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The Gnome -> Air Combat Help request (7/29/2003 10:16:22 PM)
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I need some help cracking a massive IJN airforce at Rabaul. I’m the US against the AI (yes I know play a human :P) in the no Midway long campaign, IJN and USN both set to 200%.
It’s mid-August 1942, and my strategy based around not opposing the IJN to conserve force, train up my land-based air and to await reinforcements. With the exception of a few carrier raids to snipe at over extended transports I’ve kept to this strategy.
The IJN has taken Buna, Tulagi and I thwarted a landing attempt at Lunga with a well timed carrier attack, forcing his transports to withdraw.
As a result of this strategy the IJN air assets have grown into quite the monster. Based at Rabaul is a force of roughly 120-130 Zeros of various types and over 150 Betty’s and Nells.
Starting in Early August I decided to start to build up my fortifications at Port Moresby and attempt to build Lunga. The problem is that massive airforce quickly annihilates any air I put at either of those bases. Once I move the air units in they are so fatigued they can barely defend themselves, and if I rest them they’re obliterated on the ground.
On Lunga for instance, I moved in four marine squadrons of F4F-4’s and they were quickly whittled down to 10-15 planes each in a few turns. This was after keeping two air combat task forces in the area totaling 6 carriers in order to help attrite his air assets.
They were doing well until Wasp ate a torpedo and forced me to withdraw to avoid further damage without an exchange.
This situation is actually worse at Port Moresby as IJN air assets from surrounding bases assist the Rabaul strikes.
Any ideas on how to crack this air force? Or am I forced into a ugly attrition war until I can reduce his pilot quality? Attrition doesn't look like a great option as I'm completely unable to replenish my squadrons at this loss rate.
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