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RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 3/16/2015 7:09:53 PM   
witpqs


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From: Argleton
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna


quote:

ORIGINAL: witpqs

BTW you can use YMS with cargo ships if you make them Transport type TFs.


Yeah, but I can't CS them that way . That doesn't solve my angst!! If only Transport TFs could CS...

I'll get around to it. I'm actually better at letting things pile up and then solving everything in a monumental, manic effort. I work (and play) in surges rather than in increments.

Still waiting on a turn for today, so I think it's time for screenshots.

Ah - I use a combination of CS and player controlled TF. BTW, for anybody reading this who doesn't know, you can use waypoints with CS, which is important for routing away from danger areas.

One suggestion, instead of letting a bunch of xAK sit idle, have them make a supply run to Pearl. That way in late '44 - early '45 more supply will be that much closer to the front.

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(in reply to Lokasenna)
Post #: 391
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 3/16/2015 8:17:17 PM   
obvert


Posts: 14050
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From: PDX (and now) London, UK
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna


quote:

ORIGINAL: witpqs

BTW you can use YMS with cargo ships if you make them Transport type TFs.


Yeah, but I can't CS them that way . That doesn't solve my angst!! If only Transport TFs could CS...

I'll get around to it. I'm actually better at letting things pile up and then solving everything in a monumental, manic effort. I work (and play) in surges rather than in increments.

Still waiting on a turn for today, so I think it's time for screenshots.


At worst the lack of excess at the front will take a few weeks to remedy once you get started, so it's not a really big deal. I've got nowhere over a million supply because I don't need that supply there! I'd rather click to make sure my forward bases are fed and just get the several hundred thousand to my hubs that will keep things going. Like you, I like to protect my ships well, and I won't send out TFs over 25 ships if I can help it. It just doesn't feel right, but also it actually clogs up the works if I do anyway at the destination ports, with collisions I have to monitor, seeing if they refuel their escorts (which they haven't a few times, resulting in empty SC with high damage moving slowly).

The Allies are a lot to manage, but I do like it, and I like thinking of it as a whole system with forethought of strategic goals in mind.

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to Lokasenna)
Post #: 392
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 3/16/2015 8:51:22 PM   
Lokasenna


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From: Iowan in MD/DC
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert


quote:

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna


quote:

ORIGINAL: witpqs

BTW you can use YMS with cargo ships if you make them Transport type TFs.


Yeah, but I can't CS them that way . That doesn't solve my angst!! If only Transport TFs could CS...

I'll get around to it. I'm actually better at letting things pile up and then solving everything in a monumental, manic effort. I work (and play) in surges rather than in increments.

Still waiting on a turn for today, so I think it's time for screenshots.


At worst the lack of excess at the front will take a few weeks to remedy once you get started, so it's not a really big deal. I've got nowhere over a million supply because I don't need that supply there! I'd rather click to make sure my forward bases are fed and just get the several hundred thousand to my hubs that will keep things going. Like you, I like to protect my ships well, and I won't send out TFs over 25 ships if I can help it. It just doesn't feel right, but also it actually clogs up the works if I do anyway at the destination ports, with collisions I have to monitor, seeing if they refuel their escorts (which they haven't a few times, resulting in empty SC with high damage moving slowly).

The Allies are a lot to manage, but I do like it, and I like thinking of it as a whole system with forethought of strategic goals in mind.


I completely forgot about all that when thinking about why I haven't done it .

(in reply to obvert)
Post #: 393
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 3/18/2015 7:57:47 PM   
Lokasenna


Posts: 9297
Joined: 3/3/2012
From: Iowan in MD/DC
Status: offline 		Debated where to start off with this batch of screenies... why not the strat map? Seems fitting. We'll start there, get into a few theaters, and finish up with some shots from Tracker.




First, notice my little white circle there... SSTs dropped off some engineers and supply several months back at Batan Island. Built a couple of levels of forts, and will need to send some more supply in a few months. Might not make any difference, but then again it might.

KB is confirmed at Truk for 2 days in a row now. Akagi should be in Japan for repairs. Composition reads as 132 fighters, 145 bombers and 85 fighters, 109 bombers. That likely means 5x CV in the first TF, and 3-4x CV in the second TF. If I had to guess, I'd say that MKB is likely still near the SRA with Hiyo/Junyo and that the smaller TF here is 2-3x Unryus and the 1x Taiho.

My next moves are going to be in the Gilberts. KB doesn't have much ability to intercede here, and I should be able to do just fine with only a couple of CV TFs providing cover. However, my much more immediate move is going to be on Shortlands and Torokina, with the bulk of my CV power. From there, I'll be splitting them to cover the Gilberts and a thrust northwest from Normanton. I want to see how he reacts with KB - does it stay at Truk, or does he move it? If he moves it, can I find it again? Does he keep risking assets in CENTPAC, or does he give up on the Gilberts (and later the Marshalls)?

He's going to see me coming once I pass Horn Island, however I'm hoping that he will read my SCTF/amphib preparations at Normanton (happening in the next week or so) to be a strengthening of Gove/Groote Eylandt - indeed, I will be doing just those things and then trying to hide my ships at a dot base near Normanton before I load up. Screenie of this theater to come in a few posts. Darwin can be self-sufficient in terms of air protection now if I can get some supply in, so that's the other major goal of that arrow.


The western part of the map... I have such mixed feelings. On the one hand, I feel bringing more forces over here is probably necessary if I want to push towards Saigon at all. On the other hand, why shouldn't I just focus on the islands (big and small)? If it were earlier in the game, a thrust on Sumatra might be viable from an economic perspective. At this point, I'm not sure it's worth it. We'll see... if I have a glut of CVs in mid-44 then I might try it.

Conversely, do I just abandon my prep for Port Blair and Sabang, and instead bring those slated LCUs (from Aden and India/Ceylon) to NW Australia for use in the SE part of the SRA? Hrm...

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< Message edited by Lokasenna -- 3/18/2015 8:58:11 PM >

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Post #: 394
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 3/18/2015 8:12:18 PM   
Lokasenna


Posts: 9297
Joined: 3/3/2012
From: Iowan in MD/DC
Status: offline 		Burma

I was going to say it's been a while since I posted about this theater, but I guess it was almost the last time I updated the AAR... Here we go.




To add to my comments in the image, my goals here are more strategic than they are material. The primary objectives here are 1) make him burn supplies and win the supply war, and 2) make him keep all these LCUs here or even bring in more.

To accomplish #1, I simply need to commit to actions here. Nothing too risky. I already went too far with my 2 Indian Divisions near Katha and they got emasculated. With my moves near Akyab I am being more cautious. I did try one attack as an experiment and it didn't go well but it didn't go too badly. As you can see from the screenshot, I'm now able to bring in supplies directly to Cox's Bazar as he is neglecting his search.

To accomplish #2, I need to accomplish #1 and then win a couple of battles to get into his head, to worry him. If he thinks the entire Chinese army is about to rampage down the Burma/Thai coast, he may commit more to this theater and make my moves in the Pacific easier.

Secondary objectives:
1) Eventually burn or recapture the oil at Magwe.
2) If his supplies get low enough, burn his LCUs.
3) If a breakthrough comes my way, push on to Taung Gyi and from there it just opens up to Thailand, at least judging by the experiences of others. This has its own implications.

I would eventually like to capture Rangoon, for its points. I'm fairly confident that I can eventually push down that far, even if it's a slog, simply due to the nature of supply here for the Allies vs. for Japan. It's a real bear for both, but worse for Japan IMO.


General comments:
--Up near Myitkyina, I would love to hit Warazup with that fat stack of Chinese, however I can't be sure he hasn't built level 5-6 forts there and if he has, I can't do it. I'll sit for now and see if he brings more up. If he doesn't, I may redeploy some of these Chinese to the west and aim for cutting the rail line near Shwebo. Then I'll bomb the place and see if I can gut a couple of IJA divisions.
--I have some forces prepped for Ramree, still, but it will require CV/CVE support. I don't have it. I'll wait until such a landing wouldn't be exposed to his big stack near Akyab simply marching down the road and crushing whatever I landed.
--Speaking of that stack, I'm trying to bait him into joining the fight in the jungle hex to the NE and then see if 6000 combined Chinese/Indian/Australian AV can crush whatever he leaves behind. If so, then whatever's in that jungle hex is in dire straits.

Lastly, he has the 2nd Tank Divion and 3rd Tank Division in that jungle hex NE of the road, outside of Akyab. This is an error on his part, IMO. Tanks shouldn't be leaving the road here. IIRC, it takes 23 days at minimum to move out of jungle rough hexes, for tanks. That's a very, very long time if you need to skedaddle.

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< Message edited by Lokasenna -- 3/18/2015 9:12:14 PM >

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Post #: 395
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 3/18/2015 8:16:26 PM   
Lokasenna


Posts: 9297
Joined: 3/3/2012
From: Iowan in MD/DC
Status: offline 		Here's a shot of the LCUs outside of Akyab. Might be a little light on Support, but that's fine... I can find some base forces somewhere in the theater.




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RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 3/18/2015 8:17:45 PM   
Lokasenna


Posts: 9297
Joined: 3/3/2012
From: Iowan in MD/DC
Status: offline 		And here's a shot of the current combat hex. Actually have a glut of support here . I wanted to be sure I was all in the green before trying that attack. The attack is the reason why supplies are in the red for most of the units. Tomorrow, they'll be white again. Supply will be flowing just fine from Cox's Bazar so long as he doesn't restart his naval search to blanket the Bay of Bengal.




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RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 3/18/2015 8:22:16 PM   
Lokasenna


Posts: 9297
Joined: 3/3/2012
From: Iowan in MD/DC
Status: offline 		Over the last 2 turns, I've bombed in China. I should've been doing this sooner, but I was letting my bombers sit at Calcutta and the surrounding area while I experimented with bombing LCUs. I moved them to Ledo and did 2 strikes. A strike on another city is happening today, and then I'll be withdrawing them to another airbase as I expect him to bomb Ledo at some point. Hopefully not today.




At Lanchow, we took out almost all of the Oil.

At Chungking, we started tens of thousands of fires. Everything there was fully repaired before the strike. I would have preferred the fires to hit Heavy Industry, but oh well... Although, looking at the numbers, it looks like 1 point of Heavy Industry may have actually burned up. We'll see if the numbers change over the next few days.

Chengtu is next, for tomorrow.

I'd also like to hit Sian eventually.


This is all part of the goal of making him hurt for supply in Asia, but particularly in Burma and the mountains of China.

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< Message edited by Lokasenna -- 3/18/2015 9:22:12 PM >

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RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 3/18/2015 8:29:58 PM   
obvert


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Joined: 1/17/2011
From: PDX (and now) London, UK
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna


quote:

ORIGINAL: witpqs

BTW you can use YMS with cargo ships if you make them Transport type TFs.


Yeah, but I can't CS them that way . That doesn't solve my angst!! If only Transport TFs could CS...

I'll get around to it. I'm actually better at letting things pile up and then solving everything in a monumental, manic effort. I work (and play) in surges rather than in increments.

Still waiting on a turn for today, so I think it's time for screenshots.


I use CS with transport TFs all of the time. Wen I read this at first I thought I might be imagining things, but no, it is true.

Here is an example.






Attachment (1)

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

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Post #: 399
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 3/18/2015 8:31:21 PM   
Lokasenna


Posts: 9297
Joined: 3/3/2012
From: Iowan in MD/DC
Status: offline 		The Arafura Timor Connection

Operations coming soon... with KB at Truk/in CENTPAC, and only MKB to contest with, this area looks ripe. I have had forces 100% prepped for some time:

Dobo - undefended for months, will bring in AvSupp after landing
1st/102nd Infantry Battalion (38 AV)
20th Seabees
8th RAAF M/W Sqn

Taberfane - the real key to taking this area...
4th Australian Division
4th Armoured Brigade
16th RAAF Base Force
43rd EAB
II Australian Corps
2nd USMC FA Bn

Saumlaki - lightly defended
45th Indian Brigade
14th RAAF Base Force
Port Moresby Brigade
55th Australian Light AA Rgt

Kaimana - undefended by him, will fly in more later
154th USA Base Force (16 AV)
382nd Construction Regiment

Ambon
V US Corps
45th Seabees
3rd Australian Brigade




I have Mitchell and Liberator recon planes standing by to re-recon () this whole area in the lead up to my invasions. What is known is that he has no radar at Taberfane, and has been using it as a Zero/Lily-IIb base to prevent me from moving past Merauke. There are only a handful of his units at each of these bases, and none at Kaimana or Dobo. Boela is likewise weak, but I have no forces currently prepped.

My intention is to bring a CV TF past Horn Island (at which point he'll see me and begin reacting) to join previously placed amphibs from Normanton, who will be landing at Tabefane and Dobo to begin with. Fighters will be flown in from Groote Eylandt and Portland Roads. At the same time, an enormous supply convoy will be heading for Darwin. I have a stack of LCUs at Katherine, un-reconnoitered for some time now, with 172 AvSupp and some engineers. Only 5 points of port damage at Darwin... if we can get that taken care of, I can dock and unload TFs up to 60K tons. 30,000 supply or so should be plenty to get Darwin up and running, and with Taberfane in my hands I will be able to keep bringing in more.

The only tricky part here is that he has fortified Timor and I know there are some bigger LCUs in that direction, and some on Soemba at Waingapoe. That would be a tougher nut to crack, but doesn't have to come right away.

My strategic goal here is to begin pressuring him on a second front, and once I push through to the Moluccas I will be in striking distance of Mindanao... Manado recently reached Airfield 9, however, so I know he will not be completely unprepared.

It is worth noting that from Ambon, I can bomb Balikpapan...

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< Message edited by Lokasenna -- 3/18/2015 9:37:27 PM >

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RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 3/18/2015 8:45:22 PM   
Lokasenna


Posts: 9297
Joined: 3/3/2012
From: Iowan in MD/DC
Status: offline 		Air Losses

Here's a nice shot of something that is getting a little more common . On this past day, a MechaJill group from Rabaul tried to sink some xAKLs and SCs at Milne Bay. He bagged 1 xAKL and nothing else. On CAP in this hex was a 54-plane Hurricane IIc group. The strike was Jills and Oscars - 43 kills in a single day, although the unit was only credited with 41 (not sure how that happened).




The Georges were lost over Nauru Island, where he tried to sweep from Makin and Kusaie with about 60 in total. I had 80-some planes on CAP, mostly Hellcats but with a group of Thunderbolts as well. Almost complete butchery.

I am hoping that his torpedo pilot quality is suffering. I sure have shot down a lot of Jills/Kates, Bettys, and Nells in this game: 971 between A2A and flak. The Hellcat is my highest-A2A-loss plane. His Oscars, Tojos, Zeros, Bettys, and Kates all have more. George is getting close.

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< Message edited by Lokasenna -- 3/18/2015 9:45:12 PM >

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RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 3/18/2015 8:46:27 PM   
Lokasenna


Posts: 9297
Joined: 3/3/2012
From: Iowan in MD/DC
Status: offline 		And here's that Hurricane group. That top pilot got ace in a day . Their Defense skill isn't very high, but it'll do for now...




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RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 3/18/2015 8:50:26 PM   
Lokasenna


Posts: 9297
Joined: 3/3/2012
From: Iowan in MD/DC
Status: offline 		Victory Points

And here's victory points. It's worth noting that Chungking and Chengtu are over 1/3 of his Base VPs... I think retaking them is something I need to be looking at, even if it's not until 1945... I will begin recon on them once I have INFp divisions... I think them a likely place to look for the bump that takes me over the hump. Literally over the Hump in that hypothetical case, actually.




I should go find some other completed games and see what the VP ratios were like at a similar date...

1.891:1 is ahead of my haphazard goal of 2:1 by 1/1/1944. I'm now seeing if I can get to 1.750:1.

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< Message edited by Lokasenna -- 3/18/2015 9:50:22 PM >

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Post #: 403
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 3/18/2015 10:04:16 PM   
BBfanboy


Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

Air Losses

Here's a nice shot of something that is getting a little more common . On this past day, a MechaJill group from Rabaul tried to sink some xAKLs and SCs at Milne Bay. He bagged 1 xAKL and nothing else. On CAP in this hex was a 54-plane Hurricane IIc group. The strike was Jills and Oscars - 43 kills in a single day, although the unit was only credited with 41 (not sure how that happened).



Not sure if the squadron gets credit of a kill if the pilot of a damaged plane crashes it on landing. The routine counting A-A kills might count it but maybe the credit routine sums up the pilot kill credits that only include op losses on the way home, not on landing?

_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

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Post #: 404
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 3/18/2015 10:05:51 PM   
BBfanboy


Posts: 18046
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From: Winnipeg, MB
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

And here's that Hurricane group. That top pilot got ace in a day . Their Defense skill isn't very high, but it'll do for now...




I train my Air Skill for fighters at 5000 feet (escort) and 10000 feet (sweep) which results in the defence skill rising at pretty much the same rate as the air skill.

EDIT: PS - I usually train them a bit (about a month) in Low Ground at 1000 feet as well, both to pump up the defence skill and to make them useful for attacking ground units that need to be slowed down.

< Message edited by BBfanboy -- 3/18/2015 11:07:31 PM >

_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

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Post #: 405
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 3/18/2015 11:03:28 PM   
Lokasenna


Posts: 9297
Joined: 3/3/2012
From: Iowan in MD/DC
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy


quote:

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

Air Losses

Here's a nice shot of something that is getting a little more common . On this past day, a MechaJill group from Rabaul tried to sink some xAKLs and SCs at Milne Bay. He bagged 1 xAKL and nothing else. On CAP in this hex was a 54-plane Hurricane IIc group. The strike was Jills and Oscars - 43 kills in a single day, although the unit was only credited with 41 (not sure how that happened).



Not sure if the squadron gets credit of a kill if the pilot of a damaged plane crashes it on landing. The routine counting A-A kills might count it but maybe the credit routine sums up the pilot kill credits that only include op losses on the way home, not on landing?


I added incorrectly, actually. Re-watched the replay and the Oscars were shot down in northern China. The A6M5s were shot down over Milne Bay.


I usually train my fighter pilots in strafe skill, which increases Defense pretty well. However, I was short on British pilots to fill out these 3 54-plane units... These guys got to where they are basically from running CAP after minimal training.

(in reply to BBfanboy)
Post #: 406
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 3/19/2015 5:05:37 AM   
BBfanboy


Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna


quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy


quote:

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

Air Losses

Here's a nice shot of something that is getting a little more common . On this past day, a MechaJill group from Rabaul tried to sink some xAKLs and SCs at Milne Bay. He bagged 1 xAKL and nothing else. On CAP in this hex was a 54-plane Hurricane IIc group. The strike was Jills and Oscars - 43 kills in a single day, although the unit was only credited with 41 (not sure how that happened).



Not sure if the squadron gets credit of a kill if the pilot of a damaged plane crashes it on landing. The routine counting A-A kills might count it but maybe the credit routine sums up the pilot kill credits that only include op losses on the way home, not on landing?


I added incorrectly, actually. Re-watched the replay and the Oscars were shot down in northern China. The A6M5s were shot down over Milne Bay.


I usually train my fighter pilots in strafe skill, which increases Defense pretty well. However, I was short on British pilots to fill out these 3 54-plane units... These guys got to where they are basically from running CAP after minimal training.

Yeah - I figured it was something like that - "When you are up to your a** in alligators ..."

_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

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RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 3/21/2015 2:42:19 PM   
Lokasenna


Posts: 9297
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From: Iowan in MD/DC
Status: offline 		Here's the recon picture for October 30.

KB still at Truk. Looks like a better DL on the second KB today.

Transports? at Ponape.

SCTF at Kusaie... this is a target. I don't think he's baiting me here, I think he is trying to defend from Fletcher bombardments of the airfield. I have 3 DD TFs and a CV TF moving into position to strike here on the 31st, if he stays. My guess is that this is his 3 remaining Takao CAs and 3 DDs, which is a SCTF he likes to use.

Hard to tell what that TF at Rabaul is. It has been reporting at 10x BB for weeks but no planes reported. Maybe I just have really poor DL on a TK TF that has an AV and DDs in it?




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< Message edited by Lokasenna -- 3/21/2015 3:42:47 PM >

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Post #: 408
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 3/21/2015 2:48:08 PM   
obvert


Posts: 14050
Joined: 1/17/2011
From: PDX (and now) London, UK
Status: offline 		That Rabaul TF looks like BB/CA to me, jus the same as the ones in my game that are confirmed BBs.

_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

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Post #: 409
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 3/21/2015 2:52:01 PM   
Lokasenna


Posts: 9297
Joined: 3/3/2012
From: Iowan in MD/DC
Status: offline 		Here's the Gilberts. There's another turn after this one so far, but I haven't sent it in yet. Basically, the SCTF at Kusaie remains and my DD TFs from Luganville are ready to move in with the CVs.

However, KB has left Truk, seemingly for Rabaul... that doesn't have any implications for the raid here, as I will retreat after the strike (which will hit the airfield if the ships leave), but it does have implications for Shortlands/Torokina. I may have to delay that operation until after moving on Taberfane/etc, to see if he will move it west in a vain attempt to preserve his perimeter.


If it just sits at Rabaul, then I need to reexamine my plans for Shortlands/Torokina and think about doing it all with landing craft from Munda... all muscle, no finesse.




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RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 3/21/2015 2:55:24 PM   
Lokasenna


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From: Iowan in MD/DC
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quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

That Rabaul TF looks like BB/CA to me, jus the same as the ones in my game that are confirmed BBs.


That's what I thought too. I haven't gotten s**t for SIGINT on combat ships this game other than 2 pings on Akagi months ago.

If that's the case... it's been many months since I've seen IJN BBs in action, so even if he had a favored TF composition then it could be wildly different now. I'm only 50% confident in the exact composition of the TF at Kusaie because he has used it recently, and I've gotten sightings with subs as it's steamed around CENTPAC.

The Rabaul TF could be anything from all 4 Kongos (which he seems to have broken away from KB? At least he did in the past) to his remaining slower BBs. Might have some Aganos in there also...

I don't think he built the Yamatos.

(in reply to obvert)
Post #: 411
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 3/21/2015 3:04:01 PM   
Lokasenna


Posts: 9297
Joined: 3/3/2012
From: Iowan in MD/DC
Status: offline 		October 29-30

I rarely do daily updates, but due to the pace of the turns lately, I've got the time.

All the action focuses around CENTPAC these days...

Subs
I noticed several TFs of merchies at Hansa Bay, so sent a couple of subs. They score: Pompano cripples an xAP there overnight on the 29th, and then attacks another with her gun. No IJN escorts...

Flasher sinks an E outside of Kagoshima, off Kyushu.

Skate sinks an AKE at Rabaul - why doesn't he disband these in port?

Tarpon confirms the composition of the "PB TF" outside Ponape - it is indeed Ansyu-class PBs.

Solomons/Coral Sea
Jugs sweep an empty Shortlands again. I stand them down on the 30th. 90 Avengers, 10 Venturas, and 16 B-25s bomb the airfield on both days. Looking to destroy all of his supply stockpiles here, prior to invading.

On the 29th, a full Lily divebomber sentai, escorted by just 6 A6M5s, tries to strike the landing craft at Milne Bay. They are shot down to a man by that Hurricane unit and their American friends in P-40s. This will help reduce his LBA presence for the Shortlands op... I will probably send in a decoy TF first under some good CAP from Munda to try to whittle down that big Jill unit.

Gilberts
On the 29th, 29 B-25s try to bomb the airfield at Tarawa, as I've been doing lately to keep it down. However, a wild LRCAP appears! From Makin. Georges and Oscar-IIb's. I lose 4 B-25s and still damage the airfield.

On the 30th, I sweep the place with 50 Jugs from Nauru. His CAP gets obliterated - 7 Jugs lost (4 in the air) for over 19 kills and 4 ops losses.

P-38s sweep Kusaie in preparation for a CV raid on October 31... Jacks are on CAP and we win the day with about 16 kills (+9 ops) to 9 losses (6 A2A + 3 ops). However, 75 fighters are still reported there on the 31st...

< Message edited by Lokasenna -- 3/21/2015 4:08:50 PM >

(in reply to Lokasenna)
Post #: 412
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 3/21/2015 3:06:03 PM   
Lokasenna


Posts: 9297
Joined: 3/3/2012
From: Iowan in MD/DC
Status: offline 		What's he doing? Looks like some fighters have left Rabaul... he used to have 295-297 reported there. My DL could have dropped, I suppose... but the bomber numbers track with a recent loss of 27 Lilys. The Jill unit is hiding, I think perhaps at Truk (95 reported there).

He could be reacting to my CVE TF presence near Lunga. He has sighted them for several days now, though DL has been low. DL 1/4 yesterday, and DL 2/5 today. They are at the dot island SW of Lunga - Rennell, I think. I have them separated from my amphib TFs, which are forming up SE of Rossel Island, deliberately. The CVEs are ridiculously easy to spot as I have them all grouped together. 2 are with the amphibs, with minimal escorts...

I'll just do a shot of that area next. But him sighting my CVEs is probably telegraphing my move here. Perhaps better if I scrub the plan, let him keep seeing the CVEs, and do something else - like that move by Darwin.




You can see my Supply/Fuel at Pearl here .

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Lokasenna -- 3/21/2015 4:06:20 PM >

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Post #: 413
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 3/21/2015 3:13:57 PM   
JocMeister

 

Posts: 8262
Joined: 7/29/2009
From: Sweden
Status: offline 		When in doubt either commit with the kitchen sink or do something else.

(in reply to Lokasenna)
Post #: 414
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 3/21/2015 3:18:29 PM   
Lokasenna


Posts: 9297
Joined: 3/3/2012
From: Iowan in MD/DC
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: JocMeister

When in doubt either commit with the kitchen sink or do something else.


Yep, that's my thoughts. And I don't have the kitchen sink available, so I think it's time for something else. I'll wait a day to be sure, but then go ahead and land the Shortlands stuff at Tulagi or Lunga and shuttle it up with landing craft. The only reason I was going to use my assault shipping was because I wanted to land 2 divisions to be absolutely sure I throttled his men here, and quickly. I'll use small xAPs and LCIs to get there from Munda if I have to. If I use 2-3 of those TFs initially, he shouldn't be able to knock my guys off and I can just keep shuttling until I have enough to attack...

(in reply to JocMeister)
Post #: 415
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 3/21/2015 3:42:23 PM   
Lokasenna


Posts: 9297
Joined: 3/3/2012
From: Iowan in MD/DC
Status: offline 		Here's the Coral Sea.




The 40th USA ID finishes prep for Shortlands today... Also loading up is the 164th Infantry Rgt, which is prepped. South Pacific Command HQ is at Tulagi and prepped for Shortlands (within command range). Some auxiliary units are at Luganville, Tulagi, and Munda.

Just off screen to the SE is my other CV TF, which includes the still-damaged (7 major float) CV Yorktown, who were the lucky winners in the F4U-1A PDU-on lottery. I have enough to upgrade another unit, but will put it on one of the CVs heading for the Arafura, once they reach Townsville for staging.

At this point, I am trying to consolidate my air power again. I need to redistribute my bombers from Portland Roads so that I can free up all of those fighters that are there protecting them from potential sneaky attacks from Hansa Bay... It would help tremendously with airpower for both Gove/Darwin and my operations there, and for Munda. But first, those bombers need to repair from recent heavy use... about 1/3 of the planes are grounded. It will be several more days. If need be, I can launch strikes against Rabaul from Lunga now despite it being AF8 instead of AF9 like Portland Roads.


Also of note is the recent presence of his subs here. With his operational pattern, he only deploys subs in concentrations like this when he expects an invasion. There are at least 3 operating here, and I think more like 4-5.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Lokasenna -- 3/21/2015 4:45:06 PM >

(in reply to Lokasenna)
Post #: 416
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 3/21/2015 5:58:49 PM   
obvert


Posts: 14050
Joined: 1/17/2011
From: PDX (and now) London, UK
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna


quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

That Rabaul TF looks like BB/CA to me, jus the same as the ones in my game that are confirmed BBs.


That's what I thought too. I haven't gotten s**t for SIGINT on combat ships this game other than 2 pings on Akagi months ago.

If that's the case... it's been many months since I've seen IJN BBs in action, so even if he had a favored TF composition then it could be wildly different now. I'm only 50% confident in the exact composition of the TF at Kusaie because he has used it recently, and I've gotten sightings with subs as it's steamed around CENTPAC.

The Rabaul TF could be anything from all 4 Kongos (which he seems to have broken away from KB? At least he did in the past) to his remaining slower BBs. Might have some Aganos in there also...

I don't think he built the Yamatos.


Try some night bombing as recon. I got positive IDs on several BBs and their floatplanes!

The KB being shown is a sign that he thinks something is imminent and he wants you to think twice without actually having to use his hammer. He also must feel he knows you're not now going to land in Malaya.

So, maybe you should feint as if you are going to do something elsewhere.



_____________________________

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill

(in reply to Lokasenna)
Post #: 417
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 3/21/2015 6:03:31 PM   
JocMeister

 

Posts: 8262
Joined: 7/29/2009
From: Sweden
Status: offline 		Why are you mixing Fletchers with other DDs? That is untidy.

(in reply to obvert)
Post #: 418
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 3/21/2015 6:07:05 PM   
Lokasenna


Posts: 9297
Joined: 3/3/2012
From: Iowan in MD/DC
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

quote:

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna


quote:

ORIGINAL: obvert

That Rabaul TF looks like BB/CA to me, jus the same as the ones in my game that are confirmed BBs.


That's what I thought too. I haven't gotten s**t for SIGINT on combat ships this game other than 2 pings on Akagi months ago.

If that's the case... it's been many months since I've seen IJN BBs in action, so even if he had a favored TF composition then it could be wildly different now. I'm only 50% confident in the exact composition of the TF at Kusaie because he has used it recently, and I've gotten sightings with subs as it's steamed around CENTPAC.

The Rabaul TF could be anything from all 4 Kongos (which he seems to have broken away from KB? At least he did in the past) to his remaining slower BBs. Might have some Aganos in there also...

I don't think he built the Yamatos.


Try some night bombing as recon. I got positive IDs on several BBs and their floatplanes!

The KB being shown is a sign that he thinks something is imminent and he wants you to think twice without actually having to use his hammer. He also must feel he knows you're not now going to land in Malaya.

So, maybe you should feint as if you are going to do something elsewhere.




He's got a decent night CAP up with actual night fighters, or at least he did last time I bombed Rabaul. I don't want to night naval bomb to get no hits and lose a bunch of planes... I don't have a base close enough anyway, since I can't CAP Munda quite yet.


True enough on KB. I haven't kept continuous recon on Truk, so it's possible that he moved them there (I think from being disbanded at Ponape) and didn't realize I saw them until 2 turns later. We'll see where they end up. If they end up at Rabaul, where he knows I can see them, then I think it's as you say. If they disappear entirely, probably disbanded at one of those bases... then he wants to use them, I think. And I'll try to bomb them at anchor if he does that. I think it more likely he's heading to Rabaul.

As for a feint... I'm thinking the raid on Kusaie is going to get his attention if it goes as planned.

(in reply to obvert)
Post #: 419
RE: Headhunter - Lokasenna (A) vs. mind_messing (J) - N... - 3/22/2015 5:31:38 PM   
Lokasenna


Posts: 9297
Joined: 3/3/2012
From: Iowan in MD/DC
Status: offline 		Alright, so that didn't go as planned... on the plus side, it's all quiet. Minimal detection on my forces.




The DDs in the CV TF are thirsty, so I'm going to give them a drink and mull a strike against Mili. It looks like he brought fighters from Rabaul to Kusaie. I am anticipating a Betty unit at Mili and a Zero Sentai on strike - they sunk an xAP outside Nonouti today. There are pros/cons, here.

Pros: I would like to make him think he can't commit his naval forces without losing them. Also, I'd like to bag a couple of CAs from the air.

Cons: That could be a lot of torpedo bombers at Mili...and that could be bad.

After refueling, I've got movement 2(1). Will go camp out near Nauru and wait a day. I'm going to hold off on sweeping Mili from Nauru, which just reached AF5 and has some P-38s available. I'll do some night bombing of Mili tomorrow to try to soften those units, and I might send the Fletchers in first rather than using them as cleanup. Or maybe 6 of them will do one of each...

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< Message edited by Lokasenna -- 3/22/2015 6:31:32 PM >

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