Allied Sub Blockade of home islands

[BossGnome]

Hi, It is now september 20th 1943, and although I am still winning my long running PBEM game (since pearl harbour), the allied submarines are beginning to take a toll on my shipping. On average, at least 1 transport a day is sunk by an effective allied blockade of most of the home islands. I have various second rate ships (MSWs, PGs, PCs, APDs, etc) running around trying to hunt down the submarines, but so far my efforts have only produced very mixed results: in the month of september only 2 (possibly 3) confirmed enemy subs sunk, and possibly another 2 damaged and forced to head back to the US. Meanwhile the US blockade goes on mostly unharmed.

Are there any tips for more effective ASW warfare as japan? Or is wishing for effective ASW warfare when playing the rising sun simply impossible?

Thanks!

[wild_Willie2]

Most important in ASW warfare SPOT THE ENEMY...

Use high EXP planes on naval search (or ASW if they have the range (this halves the number of hexes the AC searches) this supresses al spotted subs, and you get a chance to put a 250 KG bomb into them.
Once spotted send in a strong ASW TF..

Best results from ASW TF with a high EXP DD/APD included to increase the "spotting chance" of a sub

[marky]

and use ur slower carriers and escort carriers and if u really want a light carrier or 2 on ASW patrol as roving hunter killer groups

use Bettys and Nells on ASW and all others on long range naval search at about 7000 feet

[2ndACR]

I use Helens with 80+ experience on naval search. They are sub killers. Also, the APD's Japan has are the most effective ASW ships around. I use them for hunter killer groups to pounce on subs as they are spotted.

[marky]

ORIGINAL: 2ndACR
Also, the APD's Japan has are the most effective ASW ships around. I use them for hunter killer groups to pounce on subs as they are spotted.

agreed, i was suprised wen i had to use them myself for the first time [:D]

[Jim D Burns]

Don't put all your ASW ships in roaming ASW groups chasing spotted subs that usually get moved anyway, instead give them patrol/do not retire orders and order them to follow transport task forces. They usually get a shot at any attacking subs before a torpedo attack is made (spotted sub beforehand or not) on the convoy, whereas convoy escorts shoot after an attack.

I usually put 4 escorts inside a task force and 4 ASW escorts following the task force through sub infested waters. The ASW task force breaks off once the convoy is on its way in safer waters and turns around to guide the next convoy through. Works great.

Jim