Clemson DD conversion t oDE

[btd64]

Thank you and have an enjoyable and safe weekend.

You can also get the APDs before the DEs but there is something to check. The Wickes class DD can also be converted to APDs but they may have to go through the February 1942 upgrade first. If you forget to do that one before the next upgrade is due, then both upgrades will be done and then the Wickes class can't be upgraded to the APD. I do believe that the Manley class is the Wickes version of the APD.

Your post inspired me to do a little research. The Manley was a Caldwell Class DD and the rest of the WW2 Destroyer Transports Wickes and Clemson Classes.

You learn something new everyday.

https://destroyerhistory.org/flushdeck/ussmanley/

I like to say that they day is not wasted if you learn something new.

I also read that some of the Wickes DDs were changed to APDs prior to the war so the February 1942 upgrades should not be necessary first. I will have to let someone know about that, just an editor change to the scenarios so it is nothing major.

Some of those Prewar convertions show up at Balboa a few months into the war....GP

[DOCUP]

I like the APD conversion also. I wished they would of put in the xAKL conversion also. I would do a few of those also.

[RangerJoe]

APDs are tremendously useful for capturing all those unoccupied atolls and dot bases to clean up the map as your main forces bypass them.

This. APDs plus Marine Raider battalions. Always impressed me as an ideal way to employ those guys before they get withdraw.

Actually, the Marine Raider battalions should become part of the 5th and/or 6th Marine Divisions. The same thing with the Marine paratroopers but they don't have a separate device for those squads but the Raider squad devices should become Marine squad devices of the appropriate era.

[bradfordkay]

I like the APD conversion also. I wished they would of put in the xAKL conversion also. I would do a few of those also.

Are you talking about the banana boats? At least in DaBabes they have been included in the database. My guess is that because they were commercial conversions between wars and weren't done by the navy that conversion was not considered for inclusion as a choice in game.

[Moltrey]

I would have to agree with the others that converting the Clemsons to APD is a worthwhile and value-added change. About the only thing you need to consider short-term is how many and when?
If memory serves the conversion takes around 12 weeks? Correct me if I am wrong. As Allies you really need ANY ASW capable ships early on, but getting that wonderful bump in ASW rating with the APDs plus the transport is enticing. Part of the "fun" is deciding just how many to convert at what rate. Do you take a coverage hit after Pearl gets bombed while IJN boats are circling like sharks and sweat out the 12 weeks or so to get them?
Oooh, oooh! Such drama. Well, not really but it's fun.

[RangerJoe]

I would have to agree with the others that converting the Clemsons to APD is a worthwhile and value-added change. About the only thing you need to consider short-term is how many and when?
If memory serves the conversion takes around 12 weeks? Correct me if I am wrong. As Allies you really need ANY ASW capable ships early on, but getting that wonderful bump in ASW rating with the APDs plus the transport is enticing. Part of the "fun" is deciding just how many to convert at what rate. Do you take a coverage hit after Pearl gets bombed while IJN boats are circling like sharks and sweat out the 12 weeks or so to get them?
Oooh, oooh! Such drama. Well, not really but it's fun.

I don't have the game open but I think that it is 30 days or so. It does give the capabilities of Fast Transport TF which are useful in bringing engineers to bases with no built up port facilities or infantry to capture a base. Use combat engineers to both capture the base and then build it up.

[BBfanboy]

I like the APD conversion also. I wished they would of put in the xAKL conversion also. I would do a few of those also.

Are you talking about the banana boats? At least in DaBabes they have been included in the database. My guess is that because they were commercial conversions between wars and weren't done by the navy that conversion was not considered for inclusion as a choice in game.

I don't know about DaBabes, but Scenario 1 has the following fast small XAPs and xAKs: Kedah and Kelantan can do 17 kts.; Maori, Wahine. Neptuna and Mercur can do 20 kts.

[Moltrey]

I don't know about DaBabes, but Scenario 1 has the following fast small XAPs and xAKs: Kedah and Kelantan can do 17 kts.; Maori, Wahine. Neptuna and Mercur can do 20 kts.

Yeah, those ships are damn useful - IF I can remember to sort through them and find missions where their speed can make a difference. Logistical and capability organization is one of the "secret" challenges in WITP:AE to my mind; lots to do and keep abreast of while simultaneously prioritizing stuff.

[Cavalry Corp]

the conversion upgrade issue can be altered in the editor - I did it with a few ships in my new mod to give more freedom - I will also review this one.

[Lowpe]

It depends upon your play style, and your opponents.

Both ships can be amazingly useful, the DE or the APD.

A nice use for the DE, which is fast, is 4-6 hexes back from a potential skirmish line...then they can race in and merge with stricken ships providing a fresh burst of ASW and damage control. Or as bombardment ship escorts.

I tend to lose the APDs...sometimes their pathing can be jinky (most likely op error).