Best USN CV escorts? (Full Version)

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madflava13 -> Best USN CV escorts? (3/4/2011 8:57:45 PM)

I'm thinking about reorganizing my CV TFs. What DDs do you all suggest are the best escorts for my carriers? I'm in 1942 - 4/42 upgrades are just around the corner...

While we're on topic, what CA/CLs are also best? (Besides the Atlantas?)



Rainer -> RE: Best USN CV escorts? (3/4/2011 9:22:57 PM)

To screen CV TFs I select DDs, CLs and CAs with high AA values. At the same time I try to include some DDs with high ASW numbers to protect against lurking subs. And one or two CAs (if available) with some fire power (gun) in case of encounters with surface TFs.
Alas, when creating a CV TF one often has to live with whatever is available.



crsutton -> RE: Best USN CV escorts? (3/4/2011 9:42:46 PM)

You gotta have a couple of fast BBs. They are there to provide AA support and to eat some bombs. Every carrier battle that I have has had my BBs take three or four bombs and a torpedo or two. If the BBs were not there, these hits would have most likely been taken by a carrier. Other than that it does not matter much. Any ship with a good AA value will do. Does not hurt if they have some legs as well.



wdolson -> RE: Best USN CV escorts? (3/4/2011 11:59:47 PM)

The fast BBs have good endurance, which can help keep the escorts going and the AA values on the later fast BBs is staggeringly high.  The fast BBs mostly served as massive flak batteries.

When forming a CV TF, I also look for good AA values and good endurance on a DD is a bonus.  The US gets a hand full of DDs with 8000 endurance.

In the real war the Navy stuck the old DDs on the outside ring of a TF and the newer ships on the inside.  The thought was if a sub was going to torpedo something, it's best to raise the odds they're going to hit something old and expendable than something newer.  This also had a side benefit because the crews of the old DDs were more experienced.  The ships on the edge of a TF have to work harder to stay in formation.  It was rough on the engines of the old DDs.  By war's end, those DDs were the first to be scrapped.

Bill





javnavy -> RE: Best USN CV escorts? (3/5/2011 1:16:28 AM)

Before the fast battleships and Atlanta class light cruisers show up, I like using the Brooklyn class light cruisers and Porter class destoyers for carrier esorts. That frees up the heavy cruisers for surface combat taskforces. Brooklyns have good sea endurance and the Porters (if I remember correctly) were Destroyer squadron leaders, intended to be flagships for destroyer squadron commanders (a bit heavier with more AAA).



inqistor -> RE: Best USN CV escorts? (3/5/2011 8:43:35 AM)

There is really only two things you should seek:
AA rating, and endurance (you do not want to stop mid-way during flank speed to refuel).
So large DDs, CLAAs, and fast BBs.
And lots of radars, probably.



hbrsvl -> RE: Best USN CV escorts? (3/5/2011 1:56:24 PM)

madflava13-What has worked for me is the following: 1.All CVs-CVLs in one TF(I call mine TF 38)with 2 CAs and 2CLs plus high AA DDs. 2. My fast BBs are in a separeate TF(TF 34)with a CA-CL or so plus DDs. This TF is set to follow TF 38. 3. A separate 4DD TF(as high in ASW as I can get) also set to follow TF 38.

To me this gives a lot of flexability in meeting any threat.

Clear sailing and great battles.

Hugh Browne




topeverest -> RE: Best USN CV escorts? (3/5/2011 6:15:07 PM)

Let me add 8 DD minimum with 32 points of ASW minimum.  More if you are going into shark infested waters.



CaptBeefheart -> RE: Best USN CV escorts? (3/8/2011 9:08:11 AM)

I like the idea of using one fast BB as a sponge in each CV TF if possible. Those kamis late war usually don't even scratch the paint, for instance. And as far as I can tell, shipboard AA does very little, so ASW ratings are probably more important for the DDs.

Edit: To be fair, the shipboard AA comment is in regards to an older version. I heard a rumor it may have been tweaked recently.

Cheers,
CC



bush -> RE: Best USN CV escorts? (3/8/2011 2:22:19 PM)

But at this stage of the war (early '42) the biggest threat should be subs. It is much too early to put your CV assets within range of ANY IJ aircraft. So my recommendation is have plenty of ASW strength and perhaps 2-3 CA/CL.



PaxMondo -> RE: Best USN CV escorts? (3/8/2011 2:22:31 PM)

To the OP: in early '42 (you state you are just coming up on 4/42 upgrades), as several suggested: you have to make do with what you have.  You don't have much to choose from, so don't worry it much. 

As '42 goes on, you will get a couple of faster BB's.  Even though slower than the CV's, I add them to soak up the hits IF I am going in harm's way. 

By end of '42 you start to have the ships outlined above by others that allow you to configure +30kn CAG's with BB's and a lot of radar/AAA. 

In '42 I try to limit my CAG's to about 12 ships total.



pmath -> RE: Best USN CV escorts? (3/8/2011 3:35:14 PM)

As Pax pointed out most of the suggestions above aren't available in April '42. In this time period combining multiple CVs into single TF causes heavy coordination penalties, so you are better off with multiple 1 CV TFs kept within support range of each other. The 4/42 BBs are too slow to escort CVs. You have to be very careful with your CVs at this point, your ASW is poor, fewer, less powerful escorts available for AA, your inexperience further hampers AA and ASW and you decks are laden with TBDs and Buffaloes. Just be aware you are at your most vulnerable and need to pick your battles. The April upgrades will improve your DD AA and ASW values. With the afore mentioned 1 CV TFs, I would fill them with all the 466 AA CAs you have and as many DDs with decent AA and as mentioned above Brooklyn CLs have decent AA. If you can get Brit/Dutch 8 ASW DDs to put in the task force or to form 4 DD ASW TFs to lead your carriers that will help. Put all you can get your hands on together as you you don't have enough ships to make 15 ship TFs for every CV. 15 is the max # ships that will coordinate AA support, get as close to that as you can.

Good Hunting



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