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siRkid -> US Update (5/3/2002 10:19:23 PM)
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Background: During the battle for Guadalcanal the Japanese (Crocky) pounded the Allied fleet (Me) as it approached the island. Several things drove my strategy. From recon I knew Crocky had 3 coastal defense units on the island and I knew the island was ringed with mines. I decided to land my forces to the east of Lunga, establish a base of operations, and then march on the Lunga. Knowing that I would take heavy loses I made the decision to make one large drive to get my forces ashore. I took several turns to assemble 5 large transport fleets. Three of these carried troops and supplies and the other two just supplies. One fleet carried the Marine Raiders and Paratroopers destined for Tulagi. At the time Crocky and I were battling over Finschafen in New Guinea. I had hoped his air groups would be focused in that area. Up until this point I had been losing about 2:1 in ships. I was down 2 carriers and Crocky had only had 2 damaged. Unwilling to risk my remaining carriers I keep them in port.
Well the first turn I sailed, everything went ok. Only one transport fleet was sighted and attacked. It was at this point that the American Press announced the invasion was on (I posted it on this board). Crocky quickly assembled his carriers and sent them to rain hell down on my fleet. For two turns in a row I lost an average of 20 ships per turn. Fearing that I was losing the game I ordered my carriers to sea. I took one extra turn to position them to the SE knowing that my transports were paying the price. Part of my plan was to weaken his carrier Sqs by flack and operational loses (he didn‘t punch me in the nose I hit his fist with my nose). Well for whatever reason the big carrier battle went totally in my favor. Several Jap carriers were sunk or severely damaged. This put the game back on an even keel. I lost over 90 transports and other ships during this operation, but in the end Guadalcanal and Tulagi were mine. Crocky pulled out some of his troops so the battle for the islands only lasted a few turns.
Current Situation:
Russell Island - I took the Marines on Tulagi and loaded them up on three transports that were half sunk. I like to picture that in my head. Me looking a hard nose Marine Col and telling him he had to load his men and equipment on three ships that were still on fire and listing to port. I figured if I struck quickly at Russell Island I could take it by surprise. Well I lost a ship getting my men ashore and the defenders were too strong to be routed, but they are to weak to push me back into the sea. Right now we are at a stand off. Lucky for the marines they are now receiving air support from Lunga.
Wasp - I sent the Wasp on a raiding mission just below Truk hoping to slip in under the weather and sink some merchants. To tell you the truth I wanted some revenge. Well the carrier was spotted and Crocky sent a TF after it. It was damaged by carrier air attacks as it fled the area and has been sent back to Pearl for repairs.
Shortland - At the same time the Wasp was moving north I finally got a BB and sent it to bombard the Shortland base. This was risky because it is so close to Rabaul and its 80 Betty bombers. I took a turn to position the TF so it could get in and out in one turn (we are playing two day turns). Well I think I caught Crocky by surprise. I severely damage the airfield and destroyed many aircraft on the ground. Flushed with victory - frankly I was more excited that I pulled this off than I was over taking Lunga - I foolishly tried it again. Never try the same tactic twice on Crocky. This time the attack was driven off with several hit on my BB.
Gilli GillI - I tried to send a combat TF to Gilli Gilli so I could fend off the bombardment missions the Japs were sending up and down the coast of New Guinea. Well no sooner had they arrived then the 80 bombers form Rabaul sent them to the bottom or limping back to a safer port.
New Guinea - I had to let New Guinea suffer while the Guadalcanal operations were underway. I am now devoting 90% of my resources to re-supply the area. With the loss of so many transports, I can not focus on more than one area at a time. This will change as more ships arrive in the theater. I control every base except for Wewak, Madang, and Saido. As I write this, Crocky and I are engaged in a battle for air supremacy over New Guinea. I took all my B17s and long range bombers and stationed them in Cooktown. From there I am bombing the airfield at Mandang. I am also using my bombers stationed in New Guinea to bomb any airfield in range. Crocky is attacking the air fields at Pory Moresby and Lae. I must say that when his 80 Betty bomber attack my airfields they do a lot of damage. On occasion my fields have been shut down completely until I can repair them. I have lost a lot of planes on the ground.
To sum things up, naval operations have slowed down while air operations have increased. Land operations have switched from offensive to consolidation of territory gained. Submarine activity remains constant.
Ok this should bring everything up to date.
Rick
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