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

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RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 11/10/2016 4:13:29 PM

Macclan5

Posts: 1065
Joined: 3/24/2016
From: Toronto Canada
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Schlussel

Thank you Macclan5 for that rousing speech, I will be sure it gets to my pixelated soldiers heading towards the beaches of Rabaul.

--

. I have yet to change my Level bombers missions (they are all currently targeting Rabaul's defenders and keeping the airfield out of action) since I have yet to have any luck hitting sea-born targets with them.

1) I invented that speech myself - I thought it was pretty good ... ya ya that's the ticket..

--

2) I think we would both need to ask the vets of the forum on the effectiveness of the LBA. Perhaps BB knows?

..."I think" LBA airstrike from the 2 and 4 engine types cause a type of "naval disruption" (for lack of a better term) in addition to CAP disruption (potentially) where the under the hood design of game adds a minus against successful air check.

~ I agree that I too have experienced limited or no success using LBA level and medium bombers. Success defined by the pure statistic: success = hit for damage. This is consistent with real Naval results historically.

~ Pre-suppose it depends where the LBA is.I am inferring its sitting in Lae or Weewak for example. If the LBA goes in early (i.e. from a nearby base and/or on a prior turn from spotting) it should in fact reduce the CAP making an alpha strike from your Carrier flotilla all the more effective.

~ Based on my results in game.. 3 major carrier to carrier battles...and at least 3 "sandbox to test out" I get the feeling that Japan could not launch as big or as successful alpha strikes on their own if the LBA "disrupted them first". This last piece is pure inference on my part and maybe has nothing to do with it. Perhaps it was damage, morale, leadership, or some other thing.. Its just my gut feeling and 'limited inexperienced play testing' that makes me think there is value in early bomber runs against Naval Targets i.e. early compared to an alpha strike.

_____________________________

A People that values its privileges above it's principles will soon loose both. Dwight D Eisenhower.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 331

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 11/10/2016 9:59:35 PM

BBfanboy

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

The value of the LBA attacks in the AM before the carrier attack in the PM is wearing out the CAP, and perhaps using up a lot of their AAA ammo. Guns tend to fire less when they get down to about 30% ammo (my impression). I know this is a fact in surface battles where the ships with low ammo withhold fire until the enemy is really close, so if modelled similarly for air combat that would mean they do not use long range AAA to disrupt strikes before the attack is really close, and that should result in more hits by the attacker.

The "minus" for naval air attack is a moving target. Ships that are slowed down are much more likely to be attacked and to be hit.
Most of the successful naval strikes seem to be at low level - in RL witness, Bismarck, Vittorio Veneto and Pola, the Battle of the Bismarck Sea, the strikes on Yamato and Musashi. AFAIK the B-17s dropping bombs from above 10,000 feet only ever achieved a couple of hits on moving ships all war. For this reason I would never agree to the usual house rule about no 4E naval bombing below 10,000 feet - 5,000 would be reasonable to me and the flak losses would be the offsetting consideration for the attacker.

_____________________________

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

(in reply to Macclan5)

Post #: 332

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 11/12/2016 2:01:35 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

You are in 1943 so you should have at least F4F-4s and perhaps Hellcats on your CVs. For sure your Devastators should be replaced by TBF/TBM Avengers by now. You should be able to handle KB and can help that by:

- bringing in any LBA that might be able to LRCAP your CVs/Transports or attack KB
- having several SCTFs that will draw KB strikes. TFs of 3-4 DDs are good because they are hard to hit but dangerous enough to make KB attack.
- having any empty Amphib ships you can afford to lose move out to sea between your CVs and KB.
- don't sit in one place and let the AI organize an eight-hex strike. Move toward the threat.
- keep more fighters on your CAP than on escort. Japanese interception is not as good as the Allies (poor radar) so your planes have a better chance of getting through. Plus you need fewer hits to disable or sink an IJN CV.

Appreciate the tips on this BBF, expecially the one about Japanese interception, that will really come in handy when setting CAP/Escort ratios.

As for airframes, I have Avengers on my carriers now, but my fighter compliment is still composed of F4F-4's. I should be okay, but I'll feel much better when Hellcats appear next month. Hellcats aren't a huge improvement, but the factories will be spitting out 130/month (versus 45 Wildcats/month). The increased production rate will make it easier to keep squadrons filled out.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Macclan5
..."I think" LBA airstrike from the 2 and 4 engine types cause a type of "naval disruption" (for lack of a better term) in addition to CAP disruption (potentially) where the under the hood design of game adds a minus against successful air check.

~ I agree that I too have experienced limited or no success using LBA level and medium bombers. Success defined by the pure statistic: success = hit for damage. This is consistent with real Naval results historically.

~ Pre-suppose it depends where the LBA is.I am inferring its sitting in Lae or Weewak for example. If the LBA goes in early (i.e. from a nearby base and/or on a prior turn from spotting) it should in fact reduce the CAP making an alpha strike from your Carrier flotilla all the more effective.

~ Based on my results in game.. 3 major carrier to carrier battles...and at least 3 "sandbox to test out" I get the feeling that Japan could not launch as big or as successful alpha strikes on their own if the LBA "disrupted them first". This last piece is pure inference on my part and maybe has nothing to do with it. Perhaps it was damage, morale, leadership, or some other thing.. Its just my gut feeling and 'limited inexperienced play testing' that makes me think there is value in early bomber runs against Naval Targets i.e. early compared to an alpha strike.

quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

The value of the LBA attacks in the AM before the carrier attack in the PM is wearing out the CAP, and perhaps using up a lot of their AAA ammo. Guns tend to fire less when they get down to about 30% ammo (my impression). I know this is a fact in surface battles where the ships with low ammo withhold fire until the enemy is really close, so if modelled similarly for air combat that would mean they do not use long range AAA to disrupt strikes before the attack is really close, and that should result in more hits by the attacker.

The "minus" for naval air attack is a moving target. Ships that are slowed down are much more likely to be attacked and to be hit.
Most of the successful naval strikes seem to be at low level - in RL witness, Bismarck, Vittorio Veneto and Pola, the Battle of the Bismarck Sea, the strikes on Yamato and Musashi. AFAIK the B-17s dropping bombs from above 10,000 feet only ever achieved a couple of hits on moving ships all war. For this reason I would never agree to the usual house rule about no 4E naval bombing below 10,000 feet - 5,000 would be reasonable to me and the flak losses would be the offsetting consideration for the attacker.

Thanks for your thoughts on this guys. I was judging the successful-ness LBA bomber attack by the number of hits they scored on enemy shipping. From your comments, it looks like they can be successful in other ways.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 333

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 11/14/2016 6:36:19 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Week 67: March 17th – March 23rd 1943

North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu.

Central Pacific:
Theater is quiet.

Southern Pacific:
An IJN sub sinks an empty AK off Wallis Island, out of the reach ASW efforts around the Samoas. DD’s investigate but find nothing. I’ll have to be better about assigning waypoints to ensure transport TF’s don’t stray too far from Pago-Pago…where air and sea ASW patrols make the waters much safer.

New Guinea/Solomons:
AV of Japanese resistance outside Salamaua has been reduced from 52 to 13, but they continue to fight on. I am rotating out formations between attack and rest so there isn’t a break in the deliberate attacks.

The Japanese garrisons at Nadzab, Manus, and Kavieng continue to hold out. Allied forces are grinding them down slowly but surely. Small reinforcements are headed to all three locations to help speed things up, but any major effort will have to wait until the Rabaul operation calms down.

KB is still anchored at Hollandia. Reports consistently indicate approximately 8 CV’s with 100F/170B. However, at the end of the week the estimate drops to 5 CVs and (60F/100B)…PBY searches don’t indicate anything, but forces may be on the move.

Landfall on Operation Tiger Balm occurs on the 19th with minimal disruption. Japanese costal fire is lighter than expected. Between that and imbedded BBs drawing most of the attention, only a few transports are hit. There were the expected losses, but all formations of PAW-1 made it ashore intact survived the first few nights. LCI’s and APA’s performed admirably in their combat debut and the amphibs TF’s are already heading back to Tulagi, where PAW-3 is waiting to embark (PAW-2 already in route from Noumea).

While the IJN didn’t interfere with the Rabaul landings, they couldn’t help but spoil the party elsewhere. A surface TF made up of BB Kirishima CA Tone and 3 DD escorts attack a reinforcement convoy unloading at Namantanai, sinking 2 APs and 3 AKs. Luckily the troops had already unloaded, but the attack was quite a surprise, as it originated from the Southwest (Nauru Island) instead of the normal Northwest vector (Truk). Search arcs have been adjusted accordingly. Not to be outdone, another Japanese force runs the straights near Cape Gloucester and lands some kind of base force at Gasmata. The next morning about 20 fighter and 20 bombers begin operating out of the base…with the bombers focusing on the landing craft at Rabaul. My CAP wards them off, but this puts a lot of shipping in the Solomon Sea at risk. Tomorrow I have a few sweeps on tap along with a visit from some Mitchells to disrupt the enemy air ops at Gasmata.

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

In the DEI, Japan continues their intermittent Brunei bombings, but no sign of invasion. Nothing else of note in the region.

SE Asia/China:
Continuing to grind the enemy at Akyab. Deliberate attack gets a 2:1 but I still lose about 3 times the casualties. Luckily most of my losses are disablements. The Japanese casualties are also mostly disabled squads, but with the supply situation, they have a harder time getting back into fighting shape.

In central Burma, Mandalay airfield is still active and launching attacks on Allied bases at Lashio and Katha. Allied CAP does a good job and damage is minimal. The British Chindit force continues towards Taung Gyi. Reports still indicate 1 enemy unit in the town. If I can overwhelm them before reinforcements arrive, that would be best.

In China, Chengchow holds amid more IJA deliberate attacks. Japanese bombardments continue at Wuchow and Nanning.

IJN Watch:

-7 CVs (70F/150B) and 3 BB + escorts spotted at Hollandia all week.

Notable Base Captures:
-Nadzab [New Guinea] is captured by the Allies (3/19)

Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 3,960 [+78]
Biggest Losses (#):SBD-3 Dauntless (333), F4F-4 Wildcat ( 279), Hurricane IIc (274)

Japanese: 10,622 [+371]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (2,135), Ki-48 Lily (1,79), A6M2 Zero (1,036)

Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 471 [+12]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 893 [+10]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.

Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 9,193 [+82]
Japanese: 5,111 [+76]
A/J Ratio: 1.80 to 1

VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 34,629 [+678]
Japanese: 26,367 [+309]
A/J Ratio: 1.31 to 1

Operation Tropic Thunder
Phase 1A - LAZARUS: Nov.1942 – March 1943
-Capture Finschfen – COMPLETE
-Capture Umboi Island – COMPLETE
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hansa Bay - UNDERWAY [Armed Force advancing from Lae have captured Nadzab and are now heading towards Saidor]

Phase 1B – FOUR LEAF: Nov.1942 – March 1943
-Capture Namatanai – COMPLETE
-Capture Kavieng – UNDERWAY [Allied AV advantage is 238:140, Japanese forts still at 4]
-Capture Massau Island – COMPLETE
-Capture Manus – UNDERWAY [Allied AV advantage is 123:68, Japanese forts at 1. Allied reinforcement in route]

Phase 2 – TIGER BALM: March 1943 – April 1943
-Capture/Neutralize Rabaul – UNDERWAY [PAW-1 is is safely ashore, PAW-2 and 3 are in route]
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hollandia

Other Notes:
-The Allies have secured a beachhead at Rabaul, and reinforcements should arrive mid next week. While the Japanese shore batteries took a toll, nothing serious was lost, and by the end of the week, the enemy positions are silent. My bombardments were good but I’m pretty sure I didn’t knock out all enemy positions, so they must be low on supply. We’ll know for sure in the next week or so.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 334

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 11/21/2016 1:08:37 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Week 68: March 24th – March 30th 1943

North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu. SigInt reports a few Japanese infantry and engineer units prepping for Attu. I have a stout garrison there, so I won’t reinforce yet.

Central Pacific:
Theater is quiet.

Southern Pacific:
Theater is again quiet. All Transport TF’s have been re-routed to pass by Pago-Pago, and I now have 2 ASW TFs operating in the area.

New Guinea/Solomons:
After almost two weeks of deliberate attacks at Salamaua, I decide to launch a shock and see what happens. Results are better than expected, the enemy forces are wiped out. On a side note, I think I have found a use for shock attacks…attacking surrounded forces that are out of supply (so they can’t shoot back effectively).

On the northern coast of New Guinea, my forces are heading towards Saidor, in pursuit of retreating enemy forces recently evicted from Nadzab. A smaller detachment is heading due north towards Madang to cut off their retreat. Elsewhere, the Japanese garrisons at Manus and Kavieng continue to hold out. Allied forces are grinding them down slowly but surely. Reinforcements should make landfall next week, preceded by a few BBs itching to say hello to the enemy. Hopefully the combination will speed up the effort to capture these two Japanese outposts.

KB is still anchored at Hollandia. Reports consistently indicate approximately 7-8 CV’s with 100F/180B.

Rabaul is turning out to be quite a warzone. In the past week, the Japanese have attempted multiple raids with both sea and air power…with mixed results. My forces have suffered some disruption, but the Japanese lost over 75 Bettys/Sallys and the BB Kirishima took a few bomb hits. At the same time, PAW-2 and PAW-3 have landed and re-inforced the Allied beachhead…but not before the Japanese coastal guns sunk 3 AK’s. My 4EB are still pounding Rabaul and new squadrons arriving from the West Coast are allowing me to give the active squadrons a much needed rest.

Despite my efforts, Gasmata is still a functioning Japanese base. There are over 75 enemy fighters and about 100 bombers, but they seem to be focused on impaling themselves by attacking my Rabaul amphibs fleet (it has massive CAP)…so I’m okay with the status quo.

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

In the DEI, Japan continues their intermittent Brunei bombings, but no sign of invasion. Nothing else of note in the region.

SE Asia/China:
Continuing to grind the enemy at Akyab. Another deliberate attack gets a 2:1 but this time I only lose double the casualties…getting better. Early next week, an Indian Division should be arriving, we’ll see if the added firepower helps.

In central Burma, Mandalay airfield is still active and launching attacks on Allied bases at Lashio and Katha. Allied CAP does a good job and damage is minimal. The British Chindit force reaches Taung Gyi and is set to deliberate attack tomorrow. Reports still indicate 1 enemy unit in the town, so it should be a quick fight.

In China, I launch a deliberate attack at Wuchow and force the Japanese to retreat…though *like sand people) I’m sure they’ll be back…and in greater numbers. Chengchow holds amid more IJA deliberate attacks. Japanese bombardments continue at Nanning.

IJN Watch:

-7 CVs (100F/180B) and 3 BB + escorts spotted at Hollandia all week.

Notable Base Captures:
-None

Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 4,016 [+56]
Biggest Losses (#):SBD-3 Dauntless (338), F4F-4 Wildcat ( 279), Hurricane IIc (280)

Japanese: 10,842 [+220]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (2,064), Ki-48 Lily (1,234), Ki-27b Nate (1,271)

Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 474 [+3]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 923 [+30]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.

Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 9,294 [+101]
Japanese: 5,191 [+80]
A/J Ratio: 1.79 to 1

VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 35,242 [+613]
Japanese: 26,693 [+326]
A/J Ratio: 1.32 to 1

Operation Tropic Thunder
Phase 1A - LAZARUS: Nov.1942 – March 1943
-Capture Finschfen – COMPLETE
-Capture Umboi Island – COMPLETE
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hansa Bay - UNDERWAY [Armed Force advancing from Lae have captured Nadzab and are now heading towards Saidor]

Phase 1B – FOUR LEAF: Nov.1942 – March 1943
-Capture Namatanai – COMPLETE
-Capture Kavieng – UNDERWAY [Allied AV advantage is 230:126, Japanese forts still at 4]
-Capture Massau Island – COMPLETE
-Capture Manus – UNDERWAY [Allied AV advantage is 128:69, Japanese forts at 1. Allied reinforcement in route]

Phase 2 – TIGER BALM: March 1943 – April 1943
-Capture/Neutralize Rabaul – UNDERWAY [PAW-2 and 3 are ashore, PAW-4 prepping at Noumea]
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hollandia

Other Notes:
-Lots of Japanese shipping lost in the Rabaul vicinity. Even if the base takes a while to capture, it is worth it if I can attrit the Japanese navy in the process.

< Message edited by Schlussel -- 11/25/2016 9:17:54 PM >

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 335

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 11/21/2016 3:41:42 PM

BBfanboy

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

Looks like you have bigger grinders than the Japanese. Pretty soon he should start running out of cannon fodder.

_____________________________

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

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 336

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 11/23/2016 5:01:34 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Looks like you have bigger grinders than the Japanese. Pretty soon he should start running out of cannon fodder.

Exactly, that is the plan anyway. The only thing preventing total Allied dominance in the Rabaul region is the presence of the KB. (they are still chillin' at Hollandia). Their proximity means all amphib TFs need to be escorted by Allied Carriers....its definitely slowing down my pace a bit since I can't perform simultaneous amphib operations...I don't have enough carriers to go around just yet.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 337

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 11/25/2016 9:16:47 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Situation Report – April 1st 1943

Central/North Pacific:

Capital Ships: 3-BB (@Pearl Harbor)

Fuel Reserves: 1,590K @ Pearl Harbor

Near-Term Plans: Continue developing bases in Aleutians.

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

New Guinea/Solomons:

Capital Ships: 5-CV, 4-CVE, 1-CVL, 10-BB

Fuel Reserves: 903K @ Noumea
166K @ Milne Bay
5K @ Sydney

Near-Term Plans: Capture Kavieng and Manus, move up New Guinea coast towards Hollandia. Capture Rabaul.

Long Term Plans: Advance up the New Guinea Coast towards Philippines. Isolate Truk and develop bases to be used as launch points for Marianas Invasion.

SE Asia/China:

Capital Ships: 4-BB (@Colombo)

Fuel Reserves: 1,355K @ Colombo

Near-Term Plans: Destroy Japanese in Akyab pocket. Chindit Raid in Central Burma to isolate/capture Mandalay.

Long Term Plans: Continue advance down coast and central Burma to threaten Rangoon.

Base Status:

Akyab:
Port Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 7.99 (+0.43)
Supplies: 48K (4 Weeks of normal operations)

Amchitka:
Port Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 6.51 (+0.31)
Supplies: 4K (9 Weeks of normal operations)

Attu:
Port Size: 2.69 (+0.24)
Airfield Size: 2.91 (+0.23)
Supplies: 5K (50 Weeks of normal operations)

Buka:
Port Size: 1.35 (+0.30)
Airfield Size: 3.34 (+0.37)
Supplies: 30K (19 Weeks of normal operations)

Buna:
Port Size: 3.61 (+0.49)
Airfield Size: 8.37 (+0.25)
Supplies: 17K (3 Weeks of normal operations)

Finschafen:
Port Size: 5.00 (+0.49)
Airfield Size: 6.00 (+0.71)
Supplies: 24K (12 Weeks of normal operations)

Lae:
Port Size: 2.00
Airfield Size: 4.50
Supplies: 3.5K (3 Weeks of normal operations)

Lunga:
Port Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 7.82 (+0.17)
Supplies: 25K (4 Weeks of normal operations)

Milne Bay:
Port Size: 5.00 (+0.16)
Airfield Size: 6.27 (+0.12)
Supplies: 150K (30 Weeks of normal operations)

Mussau:
Port Size: 2.74 (+0.61)
Airfield Size: 4.98 (+1.75)
Supplies: 17K (7 Weeks of normal operations)

Myitkyina:
Port Size: N/A
Airfield Size: 4.13 (+0.58)
Supplies: 2.5K (4 Weeks of normal operations)

Pago-Pago:
Port Size: 3.42 (+0.13)
Airfield Size: 6.02 (+0.08)
Supplies: 5K (4 Weeks of normal operations)

Tabiteuea:
Port Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 6.00 (+0.37)
Supplies: 37K (16 Weeks of normal operations)

Tulagi:
Port Size: 6.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 5.00 (+0.74)
Supplies: 144K (70+ Weeks of normal operations)

Umboi Island:
Port Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 6.54 (+0.47)
Supplies: 15K (3 Weeks of normal operations)

Umnak:
Port Size: 3.00 (+0.55)
Airfield Size: 6.12 (+1.10)
Supplies: 7K (30 Weeks of normal operations)

< Message edited by Schlussel -- 11/30/2016 12:58:52 PM >

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 338

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 11/30/2016 12:52:29 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Week 69: March 31st – April 6th 1943
North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu, otherwise no action in this theater.

Central Pacific:
SS Triton hit CA Tone with 2 Torpedoes near Truk…and both actually explode, not sure what part of that I am more excited about. No sinking sounds, but that will definitely put her up in the yards for awhile.

4 DD Task Force bombards Wake to test defenses, they target a Coastal Gun Unit and an infantry regiment…nothing out of the ordinary.

Southern Pacific:
Theater is again quiet.

New Guinea/Solomons:
Continuing to close the noose tighter around Rabaul, this week Manus finally succumbs to Allied attacks. PBY’s are shuttled in and the American engineers there immediately begin base expansion. The first order of business is to get the AF to Level 1, to allow for CAP. After that, efforts will be divided amongst Port and AF work.
The Japanese garrison at Kavieng is still holding out, mainly because they are hiding behind Level 4 forts. This should change soon, as about 100 AV of Allied reinforcements make landfall at the end of the week. I’ll give the new arrivals a day or so to rest up, and then we attack.

On the northern coast of New Guinea, Allied forces have reached Saidor, and have knocked the forts there down from 3 to 1. The infantry is exhausted after repeated attacks, so I will give them a short break and ready for one final push. The Allied flanking force has already reached the hex NW of Saidor, so the enemy force will be encircled once it is pushed out of the base.

KB is still anchored at Hollandia. Reports consistently indicate approximately 7-8 CV’s with 100F/180B. A small DD TF strayed (reacted) within 8 hexes of Hollandia and got pounded by Kates, so this will be an interesting problem…one that the next op will strive to address. For now I will attempt to stay away from the KB so as to not prod them into action…don’t want to shake the hornet’s nest just yet.

Rabaul is continuing to be the Guadalcanal of this struggle. Both sides are funneling men and resources into the base. The Japanese are frantically trying to re-supply their stronghold, while the Allies are shepherding troops from all around the SW Pacific to grind down the defenders. Also, the intense air battles in the skies above Rabaul rival those I experienced at Akyab late in 1942. The key differences are the Allied airframes (numbers and quality) and pilots. In both areas, the Allies have made vast improvements, and it is taking a toll on the Japanese.

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

In the DEI, Japan continues their intermittent Brunei bombings, but no sign of invasion. Nothing else of note in the region.

SE Asia/China:
Continuing to grind the enemy at Akyab. Deliberate attacks during the week get better odds, increasing up to 6:1 by the end of the week. Losses are about equal on both sides, but that is to my advantage. The big change this week, is the utter dominance of the RAF over the Akyab region. This has all but stopped Japanese air raids on Akyab (and those that do occur don’t fare too well) and has given me a better freedom of movement in the area. One example of this is on the coast, where 4 British BB’s have been bombarding Akyab every two days, resupplying from Chittagong. Without the fear of Japanese attack, the BBs have been free to shuttle back and forth all week under a modest LRCAP with no incidents. Additionally, a amphibs TF has assembled at Chittagong and is set to move the 9th Australian Div (100% prepped) to Ramree Island, with orders to secure the base and begin expansion to support a drive towards Rangoon. Not sure how far I’ll get before the Monsoon season, but we’ll make as much headway as possible.

In central Burma, the British Chindit force captures Taung Gyi and Mektila. The final objective, Magwe should be under attack early next week.

In China, Chengchow holds amid more IJA deliberate attacks. Japanese bombardments continue at Nanning.

IJN Watch:

-7 CVs (100F/180B) and 2 BB + escorts spotted at Hollandia all week.

Notable Base Captures:
-Taung Gyi [Burma] Captured by Allies (3/31)
-Manus [New Britain] Captured By Allies (4/4)
-Mektila [Burma] Captured by Allies (4/6)

Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 4,067 [+51]
Biggest Losses (#):SBD-3 Dauntless (339), F4F-4 Wildcat ( 279), Hurricane IIc (282)

Japanese: 11,061 [+219]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (2,350), Ki-48 Lily (1,604), Ki-27b Nate (1,020)

Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 482 [+8]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 960 [+37]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.

Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 9,367 [+71]
Japanese: 5,330 [+139]
A/J Ratio: 1.76 to 1

VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 35,853 [+611]
Japanese: 26,887 [+194]
A/J Ratio: 1.33 to 1

Operation Tropic Thunder
Phase 1A - LAZARUS: Nov.1942 – March 1943
-Capture Finschfen – COMPLETE
-Capture Umboi Island – COMPLETE
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hansa Bay - UNDERWAY [Armed Force advancing from Lae have reached Saidor and are attacking]

Phase 1B – FOUR LEAF: Nov.1942 – March 1943
-Capture Namatanai – COMPLETE
-Capture Kavieng – UNDERWAY [Allied AV advantage is 293:98, Japanese forts still at 4]
-Capture Massau Island – COMPLETE
-Capture Manus – COMPLETE

Phase 2 – TIGER BALM: March 1943 – April 1943
-Capture/Neutralize Rabaul – UNDERWAY [PAW-4 prepping at Noumea, Japanese AV advantage is 1,237:1,219 Forts are at 8]
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hollandia

Other Notes:
-First Deliberate attack at Rabaul gets 1:5 odds and reveals Level 8 Forts, but modified Japanese AV is below 100, so casualties were low. Mixed news here, as this means PAW-4 (2 US Divisions) will be needed to secure the base.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 339

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 11/30/2016 2:44:45 PM

Macclan5

Posts: 1065
Joined: 3/24/2016
From: Toronto Canada
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Schlussel

KB is still anchored at Hollandia. Reports consistently indicate approximately 7-8 CV’s with 100F/180B. A small DD TF strayed (reacted) within 8 hexes of Hollandia and got pounded by Kates, so this will be an interesting problem…one that the next op will strive to address. For now I will attempt to stay away from the KB so as to not prod them into action…don’t want to shake the hornet’s nest just yet.

Congrats on the grind.

In terms of learning curve - I think the "Allied grind" is the steepest curve for the Allied rookie players.

These threads are valuable for newer players to read.

In the early game Japan takes out your bases almost effortlessly; or you enforce a defensive grind on Japan say at Singapore, or Manila.

When the rookie SACPAC gains the initiative there is a tendency / desire to see things move quickly.

It doesn't happen that way in game and a lack of patience can lead to mistakes - as per your very wise note above about stirring a hornets nest in Hollandia.

--

Equally surprising to me is that the KB did not sortie against you at Manus / Rabul ~ apparently not even once.

I am going to surmise that the actual ships in the KB (5? 7?) are:

1) Some mis-identification ~ I am willing to bet a few (2? 3?) are actually TK or xAKL

2) So damaged from previous engagements they can''t sortie ! Great news.

Now the Air wings are deadly still... but could you park a couple of good experienced submarines on a 1 Hex patrol zone in Hollandia to see if you can get a lucky pot shot in ???

Else once you are confident you have Rabul / Manus / Kaeving grinds complete....sweep sweep sweep bomb bomb bomb and then send in Marc Mischner with every flat top you got.

< Message edited by Macclan5 -- 11/30/2016 2:45:32 PM >

_____________________________

A People that values its privileges above it's principles will soon loose both. Dwight D Eisenhower.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 340

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 12/2/2016 7:13:46 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Thanks! Yeah I have made my share of mistakes, most notable was sending the entire 32nd ID to the SW Pacific without adequate escorts. I paid for that dearly, and I try to remember that every time I try to cut corners. Then again there's not enough to go around (at least right now) so this phase of the war is all about managing risk.

Like you, I am also surprised the KB didn't sortie. The 4-6 CV count seems realistic, I record the reports daily and they seem to hover right around 6. Plane count (280), on the other hand, suggests more like 4 carriers (I assume 70 aircraft per CV to be conservative on the CV count). If my numbers are right, Japan started the war with 6 Fleet CV's...they lost Soryu, so they should be right at 5. Whatever the number, their air wings (as you noted) are still deadly. Once the seaborne reinforcement of Rabaul is complete (ETC = week) I should be ready to divert some attention. In the meantime, I’ll try out your suggestion, and have an aggressive sub patrol the Hollandia hex. I have subs operating 1 hex away already, and they seem to get pretty high detection levels, so I’m thinking the Japanese base has some ASW patrols going pretty steadily. No harm in trying while I wait to bring in the big guns (errr…planes)

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Macclan5)

Post #: 341

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 12/2/2016 10:05:42 PM

Bif1961

Posts: 2014
Joined: 6/26/2008
From: Phenix City, Alabama
Status: offline

Well they do get two convert merchant medium sizes CVs with about 50 planes each.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 342

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 12/4/2016 5:28:15 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bif1961

Well they do get two convert merchant medium sizes CVs with about 50 planes each.

Good to know, thanks Bif1961. That and they also have a few CVL's still out there. I wonder if the AI converts ships, or if that's a human-only thing.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Bif1961)

Post #: 343

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 12/4/2016 6:37:43 PM

BBfanboy

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: Schlussel

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bif1961

Well they do get two convert merchant medium sizes CVs with about 50 planes each.

Good to know, thanks Bif1961. That and they also have a few CVL's still out there. I wonder if the AI converts ships, or if that's a human-only thing.

I'm not sure if Bif was referring to Seaplane Tenders Chitose and Chiyoda which convert to CVLs. I do not know of any merchantmen that can become CVs.

Anyway, any time I play the AI it always sends the two CSs into harms way without adequate CV backup so they get sunk easily by my carriers. IOW, I don't know if the AI would convert them!

FWIW, some players say the CSs with Jake float planes are more valuable than having them convert to CVLs with new, inexperienced squadrons of carrier aircraft.

_____________________________

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

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 344

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 12/5/2016 1:08:41 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Week 70: April 7th – April 13th 1943
North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu, otherwise no action in this theater.

Central Pacific:
Theater is quiet.

Southern Pacific:
Theater is again quiet.

New Guinea/Solomons:
Despite the Allies best efforts, Japan still manages to sneak in some supply to Rabaul. The responsible ships are sent to the watery depths, but not before they unload some of their vital cargo. Bombardments that used to consistently damage and destroy Japanese squads are now reversed, and it is now the Allies that are suffering losses. Bombardments are suspended until a fix can be implemented. Meanwhile 4EB continue to plaster the defenders, who are without air cover.

The Japanese garrison at Kavieng is still holding out, but the Allied reinforcements have made an impact, with recent attacks knocking the forts down from 4 to 2. A few more assaults should do it.

On the northern coast of New Guinea, Allied forces at Saidor, are still resting up. Supplies are available but their recovery is a little slow. I am in no rush as Allied bombers are keeping the enemy suppressed.

KB is still anchored at Hollandia. Reports consistently indicate approximately 7-8 CV’s with 100F/180B. The damaged DD TF from last week made it to Finschafen and will get patched up before heading to the dry dock in Sydney.

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

In the DEI, Japan continues their intermittent Brunei bombings, but no sign of invasion. Nothing else of note in the region.

SE Asia/China:
Continuing to wear down the Japanese the enemy at Akyab. Deliberate attacks during the week continue to get better odds, increasing up to 11:1 by mid-week. However, fatigue levels for Allied troops also rise, so I stand down for a few days. After recovering, they may be asked to shock attack to eliminate the remaining Japanese quickly (the enemy is out of supply, so risk should be low).
On the coast, the 9th Australian takes Ramree Island easily and engineers start base expansion, I’ll need lots of supplies coming in to support any advance towards Rangoon.

In central Burma, the British Chindit force captures Magwe, and things were looking good. However, I have a bit of an emergency near Myitkyina, as Intel reveals the IJA 54th Inf. Division is inbound. My recon of the area has been pretty lackluster, and although I did see a ground unit advancing toward Myitkyina, I had little info on its composition, and I assumed it was the unit that had retreated from Katha after I took the town. Myitkyina had a minimal garrison, so I employed my C-47s to shuttle the 48th Indian Brigade in. So far about 97 AV has arrived, boosting the cities garrison to 174. The Japanese arrive on the last day of the week and it is revealed they have about 355 AV. My plan is to weather the initial attacks and hopefully they will run out of supply, as my presence at Katha effectively denies them a supply route.

The IJA is also on the move further south, taking a vacant Taung Gyi and cutting my supply line to the Chindits at Magwe and Meiktila. The Japanese timed it just right, as my forces holding the town had just departed, and their replacements were two days away when the Japanese showed up. Once the replacements arrive, I’ll have a better idea of the enemy force that is present.

In China, Chengchow holds amid continued IJA deliberate attacks, however AV is down to 1,100. An exit strategy is being formulated. Japanese bombardments continue at Nanning.

IJN Watch:
-7 CVs (100F/180B) and 2 BB + escorts spotted at Hollandia all week.

Notable Base Captures:
-Emirau Island [New Britain] Occupied by Allies (4/8)
-Ramree Island [Burma] Captured By Allies (4/8)
-Magwe [Burma] Captured by Allies (4/12)

Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 4,157 [+90]
Biggest Losses (#):SBD-3 Dauntless (340), Hurricane IIc (308), F4F-4 Wildcat ( 283)

Japanese: 11,280 [+219]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (2,180), Ki-27b Nate (1,362), Ki-48 Lily (1,074)

Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 489 [+7]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 977 [+17]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.

Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 9,459 [+92]
Japanese: 5,454 [+124]
A/J Ratio: 1.73 to 1

VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 36,443 [+590]
Japanese: 27,160 [+273]
A/J Ratio: 1.34 to 1

Operation Tropic Thunder
Phase 1A - LAZARUS: Nov.1942 – March 1943
-Capture Finschafen – COMPLETE
-Capture Umboi Island – COMPLETE
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hansa Bay - UNDERWAY [Armed Force advancing from Lae have reached Saidor and are attacking, forts are down to zero]

Phase 1B – FOUR LEAF: Nov.1942 – March 1943
-Capture Namatanai – COMPLETE
-Capture Kavieng – UNDERWAY [Allied AV advantage is 247:55, Japanese forts down to 2]
-Capture Mussau Island – COMPLETE
-Capture Manus – COMPLETE

Phase 2 – TIGER BALM: March 1943 – April 1943
-Capture/Neutralize Rabaul – UNDERWAY [PAW-4 loading at Noumea, Japanese AV advantage is 1,238:1,212 Forts are at 8]
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hollandia

Other Notes:
-All Japanese ship losses are AKs running supply into Rabaul. Allied patrols catch most of them, but some supply gets to the base. Unfortunately this means it will hold out longer than anticipated.
-The situation in central Burma right now is a bit of a cluster, with both sides attempting to cut off the other. Luckily my Chindit forces are still effective when under-supplied, and my upcoming advance down the Burma coast will definitely help things.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 345

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 12/6/2016 12:55:07 AM

Bif1961

Posts: 2014
Joined: 6/26/2008
From: Phenix City, Alabama
Status: offline

Two Junyo class CVs converted Passenger Liners with 53 AC capacity. Available spring and summer of 42.

< Message edited by Bif1961 -- 12/6/2016 12:57:57 AM >

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 346

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 12/6/2016 1:36:55 AM

BBfanboy

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bif1961

Two Junyo class CVs converted Passenger Liners with 53 AC capacity. Available spring and summer of 42.

Junyo and Hiyo are already in the building queue without any input by the player, so I was not thinking of those. Are there two others that you are referring to? That would be news to me.

_____________________________

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

(in reply to Bif1961)

Post #: 347

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 12/6/2016 1:44:00 AM

Bif1961

Posts: 2014
Joined: 6/26/2008
From: Phenix City, Alabama
Status: offline

He was trying to account for possible Japanese carriers at his stage of the game, he did not include the Junyo class as additions to the Japanese carrier fleet.

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 348

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 12/6/2016 5:20:45 AM

BBfanboy

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

quote:

ORIGINAL: Bif1961

He was trying to account for possible Japanese carriers at his stage of the game, he did not include the Junyo class as additions to the Japanese carrier fleet.

Ah, I overlooked that his count was off - thanks for your patience with my confusion!

_____________________________

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

(in reply to Bif1961)

Post #: 349

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 12/12/2016 4:52:21 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Week 71: April 14th – April 20th 1943

North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu, otherwise no action in this theater.

Central Pacific:
Theater is quiet.

Southern Pacific:
Sporadic IJAF raids on Tabiteuea, targeting a re-supply convoy unloading in the harbor. All are turned back by CAP without hitting a single ship.

New Guinea/Solomons:
4 EB continue to pummel the poor IJA defenders of Rabaul. Allied ground attacks are suspended for most of the week to allow the infantry to rest up. On the 17th PAW-4 arrives (37th and 42nd Divisions) raising the Allied AV to about 1,650. A deliberate attack is launched on the 20th that gets a 1:2 resulting in about 1,500 casualties on both sides (10 destroyed/150 disabled squads). I’m not expecting to throw the Japanese out yet, just trying to get them to burn supply, fighting and repairing disablements.

The Japanese garrison at Kavieng is still holding out, but forts were reduced to 0 at the end of the week. One more assault should do it.

On the northern coast of New Guinea, Allied forces capture Saidor and advance towards the enemy reported at Madang. In a bid to keep up the pressure, I land a few infantry regiments at Madang. The initial landings go well, but a large LBA raid from Hollandia barely makes it through my LRCAP. Only 3 Bettys squeak through, but all score torpedo hits and two AP’s die a watery death…along with about 1,000 troops. I thought 50 fighters would be enough to protect the amphibs, but I was obviously wrong here. The next day, I add a few squadrons to LRCAP duty, so far seems to have worked. Fatigue is much higher for LRCAP missions, so I have been rotating in fresh squadrons each turn. Even so, fatigue is becoming a problem, and I’m probably gonna have to pull the transports back in a turn or two.

The Japanese also get a shot in on one of my carriers. While escorting the Rabaul reinforcements, an Air Combat TF consisting of Lexington, Saratoga, Victorious, along with 3 CA’s and 4 DD’s is ambushed at night by a 3 ship Destroyer TF. One lucky Japanese ship gets in close and launches three Long Lance torpedoes. Two of them hit CV Victorious, and that was all that was needed to sink her. While I’ve been able to whittle down the number of Japanese Cruisers, this shows their destroyers are still a force to be reckoned with. My TF had a pretty aggressive leader, and I’m assuming that’s why they attacked instead of attempting to retreat from surface combat. To combat this new threat, I have formed a few DD/CA task forces to patrol the areas around my carriers…the thought being that enemy surface forces will tangle with these before getting close to my flattops. I obviously can’t rely on embedded DD’s to protect CVTFs.

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

In the DEI, Japan continues their intermittent Brunei bombings, but no sign of invasion. Nothing else of note in the region.

SE Asia/China:
Continuing to wear down the Japanese the enemy at Akyab. Tried a shock attack and got 11:1 odds. Both sides had about 100 combat squad casualties, the difference was that Japan had about 50% of theirs destroyed, while all of mine were just disabled. I’m encouraged to repeat this, however fatigue skyrocketed after the attack…so the troops rest up for the remainder of the week.

On the coast, the 9th Australian continues developing Ramree Island. The airfield reaches level 1, and P-40’s, Spitfires, and Hurricanes are transferred in. Now that the base can defend itself, development efforts are split between port and airfield expansion. CS Convoys are set up to bring in supply from Chittagong. Further down the coast, a recon unit approaches Prome to check the Japanese defenses in the town.

In central Burma, the British Chindit forces are digging in at Magwe and Meiktila. Taung Gyi and Myitkyina are sites of bombardments, but since force strength is equal, no deliberate attacks are launched by either side.

In China, the retreat begins from Chengchow, as lack of supply has made the town indefensible. The plan is to pull back to the North West to Loyang. Japanese bombardments continue at Nanning.

IJN Watch:
-7 CVs (100F/180B) and 2 BB + escorts spotted at Hollandia all week.

Notable Base Captures:
-Saidor [New Guinea] Captured by Allies (4/18)

Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 4,275 [+118]
Biggest Losses (#):SBD-3 Dauntless (340), Hurricane IIc (324), F4F-4 Wildcat ( 283)

Japanese: 11,559 [+279]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (2,754), Ki-48 Lily (1,647), Ki-27b Nate (1,350)

Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 496 [+7]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 999 [+22]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.

Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 9,567 [+108]
Japanese: 5,538 [+84]
A/J Ratio: 1.73 to 1

VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 37,015 [+572]
Japanese: 27,431 [+271]
A/J Ratio: 1.35 to 1

Operation Tropic Thunder
Phase 1A - LAZARUS: Nov.1942 – March 1943
-Capture Finschafen – COMPLETE
-Capture Umboi Island – COMPLETE
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hansa Bay - UNDERWAY [Armed Force has captured Saidor and is advancing toward Madang]

Phase 1B – FOUR LEAF: Nov.1942 – March 1943
-Capture Namatanai – COMPLETE
-Capture Kavieng – UNDERWAY [Allied AV advantage is 272:40, Japanese forts down to 0]
-Capture Mussau Island – COMPLETE
-Capture Manus – COMPLETE

Phase 2 – TIGER BALM: March 1943 – April 1943
-Capture/Neutralize Rabaul – UNDERWAY [PAW-4 arrives, Allied AV advantage is 1,659:1,231 Forts are at 8]
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hollandia

Other Notes:
-Like last week, almost all Japanese ship losses are AKs running supply into Rabaul. Allied patrols are better positioned now, and as far as I can tell, none have reached Rabaul with their precious cargo.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 350

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 12/12/2016 8:51:45 AM

adarbrauner

Posts: 1496
Joined: 11/3/2016
From: Zichron Yaaqov, Israel; Before, Treviso, Italy
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Another thing I find about AI controlled convoys is that they somehow "know" about threats ahead of them and start running away, often in the wrong direction. I find this annoying, both because the AI knows there is a threat where there is no SIGINT or visual sighting in the area and because it gets to decide where the convoy should go. Maybe I'm a control freak but I like to make the choice and I want to realistically sail into the unknown.

The AI has saved scores of merchants from my Jap sub raiders by changing course, thus requiring painstaking micromanaging to change the patrol location of the wolf packs- that for most part i fail doing due the realy heavy follow up required.

I'd really need to let the AI control many of the subs, if I had a better experience on its managing. But i am too control-sick unfortunately

Playing Grand Campaign against allied AI.

< Message edited by adarbrauner -- 12/12/2016 8:53:31 AM >

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 351

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 12/12/2016 10:29:23 AM

adarbrauner

Posts: 1496
Joined: 11/3/2016
From: Zichron Yaaqov, Israel; Before, Treviso, Italy
Status: offline

and i liked very much the map you are using. how did you do that, is it a Mod?

(in reply to adarbrauner)

Post #: 352

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 12/12/2016 12:46:08 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: adarbrauner

quote:

ORIGINAL: BBfanboy

Another thing I find about AI controlled convoys is that they somehow "know" about threats ahead of them and start running away, often in the wrong direction. I find this annoying, both because the AI knows there is a threat where there is no SIGINT or visual sighting in the area and because it gets to decide where the convoy should go. Maybe I'm a control freak but I like to make the choice and I want to realistically sail into the unknown.

The AI has saved scores of merchants from my Jap sub raiders by changing course, thus requiring painstaking micromanaging to change the patrol location of the wolf packs- that for most part i fail doing due the realy heavy follow up required.

I'd really need to let the AI control many of the subs, if I had a better experience on its managing. But i am too control-sick unfortunately

Playing Grand Campaign against allied AI.

Welcome to the thread adarbrauner! Yes I agree, I enjoy the micromanaging as well...why else would we be playing this great game?

As for the map mod, I am using one of Chemkid's awesome creations. He has his Topo Map project and Yamato Damashii. He has versions for pretty much whatever you prefer (normal/extended map, hex/hexless, etc). Check 'em out!

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to adarbrauner)

Post #: 353

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 12/20/2016 6:26:41 AM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Week 72: April 21st – April 27th 1943
North Pacific:
Base building continues at Amchitka, Umnak and Attu, otherwise no action in this theater.

Central Pacific:
Theater is quiet.

Southern Pacific:
My re-supply convoy has long since departed Tabiteuea, but sporadic IJAF raids continue to target the island. Allied CAP performs admirably.

New Guinea/Solomons:
4 EB continue to pummel the poor IJA defenders of Rabaul. Allied ground attacks resume and engineers bring the forts down from 8 to 7. Grinding them down, slowly but surely.

The Japanese garrison at Kavieng is still holding out. I’m resting up the troops for a final attack.

On the northern coast of New Guinea, the Allied force that landed at Madang last week is picked up and rushed back to the safety of the waters around Umboi Island. IJAF attacks are just too strong to repel with LRCAP. I’ll reform and try again once the Fleet carriers are finished escorting the Rabaul reinforcements. On a brighter note, the Allies capture the hex west of Saidor and advance towards the enemy at Madang.

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

In the DEI, Japan continues their intermittent Brunei bombings, but no sign of invasion. Nothing else of note in the region.

SE Asia/China:
Continuing to wear down the Japanese the enemy at Akyab. Tried a couple deliberate attacks and averaged 21:1 odds, killing about 4,500 enemy troops (100 destroyed/100 disabled enemy squads), while only losing 400 casualties of my own (60 squads, all disabled). With the Japanese losses climbing, the end to their presence at Akyab Island is near.

Further down the coast, the 9th Australian continues developing Ramree Island. Engineers and a base unit are shipped in to assist. IJAF attacks intensify as the week progresses, but so far the local CAP has managed to keep the enemy away from the ships unloading men and material in the port.

In central Burma, the British Chindit forces continue digging in at Magwe and Meiktila. Taung Gyi and Myitkyina are sites of bombardments, but since force strength is equal, no deliberate attacks are launched by either side.

In China, Chengchow is finally abandoned, as lack of supply has made the town indefensible. The starving Chinese defenders make it intact to Loyang, a town with a little better supply situation (but not much) Japanese bombardments continue at Nanning.

IJN Watch:
-7 CVs (100F/180B) and 2 BB + escorts spotted at Hollandia all week.

Notable Base Captures:
-Chengchow [China] captured by Japanese (4/23)

Campaign Overview:
Aircraft Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 4,373 [+98]
Biggest Losses (#):SBD-3 Dauntless (341), Hurricane IIc (326), F4F-4 Wildcat ( 290)

Japanese: 11,559 [+279]
Biggest Losses (#): G4M1 Betty (3,370), Ki-48 Lily (1,744), Ki-27b Nate (1,411)

Ship Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 503 [+7]
Notables: CV Enterprise, CV Victorious, CVE Copahee, CVE Nassau, CA Astoria, CA Portland, CA Adelaide, CL Durban, CL Sumatra, CL Java

Japanese: 1,010 [+11]
Notables: CV Soryu, CVL Shoho, CVL Zuiho, CVE Taiyo, CVE Hosho, BB Kongo, BB Fuso, BB Mutsu, CA Mogami, CA Mikuma, CA Suzya, CA Adoba.

Army Losses to date [change]:
Allies: 9,756 [+189]
Japanese: 5,661 [+123]
A/J Ratio: 1.72 to 1

VP Totals [change]:
Allies: 37,543 [+528]
Japanese: 27,724 [+293]
A/J Ratio: 1.35 to 1

Operation Tropic Thunder
Phase 1A - LAZARUS: Nov.1942 – March 1943
-Capture Finschafen – COMPLETE
-Capture Umboi Island – COMPLETE
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hansa Bay - UNDERWAY [Armed Force has captured Saidor and is advancing toward Madang]

Phase 1B – FOUR LEAF: Nov.1942 – March 1943
-Capture Namatanai – COMPLETE
-Capture Kavieng – UNDERWAY [Allied AV advantage is 310:27, Japanese forts down to 0]
-Capture Mussau Island – COMPLETE
-Capture Manus – COMPLETE

Phase 2 – TIGER BALM: March 1943 – April 1943
-Capture/Neutralize Rabaul – UNDERWAY [Allied AV advantage is 1,276:1,017 Forts are at 7]
-Advance up Northern NG coast to Hollandia

Other Notes:
-With Tropic Thunder winding down, the focus now turns to the Japanese combined fleet at Hollandia and Isolating Truk. Plans are already in motion, details upcoming.

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 354

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 12/26/2016 7:31:02 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

**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**

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by Schlussel -- 12/26/2016 7:33:29 PM >

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 355

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 12/29/2016 5:40:26 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Situation Report – May 1st 1943

Central/North Pacific:

Capital Ships: 1-BB (@Pearl Harbor)

Fuel Reserves: 1,726K @ Pearl Harbor

Near-Term Plans: Continue developing bases in Aleutians.

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

New Guinea/Solomons:

Capital Ships: 5-CV, 6-CVE, 1-CVL, 12-BB

Fuel Reserves:
989K @ Noumea
223K @ Milne Bay
5K @ Sydney

Near-Term Plans: Capture Rabaul. Move up northern New Guinea coast towards Hollandia.

Long Term Plans: Advance up the New Guinea Coast towards Philippines. Isolate Truk and develop bases to be used as launch points for Marianas Invasion.

SE Asia/China:

Capital Ships: 4-BB (@Colombo)

Fuel Reserves: 1,387K @ Colombo

Near-Term Plans: Advance down Burma coast towards Rangoon. Chindit Raid in Central Burma to isolate/capture Mandalay.

Long Term Plans: Isolate/capture Rangoon.

Base Status:

Akyab:
Port Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 8.29 (+0.30)
Supplies: 62K (4 Weeks of normal operations)

Amchitka:
Port Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 6.96 (+0.45)
Supplies: 2K (4 Weeks of normal operations)

Attu:
Port Size: 2.91 (+0.22)
Airfield Size: 3.11 (+0.20)
Supplies: 4K (41 Weeks of normal operations)

Buka:
Port Size: 1.65 (+0.30)
Airfield Size: 3.70 (+0.36)
Supplies: 28K (18 Weeks of normal operations)

Buna:
Port Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 8.64 (+0.27)
Supplies: 71K (9 Weeks of normal operations)

Finschafen:
Port Size: 5.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 6.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 5K (3 Weeks of normal operations)

Kavieng:
Port Size: 4.00
Airfield Size: 6.00
Supplies: 11K (4 Weeks of normal operations)

Lae:
Port Size: 2.00 (+0.00)
Airfield Size: 5.24 (+0.74)
Supplies: 2K (4 Weeks of normal operations)

Lunga:
Port Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 7.98 (+0.16)
Supplies: 25K (4 Weeks of normal operations)

Milne Bay:
Port Size: 5.34 (+0.34)
Airfield Size: 6.57 (+0.30)
Supplies: 155K (33 Weeks of normal operations)

Manus:
Port Size: 3.32
Airfield Size: 2.90
Supplies: 86K (37 Weeks of normal operations)

Mussau:
Port Size: 3.26 (+0.52)
Airfield Size: 5.66 (+0.68)
Supplies: 22K (7 Weeks of normal operations)

Myitkyina:
Port Size: N/A
Airfield Size: 4.38 (+0.25)
Supplies: 5K (3 Weeks of normal operations)

Pago-Pago:
Port Size: 3.54 (+0.12)
Airfield Size: 6.10 (+0.08)
Supplies: 5K (4 Weeks of normal operations)

Ramree Island:
Port Size: 0.84 (+0.84)
Airfield Size: 2.14 (+2.14)
Supplies: 6K (3 Weeks of normal operations)

Tabiteuea:
Port Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 6.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 50K (25 Weeks of normal operations)

Tulagi:
Port Size: 6.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 5.00 (MAX)
Supplies: 155K (150+ Weeks of normal operations)

Umboi Island:
Port Size: 4.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 7.00 (+0.46)
Supplies: 22K (3 Weeks of normal operations)

Umnak:
Port Size: 3.00 (MAX)
Airfield Size: 7.01 (+0.89)
Supplies: 7K (30 Weeks of normal operations)

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 356

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 12/30/2016 10:20:37 AM

jmalter

Posts: 1673
Joined: 10/12/2010
Status: offline

5k fuel @ Sydney, 2k supply @ Lae, 4k supply @ Attu? These are subsistence/starvation levels of supply. If you're serious about defending & developing forward bases, they need >20k supply to adequately support their airgroups.

Ou, I say, ou sont les supply convoys d'antan?
</foghorn leghorn voice>

I'm glad to see your development efforts in the Aleutians, note that Attu can only rise to airfield lvl 4, inadequate to support a 4E LBA effort against Paramushiro. You need to build Shemya & Agattu to lvl 5, so your LB-30 bombers can deliver full ordnance against Paramushiro-jima.

Your recent post listed a bunch of bases, all seem to be furiously building their facilities, but most are inadequately supplied. You provide no info of their fortifications, combat strength, air support, or airgroups. Where are your advance fleet bases & auxiliaries (AS, AE, AKE, AR, AD, ARD, AVP) located? All I can tell is that you've got nearly 1m fuel at Noumea, so I assume it's a major fleet hub - but ain't it time to move those assets north to Tulagi, & get some of that fuel to Oz?

A-and how's your pilot training program doing?

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 357

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 12/31/2016 5:36:15 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

Dangnabbit jmalter, I say, I say, nothing gets by you does it?

Seriously though, I appreciate the questions, responding to them really helps my learning process.

quote:

ORIGINAL: jmalter

5k fuel @ Sydney, 2k supply @ Lae, 4k supply @ Attu? These are subsistence/starvation levels of supply. If you're serious about defending & developing forward bases, they need >20k supply to adequately support their airgroups.

Agree with you on Sydney, I just don't have enough TK's to go around (due to my self-imposed rule about not using AK's to ship fuel). Currently all I have is a CS convoy (4 ships + escort -> 20K fuel capacity) shuttling fuel in from Noumea. Basically it is keeping up with usage, but just barely. I'm debating temporarily turning Sydney's HI off to reduce fuel consumption for a bit, as supply is doing alright in Australia (2.5 mil in Sydney and growing).

As for Lae's supply, I have CS convoys running, but the level 2 port there is making unloading painfully slow. Actually the 2K supply is 4x the weekly consumption, so it should be okay for now....but I agree it needs to be increased if I want to use it as a forward base. Currently I have enough other airfields in the area to support air ops, and the rapidly moving frontline may make Lae relatively unimportant soon enough.

quote:

ORIGINAL: jmalter

I'm glad to see your development efforts in the Aleutians, note that Attu can only rise to airfield lvl 4, inadequate to support a 4E LBA effort against Paramushiro. You need to build Shemya & Agattu to lvl 5, so your LB-30 bombers can deliver full ordnance against Paramushiro-jima.

Good points! I have put together a few transport TFs, and they wil be picking up engineering units and delivering them to the bases you identified.

quote:

ORIGINAL: jmalter
Your recent post listed a bunch of bases, all seem to be furiously building their facilities, but most are inadequately supplied. You provide no info of their fortifications, combat strength, air support, or airgroups. Where are your advance fleet bases & auxiliaries (AS, AE, AKE, AR, AD, ARD, AVP) located? All I can tell is that you've got nearly 1m fuel at Noumea, so I assume it's a major fleet hub - but ain't it time to move those assets north to Tulagi, & get some of that fuel to Oz?

I use that list of bases to mostly check status of their supply and identify trends (I don't use tracker at the moment). In the next few days I should have some time to put together a quick rundown on the items you listed. In addition, I have a new supply map (did a bit of an overhaul on my supply routes to ease congestion @ Noumea).

quote:

ORIGINAL: jmalter

A-and how's your pilot training program doing?

Pilot training is going especially well for the US army, as there are lots of restricted US Army air units that can't be bought out in the US (they have nothing better to do but train, train, and train some more). I have about 600 pilots in the US Army reserve pool. The fighter reserve makes up the lions share of the US Army pool (247 are 50-59 EXP, 102 are 60-69 EXP, 27 are 70-79 EXP, and 19 are above 80 exp). The US Marine fighter reserve is also good, with about 100 pilots evenly distributed amongst the 4 experience groups mentioned above. All the other reserve groups are pretty bare, but there doesn't seem to be many training groups available. What I have been doing is training newly arrived groups till their EXP gets to about 50 and then doing the ol' baptism by fire...putting them in mostly 0 range CAP missions to increase survivability. Once these guys become seasoned (70+ EXP), I will take out about 10 pilots from the group and transfer them into newly arrived units. So far this has allowed me to ship newly arrived squadrons right to the front-lines, but hasn't allowed a reserve pool to be built up quite yet. (With the exception of the army fighters, which have have seen most of the combat so far).

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to jmalter)

Post #: 358

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 1/2/2017 6:14:39 PM

Schlussel

Posts: 384
Joined: 5/21/2007
From: Sacramento, California
Status: offline

New (and hopefully improved) Supply Map:

I added a direct route from US West Coast to Noumea to relieve congestion at PH. Most supply will now unload @ Shortlands to facilitate support at the front and free up Noumea to mostly handle incoming troops. Also added a direct supply route to Ramree in Burma to support the drive on Rangoon.

SW Pacific Base Update:

Status of main Allied bases in the theater. Once captured, Rabaul will be the main fleet base while Manus and Mussau will serve as forward bases for surface ships and subs respectively.

SE Asia Base Update:

Status of main Allied bases in the theater. Ramree will support the thrust south towards Prome/Rangoon. Currently most forces are marching from Akyab after vanquishing the Japanese there.

< Message edited by Schlussel -- 1/2/2017 6:18:28 PM >

_____________________________

You say we're surrounded?
Excellent!
That means we can attack in any direction.

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 359

RE: Back for the First Time – Allied AAR vs. AI - War i... - 1/3/2017 10:28:55 PM

cwemyss

Posts: 173
Joined: 11/29/2013
From: Grapevine, TX, USA
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Schlussel

Situation Report – May 1st 1942

SE Asia/China:
Surface Forces: 2-CV , 2-BB, 9-CA, 4-DD (@Colombo)
Fuel Reserves: 237K @ Colombo

Sorry to dredge up an old post... I'm reading your AAR from the beginning. I got the game for Christmas, working through shorter scenarios before starting a GC, and reading AARs. Yours is excellent, thanks for posting.

To my question: I love the look of this map. What art/visual mid are you using?

Follow up: do you lose some vital information on terrain types? Jungle vs clear vs other, that sort of thing.

Follow up to the follow up: What map and art mods are other folks using?

_____________________________

Occasionally also known as cf_dallas

(in reply to Schlussel)

Post #: 360