RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition (Full Version)

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Schlussel -> RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition (11/4/2017 6:00:50 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: HMASAustralia

Is there a particular reason you are going into the Celebes and then on towards Java? Would it not be faster, requiring less troops and less asset dispersion to hit Hainan, Saigon and Cam Ranh Bay from Northern Borneo while also providing an anvil upon which to smash the retreating forces from Burma. Or will that break the AI?
On that note do you intend to take the Palawans? As they look to flank the small islands between Luzon and Mindanao while together with Sanadakan, Jolo and Cotabato allow the short legged P-40s and P-39s to LRCAP the entire way through the Philippines relieving your Carriers for the Marianas or other operations.


Welcome to the thread HMASAustralia. Yes you are correct, the path you suggest would require fewer troops and less asset dispersion, but like you mentioned, I fear it may break the AI (other forumites have advised that it doesn't react too well to deep invasions). Furthermore, my plan from the beginning has been to try and spread out the Japanese and force them to defend multiple axes of advance.

To do this, I need to advance on a wide front while still moving to cut off the Japanese access to the DEI. Operation Chimera will form the southern pincer of this move on the DEI, while the allied advance from Burma into Indochina will form the northern. Hainan may eventually be invaded, but for now the current op should prove sufficient in severing Japan's fuel/oil lifeline.

As for the Palawans, I have not looked there yet (but I will definitely consider your suggestion), as I have been eyeing bases on the other side of the Sulu Sea, specifically Jolo and Zamboanga, as they already have developed airfields.

Your comment about LBA coverage is spot on, and my plan is to use Mindano as my base and work my way up the Philippines under the cover of army fighters, thus freeing my carriers to strike at more isolated targets...the Marianas being one of those.

As for my esteemed Canadian colleague's question, taking the path less traveled to those oil centers has been high on my priority list for many of the reasons you mentioned. I would also add that having these oil centers will supply my own naval forces with the fuel they will need to operate for extended periods without having to return to Rabaul to gas up. That's the plan anyway, time will tell if it works out as intended.



Schlussel -> RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition (11/10/2017 2:32:43 PM)

Situation Report – October 1st 1943
[img]https://i.imgur.com/BqgrMpv.jpg[/img]




Central/North Pacific:
[img]https://i.imgur.com/pG2KH3L.jpg[/img]


Capital Ships: 1-CVL, 3-BB (@Pearl Harbor)

Fuel Reserves: 3,286K @ Pearl Harbor

Near-Term Plans: Continue developing bases in Aleutians. Operation to secure critical bases in Marshalls/Gilberts. 27th, 43rd, and 7th Inf. Divisions are prepping for Tarawa, Kwajalein, and Roi Namur respectively.

Long Term Plans: Advance on Marianas/Philippines.





SW Pacific:
[img]https://i.imgur.com/Ky3by7M.jpg[/img]


Capital Ships: 6-CV, 6-CVE, 2-CVL, 13-BB

Fuel Reserves:
1,701K @ Noumea
325K @ Milne Bay
273K @ Rabaul

Near-Term Plans: Secure bases Borneo/Celebs/Mindano to assist cutting off oil/fuel from Japanese home islands..

Long Term Plans: Capture Java/Sumatra




SE Asia/China:
[img]https://i.imgur.com/Zq78PKS.jpg[/img]


Capital Ships: 2-BB (@Colombo) 1-CV in route

Fuel Reserves:
1,779K @ Colombo
1,419K @ Rangoon

Near-Term Plans: Advance down the coast and capture Tavoy/Mergui. Separate Allied advance to head inland and capture Bangkok via the Rahaeng road.

Long Term Plans: Threaten Singapore/Saigon. Link up with Chinese in Indochina.




Base Supply/Construction Status:

Attu:
Port Size: 3.79 (+0.19)
Airfield Size: 3.97 (+0.20)
Supplies: 1K (10 Weeks of normal operations)

Babeldaob:
Port Size: 5.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 7.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 22K (7 Weeks of normal operations)

Eniwetok:
Port Size: 5.00 (+0.34)
Airfield Size: 1.48 (+0.35)
Supplies: 20K (17 Weeks of normal operations)

Milne Bay:
Port Size: 6.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 7.88 (+0.28)
Supplies: 84K (100+ Weeks of normal operations)

Manus:
Port Size: 7.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 8.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 95K (14 Weeks of normal operations)

Mussau:
Port Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 8.00 (+0.71)
Supplies: 166K (20+ Weeks of normal operations)

Pago-Pago:
Port Size: 4.12 (+0.11)
Airfield Size: 6.48 (+0.07)
Supplies: 44K (20+ Weeks of normal operations)

Rabaul:
Port Size: 7.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 9.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 345K (11 Weeks of normal operations)

Rangoon:
Port Size: 9.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 9.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 336K (20+ Weeks of normal operations)

Ulithi:
Port Size: 4.02 (+0.00)
Airfield Size: 1.03 (+0.47)
Supplies: 21K (11 Weeks of normal operations)

Yap:
Port Size: 3.12 (+ 2.12)
Airfield Size: 4.01 (+2.01)
Supplies: 20K (9 Weeks of normal operations)



Zecke -> RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition (11/10/2017 2:48:08 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Schlussel

**FLASH REPORT April 30, 1943**

**FOR YOUR EYES ONLY**

Content in the transmission describes Allied operation to isolate and neutralize Truk.


Code-name: FORBEARANCE


Plan: With Rabaul neutralized, the next operation will target Truk, the Japanese island fortress in the Central Pacific. The Allies have vowed to take the lessons learned from the Rabaul operation and apply them to this upcoming effort.

Truk is much better suited for defense (Jungle-Rough terrain, and 60K stacking limit) than Rabaul, so Allied high command has opted to bypass the enemy concentration and use multiple flanking movements to render it useless to the Japanese. These movements will also serve to cut off Japanese positions in the Marshal/Gilbert Islands and set the stage for future operations toward the Philippines and the Marianas.





Phase 1A: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Establish naval blockade of Truk using DD's and submarines.
-Knock out Truk Airfield.


Phase 1B: [May 1943 to July 1943]
-Assault & capture Kusaie.
-Assault & capture Ponape.
-Assault & capture Eniwetok.


Phase 1C: [May 1943 to August 1943]
-Assault & capture Woleai.
-Assault & capture Ulithi.
-Assault & capture Yap.
-Assault & capture Babeldaob.




**END TRANSMISSION**

[image]local://upfiles/25084/89394B405F724F20BA66538BFC0FDD8F.jpg[/image]



Thats a really Good plan; the south door¡..i liked; as the americans did; forget TRUK, the japans always thought that around truk will sink many Cvs; but the IA Knows also and always TRUK is the most strong point of the map; recieving around 120.000 soldiers with CD/ART invencible; maybe i will try to take truk in my ALLIED WITP GAME; if Rabaul is allowed to fullfill B-29 or high with no escorts.



BBfanboy -> RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition (11/10/2017 2:51:25 PM)

Any chance those cut-off troops SW of Rabaul are being hauled out by Mavis or Emily?



Schlussel -> RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition (11/13/2017 5:12:37 AM)

Thanks Zecke. Yeah I think avoiding Truk has proven to be a good decision so far. And now that I have Babeldaob, I've got a good port close to the frontline.


quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Any chance those cut-off troops SW of Rabaul are being hauled out by Mavis or Emily?


Sure BBF, rain on my parade![;)]

Actually that brings up a few good questions:

1. Does the AI evacuate troops via airlift?
2. Can you evac troops from a non-base hex?

I thought the answer to both questions was "no", but correct me if I am wrong. (its happened many times before) [:D]



BBfanboy -> RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition (11/13/2017 6:09:35 AM)

Not sure what the AI will do. You may be right that it does not do evacs.
But a human player can pick up at a non-base coastal hex with Patrol seaplanes and FT TFs using the "Pick Up Troops" setting (which only shows itself after you pick the target hex).



Schlussel -> RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition (11/18/2017 2:02:48 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Not sure what the AI will do. You may be right that it does not do evacs.
But a human player can pick up at a non-base coastal hex with Patrol seaplanes and FT TFs using the "Pick Up Troops" setting (which only shows itself after you pick the target hex).

Thanks BBF, that non base hex airlift ability is a good thing to know...though hopefully I won't have to use it in this game.[:D]



Schlussel -> RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition (11/23/2017 2:11:31 PM)

Week 95: September 29th – October 5th 1943

North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu. No IJN activity.




Central Pacific:
Midweek Babeldaob capitulates and the Allies begin the task of repairing all the base damage they caused (99 port/100 Service/100 Runway). By the end of the week, runway damage is low enough to allow a few squadrons of P-47s to operate. Not enough to stop a determined carrier strike, but it should deter any small/medium sized LBA raids. More aircraft will transfer in once additional support units unload.

No KB sorties this week, which is a blessing, as its allowing my repair of Babeldoab to progress un-interrupted.
Truk bombing campaign is maintaining pressure on the enemy base. Intel indicates all damaged aircraft at the enemy base have been destroyed. Damage is hovering around 99% Airfield and 100% Port.
Inconclusive deliberate attack this week @ Morotai, I get a 1:7 result but neither side loses much (10 disabled squads each). We’ll reform and try again next week.

Talaud-Eilanden was in fact un-garrisoned. Paratroopers seize the base and support units sitting off Morotai, dash over and unload. Work begins immediately on the Talaud-Eilanden airfield.





Southern Pacific:
No IJN activity.





South-West Pacific:
Slowly reducing the Japanese pocket on Northern New Guinea. 2EB and bombardment TFs keep the pressure on. 400AV made the pilgrimage from Hollandia to Vanimo. A probing attack should occur early next week.




DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, no IJN activity noted.





SE Asia/China:
The Allies finally cornered the ejected defenders of Pisanuloke. The main infantry force arrived from the northeast while the faster British 50th Armored brigade swung around the enemy’s left and moved up from the southwest. The Japanese still have a retreat path to the east, but it suits me fine if they move that way….as it means they will not add their strength to the defense of Bangkok. If they retreat east,I can use a small combat unit to pin them there.

The capture of Tavoy was completed this past week. In addition to 19K casualties (106 combat/400 Non-combat squads), over 60 enemy aircraft were destroyed on the ground. Now it’s onward to Mergui, where the Japanese have an even larger (lvl 9) air facility. Once the fields at Mergui and Bangkok are neutralized, the operation to secure Port Blair will be given the green light.

In China, troops are in a defensive posture, and the supply situation is still improving. Transport planes are still flying supply from Chunking to Sian, and it is really helping the supply situation in the Loyang area.




IJN Watch:
-6CV (90F/100B) and 4BB spotted at Tinian all week.




Notable Base Captures:
- Babeldaob [Caroline Islands] occupied by the Allies (9/30)
- Tavoy [Indochina] captured by the Allies (10/3)




Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 6,748 [+99]
Biggest Losses (#):P-40K Warhawk (578), Hurricane IIc (522), SBD-3 Dauntless (372)

Japanese: 19,738 [+531]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (4,905), Ki-43 IIb Oscar (2,330), Ki-27b Nate (1,615)


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 588 [+6]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CVE Corregidor, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 1,274 [+9]
Notables: CV Soryu, CV Kaga, CV Junyo, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVL Ryuho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, BB Kirishima, BB Nagato, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Aoba.


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 10,680 [+74]
Japanese: 8,763 [+130]
A/J Ratio: 1.22 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 52,870 [+431]
Japanese: 31,538 [+183]
A/J Ratio: 1.68 to 1




Operation Chimera:
Phase 1A:
-Assault & Capture Cotabato
-Secure Mindano

Phase 1B:
-Assault & Capture Balikpapan
-Assault & Capture Tarakan
-Reinforce Brunei

Phase 1C:
-Assault & Capture Watampone
-Assault & Capture Kolaka
-Assault & Capture Makassar
-Assault & Capture Kendari




Other Notes:
-With the capture of Babeldaob, Forbearance is now in the books. It took about a month longer than anticipated, but now the door is open to fulfill MacArthur’s promise to return.


[image]local://upfiles/25084/A5172757346E428E9DD76FB7E028DFFF.jpg[/image]



Schlussel -> RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition (12/10/2017 4:04:17 PM)

**FLASH REPORT October 8, 1943**


**FOR YOUR EYES ONLY**


Content in the transmission describes Allied operation to cripple the enemies CV arm, and open the road to the Japanese home islands.




Code-name: APERTURE



[img]https://i.imgur.com/jjhc5OT.jpg[/img]



Plan: In concert with the push into the DEI, this operation will widen the front line the enemy must defend...and will bring the Japanese home islands into B-29 range (once they begin rolling off the assembly lines in late spring).

Allied command has decided that to fulfill this mission, 3 of the Islands in the Marianas chain will need to be captured, along with Marcus Island (to provide a short and reliable supply line. In addition, the main portion of the Japanese carrier fleet have been reported in the area, so the plan is to strike with concentrated force, and hopefully catch them before they flee to the safety of Honshu or thereabouts. The phases of this operation are as follows:



Phase 1 - Guam, Tinain, and Saipan: Landings at the three most-developed Marianas islands will secure port facilities and large airfields close to the front line.



Phase 2 - Marcus: Capture of this Japanese outpost North East of the Marianas will open a significantly shorter supply line from the US mainland. This will be crucial to support the future air and land campaigns aimed at the home islands.



Other Factors: KB (4-5 CV) was detected @ Tinian a little over a week ago. 12 Allied CVEs and 4 CVLs will cover the amphibious groups, while the 7 American Fleet Carriers will position themselves to ambush the enemy.



Timetable: Troops for the targeted invasion sites (4 Divisions + Support units) are already 100% prepped. Operations should begin in a little over a week, once the required amphibious shipping is available at Rabaul.


**END TRANSMISSION**



jwolf -> RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition (12/11/2017 12:31:07 AM)

I'm looking forward to this. Happy hunting! [8D]



Schlussel -> RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition (12/21/2017 2:15:52 PM)

Week 96: October 6th – October 12th 1943

North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu. No IJN activity.




Central Pacific:
Babeldaob airfield is fully repaired and the port damage is down to 64. A squadron of P-38 Lightning’s flew in midweek to augment the Thunderbolts flying CAP.

Mid-week, a portion of the KB based at Tinian sorties again and hits Woleai, Ulithi, and Yap with medium sized air raids. Minor damage was inflicted to each base (repaired by the following day), and the allies downed over 75 Japanese carrier attack aircraft. Not too shabby. Allied fleet carriers are rearming at Rabaul and then will move into this area (near Yap/Ulithi) to prepare for the opening phase of Aperture.

Truk bombing campaign is maintaining pressure on the enemy base. Damage is hovering around 100% Airfield and 100% Port.

Deliberate attack early in the week @ Morotai, gets a 1:4 result…not anything to get excited about…but the attack does drop the forts to three. However, the following day, the Japanese land reinforcements (a tank regiment plus a portion of the 19th Division) and their raw AV jumps from 81 to 351. Now outnumbering the Allies on the island, the Japanese try a deliberate attack. Luckily my troops were resting up and were in a defensive posture, the Japanese attack was blunted and a stalemate results.




Southern Pacific:
No IJN activity.




South-West Pacific:
Vanimo falls easily on a shock attack from troops that arrived from Hollandia. Allies are continuing to pound what is left of the defenders on the north coast of New Guinea…which are now concentrated at Wewak.




DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, no IJN activity noted.




SE Asia/China:
The enemy stack SW of Pisanuloke was assaulted and retreats eastward, but loses 60 combat squads, 200 Non-combat squads, 12 guns and over 60 vehicles. The road is open to Bangkok from the northeast.

On the northwest approaches to Bangkok, a reinforced Allied army pushed back an IJN division and inflicted over 3,000 casualties (124 combat/75+ non-combat squads). The enemy force retreats into the Bangkok entrenchments.

Following up last week’s capture of Tavoy, the Allies advanced down the coast towards Mergui. Over enemy 200 fighters are reported there….so a concerted night bombing campaign begins, with the goal of neutralizing this airfield. Progress is moderate, and at the end of the week the field is 14% damaged and about 40 enemy aircraft are reported destroyed on the airfields of Mergui.

In China, troops are in a defensive posture, and the supply situation is still improving. Transport planes are still flying supply from Chunking to Sian, and it is really helping the supply situation in the Loyang area.




IJN Watch:
-4 to 6CV (90F/100B) and 4BB spotted at Tinian all week.




Notable Base Captures:
- Vanimo [New Guinea] occupied by the Allies (10/8)




Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 6,811 [+63]
Biggest Losses (#):P-40K Warhawk (591), Hurricane IIc (528), SBD-3 Dauntless (372)

Japanese: 20,065 [+330]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (4,339), Ki-43 IIb Oscar (2,631), Ki-51 Sonia (1,366)


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 589 [+1]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CVE Corregidor, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 1,279 [+5]
Notables: CV Soryu, CV Kaga, CV Junyo, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVL Ryuho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, BB Kirishima, BB Nagato, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Aoba.


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 10,686 [+6]
Japanese: 8,921 [+158]
A/J Ratio: 1.19 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 54,247 [+1,377]
Japanese: 31,604 [+62]
A/J Ratio: 1.71 to 1




Operation Chimera:
Phase 1A:
-Assault & Capture Cotabato
-Secure Mindano

Phase 1B:
-Assault & Capture Balikpapan
-Assault & Capture Tarakan
-Reinforce Brunei

Phase 1C:
-Assault & Capture Watampone
-Assault & Capture Kolaka
-Assault & Capture Makassar
-Assault & Capture Kendari




Operation Aperture:
Phase 1:
-Assault & Capture Guam [Amphibious assets assembling at Rabaul]
-Assault & Capture Tinian [Amphibious assets assembling at Rabaul]
-Assault & Capture Saipan [Amphibious assets assembling at Rabaul]

Phase 2:
-Assault & Capture Marcus




Other Notes:
-The enemy’s reinforcement at Morotai was definitely a surprise, I had them on the ropes and luckily I didn’t schedule another deliberate on the day their fresh troops arrived…it could have ended badly. The funny thing is, I did not get any landing messages, my only indication came when the Japanese attacked and I saw their inflated AV. Does the AI reinforce by air? 260 AV seems like a lot to land in just one day. Hmmmm, I wonder.



Schlussel -> RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition (12/31/2017 6:55:58 AM)

Week 97: October 13th – October 19th 1943
North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu. No IJN activity.




Central Pacific:
Talaud-Eilanden receives some more engineers and a base force, allowing 2 P-40K squadrons to fly in and operate out of the new airstrip. The engineers continue building up the facilities….the airfield has a level 8 potential, which will come in handy for future operations in the region.

D-day @ Guam is about 4 days away. The massive Allied amphibious armada is methodically steaming northward from Rabaul. Within this grouping are assault, supply, bombardment, and ASW TFs for each of the 3 islands (Guam, Saipan, and Tinian)….plus all the Air combat TFs (both CVE and Fleet CVs). The plan is to approach the Marianas and invite the enemy to batter themselves upon our CAP…then the fleet CVs will sprint to a position north of the Marianas and set up an ambush. Allied command feels that the amphibious assault will cause the Japanese carriers to flee northwards…where a trap can hopefully be sprung.

The Truk bombing campaign was put on a temporary hold this week to allow bombers to ream and rest up. During this time, the damage dropped to around 90% Airfield and 60% Port. Geeze, those Japanese engineers work fast.

Allies are holding onto their beachhead at Morotai (forts are at 2 now), fighting off two more Japanese deliberate attacks. The enemy still holds the AV advantage, but with Talaud-Eilanden’s airfield up and running, I am now able to shift some naval assets to Morotai to enforce a blockade. More troops will be shifted here once the Marianas invasion winds down in 3 weeks or so.

Late in the week, an amphibious group carrying the 7th infantry division and a regiment of tanks leaves Pearl Harbor, heading southeast towards Tarawa. Intelligence and bombing results indicate the defenders are battered and starving, and the time has come to liberate this British territory from Japanese rule. Clearing a more direct supply line to Rabaul will be nice too.




Southern Pacific:
No IJN activity.




South-West Pacific:
IJA positions on Northern New Guinea near Ataipe and Wewak continue to take a pounding from Allied air. Supply is an issue for the Japanese here, and we intend to make it worse.




DEI/Philippines:
In the Philippines, all my base are belong to Japan.

In the DEI, no IJN activity noted.




SE Asia/China:
The Allied army northeast of Bangkok make good progress towards Ayuthia. This city is crucial because it commands the only access road to Bangkok that does not cross a river. This force includes 3 divisions (2 Indian and 1 Australian) along with a tank brigade…over 1,600 AV in all.

On the northwest approaches to Bangkok, the Allied army faces an entrenched enemy across the river in Bangkok. The Allies here switch to a defensive posture, sending a detachment south to seal off Bangkok from the Malay Peninsula.

On the Thailand coast, the Allies advance on Mergui and quickly take the base. With this base and Tavy in Allied hands, the air offensive on Bangkok will be much more effective. The Japanese have almost 300 fighters, so phase1 will involve mostly night bombing runs to test the AA defenses.

In China, troops are in a defensive posture, and the supply situation is still improving. Transport planes are still flying supply from Chunking to Sian, and it is really helping the supply situation in the Loyang area.




IJN Watch:
-6 to 8CV (130F/140B) and 4BB spotted at Tinian all week.




Notable Base Captures:
-None




Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 6,888 [+77]
Biggest Losses (#):P-40K Warhawk (595), Hurricane IIc (539), SBD-3 Dauntless (372)

Japanese: 20,391 [+326]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (5,522), Ki-43 IIb Oscar (2,115), Ki-51 Sonia (1,754)


Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 591 [+2]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CVE Corregidor, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 1,289 [+10]
Notables: CV Soryu, CV Kaga, CV Junyo, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVL Ryuho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, BB Kirishima, BB Nagato, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Aoba.


Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 10,692 [+6]
Japanese: 8,989 [+68]
A/J Ratio: 1.19 to 1


VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 54,720 [+473]
Japanese: 31,574 [-30]
A/J Ratio: 1.73 to 1




Operation Chimera:
Phase 1A:
-Assault & Capture Cotabato
-Secure Mindano

Phase 1B:
-Assault & Capture Balikpapan
-Assault & Capture Tarakan
-Reinforce Brunei

Phase 1C:
-Assault & Capture Watampone
-Assault & Capture Kolaka
-Assault & Capture Makassar
-Assault & Capture Kendari


Operation Aperture:
Phase 1:
-Assault & Capture Guam [Amphibious assets in route]
-Assault & Capture Tinian [Amphibious assets in route]
-Assault & Capture Saipan [Amphibious assets in route]

Phase 2:
-Assault & Capture Marcus




Other Notes:
-The 'ol calm before the storm…I anticipate this Marianas adventure will be quite bloody, but if my envelopment maneuver works, we have an opportunity to do significant damage to the KB. If the Allies can pull it off, the casualties will be worth it. We have had two good shots at the KB previously, but they were able to slip out of the Allies grasp like the proverbial wet bar of soap…hopefully the third time is a charm.



Bif1961 -> RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition (1/1/2018 5:36:04 PM)

I see we are about the same position in time and locations in our contests. So I am looking forward to the outcome of your operations as my game was on pause during the holidays.



Schlussel -> RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition (1/3/2018 2:48:44 PM)

Yeah Bif, you and me both. These are exciting/nerve-racking times for the Allies...and I'm just playing the AI, I can just imagine if this was a human opponent.

I have been collecting intel on the Marianas ever since I established my recon base at Satawal a few months ago. Indications show a brigade at each island target (Guam, Tinian, and Saipan) plus support troops, but I have no idea as to the size of the forts. If the Marianas have low forts, the land war should be a piece of pie. On the other hand, if there are large forts (6+), this will be a more drawn out affair...and I will have to bring up follow on forces located at Rabaul. I fully expect reality to be somewhere between these two extremes.

And that doesn't even take into consideration that the KB is around and could complicate things immensely. I have hashed out a bunch of flawed "what if" preparations for these unknowns (Preparations A through G), before settling on Preparation H. And Preparation H, on the whole, feels good.[:D]
Seriously though, I hope that I don't have to use any alternate plans, but they are ready to go if needed.



jwolf -> RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition (1/3/2018 5:23:37 PM)

I would be incredulous if the defense were that weak at any of the major targets, let alone all three of them. In my game I didn't make it to the Marianas -- got victory before then -- but any significant objective was held by a division or equivalent, with level 8 or 9 fort. Basically, every battle was Iwo Jima, so far from being the exception, that bad case became the rule. That is in fact one reason why I quit once I reached auto-victory, rather than pushing on to inner Empire territory.



Schlussel -> RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition (1/4/2018 4:27:24 PM)

Agreed, Mr. Wolf. The defenses appear minimal, and I know all too well from my previous operations that intel can woefully underestimate enemy strength. I'm going in with a division + tanks/arty/combat engineers at each location. As you stated, in all likelihood, this won't be enough to capture the objectives. However, my initial goal is to lure the KB into a trap, and what is better bait than an amphibious operation against Japanese home territory? While I am dealing with the Japanese navy, the troops assaulting the Marianas will only be asked to hold the beaches, attacking only if the opportunity presents itself.

Once I have dealt with KB & friends, I have additional ground assault troops that will be ushered in to complete the conquest of the Marianas.

I admit, I have not yet divulged many of the particulars of this invasion. I'll post a more detailed account of my plan in a few days, I would be interested to hear your thoughts.



jwolf -> RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition (1/4/2018 5:26:07 PM)

OK I think I understand your plan better, thanks for the clarification. Once you have firm control of the seas you will be able to neutralize any enemy air and batter their ground troops with your big ships. How far away will your BBs have to go to rearm?



Schlussel -> RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition (1/4/2018 6:08:34 PM)

No problemo. Currently I rearm BBs at Manus (24 hexes away from the Marianas) which is a 3 day cruise for a fast BB and 4 for the slower variety. I looked at trying to make Ulithi (lvl.6 port) work, but it took way too many naval support squads.



jwolf -> RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition (1/4/2018 6:40:54 PM)

I used Ulithi in my game with a bunch of AKEs. Because the port is a 6, the burden on the AKEs is not so high and they can be rotated in and out to restock from the base. Of course you have to keep bringing in supply via xAK but that shouldn't be too difficult. IMHO having the rearming base so much closer is very much worth whatever hassle it takes to set things up.



Bif1961 -> RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition (1/6/2018 1:55:17 AM)

I took Ulithi and will be using it along the lines suggested, to help resupply BB bombardment TFs.



Schlussel -> RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition (1/6/2018 10:48:16 AM)

Thanks guys for the tip.[&o] I have a few ammunition ships on their way.



Schlussel -> RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition (1/15/2018 3:23:46 PM)

**FLASH REPORT October 22nd, 1943**


**FOR YOUR EYES ONLY**

Report below details CV clash near Guam/Tinian.

On 10/22, a large air/CV battle occurs in the vicinity of the lower Marianas. All Japanese air raids targeted the amphibious armada off Guam. All Allied raids targeted the Japanese CVs anchored at Tinian. Below is a chronological overview of each raid:

AM Phase:
J raid 1: 10 Kate/80 escorts vs. 130 Hcat/20 Wcat/12 Corsair
---> Raid turned back (all bombers destroyed)

J Raid 2: 5 Kate/30 escorts vs. 128 Hcat/20 Wcat/12 Corsair
---> Raid turned back (all bombers destroyed/retreat)

J Raid 3: 120 Judy/41 escorts vs. 110 Hcat/19 Wcat/12 Corsair
---> 60 Judy get through. Hit Hermes with 3 torps/1 bomb and Yorktown with 1 torp.

J Raid 4: 22 Sonia/17 escorts vs. 110 Hcat/16 Wcat/11 Corsair
---> Raid turned back (all bombers destroyed/retreat)

J Raid 5: 9 Sonia/10 Zero vs. 98 Hcat/12 Wcat/9 Corsair
---> Raid turned back (all bombers destroyed/retreat)

A-Raid 1: 233 Dauntless/145 Avenger/27 Helldiver/47 Escort vs. 124 CAP
---> CV Hiyo - 2 bombs and 1 torp, fires
---> CV Akagi – 1 bomb, fires
---> CV Zuikaku – 3 bomb, Heavy fires
---> CV Kaga – 1 torp (ammos storage explosion), fires
---> CVL Ryujo – 1 bomb, fires
---> BB Yamato – 1 bomb (armor belt hit)
---> BB Hiei – 1 torp

PM Phase:
J Raid 6: 31 Jill/Judy/39 escort vs. 93 Hcat/12 Wcat
---> Raid turned back (all bombers destroyed/retreat)

J Raid 7: 10 Sonia/32 Escort vs. 76 Hcat/20 Wcat
---> Raid turned back (all bombers destroyed/retreat)

J Raid 8: 12 Sonia/9 Escort vs. 60 Hcat/16 Wcat
---> Raid turned back (all bombers destroyed/retreat)

A Raid 2: 92 Dauntless/27 Helldiver/74 Avenger vs. 25 CAP
---> CV Hiyo 1 torp, Fires, heavy damage
---> CV Shokaku – 1 bomb
---> CVL Ryujo 5 bomb (fuel storage exp.) heavy fires
---> BB Yamato – 2 bomb (armor belt hit)
---> BB Hiei – 2 bomb (armor belt hit)

Losses:
On the Allied side, Hermes is heavily damaged, but should survive, and Yorktown has moderate damage. Both will make for Ulithi.

On the Japanese side, Hiyo, Akagi, Zuikaku, and Kaga all suffered minor damage (unless they can’t get those fires under control) and CVL Ryujo is probably a goner.

In the air, the Allies lost 227 planes while the Japanese lost 346. Both suffered larger bomber casualties than fighter…about 70/30 for the Allies and 60/40 for the Japanese.

Looks like the Allies came out on top, but just barely. Where the Allies really shined was in the air, where the KB air groups suffered in excess of 60% casualties...in the PM phase 90% of their CAP was land based. Now let’s see if the Allies can take advantage of the decimated KB air arm. While the CVEs protect tomorrows landing at Guam, Allied high command orders the 6 fleet CVs (reinforced with fresh air groups) to steam due north to intercept any retreating Japanese naval assets…let’s hope that includes some flattops.


[image]local://upfiles/25084/518C774E7BA44C829E2AC84737373555.jpg[/image]



BBfanboy -> RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition (1/15/2018 3:51:48 PM)

Looks like he was using the Sonias to try and soak off your CAP but they flew after his carrier strikes rather than before.

The results you got from your strikes are rather disappointing given the number of aircraft you sent. His CAP must have been large but I suspect you got bad die rolls or weather over target as well. Hope it is better tomorrow!

PS - beware his SCTFs that could include Yamato and Hiei. Intercepting your carriers at night is a JFB wet dream!



jwolf -> RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition (1/15/2018 9:45:08 PM)

I assume that Jap BB is the Yamato, not the admiral. [;)] Congrats on what must have been a thrilling turn to watch -- you play months, or even a year of game time for a turn like that! Good luck as you pursue, but as BBfanboy hinted you will need some heavy hitters on your side, because the Japs certainly have theirs.



Schlussel -> RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition (1/18/2018 2:45:44 PM)

Agreed, the Allied strike was a little lackluster, when I looked back at the combat reports I noticed the hex with the KB had thunderstorms....so as you suspected, the lack of hits makes sense.

Good point on the danger of the enemy surface ships. To counter this threat, I have CLAA and Fletchers with the carriers and two separate STFs (1CA/4DD each) that are coming along on the sprint north of the Marianas. I set all reaction ranges to 0 in hopes that the surface ships don't maneuver outside the CAP from the carriers.

Oh and nice catch jwolf, it was in fact the Yamato, not the Yammamoto. That was all me, I can't blame auto-correct for that.[:D] I have updated my previous post.



jmalter -> RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition (1/18/2018 4:11:31 PM)

I trust you will rein in your pursuit of KB before you get drawn too far north - hungry Betties from Iwo, Okinawa & the HI are hungry.



Schlussel -> RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition (1/20/2018 3:36:31 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: jmalter

I trust you will rein in your pursuit of KB before you get drawn too far north - hungry Betties from Iwo, Okinawa & the HI are hungry.


The prospect of finishing off damaged enemy vessels is tempting, but I agree, those Bettys still pack a punch. And even though I have plenty of CAP over my carriers, I've seen a small group of Bettys slip through...an instant pucker factor of 9.5

My plan it to sprint 7 hexes NW of Guam and I won't venture much farther north. That keeps me about 11 hexes from Iwo and out of effective Betty range from the HI and Formosa.



jmalter -> RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition (1/20/2018 6:40:00 PM)

Your 7-hex NW of Guam location sounds about right to me, mebbe you can assign those TFs to a patrol zone in that area, w/ a planned rendezvous with an AO TF. I'm avid to read about your Marianas landings, because I suspect there are more IJ LCUs present than your recon has discovered. I expect a feisty fight!



Schlussel -> RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition (1/22/2018 6:27:07 PM)

I suspect you are right as well. I just finished up orders for the October 23rd turn. I thought I finished orders 2 times prior, and then had second thoughts as I was about to hit the "end orders phase" button. This is a big turn that includes the carrier sprint north of the Marianas and the amphibious assault at Guam...so I went back through my orders for my units again, just to make sure I didn't miss anything. Measure twice, cut once...[sm=sterb020.gif]



Schlussel -> RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War in the Pacific: Admirals Edition (1/27/2018 5:15:38 PM)

**FLASH REPORT October 23rd, 1943**


**FOR YOUR EYES ONLY**

On 10/23, another large air/CV battle occurred in the vicinity of the lower Marianas. Below is a chronological report of each raid:

AM Phase:
J raid 1 (Amphib Fleet): 10 Kate/94 escorts vs. 132 CAP
---> Raid turned back (all bombers destroyed)

J raid 2 (Amphib Fleet): 12 Kate/62 escorts vs. 88 CAP
---> Raid turned back (all bombers destroyed)

J raid 3 (Amphib Fleet): 8 Sally/57 escorts vs. 85 CAP
---> Raid turned back (all bombers destroyed)

J raid 4 (CVs NE of Guam): 14 Kate/33 escorts vs. 55 CAP
---> Raid turned back (all bombers destroyed)

A raid 1 (KB North of Guam): 139 Bombers/43 escorts vs. 44 CAP
---> 98 Bombers get through
---> CV Hiyo - 2 Bomb, Fires, heavy damage
---> CV Hiryu – 1 bomb, Heavy Damage
---> CV Shokaku – 9 bomb, 1 torp, Heavy Fires, Heavy Damage
---> CVL Ryujo 1 bomb, Heavy Fires
---> BB Yamato, 6 Bomb, Heavy Fires
---> BB Hiei, 6 Bomb, Heavy Fires
---> CA Kinguasa 5 Bomb, Heavy Damaage
---> CL Noishiro 1 Torp, Heavy Damaage



PM Phase:

J raid 5 (Amphib Fleet): 8 Sally/23 escorts vs. 54 CAP
---> Raid turned back (all bombers destroyed)

J raid 6 (Amphib Fleet): 24 Kate/9 escorts vs. 32 CAP
---> 10 Kates get through
---> CVE Suwannee – 1 Torp (21 FLT)

J raid 7 (Amphib Fleet): 8 Sally/9 escorts vs. 25 CAP
---> Raid turned back (all bombers destroyed)

J raid 8 (Amphib Fleet): 20 Kate/34 escorts vs. 24 CAP
---> 12 Kates get through
---> CVE Barnes– 1 Torp (8 FLT)

A raid 2 (KB North of Guam): 86 Bombers/26 escorts vs. 16 CAP
---> 84 Bombers get through
---> CV Kaga - 6 Bomb, 2 torp, SUNK
---> CV Shokaku – 8 bomb, SUNK
---> CV Akagi – 3 bomb, Heavy Damage
---> CVL Ryujo 4 bomb, Heavy Fires, Heavy Damage
---> BB Yamato, 7 Bomb, Heavy Fires
---> BB Hiei, 15 Bomb, Heavy Fires, Heavy Damage
---> CL Noishiro 4 Bomb, SUNK
---> 2 DDs – 3 bomb hit each, one sunk, 1 Heavy Damage

Losses:
For the Japanese, it looks like 2 CV sunk (Kaga, Shokaku) and 1 CVL Sunk (Ryujo). Not as good as it seems though, because I already had Kaga and Ryujo on the sunk ship list. CVs Hiyo/Hiryu/Akagi are sufficiently damaged and should be out of the war for a while. Add to that 2 BBs heavily Damaged (Yamato, Hiei) and “numerous cruisers and destroyers” (as Orphan Anne would say). Japanese AC lost today was 439.

For the Allies, I have moderate damage to a CVL (Hermes) a CV (Yorktown) and 2 CVEs (Barnes/Suwanee). Allied AC lost today was 156.




Post Battle Summary:
Following the second day of engagement, the remainder of the Japanese surface forces fled northward towards the Home Islands.

Per doctrine, the Allied fleet did not pursue, but did maintain a position a few hexes north of Guam to deter any supply/reinforcement attempts by the Japanese.

Total air losses for the two days are 383 Allied and 785 Japanese. Most of the enemy losses are navy planes, but the army component is reduced enough that control of the air should be firmly with the allies in the coming days.

Six enemy CVs are out of the war for the immediate future. Half of those may return at some point, but for now, I have control of the seas around the Marianas. The opening of Operation Aperture begins tomorrow.



[image]local://upfiles/25084/ECA8226EAA2F42F8801981D699F1E8D9.jpg[/image]



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