http://www.squadselectseries.comThe first frame in a new terrain with a new match-up is usually a recipe for disaster but the night was relatively issue free but nevertheless quite a bloody one.
The initial USN fighter sweep tied up many of the IJN zeros both on patrol and scrambling outside Truk to intercept. The fight continued across the ocean and lasted for quite a while. Fuel became an issue for both sides and the initial engagements broke off just outside Truk's atoll ring. Unfortunately for the inbound TBD squadron their fighter sweep at Truk was down to only a limited number of hellcats while the remaining force of IJN aircraft was either low in the landing pattern of fighting the higher USN fighters.
In the tradition of Midway the slow lumbering TBDs continued into Truks lagoon area and proceeded to attack anchored shipping off F20. The majority of zeros in the area soon latched onto their formation and one and after another the TBDs splashed into the water. 11 player and 7 AI TBDs were lost in this main attack. Several ships were sunk in this attack with many torps running in the water.
This left the smaller F6F strike force to launch another attack later in the day into the same area, sinking a few more ships. Around them cat and mouse engagements swept over the eastern and central areas of Truk. Zeros stayed high as long as possible then fought down to their flak defenses. Hellcats stayed high and fast and when forced down dove away east using their superior speed. 32 zeros were claimed by the F6Fs during the nights action while 19 Hellcats fell prey to the Japanese fighters. Actual claims for all aircraft was relatively close; the USN claiming 34 to the IJN 30.
Awaiting the S6 to finalize the frame score but the IJN is ahead. The difference in scores was the lack of shipping sunk in the frame, only 5 went down during the night. The USN needs to figure out how to get the more vulnerable SBD\TBDs into Truk and out and score damage on static shipping especially since they are fixed assets and do not require recce. AI shipping is a bonus and scores well but they are moving and are harder to plan for.
Frame 1 and Frame 2 scores are going to be combined then after the fighters switch sides Frame 3 and Frame 4 will be combined. Overall we will see which side won, USN or IJN and then we compare the two fighter sides Team Able and Team Baker to see who came out ahead on with the side switching.
Witnessed some great fights between dissimilar a/c. Not an easy series for the strike pilots though, penetrating the strong Truk defenses and living to tell about it will be difficult.
Final results with total a/c losses and pilot losses updated later.
Good Luck in Frame 2
jabo
