RE: Operation Dopey

RE: Operation Dopey (Full Version)

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vettim89 -> RE: Operation Dopey (2/13/2009 6:54:07 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: ny59giants Rules: #1 - Save your CVs! #2 - Kill his CVs #3 - Everything else is just gravy.....[:D] Position your CVs one hex away from your transport in non-coastal hex and in position that any incoming strike "may" have to go through your CAP. Click on those possible hexes to double check on weather. I know that those forecast are not always accurate, but players can forget to check this factor and pay the price. Looking forward to AE and getting away from "Mine Warfare in the Pacific." [;)] That is exactly what I did. I set the F6F on the three CV's to 30% CAP/Escort. All the F6F on the 5 CVL is set at LRCAP. Weather forecast says "overcast" for every hex I checked around Enitewok. On a side note, weather forcast says "thunderstorms" for every and I mean every hex in CBI. It has been bad weather for almost two weeks from the BoB all the way to the Sea of Japan. Only good news is it does cut down on the length of the combat replay. That and almost every air unit in the thetre is nearly at 100% ready a/c. The mine thing really frustrates me. I came prepared this time: 3 DMS, 4 ocean MSW, and 7 coastal MSW (oh, BTW, there was almost 800 units of fuel captured at Enitewok so the caosties got full tanks now). I did it all the "right way" BOMB and Mine TF's go in first. But not only did the mines not get cleared, they weren't even detected. It is obviously a small field as only two ships hit mines (both LCI). I am really happy though that everybody unloaded the way I had hoped. When I watched the combat replay I thought, "oh no not again" when there was no unloading screen in the daylight phase. It was becasue they were all already ashore.

vettim89 -> Not Happy (2/14/2009 2:24:25 AM)
8 October 1943 I am not pleased. I was right the first time and it was a SCTF not a CVTF. I had sent my SCTF south as I didn't want them to get caught in a CV battle. Instead the IJN rolls into Enitewok. It engages all three minesweeping TF which still didn't sweep any mines. Three separate battles equal the USN losing 8 MSW and 3 DMS. Then they attacked the transports. Fortunately not much damage to the lift but the DD's got ripped a new one. Then during the daylight hours, three separate strikes are launched from Truk and Wake and they are met by a grand total of four F6F out of the 150 on LRCAP (two strikes no CAP, one strike 4 planes). I will lose an AK over that and maybe another DD. No troops end up unloading this turn at all. Elswhere, no 4E raid out of Rangoon again. ASW forces hit and likely sink an I-Boat in the slot. Raid out of PM hits Admiralty IS. Nothing flies in CBI. Warning ---> RANT <--- This game is getting to me. I have been very frustrated of late that simple things like MSW actually sweeping and transports randoming unloading. That is nothing compared to my frustration with a SCTF that travels 300 nm, engages four separate enemy TF's and, magically ends up another 300 nm away by the time the sun rises. All this while they were in strike distance of a huge US CV force. Why in the world did the original developers divide the day into three air phases but only two naval phases???? Could they not see the ability of surface forces to move right under the noses of air power without fear of being attacked? I could never expect AE to fix this because it would require a complete rewrite of the turn sequence. Larry has been doing this trick all game and it has frustrated me to no end. End RANT Well Larry is going to have to pay for the game's shortcomings because I can't taking it out on the game developers. I am moving 150 P-38J to Chungking. Larry has been hitting Honan with everything he has in China. Next clear day he is going to lose a lot of a/c. If my 4E don't fly out of Rangoon soon, they are moving to China too. I will lay waste to every AB within range until I feel better. That may take a while. As for Larry's little teleporting SCTF, I have plans for them too - see next post [image]local://upfiles/25806/DD718B52D92C4100A9C3CAACB440D9F3.jpg[/image]

vettim89 -> My "Bull" Halsey moment (2/14/2009 2:32:24 AM)
I am sick and tired of Larry's little SCTF romps. He has done what no sane Japanese admiral would do: sent his surface forces into areas where the enemy has air dominance completely unprotected time and time again. NOT THIS TIME The leader bug has struck the USN CV forces. The are now commanded by Adm Inigo Montoy of the Spanish Navy. Admiral Montoya is known the world over for his singular and all consuming obsession: REVENGE. My CV's break and sprint west. If he runs NW to the Marianas I will get him. If he runs W to Truk I will get him. I will chase him around Perdition's flame if I have to but I am getting these ships. [image]local://upfiles/25806/F7BCD01A2E9745F2AE2C65B36747DC74.jpg[/image]

ny59giants -> RE: Not Happy (2/14/2009 2:38:59 AM)
For your next invasion, have a Minesweeping TF, bombardment TF, AND SC TF. Except for the BB in his SC TF, you could put together some of Boise's younger sister CLs (Brooklyn Class) and some Fletcher Class DDs. IMO, they can handle anything below a BB and with the rate of fire, the CLs can land some telling blows. TF = 3 or 4 CLs & 4 to 6 DDs. Just my $.02 [:D]

vettim89 -> RE: Not Happy (2/14/2009 3:51:28 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: ny59giants For your next invasion, have a Minesweeping TF, bombardment TF, AND SC TF. Except for the BB in his SC TF, you could put together some of Boise's younger sister CLs (Brooklyn Class) and some Fletcher Class DDs. IMO, they can handle anything below a BB and with the rate of fire, the CLs can land some telling blows. TF = 3 or 4 CLs & 4 to 6 DDs. Just my $.02 [:D] Absolutely correct. And even if he chewed up my SCTF with his BB, there likely would have been enough damage to IJN ships to slow his retreat. Hard lesson learned. 9 October 1943 My CV's only moved 8 hexes (Its the BB's - should have detached them. Didn't matter because they CV's ended up in a T-Storm hex (Weather forecast was for partly cloudy). No flights. Intel says the SCTF is at Truk with a heading of West. That of course means it will likely be halfway to Davao before the daylight air phases. At least I made him burn fuel. My CV's drop speed and will drift west a little. There are eight ships in the port at Truk so they can sink them to make Adm Montoya feel slightly avenged. The USN is putting Adm Towers back in charge tomorrow. Good news is the two surviving MSW at Enitewok actually swept. WOW - what a concept. Now to get the boys at Buin to follow suit. I ordered a shock attack as the Japanese AV is down to 45. BTW, Recon aircraft find Kwajalein,s AB full of about 30 fighters and an equal number of bombers. Bad idea. Massive sweep from Majuro and Raid by the 4E from Tarawa ordered. Shock attack ordered at Buin to coincide with another naval Bombardment. The 4E from PM hit Buin last turn plus SBD from Munda and B-25's from Lunga every turn since the US forces landed. The Japanese troops should be well tenderized by now. About 200 4E bombers who are afraid of getting wet are now at Chungking. After a good nights rest, a hearty meal of Gen. TSO's Chicken, and pedicures all around from coolie labor (or the mandatory one day stand down required by HR if you prefer) they will begin what I like to call Operation Crunch to Crap on the Japanese AB's. My turn to use the game mechanics to my advantage. Every little base with a little airfield symbol is gonna get it bad. My thought is Larry has been using China as his training ground all game. He cannot possibly object to this action. He may not lose many pilots but he is about to lose a lot of airframes. There is one other small possibility. I ordered recon of Hong Kong. If any juicy targets are in port there, that will be my first target.

ny59giants -> RE: Not Happy (2/14/2009 4:11:45 AM)
If you haven't done so already, transport in some engineers and an Aviation Rgt to China. At least one of your southern bases should be built up to AF 5 or 6 and base some 4e bombers (B-17/24). Set for about 30 to 50% naval search with Naval Attack/Rest. Make the waters between Luzon and Formosa a little too hot for unescorted AK/TK. With a heavy CAP over the base, he will have trouble getting to your bombers. Looking ahead from this idea, you can move more quickly to take Admiralty Island and/or Truk to put the southern route from Java/Borneo at risk. Its time to slow down the flow of Oil into the Home Islands. No Oil leads to less fuel and eventually no more Heavy Industry. Force him to live off reserves.

vettim89 -> RE: Not Happy (2/14/2009 5:52:30 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: ny59giants If you haven't done so already, transport in some engineers and an Aviation Rgt to China. At least one of your southern bases should be built up to AF 5 or 6 and base some 4e bombers (B-17/24). Set for about 30 to 50% naval search with Naval Attack/Rest. Make the waters between Luzon and Formosa a little too hot for unescorted AK/TK. With a heavy CAP over the base, he will have trouble getting to your bombers. Looking ahead from this idea, you can move more quickly to take Admiralty Island and/or Truk to put the southern route from Java/Borneo at risk. Its time to slow down the flow of Oil into the Home Islands. No Oil leads to less fuel and eventually no more Heavy Industry. Force him to live off reserves. Big B 1.4 hase lots of AV support tagged for China that magically has already appeared at Chungking. AV support is over 500 there with a level 9 AB. I am really conflicted as to my next moves after the Wake/Marcus ops. The problem is that I have two forces driving me that are at odd's with one another. Force One - Oil I recently spent some time looking around the map and got a real feel for where Larry's oil resources are located. There is a small amount in Japan, a small amount in China, and a very small amount on Formosa. The rest is all in the SRA. So that creates the desire to hamper as much flow out of here as I can. I could divert all my resources to this area and reconquer Java, Bornea and Sumutra. That is much easier said then done. More appealing is instead to take back Timor, and eventually Makassar thus plugging up the eastern route out of the SRA. I can then use bases in China and eventually Indochina (hopefully) to interdict the western route. This is both less costly and more importantly could be accomplished more quickly. Also, because of the close knit network of bases, it could largely be accomplished with LBA. I am willing to send my carriers to the SRA but if Larry knows they are there, that leaves CentPac vulnerable. Also, Padang still is dangling out there like a big piece of meat on a stick. Occupy and build that base up and Palembang becomes untenable for Larry. The equation is simple: the Japanese economy runs on equal parts oil and resources. There are more than enough resources close to Japan. The oil is what is vulnerable. Force Two - B29's The first squadrons arrive in about 100 days at Karachi. At present, only Rangoon is an option for a base to reach any resource/oil centers. We have a HR that states no bombing of the economy in China or from China - ergo no basing B-29's in Chingking. I have no problem with this rule as the USAAF very quickly abandoned their attempt to bomb mainland Japan from China as the logistics tail was just too long and tenuous. This is why I am moving on Bangkok. At present, the Japanese troop strength in Siam and Indochina is pretty pathetic: a big stack at Bangkok and no more than three units anywhere else. So while this may be a slugfest, the end benefit may outweigh the costs. If Capt Mandrake can do it; so can I. If Bangkok falls, I may be able to steam roll all the way to Saigon. Looking around the map, the only other suitable bases for B-29 use are the Marianas, Okinawa, Formosa, and Salkalin Is. Obviously the last three would require a bold, deep strike by me to get them up and running in the near future. I am no Canoerebel. So that means the Marianas. Trouble is that I am at present about six months ahead of the historical timetable. In six months my CV fleet will double in size and my CVE fleet will quadruple in size. That will make the whole thing a lot easier but I don't want to wait that long. At present I have enourmous IJA resources tied down in China. In six months, Larry could easily extricate himself from this bind and greatly reinforce all these objectives. So I need to strike now before my opportunites evaporate. Operation Crunched to Crap is important for this reason: the weather in Burma has been horrid for three solid weeks now. Except for a few breaks, Japanese air losses have fallen a lot. I need to rip apart Larry's Aircraft Pools and put a wrench in his pilot training program before he can rebuild. Burma was the one place where I was putting enough pressure on him where Larry could not afford to cut and run. He abandoned NG long ago except for the occasional attempt to sneak some a/c for a turn or two. He has abandoned the Marshalls too (present impending action at Kwajalein notwithstanding). Even if my offensive in China forces him to just withdraw all his airpower, that at least freezes his poorly trained pilots in place. So the quandry is this: at present I do not have the forces to accomplish both tasks in short order. I have to choose. I keep flipflopping on it. Fortunately I have the Wake, Marcus and Bikini ops to occupy me for about two months. Beyond that I have to make my choice. SoPac is done after Buin. If I do anything with those forces other than roll them into CentPac, it will be either northern NG or Ulithi. SWPAC is heading for Timor - the only question is how fast

ny59giants -> Which hat to wear?!? (2/14/2009 12:46:35 PM)
So, are you going to put on the hat of Mac or Nimitz?? With the choice to go after Marianas, there is only one base that is NOT a mtn hex and the added bonus that goes with it. [:(] The longer you wait to hit these islands the more difficult they will become. Thus, take Wake Island and then go here before Marcus. Hopefully you have enough troops already prepping for the Marianas and once they hit 50%, then go. This is one Op that you cannot afford to wait till everything is in place. Time is your enemy here. Subs should be forming a blockade around the islands now.

vettim89 -> RE: Which hat to wear?!? (2/14/2009 4:47:20 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: ny59giants So, are you going to put on the hat of Mac or Nimitz?? With the choice to go after Marianas, there is only one base that is NOT a mtn hex and the added bonus that goes with it. [:(] The longer you wait to hit these islands the more difficult they will become. Thus, take Wake Island and then go here before Marcus. Hopefully you have enough troops already prepping for the Marianas and once they hit 50%, then go. This is one Op that you cannot afford to wait till everything is in place. Time is your enemy here. Subs should be forming a blockade around the islands now. I did not realize that about the mountain terrain. I do have a lot of troops prepping. I was planning on taking Pagan first for an AB. The sub blockade is in place and even sank an AK last turn. Need to step it up I suspect. Iguess its Nimitz then. Don't want to give Larry a chance to fill these bases up with units before I get there. Now that I hold Enitewok, I can recon these bases.

Canoerebel -> RE: Which hat to wear?!? (2/14/2009 5:38:47 PM)
Vettim, It wasn't until late '43 that I really felt like I had the ability to go pretty much wherever I want.� You're in October '43, so you still have a ton of time to work with.� There's a natural Allied tendency to want to push, push, push, as time "is slipping away" and "my opponent is using time against me to build up these lightly garrisoned bases."� Avoid that thinking at all costs!� Right now, any big Allied operation is likely to meet the Japanese head on in a battle that may still be roughly even.� IE, you'll be taking on the Japs at the best possible time for the Japs.� If you are very, very careful right now, allowing a few more months to pass, your forces will grow so huge and powerful that you won't just "think" you can move to vital spots,�you'll KNOW it. Another way of looking at it:� If you're awfully carefull with your assets for six more months, you might find yourself in a position to seize such vital territory that it will devastate the Japs; but if you continue to meet the Japs in relatively even engagements, gaining ground but losing precious assets, you might then discover in three months you have indeed gained ground, but by doing so you've lost the option to go after that vital territory. There's still plenty to do in relatively safe areas where you LBA can give you supremacy (Burma/Siam/Malaya/China), but be (as Elmer Fudd would say), "Vewy, vewy careful" with your American carriers, combat ships, transports, and troops for awhile longer.� You'll be glad that you did. Good luck and lick 'em! Dan P.S. Any advice from an outsider is suspect, because none of us know the scads of details that you consider in forming strategy and making decisions. So my advice may not make sense in the circumstances particular to your game. Suffice it to say: the Allies aren't really ready to take on the Japs until '44.

vettim89 -> RE: Which hat to wear?!? (2/14/2009 5:50:03 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Canoerebel Dan P.S. Any advice from an outsider is suspect, because none of us know the scads of details that you consider in forming strategy and making decisions. So my advice may not make sense in the circumstances particular to your game. Suffice it to say: the Allies aren't really ready to take on the Japs until '44. Said the man who invaded Hokaido in 1943 [sm=rolleyes.gif]

vettim89 -> Admiral Montoya gets his revenge (2/14/2009 8:40:13 PM)
10 October 1943 Don't know if it was damaged ships of low fuel but the IJN SCTF only moved three hexes. Admiral Montoya had his day. The results: BB Kirishima 22 Bomb, 7 TT CA Tone 3 bomb, 1 TT CA Chikuma 2 bomb, 1 TT CA Takao 8 bomb, 3 TT (sinks later) DD Hatakaze 1 bomb DD Karoshi 1 bomb DD Kuri 2 bomb DD Oboro 1 bomb, 2 TT I said I would get these ships and I did. Kirishima has got to be a flaming wreck and at least Oboro has got to be hurting. Now two TF SW of Truk: one heading NE back to port, One heading SW toward Admiralties. The USN CVTF drifts east and will hopefully hit stragglers next turn. The PM LBA is put on Nav Attack. If the SCTF runs for Admiraties they will meet a new threat. My LBA did not hit Kwajalein as planned. This cost me CVE Copahee as she was caught near Majuro unprotected. The RN sunk a Ro boat off Tavoy with a mere 18 hits. USN SS hit AK's off Indochina and the Marianas sinking one outright. Operation Crunched to Crap phase one is a great success. The tally was 23 Tojo, 22 Nate, and 8 Oscar to 1 P-38J ops loss. The bombers hit Ichang next turn. Hong Kong's port says one ship APD [image]local://upfiles/25806/8E00010CCF744F1494D7EE2B4B955B2B.jpg[/image]

Canoerebel -> RE: Which hat to wear?!? (2/14/2009 8:46:59 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: vettim89 quote: ORIGINAL: Canoerebel Dan P.S. Any advice from an outsider is suspect, because none of us know the scads of details that you consider in forming strategy and making decisions. So my advice may not make sense in the circumstances particular to your game. Suffice it to say: the Allies aren't really ready to take on the Japs until '44. Said the man who invaded Hokaido in 1943 [sm=rolleyes.gif] Yes, but that was "hitting 'em where they aint." I wasn't about to take on the main body of the Japanese forces in December 1943 (the date I invaded Hokkaido). John had all his army in the Philippines, Australia, and CenPac; if you can find a juicy target pretty much unguarded in mid- or late-1943, it's worth the gamble because you're strong enough to defend it. Even so, it was a close thing for me.

vettim89 -> Adm Montoya runs Amok (2/15/2009 4:17:48 PM)
11 October 1943 What a difference a few days can make. Larry finally decides to oppose the US CVTF but does so way too weakly. Perhaps this is the state of Japanese airpower at this stage of the game. The raid shown was completely wiped out as far as fighters. The Betty's turned and ran as soon as the CAP engaged. A weaker PM raid of 8 A6m3a, 4 A6M5, 3 Tony, and 4 G4M1 was also turned away. The question on my mind is this: is this all the Japanese can muster at this point or is this all Larry was willing to risk? If its is the former, I guess I am doing better than I thought. If it is the latter, I guess I say why bother if you aren't going to bring enough force to fight the monster known as the USN CV fleet. I was vulnerable here and I know it. If Larry had mustered a couple hundred fighters, I am sure there would have been some leakers and even one or two TT hits would have been a problem with my fleet so far from a friendly base. I will very interested in knowing what the answer is when all is said and done. The strike aircraft finished off CA Tone, BB Kirishima, DD Oboro, and DD Koroshi. Only CA Chikuma escaped. The CVTF's will linger one more day as there is one ship still SW of Truk and I will hit the port just to reinforce my point. Adm. Towers is a Georgia boy. Guess Texas isn't the only state you don't mess with. The 4E hit Ichang and destroy about 40 a/c on the ground. Hong Kong's port has 8 ships in it of the AP/AK variety; however, there is a TF located there that has CV's in it. I know Kasagiri has been lurking in the SCS for some time; so this may be acccurate info. Also the AB intel says 80 Bombers, no fighters. My 4E are put on Nav Attack (10% search)/AB attack (Hong Kong). We'll see how this plays out. I can't linger too long here as the 4E's are already sucking all the supply out of every other base in China. Maybe a week or two to rip up the AB's then back to Burma. The recently arrived SS Trespasser arrives at her station off Georgetown and is hit by LBA on Nav Search on her first day in the field. She is heading back to port with 19 SYST damage. Larry was moving a moderate sized convoy with TK in it from SRA through the SCS. He had an ASW TF escorting it plus a good amount of escorts. SS Nautilus suffers two ASW attacks for no real damage then still sneaks through the screen to put a fish into a TK. The skipper of the Nautilus is a plucky little bastard. Battle star is awarded. More SS are vectored in. Total airlosses today wer 179 to 39. I lost 22 F6f as the bulk of my losses with no other airframe losing more than 4 a/c. The bulk of Larry's losses were fighters plus the 22 Lily's destroyed on the ground at Ichang. The AB at Madang is operational at level 2. A full FG of P-47C will sweep the Admiralties next turn. I do not pretend to even begin to understand the Japanese economy in this game. I know it can be a real headache for JFB but I also know it can be a lot of fun. I am even considering playing a game as Japan once AE comes out to just see what it's like. I know Larry acclerated all his CV's. I have fought or spotted CV Taiho, CV Amagi, CV Kasagiri, and CV Unro. I know the game allows for even more Japanese CV/CVL even though what Larry has launched is already the total sum of what the RL IJN had. That said, these carriers are fighting with inferior a/c. This turn showed me that Jack's are a much tougher cookie than Tony's or Tojo's and A6M5 are better than the A6M3 at least marginally. So I guess if I was wondering if it would be better to have put more resources into accelerating the a/c research than the CV's. Sure Larry has a lot of CV's operational but what good are they without decent a/c to fly off of their decks? Just wondering [image]local://upfiles/25806/0B0198E0B0844BE290221C9A3AF15A79.jpg[/image]

vettim89 -> An unexpected turn of events (2/15/2009 5:52:03 PM)
12 October 1943 First the not so interesting stuff. TF Montoya finishes off DD Hatakaze and raids Truk's port sinking two PG and two AR's. For lack of targets, they head east to escort the transports home from Enitewok which BTW is now a level 2 AB. LBA does not fly out of PM but there are still IJN TF's at Rabaul. Hoping for better results next turn. * SS Nautilus pays for her brashness and is heading home moderately damaged as the IJN ASW forces do a better job today. * Hong Kong's AB is hit. A total of 30 bombers are destroyed on the ground in multiple raids areound the map. The China Air Expeition changes its focus to Kansien next turn which has a lot of fighters flying training missions out of it. * LBA hits Lautem and the Admiralties AB's for little effect as there just aren't many a/c to kill anymore. * I forgot to mention that the US Army evicted the Japanese from Buin last turn. They are now rotting in the jungle at Torokina And now, ......, for the rest of the story. The remants of KB are in the Gulf of Siam of all places. My LBA did not get any hits but the airgroups were divided up in various other tasks. Cursor intel says the CVTF is heading NE. All a/c in the BoB area are now on Nav Attack or escort. This includes a 48 plane B-24 group, two 64 plane B-25 groups, and about a dozen RAF groups of Beauforts, Beaufighters, Avengers, and Vengeance. They are spread out over three bases for hope that the weather will cooperate. Forecast is for rain in the entire area (is that worse or better than thunderstorms?). The two reasons for this CVTF presence here is either to catch the RN CV's which have been escorting various transport runs or, as I suspect, to raid commerce in the BoB. If my bombers break through and damage or sink a CV or two, what a wasteless dissipation of an ever shrinking resource. BTW, there are no transport TF in the SE corner of the BoB right now. Only a few MSW which are hightailing it to Tavoy with autodisband on. Things are very interesting now [image]local://upfiles/25806/5AC10A461B7049D89FB3B68EFE306EA9.jpg[/image]

vettim89 -> RE: An unexpected turn of events (2/16/2009 5:44:49 AM)
13 October 1943 The IJN wise retreated SW toward Singers. LBA instead hits a transport TF at Saigon and fails to hit anything. The 4E go hunting today: * PM strikes TF at Rabaul putting a single bomb into two separate DD * PM strikes TF at Hollandia and put a single 500 lb bomb into CA Chikuma (so that's where she went!) * CHungking strikes TF at Hong Kong putting a single bomb into another two separate DD * CHungking strikes Kansien destroying 40 a/c on the ground Buin is finally cleared of mines. TF with Av support is inbound. TF is picking up 2nd Marine Raider BTN form Tulagi to be lifted to Shortlands (unoccupied). TF is liftin CB ans BF from Nukefutau to be eventually taken to Bikini Atoll. The dot base will be built to level 3 AB and will base SBD and fighters to plug the top of the Marshalls. Over 80 k Jpanese troops will then be my prisoner. TF's returning from Enitewok will pick up troops fro Nauru Is. Once those last two are done, everybody out of the pool! (Lift and CV's return to PH for Wake op). The lift being used in the Solomons will be transferred over to SWPAC for Timor op

vettim89 -> RE: An unexpected turn of events (2/16/2009 6:08:58 PM)
14 October 1943 A very slow turn. Here are the highlights. * the first two units arrive one hex N of Bangkok. To my surprise they bushwacked through the jungle vice taking the road * LBA out of Tavoy hits transports in the Gulf of Siam * first recon of Wake says only 7 k troops - I will need to watch that number *

Capt. Harlock -> RE: My "Bull" Halsey moment (2/16/2009 8:32:22 PM)
quote: The are now commanded by Adm Inigo Montoy of the Spanish Navy. Admiral Montoya is known the world over for his singular and all consuming obsession: REVENGE. I smell a reference to "The Princess Bride"![:D][:D] Incidentally, Larry's SCTF should be going a little slower with a CA hit by a torpedo and on fire...

vettim89 -> RE: My "Bull" Halsey moment (2/16/2009 8:46:33 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Capt. Harlock quote: The are now commanded by Adm Inigo Montoy of the Spanish Navy. Admiral Montoya is known the world over for his singular and all consuming obsession: REVENGE. I smell a reference to "The Princess Bride"![:D][:D] Incidentally, Larry's SCTF should be going a little slower with a CA hit by a torpedo and on fire... AH yes, you are correct. There was one other tiny pop culture reference in that post that I am surprised nobody caught

ny59giants -> More Info.... (2/16/2009 9:03:52 PM)
What operations do you have planned for the next 6 weeks?? I know your SeaBees are busy building up bases while your logistical tail tries to keep up, but wanted to know where your next efforts would be at.

vettim89 -> RE: More Info.... (2/16/2009 9:34:20 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: ny59giants What operations do you have planned for the next 6 weeks?? I know your SeaBees are busy building up bases while your logistical tail tries to keep up, but wanted to know where your next efforts would be at.� Clean up in the SoPac region basically. Logitstics are now in good shape. The only crisis I had was that I was sending everything out of Savali and it drained the supplies literally to 0 for a few turns. There was 600 k supplies at Pago Pago just 120 nm to the east. Not much of a crisis. So the ops upcoming are: * Shortlands which will go off in about 48 to 72 hours (base is unoccupied - we like a tidy map) * Bikini - unoccupied dot to be built to level 3 AB to close the top of the Marshalls' escape path. * Nauru Is which is just to make the LA-Townsville path clean * Wake Island which may be slightly out of reach for the time period - depends on how fast the other ops fall * Aru Island - still ABDA command base to support ops in the Banda Sea region * Lautem on Timor - defintiely on the fringe of the time period but I have an idea for that. Logistically everything looks good with the possible exception of not enough fuel in Oz. That is being corrected. Large stockpiles in Samoa can be moved west as the war is over for this part of the ocean. Wow for over a year Pago Pago has been the hub of Allied activity. Now it is a backwater. Wow

Nemo121 -> RE: More Info.... (2/17/2009 7:12:24 AM)
quote: Suffice it to say: the Allies aren't really ready to take on the Japs until '44 Maye not on Japan's terms BUT one doesn't have to take anyone on on their terms --- unless honour considers no exception of course. BTW if I'm reading the map of Burma/Thailand etc you'e posted correctly I think you are in an excellent situation to utterly sunder the Japanese position in Malaysia. Why not land in northern Java and march down taking the bases parallel to Malaysia's western coast. Then you can threaten landings ANYWHERE along the entire Western Malaysian peninsula. Combine this with an overland drive from Ban Don to the railroad between Bangkok and Malaysia ( to prevent reinforcements ) and it should prove impossible for the Japanese to hold Malaysia. once Malaysia falls you have the option of either leapfrogging along the Thailand/China coast Inchon'ing the Japs to death OR moing down through Java proper either via land or ia a landing near Palembang OR extending eastward along Northern Borneo toward the Phillipines. The trick is to drive south quickly so that the Japanese can't garrison the western Malaysian bases strongly and such that your landing, when it occurs, will be decisive. Obviously though to be successful any movement through Sumatra would have to be accompanied by a move from Ban Don to be successful. This seems, to me, to be a pretty low-risk operation as it is overland all the way except for the initial landing at the extreme north of Sumatra ( and the two hex hop east from Sumatra to Malaysia whenever you invade Malaysia... but that can be covered by LRCAP and so is minimally risky ).

ny59giants -> RE: More Info.... (2/17/2009 1:00:20 PM)
quote: Why not land in northern Java and march down taking the bases parallel to Malaysia's western coast. I think this is suppose to be Sumatra, not Java.

vettim89 -> RE: More Info.... (2/17/2009 1:21:41 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Nemo121 quote: Suffice it to say: the Allies aren't really ready to take on the Japs until '44 Maye not on Japan's terms BUT one doesn't have to take anyone on on their terms --- unless honour considers no exception of course. BTW if I'm reading the map of Burma/Thailand etc you'e posted correctly I think you are in an excellent situation to utterly sunder the Japanese position in Malaysia. Why not land in northern Java and march down taking the bases parallel to Malaysia's western coast. Then you can threaten landings ANYWHERE along the entire Western Malaysian peninsula. Combine this with an overland drive from Ban Don to the railroad between Bangkok and Malaysia ( to prevent reinforcements ) and it should prove impossible for the Japanese to hold Malaysia. once Malaysia falls you have the option of either leapfrogging along the Thailand/China coast Inchon'ing the Japs to death OR moing down through Java proper either via land or ia a landing near Palembang OR extending eastward along Northern Borneo toward the Phillipines. The trick is to drive south quickly so that the Japanese can't garrison the western Malaysian bases strongly and such that your landing, when it occurs, will be decisive. Obviously though to be successful any movement through Sumatra would have to be accompanied by a move from Ban Don to be successful. This seems, to me, to be a pretty low-risk operation as it is overland all the way except for the initial landing at the extreme north of Sumatra ( and the two hex hop east from Sumatra to Malaysia whenever you invade Malaysia... but that can be covered by LRCAP and so is minimally risky ). Now that I understand Lanchester's Laws, I think I am on the right course. I have reconned every base on the Malay peninsula and Siam/Indochina. From the picture I have been able to gather, Larry has garrisoned Malaya and Sumatra fairly well but left his right flank more exposed. I think this is a product of inadvertent Mistroika. I had been hopping along the Burma coast right up to Victoria Point and Nicobar Island. I had intended to move on Sabang next. Thus creating the impression that I was heading toward an invasion of Sumatra and eventually the west coat of Malaya. Then the RN lift took a beating during the Victoria Point Operation. I was faced with the choice of either delaying any further action in this theater while lift repaired and was transferred from the Pacific or going overland. I didn't want to lose operational tempo so I struck South. Bangkok has 15 units with c. 80 k troops but there is not defense in depth on this side of the Gulf of Siam - no base has more than three units in it with some empty. I have shown that I can interdict shipping pretty well as far south as Saigon. I am not saying Larry can't reinforce just that it will be very difficult. I have a blocking force heading south out of Victoria Point which hopefully will keep the units in Malaya from coming across to assist. I can move a force at least four times the size of Larry's units in this theater into play plus I have air superiority (bordering on air supremacy). In addition US Army units are now arriving at Aden which can be loaded up and brought to bear fairly quickly. I don't want to lose sight that this is October 1943 not October 1944. I have time to accomplish a lot. Dan the Canoerebel says I should hit 'em where they aint. Nemo's treatise on Lanchester's Laws in the First Team AAR says it is more efficient to bring overwhelming force to each operation in succession rather than attempt several operations simultaneously with adequate force. So by moving south I can bring over 250,000 troops to meet at best 100,00 troops many of which are likely support troops. Overwhelming force against my opponents weakest flank.

vettim89 -> RE: More Info.... (2/18/2009 6:46:22 PM)
Quiet few days. My units are trickling into the hex just north of Bangkok. Supplies are being flown in. At present I have three full ID and three armored RGT's in the hex with artillery, five more ID, an HQ trailing. There is a Japanese ID an Tank RGT opposing. Larry moved a BF into the hex this last turn which had to SHock Attack. From the e-mail message, I take it Larry is not happy with the results. I assume Larry suddenly had the thought that building FORTs in this hex might be a good idea. Too little too late as the force approaching him will overwhelm the defenders very quickly. SEAC command will arrive at Tavoy in three to four days along with another Indian ID. At Aden there are three US Prov Tank Rgts and a COmposite Inf RGT building up to full strength. Once they reach full TOE they will be committed also. An ID has moved south out of Victoria Point has taken up Position on the RR between Siam and Malaya to block Japanese interference with the Siam offensive. There are an additional four Chinese Corps at Rangoon resting and rebuilding. I have an idea for them but I need to do a few things first. In CENTPAC, troops for Bikin will start loading in a few days. This is the last operation that will require my CV support and they will head back to PH for upgrades and repair. Then Wake will go off. Merauke is no a Level 3 AB. Waiting for more P-38G to upgrade to -J to provide cover for the next op. In CHina I have come to the sad conclusion that Honan is a lost cause. Larry has dropped the fort level to 6 over the last 10 turns. I have been flying in supplies like crazy but it seems to not make a difference. Only good news is these units will respawn and it will take Larry a while to completely eliminate them. Bad news of course is that frees up 150K Japanese troops for further action in CHina or reinforcement of Pacific bases

ny59giants -> RE: More Info.... (2/18/2009 8:10:30 PM)
quote: SEAC command will arrive at Tavoy in three to four days Are you prepping this Command HQ and others for future objectives?? They will give you an additional comabt bonus besides the one you get from Corp HQ's. They have a range of 9 and it is easy to forget to use this bonus and prep only for the base they are landing at. Just a friendly reminder. [;)]

vettim89 -> Hmm, was ist das??? (2/19/2009 1:34:18 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: ny59giants quote: SEAC command will arrive at Tavoy in three to four days Are you prepping this Command HQ and others for future objectives?? They will give you an additional comabt bonus besides the one you get from Corp HQ's. They have a range of 9 and it is easy to forget to use this bonus and prep only for the base they are landing at. Just a friendly reminder. [;)] One Indian Corp HQ is in the action hex now. That is why SEAC command is moving forward. A UK HQ is heading to Chittagong to be lifted in once the AP's return. Its is accompanied by another Indian ID. These units were holding the Imphal line (quite frankly I forgot about them as I moved south). Another Indian Corps HQ has just left Aden with yet another ARM RGT along. I got a secret but I ain't tell' just yet. 19 October 1943 Well my esteemed opponent finally noticed Madang was an active allied base. Failing to recon it, he loaded up an small INF unit on barges. He though he had to dislodge a pesky BF I had snuck in. The exact e-mail message was, "How did you get that many troops there without me noticing." The answer: 300+ C-47. Oh and throw in some 4E to lift supplies. The hapless little IJA unit was about massacred on the beaches. Oh and then LBA hit the barge TF and about destroyed it - NO SUPPLIES FOR YOU! The mighty 32nd US Inf Div is set to shock attack. This should be fun - 400 AV attacking out of forts vs 45 AV that is severely disrupted. Shortlands should fall in two turns. Moving AV Support up to Buin. It will built to a level 5 AB. Once the two proceeding tasks are done, lift will move across the Coral Sea to start the move into the SRA. Map shows the known situation in SEAC. You can see that while there is a big stack at Bangkok (this base has been heavily reconned and troop strength is c. 80 k - 15 small units), everywhere else is very poorly garrisoned with some bases outright empty. Not shown are the three units at Rahang the last time I reconned that base. A IJN TF of some size has exited the north end of the Strait of Molucca - wonder what they are up to. Larry better hope for bad weather because there are a lot of strike a/c about. Almost all the 4E of the China Expedition have returned home. There is more important work to be done. I did leave a full USAAF B-24 BG up there just to keep Larry honest. It will return to SEAC soon. May keep the AVG up there for a few weeks just to harass the Japanese. SOPAC is filled with various TF's heading in every conceivable direction [image]local://upfiles/25806/BB67DB888796422F9991752E46FE6F7A.jpg[/image]

vettim89 -> BOMB Tonight! (2/19/2009 4:19:08 AM)
20 October 1943 The SCTF hit Victoria Point. I lost about 20 a/c but the base/service damage are both in the 30's. GRRRRR. LBA puts six 500lb bombs into Hiei but they all bounce. Lots of deck damage though and she is on fire. The RN SCTF arrived too late to intercept. Larry has 200 a/c at Georgetown. Half tempted to send the RN down there to pound his AB. Let him see what its like for once First deliberate attack goes off tomorrow north of Bangkok. All my subs in the SCS are now moved to blockade Saigon and Haiphong. Row Boat Corps takes Shortlands before my Raider BTN get there. I'll have to find another target.

ny59giants -> RE: BOMB Tonight! (2/19/2009 1:42:47 PM)
I like to keep 2 American AKs in the SEAC to be used to build PT boats. They may not survive against a SCTF, but they will use up Op points and give you a chance to hit back. If you don't have any over there now, I would send some. [;)] Following up what Nemo said in another threat, I would start using massive amounts of transports which you have to move troops to empty bases and start being Mac around the northern coast of New Guinea. Add in the huge capacity of Coronados and other patrol planes, you should be able to leapfrog bases and eat up territory very quickly. Stir in Fast Transports and you should have a highly intoxicating mix. Good Luck!! [:D]

vettim89 -> RE: BOMB Tonight! (2/19/2009 8:42:28 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: ny59giants I like to keep 2 American AKs in the SEAC to be used to build PT boats. They may not survive against a SCTF, but they will use up Op points and give you a chance to hit back. If you don't have any over there now, I would send some. [;)] Following up what Nemo said in another threat, I would start using massive amounts of transports which you have to move troops to empty bases and start being Mac around the northern coast of New Guinea. Add in the huge capacity of Coronados and other patrol planes, you should be able to leapfrog bases and eat up territory very quickly. Stir in Fast Transports and you should have a highly intoxicating mix. Good Luck!! [:D] I have PT's at Tavoy but not VP. I have no fuel that far forward as of this point. Not that I need a lot of fuel but I need some. As to NG, everybase as far as Hollandia has at least 15 K troops at them. No weak point here. The gaps in the defense seem to be in the SRA and possibly western Pacific - Yap, Ulithi, Palau, etc.

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