Silent War (WWII sub campaign dynasty)

[WSUCougar]

Silent War is a highly-regarded solitaire board game by Compass Games. It simulates the American submarine campaign in the Pacific during World War II. An overview of the game can be found HERE (http://www.compassgames.com). Compass will soon be adding Steel Wolves, which is a Battle of the Atlantic version from the German U-Boat perspective.

The game mainly consists of sending subs out from their bases to operational areas (the South China Sea, for example), then simulating their patrols based on various factors like target density and types, relative Japanese ASW, sub effectiveness (using various ratings), and random events. There’s also a lot of cursing involved due to the really crappy American torpedoes. Nothing like scoring a hit on a fat, juicy target and it having no effect due to a dud, eh? *sigh*

This dynasty will track the overall progress of the campaign, as well as describing certain highlights (and lowlights) for individual submarines. Due to the large number of subs, I won't be tracking their every move, but for added flavor and immersion, I will assign any volunteers in this thread as sub captains, and will use famous actors and sports/historical figures as captains of the remaining subs. If anyone wants to sign on as a sub skipper, let me know and I will put you in the mix as things proceed. Please note, for attacks on convoys, whether you wish to be Aggressive or Cautious. Aggressive captains will risk their boats/lives to sink more tonnage; Cautious captains will generally live longer (this is not aprt of the game rules, just something I've added for the dynasty).

I will keep things “in character” for the turn reports, and add out-of-character (“OOC”) comments in italics at the end.

At start, we have nine different classes of submarines, as follows:

S1 class:
These are the old sea dogs; short-ranged and weak.

New S1s:
Upgraded in everything but defense, these are solid attack submarines.

New S2s:
Another point better in both attack and defense over the New S1 class, these puppies are #2 in terms of potency.

P1s:
Can hit harder and have twice the range of the S1s, but still relatively weak.

P2/3s:
Can target one more ship than the P1 class.

Ts:
These are the best subs we’ve got in 1941.

Cachelot:
A small class of wimpy subs with decent range.

Argonaut & Narwhal:
These are individual subs, with super-long range and a strong defense rating. Narwhal is even tougher than Argonaut.

Select your sub from the following list:

SUB
Argonaut Gene Hackman
Cachelot (Cach) Al Pacino
Cuttlefish (Cach) Tom Cruise
Dolphin (P1) Dan Marino
Drum (Gato) Qwikshot
Gar (T) Kevin Costner SUNK
Flying Fish (Gato) Brett Favre
Gato (Gato) st. cronin
Grampus (T) SUNK
Grayback (T) Kevin Spacey
Grayling (T) WSUCougar
Greenling (Gato) Kiefer Sutherland
Grenadier (T) Alec Guiness
Grouper (Gato) Mel Gibson
Growler (Gato)
Gudgeon (T) Matt Damon
Narwhal (Narwhal) John Wayne
Nautilus (Narwhal) Captain Nemo
Perch (P3) George Clooney
Permit (P3) Paul Newman
Pickerel (P3) Jack Nicholson SUNK
[COLOR="gray"]Pike (P1) William ShatnerSUNK
Plunger (P3)
Pollack (P3) Ardent Enthusiast
Pompano (P3) Harrison Ford
Porpoise (P1) Henry Fonda
S-18 (S1) Joe Gibbs
S-23 (S1) Bill Belichek
S-27 (S1) Mike Martz
S-28 (S1) SUNK
S-34 (S1) Brad Pitt
S-35 (S1) Jack Del Rio
S-36 (S1) Martin Sheen SUNK
S-37 (S1) James Cagney
S-38 (S1) Jimmy Stewart
S-39 (S1) Burt Reynolds
S-40 (S1) Frank Sinatra
S-41 (S1) Kirk Douglas
S-42 (S3) Mike Holmgren
S-43 (S3) Jeff Fisher
S-44 (S3) Bill Cowher
S-45 (S3) Marty Schottenheimer
S-46 (S3) Gary Cooper
S-47 (S3) Mike Shanahan
Sailfish (NS2) James Garner
Salmon (NS1) Humphrey Bogart
Sargo (NS2) Russell Crowe SUNK
Saury (NS2) Arnold Schwarzenegger SUNK
Sculpin (NS2) Mustang
Seadragon (NS2) Sean Connery
Seal (NS1) Tom Hanks
Sealion (NS2) Errol Flynn
Searaven (NS2) Edgar Allan Poe
Seawolf (NS2) Wolfpack
Shark (P2) Captain Quint (Jaws)
Silversides (Gato) path12
Skipjack (NS1) Gregory PeckSUNK
Snapper (NS1) Clint Eastwood
[COLOR="gray"]Spearfish (NS2) John Gruden SUNK
Stingray (NS1) Steve McQueen
Sturgeon (NS1)
Swordfish (NS2) MrBug708
Tambor (T) Neon Chaos
Tarpon (P2) Robert Mitchum
Tautog (T) Warhammer
Thresher (T) Capt. "Deacon" Harrison (ntndeacon)
Trigger (Gato) Bruce Willis
Triton (T) BYU 14
Trout (T) Lt. Cmdr Rob Nielsen (Coffee Warlord)
Tuna (T) Bill Parcells

The game is processed in weekly turns, and the main campaign begins in Week 2 of December 1941. At start, there are a host of subs based in Manila (Philippines), several at Pearl Harbor, and a handful at sea or being repaired in port.

[WSUCougar]

Total ships sunk: 62
Total tonnage sunk: 194,000

Sunken tonnage leaders:
18,000 = Wolfpack (Seawolf): (3)
16,000 = Humphrey Bogart (Salmon): (3)
12,000 = Errol Flynn (Sealion ): (4)
10,000 = Henry Fonda (Porpoise): (3)
10,000 = Rob Nielsen (Trout): (3)
10,000 = James Garner (Sailfish): (1)
9,000 = Sean Connery (Seadragon ): (3)
9,000 = John Wayne (Narwhal): (2)
8,000 = Mel Gibson (Grouper): (2)
8,000 = Paul Newman (Permit): (2)
8,000 = Mike Shanahan (S-47): (2)
7,000 = William Shatner (Pike): (3)*
6,000 = "Deacon" Harrison (Thresher): (3)
6,000 = James Cagney (S-37): (2)
5,000 = Clint Eastwood (Snapper): (1)
5,000 = Tom Hanks (Seal): (1)*
5,000 = Bill Parcells (Tuna): (1)
4,000 = WSUCougar (Grayling): (2)
4,000 = Edgar Allan Poe (Searaven ): (2)
3,000 = Sir Alec Guiness (Grenadier): (2)
3,000 = BYU14 (Triton): (1)
3,000 = Brett Favre (Flying Fish): (1)
3,000 = Joe Gibbs (S-18): (1)
3,000 = Robert Mitchum (tarpon): (1)
3,000 = path12 (Silversides): (1)
3,000 = Warhammer (Tautog): (1)
3,000 = Bruce Willis (Trigger): (1)
2,000 = James Stewart (S-38): (2)
1,000 = Bill Belicheck (S-23): (1)
1,000 = Kevin Costner (Gar): (1)*
1,000 = Russell Crowe (Sargo): (1)*
1,000 = Tom Cruise (Cuttlefish): (1)
1,000 = Matt Damon (Gudgeon): (1)
1,000 = Steve McQueen (Stingray): (1)
1,000 = Neon Chaos (Tambor): (1)
1,000 = Brad Pitt (S-34): (1)

*Lost at sea

[Coffee Warlord]

Lt Commander Rob Nielsen cannot resist the calling of the USS Trout.

The men of the Fighting Trout kill things. Caution does not win wars.

[WSUCougar]

So you've selected the Trout option...very good. :D

[Coffee Warlord]

You knew bloody well that the Trout was gonna be snapped up immediately. :)

Pity there's no Squid.

[st.cronin]

I will take the Argonaut!

[MrBug708]

Swordfish!

[Warhammer]

Lt. Commander Warhammer reporting for duty on the Tautog. I would be honored to skipper her to half the reputation that she had during the Pacific War.

[BYU 14]

I'll take the Triton

[WSUCougar]

Preparing to go to sea...all captains and crews to their boats...any additional volunteers, sign on now.

(I'll assume all of you who signed on are aggressive captains unless you tell me otherwise).

[st.cronin]

Hoo yah.

[ntndeacon]

It's the Thresher for Me. Capt. "Deacon" Harrison here

[WSUCougar]

I've filled out the rest of the active boats with some famous names. I've left some openings in the ones that will soon be operational in case we have more guys sign on.

[WSUCougar]

As the war in the Pacific opens,
S-36 (Sheen) is deployed in the Lingayen Gulf near the Phillipines;
Argonaut (st. cronin) and Trout (Nielsen) are near Midway;
Tambor (Costner) and Triton (BYU14) are near Wake Island;
Gudgeon (Damon), Plunger (Willis), Pollack (Pacino), Pompano (Ford), and Thresher ("Deacon" Harrison) are at sea near the Hawaiian Islands.
The rest of our subs are in port, including Seawolf (WSUCougar) and Swordfish (MrBug708) in Manila, and Tautog (Warhammer) at Pearl.

[WSUCougar]

December, 1941, Week 2

In the shock and chaos that follows the devastating suprise attack on Pearl Harbor, none of our subs are able to score any hits against Japanese task forces. However, the bulk of the submarine fleet puts to sea, in transit to their patrol zones.

Of note:

Tambor (Costner) encountered a heavily-escorted naval task force near Wake Island and was damaged in the ensuing action. Gudgeon (Damon) missed a similar opportunity in the Hawaiian Islands. No other sightings were made.

Sailfish (Garner) was engaged and damaged en route to the East China Sea from Manila. She will be forced to return to base.

Seawolf (WSUCougar) and Swordfish (MrBug708) deployed to the Marianas, Tautog (Warhammer) to the Marshalls. Argonaut (st. cronin) and Trout (Nielsen) remain near Midway. Thresher ("Deacon" Harrison) returned safely to Pearl.

[Poli]

Gimme something, dang it. I can't believe I wasn't included immediately.

[WSUCougar]

Gimme something, dang it. I can't believe I wasn't included immediately.

Heh...I was waiting for you to show up. :D

Pollack, Gudgeon, Cachelot, Narwhal, Pompano, and Plunger are all at Pearl. Take one of those boats and I'll bump one of those captains for ya.

[Poli]

Cachelot, please.

[WSUCougar]

Cachelot:
A small class of wimpy subs with decent range.
Okay...you sure?

[WSUCougar]

December, 1941, Week 3

The week begins with bad news: Luzon (Philippines) has fallen to the Japanese. Three subs – Permit (Newman), Pickerel (Nicholson), and Tarpon (Mitchum) - are re-routed to help evacuate personnel and gold, and Tarpon is damaged in the operation. S-36 (Sheen), Sealion (Flynn), and Seadragon (Connery) are forced to abandon Manila and put to sea.

With Manila lost as a base, Fremantle (Australia) becomes operational, as well as the sub-tender Holland in Surabaya (Java Sea).

ULTRA (“Magic”) intelligence points toward additional Japanese activity in the upper South China Sea and the Bonins.

Preparations go well at Pearl, and four subs – including Thresher (“Deacon” Harrison) – are made ready for putting to sea next week.

In the Aleutians, Dolphin (Marino) misses two cracks at a giant, 15,000-ton merchantmen before being chased away by destroyers.

Argonaut (st.cronin) sighted a carrier with escorts near Midway, but couldn’t maneuver to get a shot. Both she and Trout (Nielsen) are returning to Pearl.

Swordfish (MrBug708) and Tautog (Warhammer) moved into the Bonins; Swordfish hit a tanker with a dud torpedo, then was damaged in the subsequent depth-charging. Tautog missed two chances at a tanker. Both must return to base.

In the Marianas, Seawolf (WSUCougar) hit a small freighter, but it didn't go down and managed to limp off, and the accompanying destroyer then damaged the sub. Searaven (Poe) had better luck, sinking a 3000-ton freighter. First blood!

Saury (Schwarzenegger) found a carrier in the East China Sea and took a decent shot at it, but missed. It damaged a small freighter but did not sink it. He’ll be back.

Sculpin (Hackman) stuck a torp into a 5000-tonner and damaged it, but mechanical problems thwarted efforts to polish off the victim.

In the upper South China Sea, Seal (Hanks) found a huge convoy and damaged a 3000-ton freighter, but couldn’t “seal the deal.” S-37 (Cagney) dodged an encounter with an enemy submarine.

Finally, Spearfish (Gruden) has not been heard from and is feared lost.

Status:

Argonaut (st.cronin) – Just returned to base at Pearl
Pollack (Ardent) – Prepping for sea at Pearl.
Seawolf (WSUCougar) – En route from the Marianas to Pearl (damaged)
Swordfish (MrBug708) – In the Marianas, en route to Pearl. (damaged)
Tautog (Warhammer) En route from the Bonins to Pearl
Thresher (“Deacon” Harrison) – Just deployed to patrol in the Aleutians
Triton (BYU14) – Just returned to base at Pearl
Trout (Nielsen) – Just returned to base at Pearl

[Poli]

Didn't notice that, transfer me to the Pompano.

[WSUCougar]

Didn't notice that, transfer me to the Pompano.
She's already put to sea. You can have the Pollack. Man your boat!

[WSUCougar]

December, 1941, Week 4

S-37 (Cagney) and S-41 (Douglas) were diverted to support the defense of Corregidor.

S-40 (Sinatra) was damaged by depth charges in the Marshalls.

In the Aleutians, Thresher (“Deacon” Harrison) found some juicy targets, missed on its first attack run, and then got pounced by no less than four enemy destroyers, including one of the deadly “diligent escorts” dubbed that for their tenacity. Fortunately, Thresher escaped unscathed.

No other sightings were made.

Seawolf (WSUCougar) and Swordfish (MrBug708) both returned to Pearl, but will be laid up for some time with heavy damage.

Status:

Argonaut (st.cronin) – Refitting at Pearl
Pollack (Ardent) – Just deployed to patrol in the Marshalls
Seawolf (WSUCougar) – Laid up at Pearl with heavy damage
Swordfish (MrBug708) – Laid up at Pearl with heavy damage
Tautog (Warhammer) - Just returned to base at Pearl
Thresher (“Deacon” Harrison) – On patrol in the Aleutians
Triton (BYU14) – Refitting at Pearl
Trout (Nielsen) – Just deployed to patrol in the Marshalls

[WSUCougar]

OOC: Let me add that so far, we are royally sucking out. One ship sunk?!?

[Coffee Warlord]

The Trout will fix that momentarily.

Damn shame we couldn't nab that carrier.

[Coffee Warlord]

And I see me and Cap'n AE are on the hunt together in the Marhsalls.

Excellllent. We shall use his boat as bait.

[WSUCougar]

January, 1942, Week 1

Reinforcements have arrived from States: Cuttlefish (Cruise), Grayling, and Tuna (Parcells). MrBug708 has been offered the Grayling while Swordfish is being repaired; otherwise, WSUCougar will take Grayling out.

The Battle of the Coral Sea was fought, and the Dolphin (Marino), Pollack (Ardent), and Trout (Nielsen) have been diverted to the Caroline Islands op area in search of the wounded Japanese carrier Shokaku. Pollack did find a Japanese task force in the Carolines, but couldn’t obtain a firing position. Dolphin and Trout had no luck at all.

Thresher (“Deacon” Harrison) shifted to the North Pacific chasing ULTRA-detected Japanese shipping activity; it hit a 5000-ton freighter with a dud, and then had to withdraw due to destroyer pursuit. Perch (Clooney) had similar dud frustration in the Java Sea. Pickerel (Nicholson) got jumped by a “diligent escort” in the Java Sea and had to make a run for Fremantle.

Salmon (Bogart) bagged a fat 10,000-ton freighter for our 2nd kill of the campaign! We needed that one, Bogey.

Sargo (Crowe) got jumped heading out to its patrol area and was forced to turn around and head back to Fremantle.

Saury (Schwarzenegger) has not been heard from and is feared lost.

Status:

Argonaut (st.cronin) – Just deployed to patrol in the Marshalls
Pollack (Ardent) – En route to Pearl
Seawolf (WSUCougar) – Laid up at Pearl with heavy damage
Swordfish (MrBug708) – Laid up at Pearl with heavy damage
Tautog (Warhammer) - Refitting at Pearl
Thresher (“Deacon” Harrison) – Refitting at Pearl
Triton (BYU14) – Just deployed to patrol in the Marshalls
Trout (Nielsen) – En route to Pearl

[WSUCougar]

January, 1942, Week 2

Snapper (Eastwood) was damaged by a Japanese bomber in the South China Sea.

Permit (Newman) sank a 3000-ton freighter, while Tarpon (Mitchum) missed two cracks at an unprotected tanker in the Coral Sea.

Tuna (Parcells) damaged a freighter in the Aleutians but it escaped.

Argonaut (st.cronin) – was withdrew after being attacked by a Japanese patrol plane, and Triton (BYU14) hit a freighter with a dud in the Marshalls. Searaven (Poe) fired a lot of fish there as well but didn’t hit anything.

S-36 (Sheen) has not been heard from and is feared lost.

Status:

Argonaut (st.cronin) – Just returned to base at Pearl
Pollack (Ardent) – Just returned to base at Pearl
Grayling (WSUCougar) – Just deployed to patrol in the Aleutians
Swordfish (MrBug708) – Laid up at Pearl with heavy damage
Tautog (Warhammer) - Just deployed to patrol in the Aleutians
Thresher (“Deacon” Harrison) – Refitting at Pearl
Triton (BYU14) – Just returned to base at Pearl
Trout (Nielsen) – Just returned to base at Pearl

[Poli]

blah wog blah
SILENCE, WOG!

[WSUCougar]

I can really empathize with the American sub skippers at this stage of the war. The poor and/or dud torpedo characteristics are just brutal.

[Neon_Chaos]

Throw me into the fray.

[sachmo71]

Where's the Tench class?

[Warhammer]

I'm being sent to the Aleutians? I want to be near Singapore near the shipping lanes going to the Indian Ocean and coming up from Java and Sumatra.

[path12]

Reporting for action.

[WSUCougar]

Where's the Tench class?
Not 'til 1944, ace. :D

[WSUCougar]

Neon Chaos and path12, do you want current boats or to wait a couple weeks (two game turns) to grab a new T-class boat? I've got Skipjack and Tambor available pier side at Pearl if you want 'em.

Gar, Grampus, Grayback, and Grenadier arrive in February 1942.

[Poli]

Garrrrr!

[Neon_Chaos]

Tambor for me. :)

[WSUCougar]

Tambor for me.
She's yours. Report to your boat and prepare for sea.

[WSUCougar]

January, 1942, Week 3

The Dutch East Indies have fallen, and S-37 (Cagney), S-39 (Reynolds), Sealion (Flynn), Shark (Quint), Perch (Clooney), and Pickerel (Nicholson) were all diverted to assist in the Allies’ evacuation.

In the Marshalls, Plunger (Willis) sank a 3000-tonner. Pompano (Ford) hit a tanker with a dud and then got chased off by two destroyers.

The Aleutians had active Japanese ASW, and only Grayling (WSUCougar) was able to hit anything – a 5000-ton tanker – and that only damaged it.

Status:

Argonaut (st.cronin) – Refitting at Pearl
Pollack (Ardent) – Refitting at Pearl
Grayling (WSUCougar) – On patrol in the Aleutians
Swordfish (MrBug708) – Laid up at Pearl with moderate damage
Seawolf (Wolfpack) – Laid up at Pearl with heavy damage
Tambor (Neon Chaos) - Refitting at Pearl
Tautog (Warhammer) - Just returned to base at Pearl
Thresher (“Deacon” Harrison) – Just deployed to patrol in the Marshalls
Triton (BYU14) – Refitting at Pearl
Trout (Nielsen) – Refitting at Pearl

[Wolfpack]

I'm in. Naturally, I'd be inclined for the "Seawolf", but I see that's taken, so I'll take whatever's on offer.

[WSUCougar]

I'm in. Naturally, I'd be inclined for the "Seawolf", but I see that's taken, so I'll take whatever's on offer.
No, you can have her - I just moved Costner over since he was the Tambor's skipper before.

Welcome...now go sink something.

Edit: Once your boat is fixed. heh

[WSUCougar]

January, 1942, Week 4

ULTRA (“Magic”) intelligence points toward additional Japanese activity in the East China Sea and South Philippine Sea.

Seadragon (Connery) nailed a 3000-ton freighter in the South Philippine Sea. Way to go, Bond!

The Marshalls were very active. Thresher (“Deacon” Harrison) came across an undefended convoy there, unleashed multiple torps, and hit a tanker with not one, but TWO duds. Bet that was a fun night in the officers’ mess, eh?

Also in the Marshalls, Pike (Shatner) recorded the first multiple-sinking patrol, dropping a 3000-ton merchant and a 1000-ton POS. Starfleet would be proud. Porpoise (Fonda) dodged one of its own circling torpedoes and sank a 1000-ton ship as well.

Up in the Aleutians, Sturgeon (Gibson) bagged a 3000-tonner.

Nice week for the good guys!

Status:

Argonaut (st.cronin) – Just deployed to patrol in the North Pacific
Pollack (Ardent) – Just deployed to patrol in the Marshalls
Grayling (WSUCougar) – Just returned to base at Pearl
Seawolf (Wolfpack) – Laid up at Pearl with moderate damage
Swordfish (MrBug708) – Laid up at Pearl with moderate damage
Tambor (Neon Chaos) - Just deployed to patrol in the Solomons
Tautog (Warhammer) - Just deployed to patrol in the Solomons
Thresher (“Deacon” Harrison) – Just returned to base at Pearl
Triton (BYU14) – Just deployed to patrol in the Aleutians
Trout (Nielsen) – Just deployed to patrol in the Aleutians

[ntndeacon]

Darn stupid Duds. We were not amused and The torpedo officer got an earful to check the inventory better. :D

[Warhammer]

Woo hoo! We're off to the Solomons! Just a quick question, when can I go on the top secret Operation Petticoat?

[Poli]

You forgot the tags.

[Warhammer]

Oh yeah, I am requesting that Ensign Pulver be transfered to my boat effective immediately. We need some levity on this ship.

[path12]

Neon Chaos and path12, do you want current boats or to wait a couple weeks (two game turns) to grab a new T-class boat? I've got Skipjack and Tambor available pier side at Pearl if you want 'em.

Gar, Grampus, Grayback, and Grenadier arrive in February 1942.

I'll wait for the Grampus.

[Poli]

GARRRRRRRR!!!!!

[Poli]

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[WSUCougar]

Several boats have been recalled to the west coast for refits, including Tautog and Argonaut. Skippers of withdrawn boats may wait for theirs to return (several weeks), or bump any non-FOFC captains at Pearl Harbor from their boats (this may be done only if the sub has no kills yet). You get your old boat back when it returns, if desired.

Currently available: Gar, Grenadier, Gudgeon, S-18, S-23.

[WSUCougar]

February, 1942, Week 1

ULTRA (“Magic”) intelligence points toward additional Japanese activity in the Banda Sea and the Kurile Islands.

Sargo (Crowe) sank a small, 1000-ton freighter with gunfire in the Java Sea. Unfortunately, a large 15,000-tonner escaped the follow-up attack.

In the ever-popular Marshalls, Porpoise (Fonda) bagged its second kill, a 6000-ton freighter.

Up in the Aleutians, Trout (Nielsen) scored a dud-hit on a cherry set up against a 5000-tonner. Sturgeon (Gibson) gets its second sinking, a 5000-ton merchant.

Status:

Argonaut (st.cronin) – Withdrawn for west coast refit*
Grampus (path12) – Just deployed to patrol in the Aleutians
Grayling (WSUCougar) – Just deployed to patrol in the Aleutians
Pollack (Ardent) – Just returned to base at Pearl
Seawolf (Wolfpack) – Laid up at Pearl with moderate damage
Swordfish (MrBug708) – Laid up at Pearl with moderate damage
Tambor (Neon Chaos) - On patrol in the Solomons
Tautog (Warhammer) - Withdrawn for west coast refit*
Thresher (“Deacon” Harrison) – Just deployed to patrol in the Marshalls
Triton (BYU14) – Just deployed to patrol in the Aleutians
Trout (Nielsen) – Just deployed to patrol in the Aleutians

*Skippers of withdrawn boats may wait for theirs to return (several weeks), or bump any non-FOFC captains at Pearl Harbor from their boats (this may be done only if the sub has no kills yet). Currently available: Gar, S-23.

[st.cronin]

I'll take the S-23.

[WSUCougar]

February, 1942, Week 2

Eight of our boats were deployed on a barrier mission in the East Indies Straits. Sealion (Flynn) had good success there, sinking two 3000-ton ships.

Tambor (Neon Chaos) went after a Japanese light cruiser in the Bismarck Sea, missed, and then was subsequently damaged. Skipjack (Peck) actually hit a small enemy carrier, but with a dud.

In the Marshalls, “Deacon” Harrison of the Thresher peered through his periscope and saw the striking image of the Shokaku, along with a big fleet oiler, a 15,000-ton cruiser, and a destroyer. Unable to squeeze a shot off at the big carrier, he took a long shot at the oiler and then a decent crack at the cruiser, but unfortunately both torpedo attacks failed. Sculpin (Hackman) had a scare, taking a shot at a good-sized freighter only to have two destroyers and two bombers soon circling overhead.

Sir Alec Guiness in the Grenadier bagged a 2000-tonner, and Grayling (WSUCougar) sank a 3000-ton freighter in the Aleutians. Sadly, the Grampus (path12) was attacked by enemy aircraft and ultimately sank, although the captain and much of the crew were quickly picked up, returned to Pearl, and assigned the S-18.

Several subs damaged their targets but didn’t sink them.

Status:

Grayling (WSUCougar) – Just returned to base at Pearl
Pollack (Ardent) – Just deployed to patrol in the Solomons
S-18 (path12) – Ready for sea at Pearl
S-23 (st.cronin) – Just returned to base at Brisbane
Seawolf (Wolfpack) – Laid up at Pearl with light damage
Swordfish (MrBug708) – Laid up at Pearl with light damage
Tambor (Neon Chaos) - Laid up at Brisbane with moderate damage
Tautog (Warhammer) - Withdrawn for west coast refit
Thresher (“Deacon” Harrison) – On patrol in the Marshalls
Triton (BYU14) – On patrol in the Marshalls
Trout (Nielsen) – On patrol in the Marshalls

[WSUCougar]

February, 1942, Week 3

The Japanese campaign against the Aleutian Islands has begun. We are deploying eight boats to the Aleutians and Kurile Islands in response. Grenadier (Guiness) sank a 1000-ton merchant in the Kuriles.

Based on ULTRA intercepts, Pollack (Ardent) diverted to the Gilbert Islands, but sank no targets.

In the Coral Sea, Tarpon (Mitchum) sank a 3000-ton freighter.

Salmon (Bogart) destroyed a small freighter in the Bismarck Sea.

In the Banda Sea, Narwhal (Wayne) blew up an 8000-ton tanker – let’s hear it for The Duke!

Still lots of action in the Marshalls; Thresher (“Deacon” Harrison) hit a 20,000-ton monster merchant ship with a dud, then changed tactics and blew a 3000-tonner out of the water for their first kill. Trout (Nielsen) came across an undefended convoy but the only hits scored were duds. Triton (BYU14) experienced mechanical problems that kept her offline for the week.

Repairs on both Seawolf and Swordfish have been completed at Pearl and they are making ready for sea.

Status:

Grayling (WSUCougar) – Refitting at Pearl
Pollack (Ardent) – Refitting at Pearl
S-18 (path12) – Deployed to patrol in the Aleutians
S-23 (st.cronin) – Deployed to patrol in the Solomons
Seawolf (Wolfpack) – Refitting at Pearl
Swordfish (MrBug708) – Refitting at Pearl
Tambor (Neon Chaos) - Laid up at Brisbane with light damage
Tautog (Warhammer) - Withdrawn for west coast refit
Thresher (“Deacon” Harrison) – Refitting at Pearl
Triton (BYU14) – On patrol in the Marshalls
Trout (Nielsen) – Refitting at Pearl

[Coffee Warlord]

Fucking duds!

[Warhammer]

AUGH, still nothing. I blame CINCPAC.

[Poli]

Bump, Garrr!

[WSUCougar]

February, 1942, Week 4

Acting on ULTRA intelligence, the damaged Gudgeon (Damon) intercepted an enemy task force in the Kurile Islands with no less than THREE aircraft carriers and a battleship. Unfortunately, a particularly elite destroyer kept Gudgeon at bay, and kept Captain Damon cussing - Boston accent and all – throughout the encounter. Grenadier (Guiness) also spotted a carrier in the Kuriles, but could not get off a torpedo.

In the Aleutians, S-18 (path12) popped up and promptly got depth-charged by a Japanese “Mavis” patrol bomber and a destroyer, took damage, and limped for home.

Captain James Garner of the Sailfish nailed a 10,000-ton merchant ship in the Bismarck Sea for his first kill.

Triton (BYU14) suffered through two more duds in the Marshalls.

In the Solomons, Cuttlefish (Cruise) sank a small vessel of 1000 tons. S-23 (st.cronin) hit a freighter but could not seal the deal, and it escaped.

Not the best week for the Americans.

Status:

Grayling (WSUCougar) – Deployed to patrol in the Aleutians
Pollack (Ardent) – Deployed to patrol in the Marshalls
S-18 (path12) – Laid up with light damage at Dutch Harbor
S-23 (st.cronin) – Refitting at Brisbane
Seawolf (Wolfpack) – Refitting at Pearl
Swordfish (MrBug708) – Refitting at Pearl
Tambor (Neon Chaos) - Refitting at Brisbane
Tautog (Warhammer) - Withdrawn for west coast refit
Thresher (“Deacon” Harrison) – Deployed to patrol in the Aleutians
Triton (BYU14) – On patrol in the Marshalls
Trout (Nielsen) – Deployed to patrol in the Aleutians

[WSUCougar]

Total ships sunk: 23
Total tonnage sunk: 80,000

Sunken tonnage leaders:
11,000 = Humphrey Bogart (Salmon): (2)
10,000 = James Garner (Sailfish): (1)
8,000 = Mel Gibson (Sturgeon): (2)
8,000 = John Wayne (Narwhal): (1)
7,000 = Henry Fonda (Porpoise): (2)
6,000 = Errol Flynn (Sealion ): (2)
4,000 = William Shatner (Pike): (2)
3,000 = Sir Alec Guiness (Grenadier): (2)
3,000 = Sean Connery (Seadragon ): (1)
3,000 = Robert Mitchum (tarpon): (1)
3,000 = Paul Newman (Permit): (1)
3,000 = "Deacon" Harrison (Thresher): (1)
3,000 = Edgar Allan Poe (Searaven ): (1)
3,000 = Bruce Willis (Plunger): (1)
3,000 = WSUCougar (Grayling): (1)
1,000 = Russell Crowe (Sargo): (1)
1,000 = Tom Cruise (Cuttlefish): (1)

[SFL Cat]

{Village People} What am I going to do on a submarine??? *Giggle* I KNOOOWWW! {/Village People}

[Neon_Chaos]

IN THE NAVY!

[BYU 14]

2 more duds!! Are you sure my Sub wasn't given a vasectomy when it was refitted?

[WSUCougar]

Heh

I'm afraid American torps really, really sucked at this stage of the war. But we're making progress - the game system let's us check for torpedo improvement after we sink enough ships with the crap ones. Hang in there!

[WSUCougar]

March, 1942, Week 1

Moving on ULTRA intercepts, Trout (Nielsen) encountered a naval task force in the Kuriles, but it was so thickly defended by destroyers that it was unassailable.

In the Aleutians, Thresher (“Deacon” Harrison) was harassed by enemy aircraft and had no opportunities. Grayling (WSUCougar) also found no targets.

In the Marshalls, Triton (BYU14) bagged its first kill, a 3000-ton freighter. FOFC, woot woot woot!

Responding to ULTRA intercepts, S-39 (Reynolds) found targets in the Banda Sea, but dudded out. S-37 (Cagney) failed to get shots lined up against an aircraft-protected convoy. The old “S” boats are really struggling.

Rich pickings in the South China Sea! Sealion (Flynn) became the first boat with three kills, sinking a 3000-tonner. Snapper (Eastwood) torpedoed a 5000-ton vessel, and Seal (Hanks) destroyed a 5000-ton freighter with gunfire, both first-kills for those captains. Searaven (Poe) took a crack at a 15,000-ton cruiser there, but was quickly swarmed by destroyers and driven off.

In the Bismarck Sea, Tarpon (Mitchum) damaged a merchantman but was subsequently damaged by depth charges and couldn’t polish her off. Skipjack (Peck) has not yet reported in from her patrol there and is feared lost.

Status:

Grayling (WSUCougar) – On patrol in the Aleutians
Pollack (Ardent) – Refitting at Pearl
S-18 (path12) – Laid up with light damage at Dutch Harbor
S-23 (st.cronin) – Refitting at Brisbane
Seawolf (Wolfpack) – Deployed to patrol in the Marshalls
Swordfish (MrBug708) – Deployed to patrol in the Marshalls
Tambor (Neon Chaos) - Deployed to patrol in the Bismarck Sea
Tautog (Warhammer) - Withdrawn for west coast refit
Thresher (“Deacon” Harrison) – Laid up with light damage at Dutch Harbor
Triton (BYU14) – Refitting at Pearl
Trout (Nielsen) – Refitting at Dutch Harbor

[Warhammer]

How much longer is the refit?

[WSUCougar]

How much longer is the refit?

May '42 for Tautog

[Mustang]

Not sure how I missed this thread considering my fondness for WWII sub warfare but, when possible, add me to the mix.

Thanks

[WSUCougar]

when possible, add me to the mix.

Thanks
Welcome aboard!

Best boat I've got available for you is the Sculpin, currently refitting at Pearl. You'll bump Gene Hackman for it, but he'll live. :cool:

[WSUCougar]

March, 1942, Week 2

Moving on ULTRA intelligence, Grayling (WSUCougar) and Porpoise (Fonda) attacked enemy contacts in the Aleutians. Porpoise was damaged by depth charges, and Grayling was jumped by a diligent destroyer and driven away from a juicy naval convoy. Neither sub sank anything.

Also based on ULTRA intelligence, Tambor (Neon Chaos) and Sailfish (Garner) attacked enemy contacts in the Carolines. Tambor sank a small 1000-tonner for its first kill, while Sailfish was damaged by depth charges.

In the Marshalls, Seawolf (Wolfpack) bagged its first kill, sinking a 2000-ton freighter. Swordfish (MrBug708) was frustrated by mechanical troubles while engaging an undefended Japanese convoy.

Tarpon, under Captain Robert Mitchum, took a real pounding in the Bismarck Sea, but survived the thrashing (thusfar).

In the Banda Sea, Captain Cagney S-37 sank a 5000-ton ship for his first kill (with an S-boat!).

Sargo (Crowe) narrowly missed hitting a small enemy carrier in the Java Sea.

Status:

Grayling (WSUCougar) – On patrol in the Aleutians
Pollack (Ardent) – Deployed to patrol in the Marshalls
S-18 (path12) - Refitting at Dutch Harbor
S-23 (st.cronin) – Deployed to patrol in the Coral Sea
Sculpin (Mustang) - Refitting at Pearl Harbor
Seawolf (Wolfpack) – Returned to base at Pearl
Swordfish (MrBug708) – On patrol in the Marshalls
Tambor (Neon Chaos) – En route to Brisbane
Tautog (Warhammer) - Withdrawn for west coast refit
Thresher (“Deacon” Harrison) – Refitting at Dutch Harbor
Triton (BYU14) – Deployed to patrol in the Marshalls
Trout (Nielsen) – Refitting at Dutch Harbor

[WSUCougar]

March, 1942, Week 3

This was a really shitty week for the Americans. Two boats are presumed sunk: Pickerel (Captain Nicholson) has not been heard from in the South China Sea, and heavy enemy activity detected by ULTRA intercepts may have caused the loss of the Sargo (Captain Crowe) in the Banda Sea.

Only one enemy ship was sunk, a 3000-ton merchant in the Aleutians by Captain Fonda in the Porpoise, his third kill.

No luck in the Marshalls this week; Pollack (Ardent) hit a small ship with a dud and no one else had any luck whatsoever.

Morale is low.

Status:

Grayling (WSUCougar) – Returned to base at Dutch Harbor
Pollack (Ardent) – Returned to base at Pearl Harbor
S-18 (path12) - Refitting at Dutch Harbor
S-23 (st.cronin) – Returned to base at Brisbane
Sculpin (Mustang) - Deployed to patrol in the Marshalls
Seawolf (Wolfpack) – Deployed to patrol in the Marshalls
Swordfish (MrBug708) – Returned to base at Pearl Harbor
Tambor (Neon Chaos) – Returned to base at Brisbane
Tautog (Warhammer) - Withdrawn for west coast refit
Thresher (“Deacon” Harrison) – Deployed to patrol in the Aleutians
Triton (BYU14) – Returned to base at Pearl Harbor
Trout (Nielsen) – Refitting at Dutch Harbor

[WSUCougar]

March, 1942, Week 4

Captain Nielsen in the Trout got his first kill, a 3000-ton freighter in the Aleutians. WOOT!

In the Marshalls, Seawolf (Wolfpack) reported hitting two ships with duds, while Captain Hanks in the Seal reported three dud hits in the South China Sea. (@#$%!)

Captain Newman in the Permit sank a 5000-tonner in the Coral Sea.

Captain Wayne in the Narwhal sank a 1000-ton ship in the Banda Sea.

Status:

Grayling (WSUCougar) – Deployed to patrol in the Kuriles
Pollack (Ardent) – Deployed to patrol in the Marshalls
S-18 (path12) - Refitting at Dutch Harbor
S-23 (st.cronin) – Deployed to patrol in the Solomons
Sculpin (Mustang) - Returned to base at Pearl Harbor
Seawolf (Wolfpack) – Returned to base at Pearl Harbor
Swordfish (MrBug708) – Deployed to patrol in the Marshalls
Tambor (Neon Chaos) – Deployed to patrol in the Banda Sea
Tautog (Warhammer) - Withdrawn for west coast refit
Thresher (“Deacon” Harrison) – On patrol in the Kuriles
Triton (BYU14) – Deployed to patrol in the Marshalls
Trout (Nielsen) – On patrol in the Aleutians

[WSUCougar]

Total ships sunk: 34
Total tonnage sunk: 116,000

Sunken tonnage leaders:
11,000 = Humphrey Bogart (Salmon): (2)
10,000 = Henry Fonda (Porpoise): (3)
10,000 = James Garner (Sailfish): (1)
9,000 = Errol Flynn (Sealion ): (3)
9,000 = John Wayne (Narwhal): (2)
8,000 = Mel Gibson (Sturgeon): (2)
8,000 = Paul Newman (Permit): (2)
5,000 = James Cagney (S-37): (1)
5,000 = Clint Eastwood (Snapper): (1)
5,000 = Tom Hanks (Seal): (1)
4,000 = William Shatner (Pike): (2)
3,000 = Sir Alec Guiness (Grenadier): (2)
3,000 = BYU14 (Triton): (1)
3,000 = Sean Connery (Seadragon ): (1)
3,000 = "Deacon" Harrison (Thresher): (1)
3,000 = Robert Mitchum (tarpon): (1)
3,000 = Rob Nielsen (Trout): (1)
3,000 = Edgar Allan Poe (Searaven ): (1)
3,000 = Bruce Willis (Plunger): (1)
3,000 = WSUCougar (Grayling): (1)
2,000 = Wolfpack (Seawolf): (2)
1,000 = Russell Crowe (Sargo): (1)
1,000 = Tom Cruise (Cuttlefish): (1)
1,000 = Neon Chaos (Tambor): (1)

[WSUCougar]

We have several boats arriving as reinforcements this coming week, including four of the new, top shelf Gato-class.

S-34 & S-35 will arrive in Dutch Harbor; S-42, S-44, & S-47 arrive in Brisbane. Gato, Drum, Greenling, & Silversides arrive at Pearl Harbor.

I'd recommend that AE, path12, and st.cronin grab the Gatos, since you've got the lesser boats of the FOFC fleet.

[Neon_Chaos]

Tambor kicks ass!

[Coffee Warlord]

Go Trout!

[st.cronin]

We have several boats arriving as reinforcements this coming week, including four of the new, top shelf Gato-class.

S-34 & S-35 will arrive in Dutch Harbor; S-42, S-44, & S-47 arrive in Brisbane. Gato, Drum, Greenling, & Silversides arrive at Pearl Harbor.

I'd recommend that AE, path12, and st.cronin grab the Gatos, since you've got the lesser boats of the FOFC fleet.

Meow.

[Wolfpack]

March, 1942, Week 2

In the Marshalls, Seawolf (Wolfpack) bagged its first kill, sinking a 2000-ton freighter....

w00t! :D

March, 1942, Week 4

In the Marshalls, Seawolf (Wolfpack) reported hitting two ships with duds....

Grrr.... :mad:

[BYU 14]

Sweet, my first kill!!! Hopefully my day of Torpedo impotence are now a thing of the past :)

[path12]

Silversides please! Maybe this time I won't get sunk/damaged right away....

[Mustang]

Welcome aboard!
You'll bump Gene Hackman for it, but he'll live. :cool:

Just call me Denzel....

[Coffee Warlord]

Just call me Denzel....

Just make sure you don't have Viggo as your weapons officer.

[Poli]

Garr!

[WSUCougar]

April, 1942, Week 1

On a special mission op in the East Indies Straits, S-38 (Stewart) sank a 1000-ton merchantman. Tambor (Neon Chaos) damaged a ship but was chased off by a destroyer.

In the Marshalls, Captain Shatner in the Pike sank a 3000-tonner, but the FOFC contingent patrolling there all whiffed.

In the Kurile Islands, Thresher (“Deacon” Harrison) nailed a 2000-ton freighter, and Grayling (WSUCougar) sank a small 1000-ton vessel.

In the Aleutians, Trout (Nielsen) hit a small ship but it was able to limp away. Captain Costner in the Gar sank a 1000-ton ship but was in turn sunk by enemy escort assets. This marks the 8th American sub lost in the campaign.

New subs and reassignments: S-18 (Joe Gibbs), S-23 (Bill Belichek), S-34 (Brad Pitt), S-35 (Jack Del Rio), S-42 (Mike Holmgren), S-44 (Bill Cowher), S-47 (Mike Shanahan), Gato (st. cronin), Drum (Gene Hackman), Greenling (Kiefer Sutherland), Silversides (path12)

Status:

Grayling (WSUCougar) – Laid up with light damage at Dutch Harbor
Gato (st.cronin) – Refitting at Pearl Harbor
Pollack (Ardent) – On patrol in the Marshalls
Sculpin (Mustang) - Refitting at Pearl Harbor
Seawolf (Wolfpack) – Deployed to patrol in the Marshalls
Silversides (path12) – Deployed to patrol in the Marshalls
Swordfish (MrBug708) – Refitting at Pearl Harbor
Tambor (Neon Chaos) – Refitting at Freemantle
Tautog (Warhammer) - Withdrawn for west coast refit
Thresher (“Deacon” Harrison) – Returning to Pearl Harbor for repairs
Triton (BYU14) - Refitting at Pearl Harbor
Trout (Nielsen) – Refitting at Dutch Harbor

[WSUCougar]

Total ships sunk: 39
Total tonnage sunk: 124,000

Sunken tonnage leaders:
11,000 = Humphrey Bogart (Salmon): (2)
10,000 = Henry Fonda (Porpoise): (3)
10,000 = James Garner (Sailfish): (1)
9,000 = Errol Flynn (Sealion ): (3)
9,000 = John Wayne (Narwhal): (2)
8,000 = Mel Gibson (Sturgeon): (2)
8,000 = Paul Newman (Permit): (2)
7,000 = William Shatner (Pike): (3)
5,000 = "Deacon" Harrison (Thresher): (2)
5,000 = James Cagney (S-37): (1)
5,000 = Clint Eastwood (Snapper): (1)
5,000 = Tom Hanks (Seal): (1)
4,000 = WSUCougar (Grayling): (2)
3,000 = Sir Alec Guiness (Grenadier): (2)
3,000 = BYU14 (Triton): (1)
3,000 = Sean Connery (Seadragon ): (1)
3,000 = Robert Mitchum (tarpon): (1)
3,000 = Rob Nielsen (Trout): (1)
3,000 = Edgar Allan Poe (Searaven ): (1)
3,000 = Bruce Willis (Plunger): (1)
2,000 = Wolfpack (Seawolf): (2)
1,000 = Kevin Costner (Gar): (1)*
1,000 = Russell Crowe (Sargo): (1)*
1,000 = Tom Cruise (Cuttlefish): (1)
1,000 = Neon Chaos (Tambor): (1)
1,000 = James Stewart (S-38): (1)

*Lost at sea

[Warhammer]

Can I go Colossal Squid hunting?

[Qwikshot]

Me too? I'll take whatever...

[Qwikshot]

Me too? I'll take whatever...


Btw I want to helm the Chuck Norris, sadly I don't see one:( :D

[WSUCougar]

April, 1942, Week 2

In the Solomons, Captain Bogart of the Salmon extended his total as the tonnage leader by sinking a 5000-ton merchantman.

In the Marshalls, path12 broke in his new boat Silversides by sinking a 3000-ton enemy vessel. Seawolf (Wolfpack) sank a 1000-ton ship and might have had another but for a dud torp.

Snapper (Eastwood) got jumped in transit through the Coral Sea and was damaged.

Status:
Drum (Qwikshot) - Deployed to patrol in the Aleutians
Grayling (WSUCougar) – Laid up with light damage at Dutch Harbor
Gato (st.cronin) – Deployed to patrol in the Aleutians
Pollack (Ardent) – On patrol in the Marshalls
Sculpin (Mustang) - Deployed to patrol in the North Pacific
Seawolf (Wolfpack) – Refitting at Pearl Harbor
Silversides (path12) – Refitting at Pearl Harbor
Swordfish (MrBug708) – Deployed to patrol in the Aleutians
Tambor (Neon Chaos) – Deployed to patrol in the Java Sea
Tautog (Warhammer) - Withdrawn for west coast refit
Thresher (“Deacon” Harrison) – Laid up with moderate damage at Pearl Harbor
Triton (BYU14) - Refitting at Pearl Harbor
Trout (Nielsen) – Refitting at Dutch Harbor

[BYU 14]

No FOFC Sub lost yet....Woohoo!

Of course I probably just screwed that up.

[Wolfpack]

w00t and damn all at once... :)

[path12]

In the Marshalls, path12 broke in his new boat Silversides by sinking a 3000-ton enemy vessel.

Woo-hoo!

BTW, am I looking at the right game when I see it's like 70 bucks??? I'm only tempted to buy a board wargame these days if it's solitaire. I've already got way too many boxed up from the 70's and 80's anyway.......

[Poli]

I hear ya.

[Warhammer]

Wait a minute, the website is showing that this isn't due out until 2008, did you get a play test copy?

[WSUCougar]

It's a reprint; the first batch sold out. ;)

[WSUCougar]

April, 1942, Week 3

Japanese planes were seemingly everywhere this week, making operations very difficult and downright hazardous in some instances.

Things were hopping in the Kurile Islands; both the Gato (st.cronin) and Sculpin (Mustang) were attacked and damaged by enemy assets while shifting to patrol there. Drum (Qwikshot) hit an 8000-tonner but didn’t sink it, and spotted a light carrier but couldn’t maneuver for a shot. Finally, Captain Parcells in the Tuna sank a 5000-ton freighter for his first kill.

In the Marshalls, S-23 (Belicheck) picked off a 1000-ton ship for its first kill.


In the Java Sea, Captain Flynn of the Sealion sank his 4th enemy ship, a 3000-ton freighter, before being chased off by enemy aircraft. Tambor (Neon Chaos) actually hit a small Japanese carrier (!), but either it was a dud or did minimal damage.

Status:
Drum (Qwikshot) – On patrol in the Kuriles
Grayling (WSUCougar) – Refitting at Dutch Harbor
Gato (st.cronin) – Damaged; returning to Pearl Harbor
Pollack (Ardent) – Refitting at Pearl Harbor
Sculpin (Mustang) - Damaged; returning to Pearl Harbor
Seawolf (Wolfpack) – Refitting at Pearl Harbor
Silversides (path12) – Deployed to patrol in the Marshalls
Swordfish (MrBug708) – On patrol in the Aleutians
Tambor (Neon Chaos) – On patrol in the Java Sea
Tautog (Warhammer) - Withdrawn for west coast refit
Thresher (“Deacon” Harrison) – Laid up with light damage at Pearl Harbor
Triton (BYU14) - Deployed to patrol in the Marshalls
Trout (Nielsen) – Deployed to patrol in the Aleutians

[WSUCougar]

Total ships sunk: 45
Total tonnage sunk: 142,000

Sunken tonnage leaders:
16,000 = Humphrey Bogart (Salmon): (3)
12,000 = Errol Flynn (Sealion ): (4)
10,000 = Henry Fonda (Porpoise): (3)
10,000 = James Garner (Sailfish): (1)
9,000 = John Wayne (Narwhal): (2)
8,000 = Mel Gibson (Sturgeon): (2)
8,000 = Paul Newman (Permit): (2)
7,000 = William Shatner (Pike): (3)
5,000 = "Deacon" Harrison (Thresher): (2)
5,000 = James Cagney (S-37): (1)
5,000 = Clint Eastwood (Snapper): (1)
5,000 = Tom Hanks (Seal): (1)
5,000 = Bill Parcells (Tuna): (1)
4,000 = WSUCougar (Grayling): (2)
3,000 = Sir Alec Guiness (Grenadier): (2)
3,000 = Wolfpack (Seawolf): (2)
3,000 = BYU14 (Triton): (1)
3,000 = Sean Connery (Seadragon ): (1)
3,000 = Robert Mitchum (tarpon): (1)
3,000 = Rob Nielsen (Trout): (1)
3,000 = path12 (Silversides): (1)
3,000 = Edgar Allan Poe (Searaven ): (1)
3,000 = Bruce Willis (Plunger): (1)
1,000 = Bill Belicheck (S-23): (1)
1,000 = Kevin Costner (Gar): (1)*
1,000 = Russell Crowe (Sargo): (1)*
1,000 = Tom Cruise (Cuttlefish): (1)
1,000 = Neon Chaos (Tambor): (1)
1,000 = James Stewart (S-38): (1)

*Lost at sea

[WSUCougar]

By the way, we need to sink 220,000 tons by the end of May, or CINCPAC fires me as COMSUBPAC. Pick up the pace, boys!

[Poli]

Well, there's always Bangor.

[Poli]

I got a rock

[WSUCougar]

April, 1942, Week 4

Seadragon, Captain Connery, sank a 1000-ton vessel in the Java Sea. Tambor (Neon Chaos) took damage there from a heavy depth-charging.

In the Coral Sea, S-37 (Cagney) sank a 1000-tonner but was subsequently damaged.

Silversides (path12) experienced mechanical problems and was forced to abort its patrol in the Carolines. Despite ULTRA reports, Triton (BYU14) could sink no targets there, either, and was damaged returning to base.

But the Trout (Nielsen), moving on ULTRA information, sank a 2000-ton freighter in the Aleutians.

The Seal, Captain Hanks, has gone missing in the South China Sea and is presumed lost.

Status:
Drum (Qwikshot) – On patrol in the Aleutians
Grayling (WSUCougar) – Deployed to patrol in the Kuriles
Gato (st.cronin) – Laid up with light damage at Pearl Harbor
Pollack (Ardent) – Deployed to patrol in the Solomons
Sculpin (Mustang) - Refitting at Pearl Harbor
Seawolf (Wolfpack) – Deployed to patrol in the Marshalls
Silversides (path12) – Damaged; returning to Brisbane
Swordfish (MrBug708) – Laid up with light damage at Dutch Harbor
Tambor (Neon Chaos) – Damaged; on patrol in the Java Sea
Tautog (Warhammer) – Returning from west coast refit
Thresher (“Deacon” Harrison) – Refitting at Pearl Harbor
Triton (BYU14) - Damaged; returning to Pearl Harbor
Trout (Nielsen) – Laid up with light damage at Dutch Harbor

[ntndeacon]

finally We can go out again. moderate damage stinks! Kill all enemy Ships like a big 10000 ton one!

[Coffee Warlord]

Me and Bug are getting rip roaring drunk at Dutch Harbor while our boats are broke.

[ntndeacon]

well you gotta do something to keep warm up there.
Me, I like the warmth of Hawaii. :D

[WSUCougar]

May, 1942, Week 1

What a piss-poor week this was. Eight of our boats were deployed on a barrier mission in the East Indies Straits, and it ended up being a bloody fiasco. Searaven (Poe) sank a 1000-ton ship, but was subsequently damaged. Salmon, Stingray, and Perch were all attacked and damaged, mainly by enemy aircraft.

Grayling (WSUCougar) was chased off by a “diligent escort” in the Kuriles, and returned to base.

Drum (Qwikshot) was only able to damage a small merchant ship in the Aleutians.

S-35 (Del Rio) was damaged by depth charges in the North Pacific and returned to base.

Seawolf (Wolfpack) tracked a small Japanese carrier in the Marshalls but couldn’t penetrate the thick group of escorts to get off a shot.

At least we received ample reinforcements! In addition to the return of the Tautog (Warhammer), Dolphin (Marino), and Pompano (Ford) from their refits, a flock of old and new boats have arrived. At Dutch Harbor, S-27 & S-28; at Brisbane, S-43, S-45, & S-46; and at Pearl, the Nautilus and four Gato-class subs: Grouper, Growler, Trigger, & Flying Fish. (If anyone wants to upgrade their boat, let me know and I’ll hook you up. I’ll also take suggestions for new captains’ names, if you have any athletes or actors or whatever in mind.)

Status:
Drum (Qwikshot) – On patrol in the Aleutians
Grayling (WSUCougar) – Laid up with light damage at Dutch Harbor
Gato (st.cronin) – Refitting at Pearl Harbor
Pollack (Ardent) – Refitting at Brisbane
Sculpin (Mustang) - Deployed to patrol in the Marshalls
Seawolf (Wolfpack) – On patrol in the Marshalls
Silversides (path12) – Laid up with light damage at Brisbane
Swordfish (MrBug708) – Refitting at Dutch Harbor
Tambor (Neon Chaos) – Laid up with light damage at Fremantle
Tautog (Warhammer) – Deployed to patrol in the Marshalls
Thresher (“Deacon” Harrison) – Deployed to patrol in the Marshalls
Triton (BYU14) - Laid up with heavy damage at Pearl Harbor
Trout (Nielsen) – Refitting at Dutch Harbor

[WSUCougar]

May, 1942, Week 2

Captain Warhammer of the Tautog (Marshalls), Captain Gibbs of the S-18 (Aleutians), and Captain Favre in the Flying Fish (Bonins) all sank 3000-ton merchantmen for their first kills.

Sculpin (Mustang) suffered a terribly frustrating situation in the Marshalls, encountering a host of undefended Japanese merchant ships, unleashing two full spreads of torpedoes, yet hitting absolutely nothing. It was a dream set-up which turned into a nightmare. Also in the Marshalls, Thresher (“Deacon” Harrison) dodged a “diligent escort” and launched a quick-hitting attack, but missed and had to withdraw.

Captain Willis, now in the Trigger, attacked a carrier group in the Bonins, missed, and was descended upon by four destroyers. The sub barely limped away.

S-28 was destroyed by enemy aircraft in the Aleutians.

Status:
Drum (Qwikshot) – Refitting at Pearl Harbor
Grayling (WSUCougar) – Refitting at Dutch Harbor
Gato (st.cronin) – Refitting at Pearl Harbor
Pollack (Ardent) – Deployed to patrol in the Solomons
Sculpin (Mustang) - Refitting at Pearl Harbor
Seawolf (Wolfpack) – On patrol in the Marshalls
Silversides (path12) – Laid up with light damage at Brisbane
Swordfish (MrBug708) – Refitting at Dutch Harbor
Tambor (Neon Chaos) – Laid up with light damage at Fremantle
Tautog (Warhammer) – On patrol in the Marshalls
Thresher (“Deacon” Harrison) – On patrol in the Marshalls
Triton (BYU14) - Laid up with heavy damage at Pearl Harbor
Trout (Nielsen) – On patrol in the Aleutians

[WSUCougar]

Total ships sunk: 52
Total tonnage sunk: 156,000

Sunken tonnage leaders:
16,000 = Humphrey Bogart (Salmon): (3)
12,000 = Errol Flynn (Sealion ): (4)
10,000 = Henry Fonda (Porpoise): (3)
10,000 = James Garner (Sailfish): (1)
9,000 = John Wayne (Narwhal): (2)
8,000 = Mel Gibson (Grouper): (2)
8,000 = Paul Newman (Permit): (2)
7,000 = William Shatner (Pike): (3)
6,000 = James Cagney (S-37): (2)
5,000 = "Deacon" Harrison (Thresher): (2)
5,000 = Rob Nielsen (Trout): (2)
5,000 = Clint Eastwood (Snapper): (1)
5,000 = Tom Hanks (Seal): (1)*
5,000 = Bill Parcells (Tuna): (1)
4,000 = WSUCougar (Grayling): (2)
4,000 = Sean Connery (Seadragon ): (2)
4,000 = Edgar Allan Poe (Searaven ): (2)
3,000 = Sir Alec Guiness (Grenadier): (2)
3,000 = Wolfpack (Seawolf): (2)
3,000 = BYU14 (Triton): (1)
3,000 = Brett Favre (Flying Fish): (1)
3,000 = Joe Gibbs (S-18): (1)
3,000 = Robert Mitchum (tarpon): (1)
3,000 = path12 (Silversides): (1)
3,000 = Warhammer (Tautog): (1)
3,000 = Bruce Willis (Trigger): (1)
1,000 = Bill Belicheck (S-23): (1)
1,000 = Kevin Costner (Gar): (1)*
1,000 = Russell Crowe (Sargo): (1)*
1,000 = Tom Cruise (Cuttlefish): (1)
1,000 = Neon Chaos (Tambor): (1)
1,000 = James Stewart (S-38): (1)

*Lost at sea

[Warhammer]

That's right. 3000 tons straight to the bottom!

[MrBug708]

Me and Bug are getting rip roaring drunk at Dutch Harbor while our boats are broke.

I spend more time getting repaired then actually doing anything

[path12]

I spend more time getting repaired then actually doing anything

+1

[WSUCougar]

May, 1942, Week 3

An excellent week, with 35,000 tons sunk and even the S-boats contributing.

Captain Shanahan of the S-47 started the week off with a bang, sinking a pair of enemy merchantmen for a total of 8000 tons before being damaged by enemy aircraft in the South China Sea.

Responding to ULTRA intercepts, the Seadragon (Connery) sank a 5000-ton freighter; Captain Flynn in the Sealion found a carrier group in the Banda Sea, but it was heavily defended and he had to withdraw with damage.

Also acting on intercepted intelligence, Trout (Nielsen) damaged a 5000-ton merchant ship, and eventually tracked it down and sank it in the Kurile Islands,

In the Solomons, the S-38 (Stewart) picked off a small Japanese trawler of 1000 tons. Pollack (Ardent) was fired on by an enemy sub but the torpedoes missed.

In the Marshalls, Seawolf (Wolfpack) scored the kill of the week, blowing up a 15,000-ton munitions ship (WOOT!!!) to become the sunk tonnage leader. Thresher (“Deacon” Harrison) sank a 1000-tonner and would have had a second one but for a dud torpedo.

The Pike (Shatner) has not reported and is feared lost.

Status:
Drum (Qwikshot) – Deployed to patrol in the Marshalls
Grayling (WSUCougar) – Deployed to patrol in the Aleutians
Gato (st.cronin) – Deployed to patrol in the Aleutians
Pollack (Ardent) – Refitting at Brisbane
Sculpin (Mustang) - Refitting at Pearl Harbor
Seawolf (Wolfpack) – Refitting at Pearl Harbor
Silversides (path12) – Laid up with light damage at Brisbane
Swordfish (MrBug708) – Deployed to patrol in the Aleutians
Tambor (Neon Chaos) – Refitting at Fremantle
Tautog (Warhammer) – On patrol in the Marshalls
Thresher (“Deacon” Harrison) – On patrol in the Marshalls
Triton (BYU14) - Laid up with moderate damage at Pearl Harbor
Trout (Nielsen) – Laid up with light damage at Dutch Harbor

[WSUCougar]

Total ships sunk: 59
Total tonnage sunk: 191,000

Sunken tonnage leaders:
18,000 = Wolfpack (Seawolf): (3)
16,000 = Humphrey Bogart (Salmon): (3)
12,000 = Errol Flynn (Sealion ): (4)
10,000 = Henry Fonda (Porpoise): (3)
10,000 = Rob Nielsen (Trout): (3)
10,000 = James Garner (Sailfish): (1)
9,000 = Sean Connery (Seadragon ): (3)
9,000 = John Wayne (Narwhal): (2)
8,000 = Mel Gibson (Grouper): (2)
8,000 = Paul Newman (Permit): (2)
8,000 = Mike Shanahan (S-47): (2)
7,000 = William Shatner (Pike): (3)*
6,000 = "Deacon" Harrison (Thresher): (3)
6,000 = James Cagney (S-37): (2)
5,000 = Clint Eastwood (Snapper): (1)
5,000 = Tom Hanks (Seal): (1)*
5,000 = Bill Parcells (Tuna): (1)
4,000 = WSUCougar (Grayling): (2)
4,000 = Edgar Allan Poe (Searaven ): (2)
3,000 = Sir Alec Guiness (Grenadier): (2)
3,000 = BYU14 (Triton): (1)
3,000 = Brett Favre (Flying Fish): (1)
3,000 = Joe Gibbs (S-18): (1)
3,000 = Robert Mitchum (tarpon): (1)
3,000 = path12 (Silversides): (1)
3,000 = Warhammer (Tautog): (1)
3,000 = Bruce Willis (Trigger): (1)
2,000 = James Stewart (S-38): (2)
1,000 = Bill Belicheck (S-23): (1)
1,000 = Kevin Costner (Gar): (1)*
1,000 = Russell Crowe (Sargo): (1)*
1,000 = Tom Cruise (Cuttlefish): (1)
1,000 = Neon Chaos (Tambor): (1)

*Lost at sea

[WSUCougar]

That big week was huge. Now I have a shot at retaining command, but we need to bag another 29,000 tons in the coming week. We've got some good boats out, but not so many in terms of relative quantity. Keep your fingers crossed!

[Wolfpack]

Yeah, baby! That'll help the grunts in their island-hopping!

[WSUCougar]

May, 1942, Week 4

Reacting to ULTRA intercepts in the Bonins, Drum (Qwikshot) was only able to damage an enemy ship in a heavily-escorted convoy.

We really pressed it hard in the Marshalls, but got no results and both Tautog (Warhammer) and Thresher (“Deacon” Harrison) were damaged in the process.

Stingray (McQueen) sank a 1000-ton ship in the South China Sea, Gudgeon (Damon) one in the Kuriles, and S-34 (Pitt) got one in the Solomons.

Total tonnage sunk: 194,000. At the request of the Chief of Naval Operations, I have been sacked by CINCPAC for failing to achieve 220,000 tons by the end of May 1942.

Sunken tonnage leaders:
18,000 = Wolfpack (Seawolf): (3)
16,000 = Humphrey Bogart (Salmon): (3)
12,000 = Errol Flynn (Sealion ): (4)
10,000 = Henry Fonda (Porpoise): (3)
10,000 = Rob Nielsen (Trout): (3)
10,000 = James Garner (Sailfish): (1)
9,000 = Sean Connery (Seadragon ): (3)
9,000 = John Wayne (Narwhal): (2)
8,000 = Mel Gibson (Grouper): (2)
8,000 = Paul Newman (Permit): (2)
8,000 = Mike Shanahan (S-47): (2)
7,000 = William Shatner (Pike): (3)*
6,000 = "Deacon" Harrison (Thresher): (3)
6,000 = James Cagney (S-37): (2)
5,000 = Clint Eastwood (Snapper): (1)
5,000 = Tom Hanks (Seal): (1)*
5,000 = Bill Parcells (Tuna): (1)
4,000 = WSUCougar (Grayling): (2)
4,000 = Edgar Allan Poe (Searaven ): (2)
3,000 = Sir Alec Guiness (Grenadier): (2)
3,000 = BYU14 (Triton): (1)
3,000 = Brett Favre (Flying Fish): (1)
3,000 = Joe Gibbs (S-18): (1)
3,000 = Robert Mitchum (tarpon): (1)
3,000 = path12 (Silversides): (1)
3,000 = Warhammer (Tautog): (1)
3,000 = Bruce Willis (Trigger): (1)
2,000 = James Stewart (S-38): (2)
1,000 = Bill Belicheck (S-23): (1)
1,000 = Kevin Costner (Gar): (1)*
1,000 = Russell Crowe (Sargo): (1)*
1,000 = Tom Cruise (Cuttlefish): (1)
1,000 = Matt Damon (Gudgeon): (1)
1,000 = Steve McQueen (Stingray): (1)
1,000 = Neon Chaos (Tambor): (1)
1,000 = Brad Pitt (S-34): (1)

*Lost at sea

[WSUCougar]

So I lost the game. :(

The early torpedo penalties are just brutal, and that severe handicap was compounded by (frankly) really shitty die-rolling.

Strategy-wise, I'm not sure if I erred, and if so, how or where. The trick is that torpedo improvement comes via # of ships sunk, while winning (or staying alive) comes via total tonnage sunk. The bigger ships are more difficult to sink, which magnifies the poor torpedo penalty. It's a tough situation.

But certainly a fun solitaire game! Thanks for the participation. I might try it again on FOFC down the road.

[path12]

Bummer. If you go again I'm in!

[Warhammer]

I think the best bet early is to go after the small cargo ships to get rid of the torpedo penalty, then go after the big fish.