ship Asashimo criss-cross the area and drop several patterns of depth charges. Some oil appears, more readily smelled than seen in the starlit dimness, but no debris are observed. Certainly the submarine is kept too busy to further attack or pursue the task force, however. --- This contact is only the first with the wolf pack sent to lurk between the Japanese ships and home, however. Not long after the sun rises there is another alert in the task force as a patrolling plane spots a diving submarine nearby. And around noon an undetected submarine gets close enough to launch torpedoes against one of the carriers. The target is light carrier Ryujo. One torpedo slams into the veteran ship forward. For a short time it looks as though the damage is minor, but then fire touches off vapors from a ruptured avgas storage tank. The resulting explosion causes fire to race quickly to a bomb storage locker and a second and even larger blast rips through the ship. The front of the flight deck is deformed upwards and casualties are heavy. The carrier comes to a halt, all power lost, while destroyers frantically try to find the enemy sub and protect the stricken carrier. For a while it looks as though Ryujo is lost but slowly the fires are brought under control. Several hours later the crippled carrier is able to get underway again and with three destroyers assisting slowly follows the other Japanese ships to the north.

Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (10/3/2008 12:27:13 AM)
August 18, 1944 Location: 110 miles south of Kagoshima Course: North Attached to: TF 23 Mission: Air combat System Damage: 3 Float Damage: 0 Fires: 0 Fuel: 266 Orders: Return to Kagoshima --- At some point during this operation Hibiki picked up another point of experience and is now at 82/69 (started the war at 71/66). Screen shot from the previous turn: [image]local://upfiles/23804/8D6449F67576426A82608328A9A91E53.jpg[/image]

Jzanes -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (10/3/2008 1:39:21 AM)
Once she returns to port, looks like the Hibiki will be receiving another upgrade. I suspect that means time for shore leave and shore drama. Payback time for Shun vs. the crime syndicate?

tocaff -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (10/3/2008 1:53:35 AM)
It's a long way home through troubled waters for the Ryujo. A costly op for the IJN. The crew of Hibiki will have lots more on their minds now that nowhere seems to be safe anymore.

Capt. Harlock -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (10/3/2008 8:36:51 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Cuttlefish The target is light carrier Ryujo. One torpedo slams into the veteran ship forward. For a short time it looks as though the damage is minor, but then fire touches off vapors from a ruptured avgas storage tank. The resulting explosion causes fire to race quickly to a bomb storage locker and a second and even larger blast rips through the ship. The front of the flight deck is deformed upwards and casualties are heavy. The carrier comes to a halt, all power lost, while destroyers frantically try to find the enemy sub and protect the stricken carrier. For a while it looks as though Ryujo is lost but slowly the fires are brought under control. Several hours later the crippled carrier is able to get underway again and with three destroyers assisting slowly follows the other Japanese ships to the north. OK, that's definitely more than a marginal victory for the Allies, even if you only consider Ozawa's TF![:(]

Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (10/5/2008 4:14:56 AM)
August 19, 1944 Location: Kagoshima Course: None Attached to: TF 23 Mission: Air combat System Damage: 3 Float Damage: 0 Fires: 0 Fuel: 475 Orders: Return to Kagoshima --- A faint plume of steam from the cone of Sakurajima rises into the summer sky as the Japanese ships, minus Ryujo and her escorts, enter Kagoshima Bay. All vessels take their turn refueling at the docks and then drop anchor in the wide inlet. The anchor chain rattles through the hawsepipe as Hibiki’s starboard anchor splashes into the bay. It is visible for just a moment descending through the sunlit water and then it vanishes from sight. As Kagoshima is within range of the enemy’s “silver bees” in China, and was raided once last spring, the crew cannot relax completely. Some degree of readiness has to be maintained in case of an air raid. It seems strange to the men to have to be on alert while in a Japanese port. It is like the old days when they were stationed at Rabaul. Those days seem like a long time ago, but in reality it has only been a year. No one knows what orders the ship will be given next. Everyone on board knows that Hibiki is due to be equipped with radar. Some are more interested in the new equipment than others, but for one man on board the matter is of compelling interest indeed. --- “Petty Officer Takahashi, have you heard when we are going to receive the new radar equipment?” “No, Ariga, I haven’t. But I promise you that I will tell you as soon as I hear anything.” “Thank you, Petty Officer.” “Be patient, my friend. It will probably be sooner rather than later.”

Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (10/5/2008 4:15:50 AM)
August 20, 1944 Location: Kagoshima Course: None Attached to: TF 23 Mission: Air combat System Damage: 3 Float Damage: 0 Fires: 0 Fuel: 471 Orders: Await further orders --- “Have you heard anything yet, Petty Officer Takahashi?” “No, no word yet. I said I will tell you as soon as I heard, and I will.”

Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (10/5/2008 4:16:36 AM)
August 21, 1944 Location: Kagoshima Course: None Attached to: TF 23 Mission: Air combat System Damage: 3 Float Damage: 0 Fires: 0 Fuel: 468 Orders: Await further orders --- “Any word yet about that radar, Petty Officer?” “Ariga! If I had heard anything I would have told you. I know you have waited a long time, but please, be patient.”

Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (10/5/2008 4:17:17 AM)
August 22, 1944 Location: Kagoshima Course: None Attached to: TF 23 Mission: Air combat System Damage: 3 Float Damage: 0 Fires: 0 Fuel: 465 Orders: Await further orders --- “I just thought I would ask, you know, if….” “Aaaargh!”

Shark7 -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (10/5/2008 4:36:40 AM)
It's like riding to Disney Land with the kids: 'Are we there yet?' "No!" 'Are we there yet?" "NO!" "Are we there yet?" "NOOO!!!" [:D]

BrucePowers -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (10/5/2008 5:19:11 PM)
Living in Florida, Disney wasn't that far away thank heavens. The radar on the other hand.....who knows[:)]

Admiral DadMan -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (10/6/2008 2:17:13 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Shark7 It's like riding to Disney Land with the kids: 'Are we there yet?' "No!" 'Are we there yet?" "NO!" "Are we there yet?" "NOOO!!!" [:D] OMG Shark! I was thinking the same thing before I read this post....

John 3rd -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (10/6/2008 7:03:14 PM)
Keep it rolling CF!

Feinder -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (10/6/2008 8:46:15 PM)
True story - Back in college (so this is almost 20 years ago), my friends and I had driven down to see Disney for the day. We were standing there in line, waiting to buy our tickets. From where we stood, you could see an area where you could drop-off folks. This mini-van pulls up, and out pours a family with 4 kids about 5 - 10 years old; all every excited to finally be at Disney. Mom is there there marshalling the kids, and Dad gets out. He takes a look at the lines (they weren't bad, I've been to Disney enough to know what -is- bad), folds his arms on his chest and says, "Everybody back in the van. The lines are too long. We're going home." What followed was such wailing and cries of despiration that even now the plantive cries of those children still ring in my ears ("Well, Clarice - have the lambs stopped screaming?" No!). But in all fairness, there has to be some place in about the 6th level of hell for fathers that take their kids all the way to Disney and say, "Everybody back in the car, we're going home!". -F- (and yes, they got all pack up and drove off) Kinda funny in a sick way.

Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (10/7/2008 1:32:06 AM)
August 23, 1944 Location: Kagoshima Course: None Attached to: TF 23 Mission: Air combat System Damage: 3 Float Damage: 0 Fires: 0 Fuel: 462 Orders: Await further orders --- “Ah, here we are,” says Captain Ishii as he walks up the street. Several of his officers trail behind him and most of them look confused. Ishii has lead them ashore and on a long hike through Kagoshima without telling them what they are up to. They have arrived in the Kachiyacho district of the city, an old area of well-kept estates where samurai once lived. Ahead is a low stone wall pierced by a gate. A house and garden can be glimpsed beyond. Next to the gate a small plaque is affixed to the wall. Ishii turns and faces them. “I have brought you to the birthplace of my hero,” he says, “that we may all draw inspiration from his example.” “Hank Greenberg was born in Kagoshima?” says Lieutenant Sugiyura in puzzlement. “No, no,” says Ishii. “While the great Greenberg is worthy of esteem I speak of someone more important.” “Togo Heihachiro, sir, am I right?” says Lieutenant Miharu. “Yes indeed,” says Ishii. “Admiral Togo was born there.” He points at the dwelling visible through the trees. His officers, impressed, look at the place with renewed interest. There is no greater name than Togo’s in Japanese naval history. “Consider his example,” Ishii continues. “He led his forces to victory at Tsushima Strait, a battle no one thought Japan could win. Certainly this is something we should all remember. If any of you ever think that we seem headed for defeat recall Togo at Tsushima and resolve to go forward in the same spirit. “But he was not just a great military man,” Ishii continues. “He was respected for his judgment and for the example he set in how he lived his life. Though he disdained politics he was known as a leader. So highly was he thought of that no one else was trusted to see to the education of our Emperor when he was young. And it was not just here in Japan that he was held in such esteem. When he died America, Britain, the Netherlands, and China were among the nations who sent warships to participate in the naval procession held in his honor. All of whom, I scarcely need mention, are among our enemies today. Let us remember that and resolve to fight with such skill and determination that at some future time even our enemies will look back at our deeds with respect and admiration.” The half dozen officers stand silently as they ponder these words. Ishii rarely if ever gives inspirational speeches. If he felt the need to drag them here and give one he must have good reason. In truth they do feel their spirits lift a little as they stand where Togo walked as a boy and contemplate his deeds. Ishii is done giving speeches but slowly and then with more enthusiasm the others begin speaking. As the men walk back to the harbor district they talk of Togo and then of naval matters in general. Before they return to the ship they stop at a popular restaurant and dine well. By the time the men are back aboard their legs are tired from the unaccustomed long walk but their mood is excellent. Admiral Togo, exercise, good food, and several bottles of sake have done their work well. --- The Japanese usually refer to the engagement as the Battle of the Sea of Japan but I used the Western name of the battle for clarity.

Shark7 -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (10/7/2008 2:11:33 AM)
OK, I'll take the bait... Who is Hank Greenburg?

Menser -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (10/7/2008 2:46:57 AM)
LOL Shark ..... You forget that Hibiki's Captain is a huge baseball fan :) Go Wiki it :)

Shark7 -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (10/7/2008 2:59:57 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Menser LOL Shark ..... You forget that Hibiki's Captain is a huge baseball fan :) Go Wiki it :) Hehe, perhaps its just the fact that I am not a baseball fan.

Menser -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (10/7/2008 3:10:30 AM)
As a side note .... Greenburge should be currently scouting out B29 bases in the CBI as a lietenant in the Army Air Force :)

Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (10/7/2008 3:19:18 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Menser As a side note .... Greenburge should be currently scouting out B29 bases in the CBI as a lietenant in the Army Air Force :) He is indeed; I think I made a brief reference to that at one point quite a while back. Greenberg was one of the great hitters of his era and Ishii admires him not only for his hitting prowess but for his character (refusing to play on Yom Kippur, for instance). I think he also likes Greengberg because he plays for the Detroit Tigers and the Hanshin Tigers of the Japanese league are Ishii's favorite team. Ishii would be very pleased to know that Greenberg was one of the first major league players to enlist following Pearl Harbor and that he insisted on, and was eventually granted, overseas duty.

Shark7 -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (10/7/2008 3:48:58 AM)
Good ball player and a real class act all around then.

tocaff -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (10/7/2008 1:32:37 PM)
Not a good ball player, but a great one and a truly good person too. The athletes of today could learn a thing or 2 from the way Hank led his life. A different world back then.

Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (10/7/2008 6:59:09 PM)
August 24, 1944 Location: Kagoshima Course: None Attached to: TF 23 Mission: Air combat System Damage: 3 Float Damage: 0 Fires: 0 Fuel: 459 Orders: Await further orders --- Torpedomen Kinsei and Hosogaya enter the dispensary and, after receiving the okay from Lieutenant Nakagawa, walk over to Chuyo’s pallet. “Hey you guys,” says Chuyo as they settle themselves cross-legged on the floor beside him. “Hello, Chuyo,” says Kinsei. “How are you feeling?” “Recovering, I think,” says Chuyo. His left arm twitches and he pretends to adjust his blanket to conceal the fact that his left hand is trembling. His friends politely pretend not to notice but Chuyo sees it is no use. “Really, I think I am getting better,” he says. He sounds as though he is trying to convince himself as much as he is trying to convince them. “Even Lieutenant Nakagawa says so.” “That’s good!” says Hosogaya. “We hear they are moving you to a hospital ashore,” says Kinsei, “Surely you will finish getting well there.” “Yes,” says Chuyo in obvious distress. He sits up a little. “But they don’t need to! I really should stay on board. Maybe you two could talk to the Lieutenant for me and make him see I should stay here?” Kinsei and Hosogaya look at each other. Both know they have a better chance of being named admiral than they do of persuading the ship’s medic to keep Chuyo on board. “We will see what we can do,” says Hosogaya soothingly. “Ah, it’s no use,” says Chuyo. He slumps back. “This is a fighting ship. There is no place here for a…for a cripple!” “Look here, Chuyo,” says Kinsei sternly. “You’ve had a rotten break, it’s true. But you will get better and you will return! You have to. There are battles ahead and we will need you. So stop moping so much and work on getting well.” Chuyo looks at him, a little surprised. The feckless and quiet Kinsei of old would never have spoken so. Chuyo thinks he sounds a little like Lieutenant Sugiyura himself. Slowly he nods. “I will,” he says. “We brought you something,” says Hosogaya. He pulls out a small tin of hard candies and hands it to Chuyo. Chuyo takes it with his right hand. “Thank you, guys,” he says. “Hey…take care of yourselves, okay?” “We will,” promises Hosogaya. The big torpedoman clasps Chuyo’s hand and then stands. Kinsei does the same thing. “We will see you back aboard by the end of the year or we will come looking for you to find out why,” he says firmly. “I’ll be back,” says Chuyo.

Cribtop -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (10/7/2008 8:41:03 PM)
As is customary with those who have read this thread from beginning to end, I wanted to de-cloak to post in praise of Cuttlefish's amazing AAR. Best book I've read in a very long time. One note of curiousity as I am new to the game. In this version of reality, CF sank numerous enemy carriers and held substantially more territory than Japan did historically (although less than he could have, which I realize was by design as he has stated). Despite these impressive victories, commented upon by old salt WITP'ers on this thread, the VP count was insufficient to close off the war in '43 or '44 (admittedly it was close at the beginning of '44 and Santa Cruz kept the war going). Bottom line - as all players have honed their skills and game balance has arguably moved away from the Japanese side with patches and mods, is automatic victory for Japan possible in a good PBEM between equal players? How often does the Rising Sun win or at least survive? Just curious.

Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (10/7/2008 9:54:33 PM)
Hi Cribtop, glad you enjoyed reading through this massive thing. I'll take a stab at answering your question, though I think opinion is likely to vary on the subject. I would say that an auto-victory for Japan is difficult but not impossible. Japan has to play a very aggressive game and make very few mistakes to pull it off. Most Japanese victories, I think, come when the Allied player grows discouraged in the first year and throws in the towel, often due to SCLS (Sudden Carrier Loss Syndrome). There are some AARs out there that show just what Japanese forces can do in the hands of a skilled player. PzB's "Clash of Steel" is maybe the classic example, but take a look at Raverdave's "Dark Side of the Moon" where Honda not only overruns all of Australia but wins a crushing carrier victory in 1944. AmiralLaurent's "Bloody Pacific" shows Japan capturing the Hawaiian Islands. I would also recommend Pauk's AAR except that it seems to have disappeared (?). There are others but those are the ones that occur to me right now.

Cribtop -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (10/7/2008 11:14:04 PM)
SCLS - I'll try to avoid that Very interesting, CF. I'll check out those AARs. On with the voyage!

Mynok -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (10/7/2008 11:26:45 PM)
quote: SCLS - I'll try to avoid that That's often called the Brave Sir Robin defense. [:D]

Cuttlefish -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (10/8/2008 1:18:36 AM)
August 25, 1944 Location: Kagoshima Course: None Attached to: TF 23 Mission: Air combat System Damage: 3 Float Damage: 0 Fires: 0 Fuel: 456 Orders: Await further orders --- In the officer’s mess a rare treat is served. An enlisted man delivers a large pan of sukiyaki to the center of the table. It is very hard to obtain beef in Japan these days and so the assembled officers are enthusiastic as they use their chopsticks to pick out choice pieces of thin-sliced beef and savory vegetables. “This is good,” says Lieutenant Kuwaki. “As a boy in Kobe we used to have beef once a week. I have missed it.” Lieutenant Miharu leans back in his chair. “Here is an interesting thing,” he says. “Beef is one of the first things I thought of when the prospect of war with America was being discussed. Meat in general, in fact.” “Meat?” says Lieutenant Sugiyura. “As in, we shall devour them like a tiger devours fresh meat?” Miharu smiles. “Not exactly,” he says. “When I was in America I saw many strange and interesting things, but nothing I saw surprised me more than something called a ‘supermarket’. In this place, called the A and P if I remember, meat was available for sale in quantities I could not believe. An American housewife could take home a shopping basket full of meat every day.” The other officers react with surprise, except for Lieutenant Sakati. “It is true,” says Sakati. “I spent most of my time abroad in Scotland but I have been to New York and seen this for myself. I have heard it said that America has more land for grazing cattle than the total land in all the main Japanese islands combined.” This is a sobering thought. Not wishing the discussion to become too serious, Miharu turns to the chief engineer. “Do they eat a lot of beef in Scotland?” he asks. “Not so much,” says Sakati. “It is an island so there is a lot of fish just like here in Japan, as well as a fair amount of mutton and fowl. Most of their food is remarkably bland, however. Except for haggis.” “Haggis?” asks Kuwaki. “Trust me, lad,” says Sakati. “You don’t want to know.”

kaleun -> RE: Small Ship, Big War (10/8/2008 4:13:04 AM)
quote: “Haggis?” asks Kuwaki. “Trust me, lad,” says Sakati. “You don’t want to know.” [sm=00000280.gif][sm=happy0065.gif] That was so good.

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