Jman I liked the initial plan. We have the momentum and we have the opportunity to have more Zeros with NS/RCAF flying them. True, fewer bomber would be available for Ford but if we are looking at a two sortie night we need to make the most out of the first sortie.
I'm not liking the idea of using us as bait to take out just a few guns that we can easily avoid anyway. Not to mention the idea of splitting the fighters forces making it probably unlikely that NS/RCAF could provide a sizable strike package in the north for a second sortie. Ewa and Ford island are only 6.5 miles apart. Making them think Ewa is the target is really not gaining you much.
I would propose maybe having NS/RCAF fly a nose bleed sweep of the north showing our presents but not allowing them to draw us into a fight. Correct me but can't we climb and stay above them with these zeros? If we orbit the north coastline than maybe we can draw some out allowing the initial buff group to get to Ford. Then we could migrate down south staying high then come south to support the egress and draw and high cap even lower. If we see no opposition early we can always head south early to make sure we have numbers high enough to help overwhelm their defense.
If you are still worried about the guns at Ewa I would have Hawk assign 2 to 3 pilots to command wing men to strike while passing over Ewa. They will target guns there and still leave a few for Ford. The guns at and over Ford are not that bad.
A fighter killing first sortie we allow us to conduct a strong second sortie to 4/5.
These are my comments....you are the frame CO and I will follow your orders. If I like them or not.
<S>
Jman
