Getting the Show on the Road (Full Version)

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John 3rd -> Getting the Show on the Road (5/9/2015 12:52:10 PM)

OK. Been a very busy week where I couldn't do crap with the AAR. Since we are back to a flood watch here in Northern Colorado, I am going to thoroughly catch up the AAR while keeping the weather alert radio with me. Anyone remember those pictures I Posted two years ago when the little Platte River looked like the Mississippi? Well...people are pretty jump around here right now!



John 3rd -> RE: Getting the Show on the Road (5/9/2015 12:59:23 PM)

Argh. Just started writing the new entry when the email dinged. Turn in box from Michael. I am trying to trap his 'Death Star' so we'll see if I can hurt it this turn. Will run it and get back to the entry. Sorry for the delay...



John 3rd -> Getting the Show on the Road (5/9/2015 2:29:17 PM)

January 11, 1942

Michael's gran amalgamation of ships is continuously being tracked presently. I've got Betty--Mavis--Nell planes on heavy search WATCHING his TFs move slowly south then east along the barrier. With surprise gone, I rejoice at this development. Knowing WHERE 2/3 of the Allied Fleet is is DELIGHTFUL. You can see the TFs in the screenshot below NW of Bima.

This has allowed me to accelerate many other operations that I felt highly nervous over just days ago.

Rabaul is mine. Port Moresby will be landed upon tomorrow. Savaii is about to be invaded and the GREAT DECEPTION plan is now underway where I'll take Pago Pago with the 56th ID. I want Michael thinking I am going south in a big way. Cannot hide the massive gathering of troops, planes, and ships in the Line Islands vicinity. Hope the attack on Pago Pago will convince him of my intentions. Will grab, leave a small garrison, and head to Hawaii ASAP.

Eastern Storm's troops will be fully ready to move by the 20th. Am waiting for the last two convoys from Japan to arrive carrying the 9th Air Fleet's LCUs and aircraft. Once they are close then the order to invade shall be given.

The die is cast gentlemen. Long live the EMPEROR!

[image]local://upfiles/18041/5B31A93F6A6A483C941EA1924DC08A69.jpg[/image]



John 3rd -> Getting the Show on the Road (5/9/2015 4:32:28 PM)

In an interesting move, Michael has been trying to slip ships out of the Philippines over an extended period of time. This is pretty smart. I've kept 2-3 little 2-3 DD TF based at Babeldoap, Saipan, and Wake just to catch these easy pickings.

Found the sister ship to USS Langley last turn:


[image]local://upfiles/18041/96DE88C4474048D69E3578CF3D025847.jpg[/image]



John 3rd -> Carrier Movement (5/9/2015 10:49:46 PM)

January 15, 1942

Thought a 'big picture' map shot might help with where is what. Here is the current Japanese Carrier deployment:

KB-1 (Amagi, Hiryu, Soryu, Shokaku, Zuikaku and 5 BC) The Main Body of the Kido Butai is moving NNW after sinking a convoy of 2 PC and 9 AK on the 14th. Oilers have left Midway to rendezvous for fueling. Since Eastern Storm is still a ways away, I've decided to move this powerful unit up to the Aleutians in a few days to cover a major reinforcement of all Japanese garrisons. Have three convoys leaving the Kuriles and Northern Japan bringing supply, fuel, a Fleet HQ, 3 base Forces, 4 Engineering units, and two Naval Guard.

Michael has reinforced this area with a strong cruiser--destroyer TF and I have seen (through Glens) TF movement from Seattle to the Gulf of Alaska. Also put a Torp into CVL King's Mountain a week ago. Willing to bet Saratoga and Yorktown are there as well. I'd take a 5 CV to 2.5 CV fight! Maybe we can get lucky and BLAST some valuable shipping/warships.

KB-2 (2 CVL and 2 CAV) This Support Unit is moving to provide LRCAP over the Pago Pago--Savaii TF's. This is a short mission and then they'll return to Christmas Isle.

Not much chance of any meaningful opposition since everything is deployed far to the west.

KB-3 (3 CVL) Originally these three baby flattops were in the DEI and THANK GOODNESS I moved them to cover the Rabaul Landing. They would have been crushed by Michael's 'Death Star' had I not moved them. They are going to move east and Join Eastern Storm tomorrow.

KB-4 (3 CVE) these Escort Carriers have 39 Zero, 12 Val, and 12 kate on their decks and are currently near Midway. Will use them to provide LRCAP over the Aleutians TFs.



[image]local://upfiles/18041/D70CD2A7EE3545709A5FB946DA56C5F0.jpg[/image]



John 3rd -> Foiled Trap (5/14/2015 2:01:43 PM)

January 24, 1942
The Aleutians

As mentioned earlier, I have laid a trap in the north. Michael LOVES to move one or two of his CVs up into the Aleutians to try and ambush Japanese forces. Saratoga has already been there once this campaign.

Japan has staged an elaborate move into the Aleutians with the hope of drawing the remaining American CVs out into the open to be crushed by the KB. A number of cargo and troop TF have moved into position to reinforce and resupply Japanese holding. 'Covering' them and acting as an enticement for Michael are the three IJN CVEs. He has a pair of modern CLs and 6 DDs deployed at Dutch Harbor.

The 24th sees the Americans watching the approaching TFs while hoping to get a shot at the STF. This does occur with a strike of 19 Zero, 9 Val, and 9 Kate flying to Dutch Harbor. The strike certainly gets the American's attention but they all MISS their targets! Rat FARTS!

I 'act' all disappointed in an email to Michael HOPING to draw the Americans out.

I am betting that Yorktown and Saratoga are in Seattle. King's Mountain is for sure there due to the Torpedo hit she took about a month ago. Three little CVEs are ripe fruit for the pickings. The screenshot shows the movements of various TFs as they move in for the resupply and reinforcement. KB moves slowly NE un-spotted by the enemy.

Here kitty--kitty. Come on out and play...


[image]local://upfiles/18041/06311E42AAD9461A9D3F0EA4B921E11C.jpg[/image]



John 3rd -> Foiled Trap (5/15/2015 1:20:17 PM)

January 25, 1942


FROM: Imperial General Headquarters
TO: Combined Fleet

"Commence Operation Eastern Storm."




John 3rd -> Foiled Trap (5/15/2015 1:24:07 PM)

January 25, 1942

FROM: Combined Fleet
TO: All Units Attached--Combined Fleet

"All Phase ONE units begin loading for Operation Eastern Storm."

(An IJA Brigade and large Base Force) begin loading at Wake Island for Johnston Atoll)



Lecivius -> RE: Foiled Trap (5/15/2015 2:20:30 PM)

[sm=00000613.gif]



Canoerebel -> RE: Operation Alpha Crucis (5/15/2015 2:25:15 PM)

Just doin' my part to throw Michael off the scent.

Oh, and John....have fun doin' what you have fun doin'.

[:)]



John 3rd -> RE: Operation Alpha Crucis (5/15/2015 2:46:10 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Canoerebel

Just doin' my part to throw Michael off the scent.

Oh, and John....have fun doin' what you have fun doin'.

[:)]



ALWAYS Baby!

May the Empire last a THOUSAND years: BANZAI!

[sm=duel.gif]



John 3rd -> RE: Operation Alpha Crucis (5/15/2015 4:45:24 PM)

January 27,1942

Troops are already at sea heading for their first target: Johnston Isle.

Soldiers begin loading into transports all along the Line Islands.

Soldiers begin loading into transports at Midway and Wake.

Operation Eastern Storm
Final OOB

Northern Force
Kido Butai-1 (5 CV, 5 BC, and Support Ships)

Lihue Invasion Force (6th Infantry Brigade, 1st Maizuru SNLF Assault Brigade, 2 Engineering units, 1 Air Flotilla, and 1 Base Force.
Lihue Close Cover Force (3 CA, 3 CL, 6 DD)

Central Force
D-3 Johnston Isle Invasion Force (6th Inf Brigade, 1st SNLF Para Brigade, and 1 Large BF).

D+2 Lahaina Invasion Force (2nd ID, 1st Para SNLF Brigade, CD unit, 2 Base Force and an Air Flotilla

Southern Force
Kido Butai-2 (5 CVL, 2 CAV, 6 BB, 8 CA, 6 CL, and Support Ships)

Kona Invasion Force (56th ID, 3 Engineers, and 1 BF)

Hilo Invasion Force (Guards Mixed Brigade, 1st China SNLF Brigade, 3 Engineers, 1 BF, and an Air Flotilla)




[image]local://upfiles/18041/ECB41AA26F714DABBE20BEEAC75C278F.jpg[/image]



seille -> RE: Operation Alpha Crucis (5/16/2015 8:54:56 AM)

John i canīt wait to see how this works.
Donīt you think Michael got some hints already from Intel ?
To be honest if i knew you would go for Hawaii i would talk to you about the weather on the phone [:D]
Did you prep your units for Hawaii ?
If he know youīre coming what do you think will be his counter measures ?
Or is it too late already cause his fleet is too far away ?

You already tried a similar attack in a earlier game if i remember right.
Again: I wish it will work. Want to see Michael sweat [:'(]



John 3rd -> RE: Operation Alpha Crucis (5/16/2015 12:59:50 PM)

Hey Sir.

To answer point-by-point:
1. Intel: Michael hasn't gotten any YET. No one is prepping for anything there. I am setting TF to empty ocean hexes.

2. Michael and I speak all the time. We've recently been talking about my 'big move' into the south as well as his dratted SS being everywhere. Hi e is upset of useless American TTs while I have been gloating of my 150+ bombers in Singers being set to 10% search and 50% ASW. They are having quite a good time around Singers presently.

3. As said no prepping. Once I take Johnston Atoll (2-3 days) then he will know. I don't take that atoll due to it being in range of his B-17s. Once it falls then he'll KNOW things are coming east. He's said that intel keeps pointing at Christmas Isle but thinks I am using that as the staging area for going South. This is why I took Pago Pago, Savaii, and Upolu. He thinks I am headed for Suva, New Caledonia and--perhaps--New Zealand.

4. Counter-Measures: He has 2 CV and a CVL on the west coast (I think!) while the rest of his fleet is probably halfway around Aussieland. I'll be dealing with what is in Pearl presently. Last time I tried this, I did not take enough bases and my opponent was able to keep them silenced due to bombardments. This time I am taking EVERYTHING prior to PH. Am, additionally, bringing every mine I can load. There will be minefields of 3-600 mines at every location I grab. They will be sown either the day before or the day of landing. These two measures alone will help some. Lahaina is key. I need that Sz-3 AF to be able to bring in bombers quickly.

I will have deployed nearly the entire Fleet: 5 CV, 5 CVL, 2 CAV, 3 CVE, 6 BB, 5 BC, and LOTS of support ships. My chief concern is the horrific PH attack to start the game. His old BBs will be getting repaired fairly soon and I will have to deal with them. Will move 12 Ro-Class SS into the actual Hawaiian waters and shall hope for the best after that.

We're in this for the long haul and I expect some very troubling days ahead. Michael is a great opponent so he will work to find ways to upset the plan. We'll see...



obvert -> RE: Operation Alpha Crucis (5/16/2015 1:04:36 PM)

He doesn't need to see prep. He could see 'unit xxx loaded on xxx moving to xxx."



Lowpe -> RE: Operation Alpha Crucis (5/16/2015 1:53:14 PM)

Be careful about dropping mines on the enemy base and then invading.

My Captains like to then blunder into our own minefields before the base flips. Doesn't happen a lot, but it has happened.

Then there is some kind of glitch, after the base flips, where all your task forces encounter the minefield, but don't actually hit any mines.

Good luck!



Sangeli -> RE: Operation Alpha Crucis (5/16/2015 8:38:43 PM)

Who cares if Michael knows its coming. You are Japan. You don't need to care if they know whats going to hit them in spring 42 if you do it right. If I were Michael I would send my carriers to the DEI but lets see what he does. Only that could cause real problems for you I think.



John 3rd -> RE: Operation Alpha Crucis (5/17/2015 5:41:55 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Sangeli

Who cares if Michael knows its coming. You are Japan. You don't need to care if they know whats going to hit them in spring 42 if you do it right. If I were Michael I would send my carriers to the DEI but lets see what he does. Only that could cause real problems for you I think.


In many ways you are darned right! The DEI is the danger point but he has either moved to the IO or is down near Melbourne. He loves to swap out his older airframes there as well as do more training at either location.

I've landed three ID in Java. It is on the way to being finished.

Have held off on the eastern DEI side but am getting ready to bust Ambon (I've landed but not taken it) and drive on Koepang. His bringing the Allied Fleet here a few weeks ago had a real chance of disrupting everything but buggin out so quickly simply caused me to pause for 5-6 days. Now we're rolling again. This window of Allied opportunity is closing FAST.



John 3rd -> RE: Operation Alpha Crucis (5/17/2015 5:42:30 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

Be careful about dropping mines on the enemy base and then invading.

My Captains like to then blunder into our own minefields before the base flips. Doesn't happen a lot, but it has happened.

Then there is some kind of glitch, after the base flips, where all your task forces encounter the minefield, but don't actually hit any mines.

Good luck!



GOOD note! Will follow and mine the day I land/capture the bases.



John 3rd -> RE: Operation Alpha Crucis (5/17/2015 5:43:20 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

He doesn't need to see prep. He could see 'unit xxx loaded on xxx moving to xxx."


This is why I change the destination hex several times during the journey. Intel cannot decript ALL of them!



seille -> RE: Operation Alpha Crucis (5/17/2015 8:16:25 AM)

From my amateur view it looks like you did all to make the operation a success.
Will be interesting to see what Michael will do. Heīs a hard nut.



John 3rd -> "NUTS!" (5/17/2015 1:49:57 PM)

YES: He is nuts.

Just sent the next turn. The Johnston Invasion Force will be spotted this coming turn. I am leaving KB up in the Gulf of Alaska for two more days. My SS spotted whats looks like a TF coming up from the Seattle Area this turn. Have kept the Vals and Kates training but will shift them active next turn. If I spot nothing then it is time to head south to provide air cover for Eastern Storm.

Badly need to do a comprehensive update but have only been able to keep this side of the Pacific going. Sorry about that. Maybe I can do that today? We'll see...



John 3rd -> "NUTS! (5/17/2015 2:04:28 PM)

Should note that I made a second landing in Java and watched the Dutch Air Force impale itself on Japanese airpower. Over two days I lost 5 fighters in exchange for nearly 50 planes. NICE!

He can bring back his Death Star right now and not impact the DEI. All oil facilities and major resource hubs shall be in my control within 3-5 days.



John 3rd -> US CVs in the NORTH! (5/17/2015 7:36:36 PM)

January 31, 1942

Patience and knowing thy opponent may just truly pay off. The Americans--as expected and hoped for--arrive and pummel the Japanese BAIT (losing 3 APD and 6 AK). Whether this is worth it shall be seen NEXT TURN. KB is ordered to move north and ENGAGE the enemy.

Strength:
USA 2 CV and 1 CVL (with extra fighters)

Japan 5 CV, 4 BC, 2 CA, 2 CL, and 10 DD

Air Inventory: 156 Zero, 115 Val, 87 Kate, 8 Recon Kate, and 34 Jakes

Decided to get sneaky by transferring all 39 Zeros from the three CVEs to augment KB Fighter Strength. The CVEs are staying far enough out of the battle area to be available to pick-up 'wounded' carrier aircraft while not getting into the actual battle.

Have the TF set to arrive smack in the middle of Michael's retreat path. REACT is set to the full 6. Hope to spot the enemy at extreme range and launch outside the American range of comfort. If closer then so be it.


Here READERS is the first true roll of the dice for Japan.

BANZAI![sm=sterb011.gif]


[sm=tank2-39.gif]

[image]local://upfiles/18041/748572286B634B38AE77DD5ECA761DC4.jpg[/image]



John 3rd -> US CVs in the NORTH! (5/18/2015 1:11:24 AM)

February 1, 1942

The ambush is sprung up north as KB moves into a blocking position HOPING to catch US CVs. Doesn't happen. Michael chooses to move farther west and launch an Air Strike against Umnak (more wasted sorties from two days of flying--pretty sure he doesn't have many TTs left either).

Surprise is complete BUT NO STRIKES FLY! Crap..

The Kido Butai is spotted but just at a detection level of TWO. What does that probably give him for info?

Here is my proposed move. CAP is at 50%, all Kate/Val set at 11,000 Ft, and we throw out a pair of BCs with 4 DDs to mess with any STF that get too close.

Michael said he would be gone for a few hours. Am going to sit on this and think before sending. Any thoughts, ideas, and/or commentary my readers???


[image]local://upfiles/18041/226D093D915544EC9E8D73EE973A9C8E.jpg[/image]



John 3rd -> CenPac (5/18/2015 1:16:12 AM)

February 1, 1942
Johnston Atoll

The cat is out of the bag FOLKS! Only at this range does the Johnston Atoll Invasion Forces get spotted. Escort will arrive from Midway in the form of 3 CA, 3 CL, and 6 DD. Landing force is the 6th Inf Brigade and a large Base Force. Following them is the 1st SNLF Para Brigade.

Coming up from Christmas is a TF carrying an Air Flotilla, BF, and engineering unit to add to the Lihue Invasion Force loading at Midway.


[image]local://upfiles/18041/7B52BDA690A040D1BB1A7B1C94615473.jpg[/image]



Lowpe -> RE: CenPac (5/18/2015 1:46:21 AM)

Great trap!!! What bad luck not getting anything.

No clue as to what he sees.

Good luck.

I just got done listening to an interview from a Naval College guy who thought the best Japan could have done is to put everything they have at taking some Islands near to Hawaii, and making America fight for each one in a grueling war of attrition and hope public sentiment would favor a negotiated settlement.

He didn't mention logistics.[:)]

What makes you think Michael will know you are going for Hawaii and not just a listening post/tripwire.




pws1225 -> RE: CenPac (5/18/2015 2:44:15 AM)

[sm=00000613.gif]



vicberg -> RE: CenPac (5/18/2015 2:56:23 AM)

He probably knows there some CVs coming to party. It's a difficult choice for him right now. Go south and then east or hide up in Nome. You are taking the KB close to his surface fleets. Hope you have some night search going. He probably knows there's a couple CVs and probably making a direct run towards them.

Enjoying this AAR. I've been away for years. Back now. Lahaina is the short term key for you. Need to get that base up to level 4 for your LBA.

I'm setting up an RA55 scenario. Haven't taken the plunge yet to start a game. Reading these AARs gets me wanting to again.




Mike McCreery -> RE: CenPac (5/18/2015 3:01:47 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Lowpe

Great trap!!! What bad luck not getting anything.

No clue as to what he sees.

Good luck.

I just got done listening to an interview from a Naval College guy who thought the best Japan could have done is to put everything they have at taking some Islands near to Hawaii, and making America fight for each one in a grueling war of attrition and hope public sentiment would favor a negotiated settlement.

He didn't mention logistics.[:)]

What makes you think Michael will know you are going for Hawaii and not just a listening post/tripwire.




I think taking islands close to America would have been a motivator rather than a deterrent to Americans.





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