Amphib task forces and stacking limits

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walkerd
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Amphib task forces and stacking limits

Post by walkerd »

Hi

Just started a new game after several years off and still getting the "feel" of the game. 2 questions if I may.

1. What are the affects of over stacking when you have stacking limits. I understand increased disruption and supply use. Any one know how much and when it kicks in? % over the limit or # over the limit?

2. I recall reading (may have been the original WITP) that putting large warships in the TF helps reduce damage to the troop ships. Are you better to have separate Bombardment TF's or put the bombardment ships in the Amphib TF?

Thanks
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CaptBeefheart
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RE: Amphib task forces and stacking limits

Post by CaptBeefheart »

I think it's a good idea to have some heavy units in the amphib TF to soak up shore rounds, although I usually don't go above CA for that. I'd rather have my BBs doing bombardment or put in the lead surface TF for protection.

I do overstacked invasions all the time. The key is having enough LSTs and/or AKs/AKAs loaded only with supply in the amphib TF so the disembarked units stay supplied. The ill effects are relative to the amount of overstacking in what seems a linear relationship to me.

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dr.hal
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RE: Amphib task forces and stacking limits

Post by dr.hal »

Although Cody states his case well, I would argue that it might be advantageous to put an older BB into the amphib mix. CAs are a good suggestion but if the shore guns are of any size, they can do some real damage to a CA, where a BB would almost certainly shrug hits off like so many flies. But Cody is right, put something in the amphib mix to stop your transports from taking too much fire, as that fire Can kill your landing.
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CaptBeefheart
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RE: Amphib task forces and stacking limits

Post by CaptBeefheart »

I think if you know you are going to face major shore guns, then yes, a BB would help. I just play against the IJ AI and seem to do OK with CAs. Of course, I avoid Truk.

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crsutton
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RE: Amphib task forces and stacking limits

Post by crsutton »

I use older BBs and CAs depending on the expected opposition. Both work but if there is a dedicated CD unit then use a BB. That is what they are for. Another reason for using a BB is that if your opponent sends in an airstrike the old BB will absorb many bombs hits that would otherwise hit your transports. Air attack units favor bombing the BB when it is there to be bombed. Thus saving your critical assault ships. Many Allies players squander old BBs in dangerous night surface actions. These ships are useless in night fights but become very useful later in the war for supporting landings and providing AA defense.
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HansBolter
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RE: Amphib task forces and stacking limits

Post by HansBolter »

I agree with those posting that its good to add on old, slow BB to the amphib TF.

It is beneficial to have both a BB in the amphib TF and a separate BB bombard TF to soften up the target.

The BB in the amphib TF will fire to suppress CD guns, absorb CD gun hits and become the main target of air attacks as crsutton points out, but it really isn't going to do much in the way of softening up the target..

Having the separate BB TF to do the softening up is still an essential component.
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Amoral
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RE: Amphib task forces and stacking limits

Post by Amoral »

Japan has only two sets of mobile coast defense guns big enough to endanger a CA. One does not show up until mid 1943. There are also a few locations with static guns, but you can study those ahead of time.
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leehunt27@bloomberg.net
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RE: Amphib task forces and stacking limits

Post by leehunt27@bloomberg.net »

I'm holding the Marianas against multiple Allied amphibious landings right now, and the US task forces with an old BB and cruisers are basically unscathed against my Japanese CD defenses. I haven't sunk a single APA, AKA, or LST and at best have sent only a few destroyers back to Pearl for repairs. The only place I had decent success during an Allied bombardment TF attack was at Truk...
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Jellicoe
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RE: Amphib task forces and stacking limits

Post by Jellicoe »

I always like to include at least a pair of old battleships and a couple of cruisers. My invasions of the Marianas against the AI have still been pretty bloody. The landing on Saipan cost me about 10 LSTs despite 2 BB and 3 CA in the amphib force - all due to shore defences. Mind you I discovered 2 divisions amongst the 16 units there!!
jmalter
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RE: Amphib task forces and stacking limits

Post by jmalter »

Amph Assaults be tough ops. Until late-war, the Allies must be v. choosy about where they place the higher-caliber gunfire support. Hvy BombTFs compete w/ the need to support to the AmphTF. Then there's the need to provide gunfire support to the 2nd wave ships.
You've really got to 'bring it all' to an amph assault. Then micro-manage the thing during execution.
For example, DDs in the CV TFs can switch w/ DDs in the AmphTFs. If you set your BombTFs to 'No escort', their DDs can be switched w/ ammo-expended DDs from the AmphTFs. Set your BombTFs to range=15, so they retain their close-in AA ammo to join a withdrawing TF.
miv792
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RE: Amphib task forces and stacking limits

Post by miv792 »

How best to make a landing in strong enemy resistance on the island where a lot of mines and most likely a large number of aircraft on the neighboring islands. whether to use the barge ? Pago pago, likely to CD guns and more infantry, and tanks. Losing it will block access to Australia. The use of barges reduce losses?
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Barb
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RE: Amphib task forces and stacking limits

Post by Barb »

Best course of action is to avoid the target and grab something else - cheap, with minimal forces, build up and bypass the fortress...

Barges are best used for moving between various islands - their range is 3. Units loaded in Barge/Landing Crafts accumulate fatigue very quickly each turn - thus they are best used in shore-to-shore type operations (in range of just one day trip).

For longer trips you need APA/AKA/AP/AK and Landing Ships (LSD, LST, LSI, ...).
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