After the twin campaign fizzles with Cribtop, Michael and I have decided to lock ourselves into an epic struggle. Both of us have had issues getting past the opening 3-6 months of the war in our recent games and have decided to pit our superior knowledge of each other's styles and tactics into a wild and crazy match.
This shall be difficult since we regularly talk on the phone sounding each other out for new ideas, improving ideas, and truly seeking to inflict some sort of devilry upon our opponents. To say we know each other is an UNDERSTATEMENT.
We are using the brand spanking new Between the Storms: Lite Mod that we've just created. This Mod posits NOT building the Yamato-Class super battleships and instead creating a pair of strong, more conventional, 16.1" BBs. While not sounding too exciting this change brings about a very interesting situation. Both Yamato and Musashi required their slipways to be expanded in length. The expansions were hugely expensive and took MONTHS to finish. By building the Owari-Class BBs the Japanese clear these slipways 12-18 months faster. The net result is two modern BBs (28 Knots) join the Kaigun BEFORE Pearl Harbor and their successors (two B-65 Class BCs) are either finished or near complete at war's start.
How about that? You can start with two new BBs and a BC December 7th. If you seek the thinking and realistic numbers check out the Non-Yamato Thread in the Design Area. Really appreciate Juan and John's help with all the work that went into getting this new scenario set-up.
I have sent the new files to Michael and he plans to look for bugs over the next 2-3 days then I shall commence work on Turn ONE.
Do I have a fiendish plan to 'deal' with my opponent? You BETCHA!
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
Here is the conventional scenario description of Between the Storms:
Between the Storms
ALTNAV 1922-1941 (Scenario 55: Between the Storms)
Between the Storms has been created to reflect a slightly different outcome of the historic Washington and London Naval Conferences: 1922-1937 and the rise of Adm Yamamoto to Naval Minister in the years leading up to Dec 7th. The Mod splices together the Treaty Mod (Scen 45) and Reluctant Admiral (Scen 50) to create a complete ALTNAV History spanning the two decades between the World Wars (Storms).
The Washington Conference
Charles Evans Hughes blueprint for disarmament gets out and the Japanese stonewall a Naval Conference for a full year. The Conference does take place in 1922 and disarmament is agreed upon, however, there are additions allowed due to the added time to get the meeting going. The whole Mutsu Debate is scrapped due to Mutsu actually being ready and deployed at that point. While maintaining the 5-5-3 ratio between Great Britain, the United States, and Japan, there are several new outcomes:
1. The Japanese then argue to keep either a Tosa or a pair of the Amagi Class battlecruisers. The Americans carry the day in arguing for the Lexington-Class battlecruisers being completed. They gain the Ranger and Constellation (while scrapping BB Mississippi to maintain balance), Great Britain gets the option to build a pair of Super-Hoods (while additionally scrapping Royal Sovereign), and Japan completes Amagi-Class Ishitaka.
2. The whole subject of CVs is reworked:
a. Allow two 'experimental' CVs (two Hosho's and two Langley's)
b. Two BC conversions are allowed but further treaty tonnage is added for one more CVL to be built by both Japan and USA. The Americans build the King’s Mountain (proto-Independence Class) and the Japanese back off the failed Ryujo design to build Ryukaku (a proto-CVL as well).
The London Conference
Moving on to the London Conference (1930) and the subject of Cruisers is re-worked:
1. Japan--at all costs--sticks to its goal of 70% for CAs (instead of 60%). This allows for GB and USA to build two more CAs (USA: Burlington and Rome) while Japan gains one.
2. Great Britain--who nearly scrapped the treaty due to the issue of CAs and CLs--stands firm over its argument and forces a larger tonnage for CLs. USA adds USS Anchorage and Dallas.
3. Both Japan and the United States were looking at hybrid Cruiser—CVs and they force Great Britain, following the example set with the Washington BC—CV Conversions, to allow for two hybrids each in the early-30s. USA builds CLV Charlotte and Jacksonville, GB builds CAV Melbourne and Wellington (sold/given to those respective navies), and Japan finishes up with CAV Kushiro and Tokachi.
***It should be noted that to take maximum advantage of the revised Treaty tonnages, Japan converts several of the oldest CLs into fast ML, builds additional Myoko-Class CAs and keeps the Mogami Class as 6” CLs.
As the treaty changes play out, the rise of Admiral Yamamoto Isoroku occurs. In this alternate history, Yamamoto exerted a much greater influence first on the Japan Naval Aircraft Industry, then as Deputy Navy Minister, and finally as Navy Minister itself. Yamamoto chooses, at great risk to his life, to forego command of the Combined Fleet and dedicate himself to preparing Japan for a war he didn't want.
He adds two new slipways for Fleet construction to facilitate a different, final pre-war expansion of the Kaigun. New and expanded Naval Yards, Heavy Industry, and Armaments are added at tremendous cost for the Japanese economy as the Admiral attempts to prepare Japan for a possibly long war.
In so choosing to do this Yamamoto then changes the 4th Circle Building plan replacing the 3rd and 4th Yamato-Class Battleships with improved Shokaku-Class CVs and a pair of Kawachi-Class fast Battlecruisers, four sligthly improved CAs, an accelerated Light Cruiser deployment, and additional destroyers. Quick, reasonably cheap carrier conversions are moved forward seeing all of the pre-war CVs/CVLs deploy by December 7th or at slightly earlier dates in 1942. Though only a few of these new ships are ready on December 7th, these additions shall make the Kaigun a force to be reckoned with well into 1944.
The Japan Naval Air Arm is changed so that everything is staked to the Zero Airframe with a specialization of the Zero into a Land-Based Interceptor as well as CV-Based Fighters. Research and production expansion is achieved by streamlining the air industry (cutting several models) while bringing forward second generation aircraft: Judy, Jill, Rita, etc…by great effort the IJNAF deploys nearly all new aircraft on December 7th.
On the ground Yamamoto reorganizes the SNLF units into a Brigade-Sized offensive force and—knowing it will be a war of attrition—converts many Naval Guard into enhanced units with Coastal Defense artillery (using guns taken from refitted warships) for a stronger defensive unit. Additional small units are added to the IJN’s Troops and support units better reflecting Yamamoto's foresight into base building, defense, and expansion needs. While all these units are small and not in great number they promise to help the Japanese war effort.
The foresight of the Admiral pays off during late-1942 and 1943 as new ships, aircraft, and ground units enter into the Japanese Order-of-Battle, however, the cost is steep. Though expanded and using modern aircraft many Japanese Naval Air units start with their experience lowered to reflect the dilution of the experienced pilots into new units that start in Japan or arrive during 1942-1943.
Supply and fuel reserves start at a much reduced state. The Japanese MUST take the DEI as fast as possible!
Once war begins Yamamoto’s influence upon the wartime Kaigun continues to be felt. Several more Shokaku CVs are ordered as well as another pair of CAs, and the conversion of several CLs into CVLs. First class destroyers are accelerated and emphasis is shifted to the AA Akizuki-Class at the expense of the more balanced Yugumo’s. Manpower is at a premium within the Fleet so Submarines, Escorts, and ASW forces all see a major retooling reflecting the Japanese quality over quantity belief. Yamamoto chooses the immediately useful projects, large APs converting to CVEs, better 2nd-class destroyers, fast transports and coastal defense fleet.
This change in the Japanese is not completely hidden from the Allies and, thus, there are major Allied changes as well. The Allies see continued major changes in their starting locations, new air units, the addition of Training Squadrons on mainland USA to allow for an American pilot training program, enhanced aircraft production numbers, several ground units, a French Squadron at Tahiti, additional DDs for Australia, a CLAA conversion for the Omaha-CL, an additional pair of CVLs, and optional conversion of the Kittyhawk Class AKV, Tangier Class AV, and Cimarron Class AOs into CVEs. The added warships reflect a ‘stopgap’ counter to the increased Japanese strength found at war’s start.
How well can YOU do to use these new tools OR how well can you stop the Japanese Navy in its tracks as the Allies? As war clouds gather on the horizon, the United States makes several important decisions (1) to slightly reinforce the Asiatic Fleet with an additional CA, CL, and 4 modern DDs, (2) Admiral Hart also decides to follow his inner thoughts and begin development of Cebu as an alternate anchorage, and (3) the Scouting Force, commanded by Vc-Adm Wilson is sent south to protect the Philippine reinforcement TFs in the South Pacific.
NOTE: This Mod uses JuanG's off-map aircraft purchase system for the Allied Player be use political points to buy additional air frames when needed/wanted.
Japan deploys its few new ships to protect the Invasion TFs coming from Babeldoap and Cam Rahn Bay as the Kido Butai steams towards its rendezvous with destiny at Pearl Harbor…
Scenario Designers: Stanislav Bartoshevitch (FatR), Michael Benoit (NY59Giants), John R. Cochran, III (John 3rd), Brian Doctor (Gen Patton), Juan Gomez (JuanG), Ben Kloosterman (BK), John (JWE/Symon), EJ (SuluSea) and John Young (Red Lancer)
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
In every campaign I've always started with something grand, glorious, and utterly STUPID to try as Japan. This game will need that more then ever due to Michael's playing style:
Habits/Issues:
1. He believes in not fighting at all unless forced or utterly ready. Many times he'll place all air units on rest to get morale up to 99 and then start training. This applies to the British, Dutch, and Americans anywhere possible. This doesn't mean they won't fly, it simply means I won't aircraft unless he WANTS me to.
2. He will work to concentrate ALL his CV Forces immediately. A totally unrealistic ABDA Death Star will be created. I HATE that. Not real but it is what he likes to do.
3. Air Search and SS: He'll attempt to lay a carpet of PBY's doing air search so my moves can be spotted giving days of warning. I know everyone does that but Michael obsesses over this. Those PBYs will never fly an attack mission. They are moving troops and Air Search. SS use will be aggressive. He is quite proficient at making his subs a true pain in the butt.
4. Concentration Hubs: A set group of bases will be immediately determined as important and all available forces will move to those points. Usually this means Christmas Isle (Pac), Pago Pago, Tahiti, Suva, Australia, Adak, Amchitka, and Diego Garcia in the IO. he really likes to set-up 'safe' lines-of-supply and these bases provide for that.
I know him SOOOOOOOOOO well that I can see these items and others taking place without issue. He is quite meticulous in all he does. The right ship or plane for the right job...
How do we fight this? Simple. We force him TO FIGHT and make him come out of his shell. He must be made uncomfortable where he thinks I am CRAZY. Luckily...I am just the man for the job...
Anyone else have comments regarding Michael's play style?
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
So how do we pull Michael out of his safe little box?
Simple answer. We'll force him to fight.
This is my initial planning:
1. Operation East Wind: The capture of the Hawaiian Islands with the exception of Pearl Harbor.
Ground/Amphibious Operations Phase One: Take Midway and the Line Islands within 10 days of the opening of hostilities. This is 'normal' for me so Michael won't freak too much when I do it. Will use SNLF Assault Brigades and Naval Guards here. Phase Two: Capture of Johnston Atoll. This is different for me but I hope Michael sees it as a STUPID move and doesn't think too much about it. SNLF units used here as well. Phase Three: A multi-pronged assault taking ALL of the Hawaiian Islands within days of each other. Lesser targets to be taken by SNLF Assault Brigades and the more important will be grabbed by the 2nd and 56rh Inf Divisions.
Every engineer and all of the 9th Air Fleet's Base Forces to be used here.
Air Allocation
Will gradually bring more airpower into the east to augment the starting forces. Most important will be the entire 9th Air Fleet. These 225 planes will constitute the Japanese Hawaiian Air Force.
Kaigun
This is supposed to be an enhanced Naval Mod. Well...we are going to see. The KB will lay in a BLOCKADE of Hawaii and not let up until the end of Phase Three. The 4 CV, CVL, CAV, and 4 BC. This should be enough initially but I am bringing CARDIV2 over as soon as initial ground ops are done around the Philippines. This will raise the force by 2 CV, 1 CVL, and 2 BC. The two Nagatos and two new Owari BBs will come as well.
This is the EASTERN Side of the 'Grand Plan.'
There is a WESTERN Side as well...
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
So how do we pull Michael out of his safe little box?
Simple answer. We'll force him to fight.
This is my initial planning:
1. Operation East Wind: The capture of the Hawaiian Islands with the exception of Pearl Harbor.
Ground/Amphibious Operations Phase One: Take Midway and the Line Islands within 10 days of the opening of hostilities. This is 'normal' for me so Michael won't freak too much when I do it. Will use SNLF Assault Brigades and Naval Guards here. Phase Two: Capture of Johnston Atoll. This is different for me but I hope Michael sees it as a STUPID move and doesn't think too much about it. SNLF units used here as well. Phase Three: A multi-pronged assault taking ALL of the Hawaiian Islands within days of each other. Lesser targets to be taken by SNLF Assault Brigades and the more important will be grabbed by the 2nd and 56rh Inf Divisions.
Every engineer and all of the 9th Air Fleet's Base Forces to be used here.
Air Allocation
Will gradually bring more airpower into the east to augment the starting forces. Most important will be the entire 9th Air Fleet. These 225 planes will constitute the Japanese Hawaiian Air Force.
Kaigun
This is supposed to be an enhanced Naval Mod. Well...we are going to see. The KB will lay in a BLOCKADE of Hawaii and not let up until the end of Phase Three. The 4 CV, CVL, CAV, and 4 BC. This should be enough initially but I am bringing CARDIV2 over as soon as initial ground ops are done around the Philippines. This will raise the force by 2 CV, 1 CVL, and 2 BC. The two Nagatos and two new Owari BBs will come as well.
This is the EASTERN Side of the 'Grand Plan.'
There is a WESTERN Side as well...
It's audacious and I love it. I can't wait to see how it plays out!
ORIGINAL: John 3rd
This is my initial planning:
1. Operation East Wind: The capture of the Hawaiian Islands with the exception of Pearl Harbor.
Ground/Amphibious Operations Phase One: Take Midway and the Line Islands within 10 days of the opening of hostilities. This is 'normal' for me so Michael won't freak too much when I do it. Will use SNLF Assault Brigades and Naval Guards here. Phase Two: Capture of Johnston Atoll. This is different for me but I hope Michael sees it as a STUPID move and doesn't think too much about it. SNLF units used here as well. Phase Three: A multi-pronged assault taking ALL of the Hawaiian Islands within days of each other. Lesser targets to be taken by SNLF Assault Brigades and the more important will be grabbed by the 2nd and 56rh Inf Divisions.
Interesting strategy. I have seen a successful invasion of Pearl Harbor before but Japan took a different (and in my opinion better) approach. In that game, the Japanese took Midway and Johnston early on just like in your plan. The main difference was that Hawaiian Islands operation spanned a couple of weeks rather than just a few days. First Japan established some bases on the auxiliary islands in order to get LBA support for the campaign. Then utilizing a combination of the KB and LBA, Japan pounded Pearl Harbor's air base and port while using surface fleets to attack any ships that left port. After the USN fleet was whittled down or forced to flee, the Japanese sent in mine sweepers followed by bombardment fleets into PH itself. And only then did Japan land a large army of 3500 AV to take the base. It was very successful; losses were low and the Allied player abdicated shortly afterwards.
The main problem I have with your plan is that if you try to land soldiers immediately at PH without any real suppression beforehand, you will face very significant opposition from both naval assets, mines, and CD guns. I think you are overvaluing the element of surprise here; I don't see it as being that important. The reason being that even if you give away your hand by invading one of the lesser Hawaiian Islands weeks before invading PH, there isn't much the Allies can do to reinforce PH. With the KB roaming around it is too risky to send reinforcements there except the limited amounts of B-17Ds that can fly in. Three weeks of suppression and siege will do wonders in whittling down the USN, clearing mines, and getting those CD guns disrupted.
You better hope Moses isn't advising Michael! He'll remember your little Hawaian Islands gambit against him way back in WitP days. As I recall, it seemed to carry the name "Operation East Wind."
Perhaps for OpSec purposes, you should call it "Operation Break Wind," "Operation Three Sheets in the Wind," "Operation Wind Turban," or "Operation Whirling Dervish."
Good luck!
"Rats set fire to Mr. Cooper’s store in Fort Valley. No damage done." Columbus (Ga) Enquirer-Sun, October 2, 1880.
Collectively, these will cause Michael great consternation.
DAN! What a pleasant surprise. I did learn some very valuable lessons in that long ago experience. I do tend to have a series of similar Operational Plan Titles. Good note there. Gonna have to be more creative...
Hope you are well my Noble Former Opponent!
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
ORIGINAL: John 3rd
This is my initial planning:
1. Operation East Wind: The capture of the Hawaiian Islands with the exception of Pearl Harbor.
Ground/Amphibious Operations Phase One: Take Midway and the Line Islands within 10 days of the opening of hostilities. This is 'normal' for me so Michael won't freak too much when I do it. Will use SNLF Assault Brigades and Naval Guards here. Phase Two: Capture of Johnston Atoll. This is different for me but I hope Michael sees it as a STUPID move and doesn't think too much about it. SNLF units used here as well. Phase Three: A multi-pronged assault taking ALL of the Hawaiian Islands within days of each other. Lesser targets to be taken by SNLF Assault Brigades and the more important will be grabbed by the 2nd and 56rh Inf Divisions.
Interesting strategy. I have seen a successful invasion of Pearl Harbor before but Japan took a different (and in my opinion better) approach. In that game, the Japanese took Midway and Johnston early on just like in your plan. The main difference was that Hawaiian Islands operation spanned a couple of weeks rather than just a few days. First Japan established some bases on the auxiliary islands in order to get LBA support for the campaign. Then utilizing a combination of the KB and LBA, Japan pounded Pearl Harbor's air base and port while using surface fleets to attack any ships that left port. After the USN fleet was whittled down or forced to flee, the Japanese sent in mine sweepers followed by bombardment fleets into PH itself. And only then did Japan land a large army of 3500 AV to take the base. It was very successful; losses were low and the Allied player abdicated shortly afterwards.
The main problem I have with your plan is that if you try to land soldiers immediately at PH without any real suppression beforehand, you will face very significant opposition from both naval assets, mines, and CD guns. I think you are overvaluing the element of surprise here; I don't see it as being that important. The reason being that even if you give away your hand by invading one of the lesser Hawaiian Islands weeks before invading PH, there isn't much the Allies can do to reinforce PH. With the KB roaming around it is too risky to send reinforcements there except the limited amounts of B-17Ds that can fly in. Three weeks of suppression and siege will do wonders in whittling down the USN, clearing mines, and getting those CD guns disrupted.
Sangeli.
Great commentary, however, I don't think I was clear in my writing above.
My intention is to move into the three outlying areas (Midway, Line, and Johnston) within ten days or so. We'll then move men and material forward for the push into the island chain. That will take a bit of time. While this occurs I shall be keeping the KB--with reinforcements outlined above--interdicting reinforcements and supply convoys.
The SS in the Hawaii Area will be partially recalled (to change Commanders) with the remaining deploying TOWARDS the west coast. The second echelon will take up stations ENE of PH while I move a dozen Ro-Boats to Christmas and/or Midway to patrol IN the Hawaiian Area. Figure, by January 1st, 10-12 boats near the west coast and 20-25 in and around Hawaii.
The actual islands to grab will be Hawaii (both sides), Lahaina, and the island to the NW of PH. Cannot remember that base's title. Lahaina is most important since it is Sz-3 to start. To keep these places from being bombarded all to HELL, I will use ALL my ML (and ML SS) to lay as thick of minefields as I possibly can make. I am detailing the 2nd and 56th ID to handle the important landings and 2-3 SNLF Assault Brigades for the lesser. Lots of BF and Engineers coming in as well.
Goal here is to lock-in the bases so Michael cannot effectively counter ALL of them. We then build bases and SQUEEZE the enemy, then make PH untenable...
I am truly thinking about breaking my all-time rule of never, EVER make a second PH Attack. Just might hit PH on Dec 7th with ALL DB hitting the AF while all TB nailing the warships. Day TWO would take more thinking but I think I could strike with the Kates and leave the Vals to attack targets of opportunity at sea. Have never done a two day attack so any advice here would be appreciated.
Member: Treaty, Reluctant Admiral and Between the Storms Mod Team.
ORIGINAL: John 3rd
This is my initial planning:
1. Operation East Wind: The capture of the Hawaiian Islands with the exception of Pearl Harbor.
Ground/Amphibious Operations Phase One: Take Midway and the Line Islands within 10 days of the opening of hostilities. This is 'normal' for me so Michael won't freak too much when I do it. Will use SNLF Assault Brigades and Naval Guards here. Phase Two: Capture of Johnston Atoll. This is different for me but I hope Michael sees it as a STUPID move and doesn't think too much about it. SNLF units used here as well. Phase Three: A multi-pronged assault taking ALL of the Hawaiian Islands within days of each other. Lesser targets to be taken by SNLF Assault Brigades and the more important will be grabbed by the 2nd and 56rh Inf Divisions.
Interesting strategy. I have seen a successful invasion of Pearl Harbor before but Japan took a different (and in my opinion better) approach. In that game, the Japanese took Midway and Johnston early on just like in your plan. The main difference was that Hawaiian Islands operation spanned a couple of weeks rather than just a few days. First Japan established some bases on the auxiliary islands in order to get LBA support for the campaign. Then utilizing a combination of the KB and LBA, Japan pounded Pearl Harbor's air base and port while using surface fleets to attack any ships that left port. After the USN fleet was whittled down or forced to flee, the Japanese sent in mine sweepers followed by bombardment fleets into PH itself. And only then did Japan land a large army of 3500 AV to take the base. It was very successful; losses were low and the Allied player abdicated shortly afterwards.
The main problem I have with your plan is that if you try to land soldiers immediately at PH without any real suppression beforehand, you will face very significant opposition from both naval assets, mines, and CD guns. I think you are overvaluing the element of surprise here; I don't see it as being that important. The reason being that even if you give away your hand by invading one of the lesser Hawaiian Islands weeks before invading PH, there isn't much the Allies can do to reinforce PH. With the KB roaming around it is too risky to send reinforcements there except the limited amounts of B-17Ds that can fly in. Three weeks of suppression and siege will do wonders in whittling down the USN, clearing mines, and getting those CD guns disrupted.
Sangeli.
Great commentary, however, I don't think I was clear in my writing above.
My intention is to move into the three outlying areas (Midway, Line, and Johnston) within ten days or so. We'll then move men and material forward for the push into the island chain. That will take a bit of time. While this occurs I shall be keeping the KB--with reinforcements outlined above--interdicting reinforcements and supply convoys.
The SS in the Hawaii Area will be partially recalled (to change Commanders) with the remaining deploying TOWARDS the west coast. The second echelon will take up stations ENE of PH while I move a dozen Ro-Boats to Christmas and/or Midway to patrol IN the Hawaiian Area. Figure, by January 1st, 10-12 boats near the west coast and 20-25 in and around Hawaii.
The actual islands to grab will be Hawaii (both sides), Lahaina, and the island to the NW of PH. Cannot remember that base's title. Lahaina is most important since it is Sz-3 to start. To keep these places from being bombarded all to HELL, I will use ALL my ML (and ML SS) to lay as thick of minefields as I possibly can make. I am detailing the 2nd and 56th ID to handle the important landings and 2-3 SNLF Assault Brigades for the lesser. Lots of BF and Engineers coming in as well.
Goal here is to lock-in the bases so Michael cannot effectively counter ALL of them. We then build bases and SQUEEZE the enemy, then make PH untenable...
I am truly thinking about breaking my all-time rule of never, EVER make a second PH Attack. Just might hit PH on Dec 7th with ALL DB hitting the AF while all TB nailing the warships. Day TWO would take more thinking but I think I could strike with the Kates and leave the Vals to attack targets of opportunity at sea. Have never done a two day attack so any advice here would be appreciated.
In my first game against NJP I sortied all available surface ships that were unhurt and engaged the KB the next day. I did hit a few carriers although not seriously. However, a good turn of luck might have ended the game almost before it started.
ORIGINAL: John 3rd
The actual islands to grab will be Hawaii (both sides), Lahaina, and the island to the NW of PH. Cannot remember that base's title. Lahaina is most important since it is Sz-3 to start. To keep these places from being bombarded all to HELL, I will use ALL my ML (and ML SS) to lay as thick of minefields as I possibly can make. I am detailing the 2nd and 56th ID to handle the important landings and 2-3 SNLF Assault Brigades for the lesser. Lots of BF and Engineers coming in as well.
I do not think naval bombardment is the big concern here. Certainly it can happen but it is a very dangerous move for the USN because they either need to fall back to PH and hope CAP can protect them or slip away in the open ocean. What I believe is the greater threat are 4E attacks until you are able to bombard PH with battleships. Be sure to bring a base force unit to Lahaina that can detect bombers enough in advance to give your Zeroes the best chance of shooting down those bombers. AA would be good as well if you can spare the cargo room.
ORIGINAL: John 3rd
Goal here is to lock-in the bases so Michael cannot effectively counter ALL of them. We then build bases and SQUEEZE the enemy, then make PH untenable...
I agree with this principle but I think Michael will have difficulty countering even one solid base and definitely not two.
ORIGINAL: John 3rd
I am truly thinking about breaking my all-time rule of never, EVER make a second PH Attack. Just might hit PH on Dec 7th with ALL DB hitting the AF while all TB nailing the warships. Day TWO would take more thinking but I think I could strike with the Kates and leave the Vals to attack targets of opportunity at sea. Have never done a two day attack so any advice here would be appreciated.
If it were me I would make it conditional on the success of the first strike. Though certainly no matter what I would stay a few days to sweep with your Zeros to get some easy kills and deplete US fighter pools. I'm not sure if anyone has tried this but you could try something like 1 day of attack followed by 2 days of sweeps followed by 1 last day of attack. The airfield will be in better shape by then but the real important thing is how many fighters you face and that will be significantly less after sweeps considering that Michael needs all his fighters on CAP.
Now, the remaining question I have for you what is your plan in the SRA? Certainly if you are going for PH that means completely bypassing all of the Philippines. If you could pull of a Mersing landing on day 2 that would be pretty ideal as to enable you to take Singapore with the minimum number of LCUs. What's the fuel situation like for you to start? Would be nice to tackle DEI with the army used to take Singapore if you could afford to wait that long as to maximize the amount of LCUs for PH.
