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Molon Labe -> Bomber squadrons declining missions (9/22/2021 2:06:43 PM)
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This has been happening enough, and with specific squadrons, that I need to ask about it. I have three squadrons that are sitting out missions that other squadrons at the same location are happy to do. Any idea what might cause that? The potentially relevant data are:
Sq 1: No273 RAF
Aircraft: Vildebeest III
Aircraft operational: 6
Location: Singapore
Primary mission: Naval attack
Secondary mission: none
Altitude: 5000, 8000, 10000 attempted
Range setting: 4, 6 (drop tanks on)
Armament: Torpedoes
Commander: Leadership 53, Inspiration 57, Naval 21, Land 21, Air 61, Admin 58, Aggression 66
EDIT: Pilot Fatigue: 0-1; Pilot Morale: 99-100
Air HQ present: Yes
Escorts available: Yes, number variable but usually in the teens
Targets available: Small surface task forces (e.g. 1 CA 2DD), supply convoys with ASW escorts
Opposition: Oscar Ics on LRCAP in some instances
Notes: Wirraways from the same base are regularly making low-level attacks on these targets, Level bombers attacking as well when set to do so.
Squadrons 2 & 3: VS-8, VB-8
Aircraft: SBC-4 Helldiver
Aircraft operational: 18
Location: USS Hornet
Mission settings: Naval Attack with no secondary. Naval search, 30-60% tried, (Naval attack). Naval attack (port/air attack). Port/Air attack with no secondary. [port/air attack missions had a specified target in range]
Altitude: 14000 and 15000 attempted
Range setting: mostly 6 (tried with drop tanks on and off)
Commander VS-8: Leadership 56, Inspiration 64, Naval 54, Land 25, Air 62, Admin 61, Aggression 68
Commander VB-8: Leadership 60, Inspiration 65, Naval 57, Land 27, Air 65, Admin 58, Aggression 70
Commander USS Hornet: VADM Mitscher: Leadership 68, Inspiration 72, Naval 54, Land 25, Air 85, Admin 56, Aggression 73
EDIT: Pilot Fatigue: 0-1; Pilot Morale: 99-100
Sorties available: YES
Escorts available: Yes, 12-27 F4Fs throughout relevant time period
Targets available: Troop convoy with light cruiser and ASW escorts, multiple-BB surface combat task force, large airfield/port with moderate AA, small airfield/port with token AA.
Opposition: Task forces and large base had 30 Zeroes; mostly allocated to escorting Netties but did fly some LR CAPs over the SCTF. No fighters at small base.
Notes: Two other carriers 1-3 hexes away hit the available/assigned targets without issue. TB-8 aboard Hornet attacked available/assigned targets without issue.
Any suggestions are appreciated. The Hornet's bombers not flying in particular is a huge problem because it reduces the Hornet to an escort carrier until it's solved. Fighting a major battle with one hand tied behind my back was not fun. Thanks in advance!
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