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Don Bowen -> RE: New, Small Classes of Vessels (3/8/2009 3:36:26 AM)
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Historically many small craft sailed across the open seas to destinations. Others were carried on cargo or other larger ships. Some were "some of each".
Larger US Navy YP and most YO types were capable of ocean voyages. The larger YPs, mostly converted fishing boats, made extended voyages. Those out of Pearl ran up the island chain, some even to Midway. YOs out of Pearl ran oil and supplies to Midway, Johnston, Palmyra, Christmas Island. YPs were active all over Alaska, and many sailed to Noumea and Australia and thence to the Solomons, New Guinea, and beyond. Smaller YPs, mostly in the 70-80 foot range, traveled to advanced bases as deck cargo but then undertook significant voyages. Solomons and New Guinea stand out. However, these are not in the game - we've limited it to the "tuna boat" type will full seagoing capability.
British HDML were mostly transported as deck cargo, with the exception of those built in the Far East. A total of 9 very famous HDML of the Burma and Malaya RNVR and a few units under construction at Singapore represent all the HDML in the stock scenarios. The larger Fairmile B motor launches were the size of US subchasers and every bit as capable of deep seep operations (although they were generally used in coastal operations). British and Indian ML made significant contributions to the coastal war in Burma - many of these are in the game. Australian and New Zealand units operated in the Solomans and New Guinea but largely after combat had moved on. These are not in the game, nor the late war Canadian craft.
Coastal Minesweepers (AMc) and the similarly sized coastal transports (APc) were capable of ocean voyages. Most AMc stayed along the coast but could be transferred over longer distances. Some Japanese "coastal" minesweepers were converted from small merchant ships and capable of full employment.
Uses:
Build local minesweeping TFs with AMc at your major ports and leave them there.
Use small patrol types (YP, ML, HDML, even SC and MGB) for local ASW patrol
Escort small convoys, barge traffic, and landing craft Task Forces with the same ships
I'll bet some interesting uses fall out of game play and end up in future mods.
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