All the colors of the RAINBOW- A USN Rule the Waves 3 AAR
In this AAR, I am playing the United States, with the game beginning in 1900. I will be playing on the "Admiral" level. I will post every six months of game time. The title of the AAR is based on the US RAINBOW series of war plans. Historically, each color of the RAINBOW plans was a plan to defeat a single country. In this AAR, I am placing a personal goal of defeating each nation of the game in a war before the game end, hence the title of the AAR.
The RTW system does not directly address national goals in determining victory. Rather, it uses the concept of the player's prestige. The gain or loss of territory in RTW results in a corresponding gain or loss of prestige. When the player's prestige goes down to approximately 15, the player losses. Conversely, when the player's prestige increases to approximately 30, they win. Because of this, prestige can act as an imperfect stand in for national goals, as he is incentivized to maximize his prestige by minimizing territorial loss and avoiding civil unrest.
With these artificialities in mind, my objectives (aka, "national goals") are to maximize my prestige while achieving the following objectives: 1) preserve the territorial integrity of the continental United States (CONUS); 2) Maintain existing colonies and bases and 3) maintaining a stable political and economic environment. See P.H. Liotta and Ricmond M. Lloyd, "From Here to There: The Strategy and Force Planning Framework, Naval War College Review, Spring 2005).
At game start, there is no significant threat to the U.S. Tension for all nations is low (2 or 3), with only Italy being Medium at 4, so at this early stage of the game Italy is the most likely threat. However, the most dangerous threat is Great Britain. This is because the size of its fleet, which has 19 Battleships to our 8. The Royal Navy has a similar 2:1 advantage in CA and CLs. Further, Great Britain has the global bases needed to threaten the US mainland and significant overseas possessions. When viewed as the most dangerous threat, in terms of being able to endanger the US territorial integrity the United Kingdom (UK) leads the list. The UK has bases with sufficient capacity to support an attack on both the East and West coasts of the United States. Similarly, it has a global reach, enabling it to destroy US commercial traffic in any of the ocean areas. Finally, it has a significant advantage in capital ships (19:8). CA (18:7), CL (19:8). Only in DDs does the US have a slight advantage (32:37). The second most dangerous threat is France, followed by Germany. Both have significant bases throughout the world, allowing them to endanger US commercial traffic. However, each of their fleets is closer in size to the USN, and their less capable bases makes it less likely, if not impossible, for them to support a fleet that could endanger CONUS. Finally, Japan and Italy are the least dangerous, lacking both the bases and a sufficiently large fleet to endanger either CONUS or the US.
Given this national interests, geo-political situation, the US naval strategy will have two goals: 1) Avoid a war with Great Britain at all costs, for the foreseeable future. If that is not possible, the US will quickly resolve the war against Britain before they win a decisive victory. Second, to gain prestige by fighting and winning wars against lesser powers. This dual track strategy will require two types of fleets: a fleet designed to win an asymmetrical war against the Royal Navy, by emphasizing commerce-raiding, high technology, light vessels and submarines to balance the Royal Navy's decisive edge in capital ships, but with a battlefleet capable of winning against any other power.
To build this fleet, the USN will first emphasize rapidly developing ship technology, in particular machinery, gunnery, torpedoes, light forces, and submarines. To save costs, I will not begin any major new shipbuilding projects for several years, with the intent of jumping ahead in technology and building a new fleet of technologically advanced dreadnoughts, and thereby neutralize the Royal Navy's advantage in numbers. While waiting for this fleet to be developed, I will try to avoid war, unless the USN has a decisive advantage in forces and can quickly win the war.
With the idea of maximizing the offensive capabilities of my fleet, I set my research to "High" in the following areas. All other areas are set to "Medium." I also set my research budget to a maximum of 12%, setting the following areas as "High" and the remainder as "Medium":
• Machinery Development
• Fire Control
• AP Projectiles
• Light Forces and Torpedo Warfare
• Torpedoes
By emphasizing this technology, I hope to create an highly capable offensive fleet with a technological advantage over all my peer competitors, and the ability to quickly leap ahead of the Royal Navy.
January-June 1900
Geopolitical
During the period, tensions with Germany, Great Britain and France increased to 5. Italy remained stable at 4, and Japan, Spain, Russia and Austro-Hungary remained low.
USA Political
Prestige: 20
Unrest: 2
Naval Intelligence
During the period, the USN initiates low level collection against Germany, Great Britain, France and Italy. While this will raise tension, it should be minimal, and will also help to prevent collection against our technology by the biggest threats.
The Naval balance of forces is in the table below:
(https://i.imgur.com/3zhCyof.jpg)
USN Budget
I request and receive a budget increase, which increases tension to Medium (5) with Germany, Great Britain, France and Italy.
USN Construction
Three Battleships and 2 light cruisers are under construction. I will keep these under construction, although I will not purchase additional ships. This way I won't fall too far behind European navies while I wait for technology to increase.
Construction on new docks to allow the USN to build 16,000 ton battleship to compete with the Royal Navy are begun.
The USN begins a 3-year long improvement to develop the port capacity in the Philippines. This is to give the USN sufficient port capacity to support an Asiatic squadron. An 11-inch gun battery is also begun to protect this possession.
USN Operations
I have a global cruise with obsolete ships. This raises the USN budget, while keeping tensions low.
To save money, I scrap all my coastal fortifications, as I don't believe they will be effective against the Royal Navy, although I will build additional base facilities in the Philippines, as it is only capable of supporting a small squadron, and I will need to deploy more forces there in the event of a war with France, Germany or Britain. However, these will be heavier guns. I will also increase the size of my docks I deploy SAN FRANSCISO- class CLs to Northern Europe, Mediterranean, the Indian Ocean, SE Asia and West Africa to show the flag. Finally, I begin expanding my dock size, to enable the building of larger battleships capable of equaling those that the Royal Navy can produce.
:notworthy:
I note the two fleet theory mirrors that of Imperial and Nazi Germany! -- Britain just kind of requires such a thing. :grin:
Quote from: JasonPratt on May 23, 2023, 07:22:32 AM:notworthy:
I note the two fleet theory mirrors that of Imperial and Nazi Germany! -- Britain just kind of requires such a thing. :grin:
That's one of the reasons I wanted to play as the US. In the early game, IMHO, you need to build 2 types of fleet: a traditional battlefleet to face all your competitors, except Great Britain, and a Jeune Ecole style fleet (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeune_%C3%89cole) to defend against the Royal Navy. One of the weaknesses in my current (June 1900) fleet is the lack of commerce raiders. Here's the design I came up with to fix that gap:
(https://i.imgur.com/pWNQK1M.jpg)
THe TACOMA class has extreme range, which is useful for a raider. It also has good speed (although not as much as I would like), and is lightly armored, so it will avoid combat with anything but the most light enemy forces. The main armament fires forward and aft for either pursuit or running away. It is also large enough to be useful for colonial duties.
July-December 1900
GeopoliticalJune, the US is given the opportunity to secure a 100 year lease on Hainan Island. The cost for doing this is increased tension, but the cost of not doing it is a loss of prestige. Currently, my prestige is at 20, so I don't want to go lower, so I take the concession. Tensions with both Germany and Great Britain consequentially increase to 6.
September-an uprising in China gives the US a chance to reduce tensions with European nations by not getting involved. Although some other nation may benefit by potentially gaining a port, the US currently has enough ports in the region, so I opt to reduce tensions.
September-A spying scandal involving the Japanese is uncovered. My choices are to ignore it, and lose prestige, or elevate the issue and raise tensions with Japan. Since Japan has relatively low tensions, and the USN is capable of taking on the Japanese navy, I elevate the issue.
September-Germany and Austro-Hungary enter into an alliance.
November-Russia asks to increase cooperation with the US, due to rising tensions with Japan. Current tensions with Russia are 0, and 4 with Japan. I agree to increase cooperation, as Russian offers the possibility of bases in Northern Europe which may be useful in the event of a war with other European powers, and the low tensions with Japan don't make war likely in the near term.
December-Well, that didn't work out well. The Japanese did not like the increased cooperation with Russia, and have increased tensions to 7....Tensions are now:
Germany 5
Great Britain 6
France 6
Russia 0
Japan 7
Italy 4
Spain 3
Austro-Hungary 3
USA Political December-Unrest level increases to 3. My prestige is stable at 20.
Naval IntelligenceJune-To help reduce tensions with Great Britain, I reallocate intelligence collection efforts from targeting Great Britain to targeting Italy.
September-Because of the spying by Japan, I increase intelligence collection efforts against them.
October-Intelligence reports that the Royal Navy HOGUE and KING ALFRED -class cruisers have a top speed of 20 knots. If true, this gives US cruisers a 2-3 knot advantage.
December-The Naval Balance of Forces in below:
(https://i.imgur.com/VwoT071.jpg)
USN Technical DevelopmentsJuly-A research breakthrough allows the USN to build 500 ton DDs
August-Breakthrough in torpedo technology gives the USN torpedoes with an 800 yard range.
September-the US improves machinery, allowing for a 1% savings in machinery weight.
October-New recoil technology improves the USNs Rate of Fire.
November-Technological developments in ship design allow for a heavy (>8inch) secondary armament.
USN Budget July The current USN building program has a minor budget deficit of about $500/month. However, this is sustainable.
USN ConstructionJune-To develop a robust commerce raiding capability, I begin development of the TACOMA class CL.
June-Four destroyers of the 400 tone JOUETT class are completed. These are the first medium-range destroyers in the fleet. After their work ups, I'll transfer them to the Philippines, as the US only has 2 CA in the region.
August-The two lead units of the TACOMA class (TACOMA and DES MOINES) are laid down. Construction time is 21 months.
October-A CL is commissioned.
November-The B MONTANA and CA SAN DIEGO are commissioned.
December-Two more units of the TACOMA class CL are ordered. However, with the rapid advance in ship technology, I'm going to halt the class at four hulls.
USN OperationsAugust- To help reduce tensions with Great Britain, I pull the cruiser on patrol duties out of Northern European waters.
End of Turn Notes At the end of December, it looks like war with Japan may be brewing. I will have to start basing some units on the West Coast of the US. The budget looks good, with a $30,000 balance, and a surplus of about $800/month. I will have to reinforce some of my Pacific possessions, such as Hawaii
:notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
Video drive by bombing time!!
But seriously, thank you Tripoli for this AAR. I'm intrigued to see how things will end up in your game. Are those tables homemade or does the game create these? Data tables so
are my thing!
the ship design and nation data are game created
In my next post, there will be an interesting tidbit about war with Germany being imminent. Fascinating turn of events, as in December 1900 I was worried about war with Japan. Because of this, the CNO issues the first RAINBOW plan: RAINBOW BLACK:
War Plan RAINBOW BLACK-1901
Strategic Situation: Germany has bases in Western Europe, West Africa, Southern Africa, the Indian Ocean, SE Asia, NE Asia, Central Pacific, and South Pacific. Of these areas the only significant bases (with their capacity) are in Europe (1600), the South Pacific (20), and NE Asia (30). All other areas have capacities of 9 or less. Germany is also allied with Austro-Hungary, which has a single base of 60 capacity in the Mediterranean.
The US has bases in two of these areas: The Central Pacific (85) and SE Asia (124). Therefore, the US has a decisive advantage in these areas, and outside of northern Europe and possibly the Mediterranean, is not significantly disadvantaged in its ability to support its fleet in any ocean area when compared to Germany.
Force Comparison: The US has 84% of Germany's fleet tonnage, and has 76% of their battleships, 56% of their CAs, 50% of their CLs. Only in DDs does the US have a minor advantage.
German vessels are likely superior in damage resistance, and overall are likely to have a similar technical capability to US ships. US Battleships are average a slightly heavier displacement, have similar armament and average 0.5 knots slower in speed. I also suspect that German vessels are generally inferior in range and habitability, as the German ships being largely confined to the North Sea and Baltics does not require these characteristics. Therefore, I believe the Germans will have difficulty in sustaining any offensive operations outside of their home waters. The similarity in ships also means that it is unlikely for an engagement with similar sized forces to be decisive. Only in the sea areas where the US has an advantage in bases can an overwhelming force be brought to bear, and thereby achieve victory. These areas are in the Central Pacific and SE Asia.
War Objective: Based on this, the US war aim will be to fight a limited war, with the following war aims, in order of priority: 1) an early war end; with 2) minor territorial gains in the Pacific. To accomplish this strategy, the US will defend in the Eastern Atlantic and attack in the Pacific, and conduct raiding and anti-raider operations throughout the rest of the world. To support this strategy, two divisions of battleships will be sent to the Pacific, along with some supporting vessels. That should give sufficient offensive power needed. The initial offensive operation will be in NE Asia, where the bulk of Germany's overseas fleet is concentrated, with the objective of destroying that fleet and seizing the German port in the region. This will give the US a port in NE Asia that will ultimately be useful in any war against Japan.
Duplicate post
January-June 1901
Geopolitical
January-Spain asks for a technology sharing agreement. The cost for not providing it is a decrease in relations. However, that would elevate Spain to a 4, which is still relatively low. Rather than risk the spread of USN technology, we decline.
February-Tensions with Germany unexpectedly spike to 10. I'm not sure what happened, but given it is the Germany of Kaiser Wilhelm, I shouldn't take it personally.....
February-A revolution in Panama gives the US a chance to make it a colony. However, that may increase international tension. Normally, I would say no, especially with a war with Germany that I want to prevent. However, eventually building a canal there is a strategic issue, as it reduces East Coast to West Coast transit time by at least 2 months. I'm going to risk it......And the US successfully colonizes Panama in March. However, tensions with Germany increase to 11....The UK, France, and Japan increase their tension level to 8. Only Russia really likes me right now....
April: the POTUS has a meeting with the Kaiser, for the purpose of lowering tensions. Because the USN is not quite ready for war with Germany, I advocate to lower tensions, by lowering the USN budget. Tensions with Germany is lowered to a 9
May: A spy from Austria-Hungary is discovered. Because tensions are only a 3, I opt to publicly raise the issue, which increases the naval budget, at a cost of raising tensions with AH to a 4.
June - Tensions are now:
Germany 9
Great Britain 8
France 8
Russia 0
Japan 7
Italy 4
Spain 5
Austro-Hungary 4
USA Political
Nothing Significant to Report (NSTR). Prestige: 20. Unrest: 4.
[/b]Naval Intelligence
February-Japan completes two Battleships.
February-The unexpected spike in tensions with Germany force me to take a quick look at German deployments. They have 5 CA in NE Asia, but otherwise we don't have any significant forces near each other. War Plan RAINBOW BLACK is updated (see above). To reduce the chance of war, intel collection against Germany is set to 0.
June: Tensions between the UK and AH become high.
USN Technical Developments
January-Develop hardened AP penetrators.
April: Develop the Cockburn safety valve, reducing machinery weight by 1%
May: USN develops the double bottom, allowing for increase in damage control (DC) capability.
USN Budget
Yearly budget at 298,240
USN Construction
January-B Ohio is commissioned, and larger (16,000 ton) docks are completed. Begin expanding base at Pearl Harbor.
The AYLWIN, a new 500-ton destroyer class is designed. This features improved habitability and medium range, so will be useful in a Pacific conflict. It is also less top-heavy. While not an improvement in armament, and slower than the earlier classes the AYLWIN will enable the USN to begin to replace the short ranged and less habitable DDs that make up the vast bulk of the fleet.
February-The 11-inch battery in the Philippines is completed, as is the CA Pueblo. A 12 inch battery is begun at Pearl Harbor. 3 DDs of the AYLWIN class and 6 of the earlier JOUETT class are ordered, as they may be needed with war with Germany in the offing.
The B COLORADO s commissioned. I was a bit worried about this one, as it was being built in a UK shipyard, and war with Germany would have prevented its delivery. Fortunately, it is now in my hot little hands.....
March: Begin increasing dock size to 17,000 tons
USN Operations
February-Six battleships are transferred to the West Coast to act as a deterrent to Japan and Germany. The West Coast squadron of 1 CA, 1 CL and 3 DD is forward deployed to Hawaii. A squadron of destroyers is moved to the Caribbean, and cruisers are sent to their war stations.
July-December 1901
GeopoliticalJuly-Tensions increase to between Japan and Russia to 10. Tensions between the UK and AH are also 10.
August: A South American country asks for our backing in a dispute. To lower tensions with European nations, I advocate an international peace conference.
November: A disagreement over colonies emerges with the UK. The choices are to escalate the conflict, which provides a budget and prestige increase, but dramatically increases tension; 2) Avoid war but build up the fleet, or 3) deescalate, at the cost of prestige but with an increase in budget. And a decrease in tensions. Right now, the UK is about to go to war with Austro-Hungary, which is allied with Germany, so I don't think they will also go to war with the US. However, my strategy is to avoid war at all costs. With a current tension level of 7, the US has some slight wiggle room regarding tension. With a prestige level of 20, I also have a slight bit of leeway to lose prestige, but not too much. Based on this, I opt for the middle ground: a slight increase in tension in exchange for an increase in budget. See image below:
(https://i.imgur.com/jD4tfnT.jpg)
December-War has broken out between the UK and Austro-Hungary. Due to a second war in the Balkans, tensions increase among all powers. At the end of December tensions are now:
Germany 9
Great Britain 9
France 8
Russia 2
Japan 7
Italy 4
Spain 4
Austro-Hungary 4
USA Political My prestige remains at 20. Unrest is 4
Naval IntelligenceJuly-With the world tensions increasing, I increase intelligence spending to "Low" for all nations. As it takes time in the game to set up networks, this is to improve my overall intelligence collection capability before hostilities.
USN Technical DevelopmentsAugust-Hydraulic riveting reduces hull weight by 1%
September- Power rammers are invented, offering a rate of fire increase. The research field of Submarines is also opened up.
October-With the opening up of Submarines, I lower the machinery emphasis. Research into 12 inch guns is also elevated to "High" to take advantage of the improvement expected due to USN gunnery training and fire control, and the larger hulls that will be available with the 17,000 ton docks being built.
October-_An analysis of the technical capabilities of the various navies indicates that the USN is only slightly behind the Royal Navy, at least in terms of fielded technology. At this point, the RN is slightly ahead in submarine and in mine warfare.
November: Medium Wing turrets of up to 10 inches are invented.
USN BudgetAt the end of December, the USN yearly budget is $340,880, placing it behind Germany, Great Britain, France, and equal to Russia.
USN ConstructionJuly-The USN begins building a 12 in battery in Panama
December-12-inch shore battery in Hawaii is completed.
December: USS HURON designed.
USN OperationsAugust The USN begins to prioritize training on gunnery.
September With the AYLWIN class DDs entering the fleet, and the declining world tensions, I begin to mothball the 300-ton DECATUR class DDs as they are cramped and short-ranged. This would improve the unrest level, and free up funds for some additional light cruisers.
End of year notes: While I would like to continue with my strategy of holding off on building fleet units, the naval balance of power seems to be shifting, with France beginning to take a dramatic leap ahead in fleet units. It appears that the USN will not be able to avoid building major fleet units. While I could possibly avoid a war with Great Britain, France also has sufficient global reach that it could be a threat, and with global tensions rising, it is unlikely that the US will be able to avoid a war with some major power. Accordingly, I will have to begin on an expansion of the fleet. I estimate that I will need at least 5 battleships. I will begin this construction project in 3 months, when the dock size increases. In the meantime, I will start a heavy cruiser project to create a scouting/raiding/counter-raider force. Because this cruiser is likely to encounter similar sized CAs involved in overseas service, I have ONI review the German, French and British fleets to determine the most likely opponents. The result of this analysis is that the most likely current opponents are the HMS CRESSY, SMS HERTHA and FS DUPUY DE LOME. Based on this, the US designs the USS HURON, a 13900 ton, 23 knot vessel with a 6" belt and armed with 14-8" and 10-4" guns, but without any torpedoes. It has medium range and normal accommodations, and an immune zone of 2-10" yards. This makes it faster than any of its similar-sized opponents, with a significantly heavier broadside than all but the SMS HERTHA, and equal in speed to any CL-class raiders it is likely to encounter.
(https://i.imgur.com/L1gtth6.jpg)
You're really making me want to switch over from WITE2 to this. You haven't mentioned commanders. Is that optional?
Quote from: bobarossa on May 31, 2023, 09:11:20 PMYou're really making me want to switch over from WITE2 to this. You haven't mentioned commanders. Is that optional?
No, I just hadn't started to play significantly with commanders yet, instead allowing the game to assign them, mostly because I was transfering units to the Pacific and trying to get an idea of what the force structure would be However, that is starting to change this round.
January-June 1902
GeopoliticalJanuary-There are reports that the Royal Navy lost several destroyers in a battle with Austro-Hungary in the Mediterranean. No other details are known. Additionally, an indecisive engagement was fought between the Germans and UK in the South Pacific.
January-I blame the collision between an Austro-Hungarian and USN ship on the AH, increasing tensions with them. However, tensions are currently relatively low, and they are unlikely to want a war with the US.
February-It is suggested that the US arms Malaysian rebels against the UK. That does not seem like a good idea right now....
March-Tensions with the UK increase to 10. Tensions with Japan increase to 8 over our occupation of the Philippines.
March-An uprising in China gives me the opportunity to lower tensions with the UK by not getting involved.
At then end of June, the tension levels are:
Germany 8
Great Britain 9
France 7
Russia 1
Japan 8
Italy 4
Spain 3
Austro-Hungary 5
USA Political My prestige remains at 20. National Unrest is 4.
Naval IntelligenceJanuary- Indications that an unknown power stole industrial secrets from the US
January -The US improves their AP shells.
April-ONI manages to obtain the design of the French 13-inch gun, but it is poor quality (-2) so I don't know I'll be able to use it.
January 1902 Naval Balance of Power(https://i.imgur.com/rUZeFq5.jpg)
USN Technical DevelopmentsJanuary-Because ONI believes that war with either France or the UK is probable in the next 2 years, research is re-prioritized to 13 inch guns, submarines and Fleet Tactics, with the intent of developing mine warfare.
February-Face Hardened armor developed
April-The USN develops mine warfare, coastal submarines and further developments reduce machinery weight by 1%
USN BudgetJanuary-$340,880
February-Congress increases the Naval budget.
June: Annual budget is now $347,280
USN ConstructionJanuary- Four ALWIN-class destroyers are ordered to bring those Destroyer Divisions equipped with the class up to full strength
January- Design the JUNEAU-class CL for use as a Destroyer leader/anti-raider/colonial ship. Five units are ordered in March, and will be completed in 20 months
February-New Docks are completed. Dock Capacity is now 18,000 tons
March-Design the CALIFORNIA-class B. The 12-inch battery in Panama is completed.
April-Four units of the HURON-class CA are ordered. These are intended to be commerce raiders.
May-Four coastal submarines are ordered. I will likely build more, but these are for test-bed purposes (they become more reliable over time, and I don't want to spend a lot of money early on unreliable subs....) Two TACOMA CLs enter the fleet
(https://i.imgur.com/24IiXqF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/pTVLFwT.jpg)
USN OperationsWith the shifting of significant fleet assets to the Pacific, the USN begins to restructure into an Atlantic/Pacific organizational structure. This will also help increase the training level of the USN, especially as the European nations are beginning to get combat experience. The structure will generally consist of BatDiv of 3 Bs, CruDiv of 2 CAs, CLDiv of 2 CLs and Destroyer Divisions of 5 DD. At some point, I will also develop a scouting division of four small CL for the main battle fleet, but that will have to await a year or so. The reason for this organization is that it will both be easier to manage in battle, and that units of these sizes should be able to combine their firepower to rapidly reduce a single target, although I may reduce the battleship division to 2 units, depending on the result of fleet maneuvers that I will be scheduling likely later this year.
By June 1902, some below average officers are identified. I create several commands with no ships and move this "deadwood" into those commands to free up the billets for better officers.
July-December 1902
[/b][/u]
GeopoliticalJuly-The Malaya rebellion against the UK continues.
July-In an engagement between the UK and Germany in the Mediterranean, the Germans lost 3 CLs and 1 DD, to the UK loss of 1 DD.
July-In July the POTUS asks if the USN can guarantee victory over the Royal Navy in the event of war. Although it pains me, I have to admit that the USN needs additional funding. This costs me prestige but secures additional funding. The other option was to gain prestige, but increase tensions, which are already at 9.
August-The UK ends the rebellion in Malaya.
August-In an engagement between the UK and Germany in the Indian Ocean, the Germans lost 1 B and the UK lost 2 CA.
August. A motivated Lieutenant at ONI hatches a plot to sink a German battleship at anchor. I don't think so.....
November- In an engagement between the UK and Germany in the SE Asia, the Germans lost 1 CL and the UK lost a B and a CL.
December-A new government wants to increase spending. My choices on this are not good, involving either a dramatic increase in tensions, or a moderate increase in tension.
USA PoliticalIn August, my prestige drops to 19. The unrest level increases to 5.
Naval IntelligenceJuly- ONI obtains the blueprints of the French battleship, the FS JUSTICE, currently under construction. Interestingly, the design is a 1900-era design.
July-France is beginning gunnery training.
September- ONI obtains the blueprints of the French battleship, the FS JAUREGUIBERRY, currently under construction. Interestingly, the design is a 1900-era design. Notably, the US seems to have a pretty good intelligence collection effort against France, as there has been several intelligence coups in recent months. In contrast, the collection effort against the UK has yet to even come on-line.
September- ONI reports that France is spending 10% of their budget on research and has a budget balance of -4,200. This indicates that France is likely tapped out as far as fleet growth is concerned.
USN Technical DevelopmentsAugust-Hull construction techniques lead to a 1% weight savings on hull
September-Pressure hulls are developed, giving a 5% increase in submarine reliability.
USN BudgetAugust-USN budget increases to $365,740 (+5%)
December-The USN budget gradually decreased through the year. Currently it is 323,040 (-12% from the high)
USN ConstructionJuly-One CALIFORNIA class B ordered.
July-TACOMA joins the fleet
August- Private shipbuilding increases USN dock size to 19,000 tons
September-Two CLs enter the USN (RENO and OAKLAND)
September-Because of budget constraints, construction on the USS CALIFORNIA is halted. It will be resumed at the beginning of the year.
November- Private shipbuilding increases USN dock size to 20,000 tons. Budgetary pressures force me to halt construction on two HURON class CAs. Likewise, the USN will be unable to do the fleet exercise I had intended, nor resume construction of the B CALIFORNIA.
USN OperationsJuly-Extra training in Gunnery is completed.
December organization of the USN main fleet units is below. Odd numbered divisions are Pacific Fleet, Even number divisions are Atlantic Fleet.
(https://i.imgur.com/XI0AXST.jpg)
End of year notes: Unexpected budget pressures are delaying the completion of several heavy cruisers and one battleship. War with either Germany or the UK is increasingly possible, and war with France and/or Japan is not out of the question. However, right now the UK/German war seems to be occupying the attention of both parties, so I believe it is unlikely that the US will be going to war. Regardless, it appears that the Pacific is the most likely place for effective offensive action by the USN in the event of war with Germany, the UK, France or Japan, so that is where the bulk of the fleet will be kept, with only defensive operations in the western hemisphere. Possible invasion targets are displayed below. Notably, I will have to begin to build some fortifications in the Caribbean and China to protect US assets there.
(https://i.imgur.com/kotDEgo.jpg)
So, by definition with three Great Powers at war, WW1 has kicked off early!
Quote from: JasonPratt on June 02, 2023, 08:47:47 PMSo, by definition with three Great Powers at war, WW1 has kicked off early!
The world at this time seemed to be bound and determined to go to general war. In addition to no-kidding shooting wars like the Spanish-American and Russo-Japanese war, the following crises had the potential for kicking off a general conflagration:
- The Fashoda Incident (1898)
- First Moroccan Crisis 1905-06
- The Casablanca Incident (1908)
- Bosnian Crisis 1908-09
- Second Moroccan Crisis/Agadir Crisis 1911
- Balkan Wars 1912-13
It seems like every 80 years or so, the human species isn't content unless we go "Red and Free" on our fellow men.... :-(
^Russia is right on time, then.
January-June 1903
[/b][/u]
GeopoliticalJanuary-The German navy sinks a UK CL in the South Pacific, while in the Mediterranean, the UK lost a Battleship and CA, and the AH lost a single CL. Maybe I could go to war with the Royal Navy.....
February-I'm given the opportunity to reduce tensions with Germany, but at the cost of prestige. Because I'm reluctant to lower my prestige and believe the US can take on Germany if needed, I decline.
April- Random tension increase increases tension with France to 8, and Spain to 4, but decreases tension with Germany to 8 and Japan to 7.
At the end of June, the tension levels are:
Germany 8
Great Britain 9
France 8
Russia 1
Japan 7
Italy 4
Spain 3
Austro-Hungary 6
The Naval Balance of Power as of June 1903 is given below:
(https://i.imgur.com/7e5hFbH.jpg)
USA PoliticalJune: Prestige: 21. Unrest: 5
Naval IntelligenceJanuary ONI obtains the plans for the HIRMS BORODINO, a KNYAZ POTEMKIN-class battleship from 1900. The design is not particularly impressive in terms of armor or speed, and does not represent a threat to contemporaneous US battleships.
April-Japan orders a battleship from Germany, and additional reports indicate that they are doing additional gunnery training. A report also indicates that the CA Izumo has a belt and turret armor of 6 inches.
USN Technical DevelopmentsFebruary-Develop improved sub-division, increasing damage resilience.
March-Develop Central Firing fire control.
May-Submarine reliability is increased by 5%
USN BudgetJune: $297760. The USN is hurting for money right now. We are running a deficit of -$3172/month and only have $4172 surplus. This should improve slightly at the end of June with the first batch of updated battleships return to service, and should further improve in 3 months time, when several JUNEAU-class CLs enter service. But right now, the USN budget is hurting....
USN ConstructionJanuary-The USN begins construction of a 6-inch shore battery on Hainan island. This will also develop minefields in the area.
April-With the possibility of war with a European power, and the advantages of central firing, I decide to take the entire Pacific Fleet battleline and have them refit with Central firing. USS DELAWARE, NEW YORK< NORTH DAKOTA, ILLINOIS, NEVADA, and OHIO go in for the modernization, which will take from 3-10 months to complete. Additionally, improved 6-inch guns are added.
June-I scrap the DECATUR class DD's. It's only five ships, but they are too small (300 tons) and cramped, and the USN budget too tight to continue their use in the fleet.
June-Begin a 6-inch battery (and minefields) at GITMO. Complete the 6-inch battery on Hainan Island.
USN OperationsNSTR
July-December 1903
GeopoliticalTensions with Japan are reduced.
July The war between the UK and Germany/Austro-Hungary has ended in a compromise peace.
July Reports of fighting in the Balkans give me the choice of raising tensions across the board, or significantly increasing tensions with only one nation. I choose to significantly raise tensions against Japan, raising it to 8
USA Political Prestige: 20. Unrest: 5
In December I had an interesting conundrum. A heretofore average officer apparently was a brilliant engineer, who designed a very good rangefinder. Unfortunately, he apparently was corrupt. The choice was to force him out of the service, reducing corruption, or buy the company and increase research into gunnery. I opted to cashier him for the good of the service, but that was a tough decision.....
Naval IntelligenceDecember-ONI obtains the blueprints for the HMS QUEEN, a 1903 design, currently under construction. The comparison between the two vessels is not good for the USN. The CALIFORNIA is 1800 tons lighter, but one knot faster. Although armed with 4–12-inch guns, the HMS QUEEN has 12-11" guns, and a broadside of 8-11" guns. It also has an 11 inch turret and belt compared to 9.5 for the CALIFORNIA, making the US ship incapable of penetrating its belt or turret at any range. Based on this, it appears the CALIFORNIA is incapable of dealing with the HMS QUEEN. Based on this, I'm going to scrap the design. Fortunately, I've only sunk 2 months of build time before construction was stopped, so it won't be a really expensive mistake.
(https://i.imgur.com/nkNZza5.jpg)
USN Technical DevelopmentsA pneumatic recuperator is invented, improving Rate of Fire.
Machinery development resulting in a 1% decrease in machinery weight.
USN Budget$303,440. Congress has recently increased the budget, due to rising tensions with France....
USN ConstructionJuly: Four submarines enter the fleet. USS OHIO and USS ILLINOIS return from rebuild.
September: CL SPOKANE enters the fleet
October: With four JUNEAU-class CLs about to be commissioned, thereby freeing up funds, I have the OKLAHOMA-class battleships USS ARIZONA, USS NEW JERSEY and USS OKLAHOMA go into the yards for a 3-month upgrade of their fire control system. This should complete the upgrade of all US battleships to central firing.
November: The JUNEAU class CLs FLINT, TUCSON, SAN JUAN and JUNEAU enter service. Construction is resumed on the USS MEMPHIS, a HURON class CA.
December: The 6-inch gun battery at GITMO is completed, and the final JUNEAU class CL enters the fleet.
USN OperationsNSTR
Note: In January 1904, relations with France took a turn for the worse. Accordingly the USN issues War Plan RAINBOW GOLD:
War Plan RAINBOW GOLD-1904
Strategic Situation: France has bases in Norther Europe, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, West and East Africa, the Indian Ocean, SE Asia, and South Pacific. These areas have the following capacity: Europe (1600), the Mediterranean (1702), the Indian Ocean (50), SE Asia (170) the South Pacific (60), and Caribbean (20), West Africa (52) . France has no allies.
The US has bases in two of these areas: SE Asia (172) and the Caribbean (1690). Therefore, the US has a decisive advantage in the Caribbean and in the West and East Coasts of the US and has an equal base capacity in SE Asia. Outside these areas, the USN faces a significant disadvantage in logistics.
Force Comparison: The US has 75% of France's fleet tonnage, and has 53% of their battleships, 84% of their CAs, 190% of their CLs, and 92% of their DD tonnage.
French vessels are likely to have a similar technical capability to US ships. US Battleships are average a slightly heavier displacement, have similar armament and average 0.5 knots slower in speed. The BRENNUS class B account for over 25% of the French battleships, but are small, displacing less than 11,000 tons. These are unlikely to be a match for any USN battleships. However, the remaining French battleships are comparable to the USN types. The French navy has also reportedly been working on gunnery training and has central fire control, so French crews are likely to be similar in gunnery proficiency. Only in the sea areas where the US has an advantage in bases can an overwhelming force be brought to bear, and thereby achieve victory. This area is the Caribbean. However, the apparent lack of heavy French fleet units in SE Asia also present an opportunity for the US to successfully engage in operations in that area.
War Objective: Based on this, the US war aim will be to fight a limited war, with the following war aims, in order of priority: 1) an early war end; with 2) minor territorial gains in the Caribbean and/or crippling French basing capability in SE Asia relative to the US. To accomplish this strategy, the US will defend in the Eastern Atlantic and attack in the Caribbean, with significant raiding and immediate offensive operations in the Pacific to tie down French forces. The current force disposition shows few heavy French fleet units in the Pacific area, so the Pacific fleet should have an advantage in the short term over the French navy in the Pacific. The relative superiority in numbers of heavy cruisers indicates that the USN should also have a superior raiding and anti-raider capability throughout the rest of the world. To support this strategy, the Pacific Fleet will be forward deployed to Hawaii. This should give sufficient offensive power needed to quickly take offensive operations in SE Asia. The initial offensive operation will be in SE Asia, with the objective of taking the French base at Tonkin and Annam, with account for 80 and 50 of France's basing capacity in the region. Simultaneously, the Atlantic fleet will seize the Antilles, which is France's sole base in the Caribbean. If necessary, subsequent operations will be conducted in the Indian Ocean and/or South Pacific.
January-June 1904
GeopoliticalTensions with France suddenly spike higher. Tensions are now:
Germany 8
Great Britain 8
France 10
Russia 1
Japan 7
Italy 4
Spain 4
Austro-Hungary 5
February: Relations between Russia and Germany become tense.
March Relations between Russia and Japan become very tense.
April-Increased industrialization increases USA resources.
In April, the UK requests the USA to reduce its navy. By agreeing the USN loses budget, and I lose prestige, but tensions are lowered. That won't happen, especially with the US on the brink of war with France. I opt to challenge the UK to propose a disarmament conference, which I doubt they will. Surprisingly, a conference is called, which calls for a max ship size of 12,000 tons and main gun armament of no greater than 8 inches. This fails, due to "high tensions" but the US standing is improved.
May-Russia wants to improve our relations to counteract its tensions with Germany. The problem is that Germany currently has a relations score of 0 with both France and the UK. I could see it allying with either of those countries, and suddenly I would be at war with half of Europe. I decline the proposal. See image below
(https://i.imgur.com/tYpUU21.jpg)
USA PoliticalPrestige: 20. Unrest: 5
April: Unrest level increases to 6, possibly due to the failure of the disarmament conference.
Naval IntelligenceThe UK invents DDs of 600 tons. This will give the Royal Navy a distinct advantage in light forces.
USN Technical DevelopmentsFebruary: Hull construction techniques save 1% of hull weight.
March-Develop Capped AP projectiles.
March-USN Develops 600 ton DDs
April-Diving planes are invented, increasing submarine reliability.
USN Budget$303,440.
USN ConstructionJanuary-Because of the increasing possibility of war with France, an additional eight ALWIN class DDs are ordered. This is because the bulk of USN DDs are short range, and incapable of moving into new areas once war is declared.
February- One additional coastal submarine is ordered.
February-Private dock capacity increases by 500 tons
March-Begin building an 8" battery on Hainan Island.
April TUCKER class DD is developed. This is a 600 ton, 28 knot destroyer with medium range and good crew accommodations. More importantly, it has four torpedo tubes, with a broadside of 3, and two 4-inch guns as a main battery and four 3-inch guns as a secondary. It will replace the entire Bainbridge class, which are both short range and cramped, and thereby of limited utility in war.
April-Private dock capacity increases by 500 tons. Max ship size is now 21,000 tons
May-Ten TUCKER-class DDs are ordered.
USN OperationsJanuary-The Pacific Fleet forward deploys from the West Coast to Pearl Harbor to prepare for offensive operations in SE Asia in the event of war with France.
Looks like Germany, France, and Britain may wish to recover some lost colonies in North America! :evil:
July-December 1904
GeopoliticalJuly War breaks out between Russia and Germany and Austria-Hungary
July-Tensions increase with Germany and the UK. Now at 9. Tensions with Japan decrease to 4.
September- The US seems to be on the path to war. In an interview, I'm asked if war is a possibility. The only way to lower tensions also results in a lower prestige and lower budget, neither of which is wise when tensions are already elevated. I can, by calling out France, limit the increase in tensions to just them, as opposed to issuing a more generic statement that results in elevating tensions with both the UK and Germany, which are already elevated. Tension with France increases to 11, one step short of war.
October-In an engagement in SE Asia, the Russians lost a CA and the Germans lost two DDs.
December: $50 million was collected by donations to fund a new Battleship, or lose both prestige and money. I guess I have no choice but to build one. I hate it when that happens.....
December The Russia / Germany / Austria-Hungary war ends.
The Geopolitical and overview of the USN is given in the image below. The Naval Balance of Power is also included below:
(https://i.imgur.com/q4qhsg4.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/2sWFvX1.jpg)
USA Political Prestige: 20. Unrest: 6
Naval IntelligenceSummer-Both Germany and Austria-Hungary reduce naval spending due to social discontent.
USN Technical DevelopmentsJuly-USN develops improved signaling.
July -US improves fire control
September-Turrets and gun mountings are improved, giving a 1% weight savings.
October-Quality control on armor is improved, providing improved armor and a 1% weight savings.
December-Steam Turbines are developed. These save considerable weight on machinery. (just in time to install them to my new Battleship......
USN BudgetBudget-In December it is up to $325,760
USN ConstructionJune-Private dock capacity increases by 500 tons. Max ship size is now 21,500 tons
August-Six AYLWIN class DDs are commissioned. These are immediately sent to SE Asia.
October-8-inch coastal battery in Hainan Island is completed
October-Four more TUCKER-class DDs are ordered.
November- CA LOUISVILLE and SEATTLE are commissioned.
December-12 more TUCKER-class DDs and 3 coastal submarines are ordered.
December-The Design of the turbine-equipped USS NORTH CAROLINA is revealed:
(https://i.imgur.com/CXuP7BJ.jpg)
USN OperationsAugust- A series of disease outbreaks in the BAINBRIDGE-class DDs while deployed to SE Asia forces me to recall them to the West Coast. The problem is the cramped accommodations of these vessels makes them completely unsuitable for OCONUS deployment.
Wow! -- really were home in time for Christmas! Barely time to get some front action!
....
........and in the war! :evil:
Thank you for posting these updates.
January-June 1905
GeopoliticalJanuary-France has one Battleship and 3 CAs in the Caribbean. Time for the Atlantic Fleet to show the flag in that area.
February-It is time for a splendid little war. The navy league asks me to give a speech, and I accuse France of threatening the freedom of the seas. That should provoke 'em.....
May-Despite being provoked by my speech, with tensions rising to 14, there is yet no war with France. Great Britain and Germany sign an alliance, though.
June-There are rumors France is about to go to war with us. Possibly a naval exercise will irritate them...
Tensions at the end of June are now:
Germany 4
Great Britain 9
France 14
Russia 2
Japan 4
Italy 3
Spain 0
Austro-Hungary 3
See sitrep below:
(https://i.imgur.com/r2sDgpc.jpg)
USA Political Prestige: 21. Unrest: 6
Naval Intelligence NSTR
USN Technical DevelopmentsMarch-USN invents an automatic range transmitter, increasing fire control accuracy
April: Superimposed B turrets discovered. This means the NORTH CAROLINA class will be a one hull design.
May-The USN develops testing tanks, allowing for a reduction in ship engine HP requirements. Also develop larger torpedo warheads.
USN Budget$308,320
USN ConstructionJanuary The advent of turbine engines allows more power, while saving engineering plant weight. Because of this, I modified the TUCKER class destroyer to use the new turbine engines. This new class, is a modified TUCKER, (re-named the RINGGOLD class), is slightly faster and more heavily armed than the TUCKERs. Because of this, I ceased production of the ten TUCKER class ordered last month and break them up.
February- Ten RINGGOLD class destroyers are ordered. Ten TUCKER class DDs join the fleet.
April-The design study of the NORTH CAROLINA is completed, and one hull is ordered. This allows me to complete the build requirements, so I don't lose any prestige. However, this will be a one hull class, as the invention of the superimposed "B" turrets makes the class inefficient, if not obsolete.
April The final 10 units of the RINGGOLD class DD are ordered.
USN OperationsFebruary The Atlantic Fleet deploys to the Caribbean to show the flag.
March: Because of the impending war with France, USN CLs go to war raiding stations in the Med, IO, West Africa and South Pacific. CAs are forward deployed to commerce protection stations.
April-I begin a naval academy, to enhance the quality of officers in the fleet.
June-With no war yet, I schedule a fleet exercise "Fleet Problem 1905". The purpose of this exercise is to both increase the combat readiness of both the Atlantic and Pacific fleets, while resolving the following questions:
1) What is the optimal size of Destroyer Divisions for the purpose of launching torpedo attacks: 4 or 6 destroyer?
2) What is the optimal size of Battleship Divisions for the purpose of maximizing firepower on a single enemy battleship? 1, 2, or 3 battleships?
3) Is a scouting force of 4 CLs better for scouting and screening the main battlefleet, or is a force made up of 2 CAs and 2 CLs superior?
The Fleet Problem will be fought over the next couple of days, and the results will be posted to Grogheads.
Um, France has twice as many Battleships as you do and you want to fight them?
Quote from: bobarossa on June 08, 2023, 04:57:02 PMUm, France has twice as many Battleships as you do and you want to fight them?
Yeah, that's counter-intuitive. In the War Plan Rainbow Gold post, I explain my logic: France doesn't have any bases in the Eastern or Western US, so my homeland is relatively safe. They have only one base in the Caribbean, with only a capacity of 20, so they will be unable to support a battlefleet there for very long. Their basing situation is a bit better in SE Asia, but they have to get their fleet there, and enroute they will likely be attrited because they don't have many bases in the Indian Ocean. I'm also guessing that a lot of their fleet has either short range or cramped quarters, as most of their heavy fleet units haven't left the Northern Europe and/or Mediterranean. From what I can tell my individual heavy units are superior to theirs, so I'm gambling I can have superior forces in the likely areas of conflict, and can quickly win this war by seizing a colony or two and then suing for peace. I really didn't want this war, but with Germany, the UK and France all increasing tensions, I've had little opportunity to decrease tensions without increasing the tensions with the UK, which is a war I definitely do not want.
Quote from: Tripoli on June 08, 2023, 06:10:30 PMQuote from: bobarossa on June 08, 2023, 04:57:02 PMUm, France has twice as many Battleships as you do and you want to fight them?
Yeah, that's counter-intuitive. In the War Plan Rainbow Gold post, I explain my logic:
That was two days ago! You expect me to remember stuff that long?
I haven't played enough to understand the penalty for lack of bases (been a long time since I played RTW1). I know my ships can get from east coast to west coast (playing as USA in 1890 start) without suffering damage (outside of crew degradation). I assume something bad happens at some point if I leave them without support.
Quote from: bobarossa on June 08, 2023, 07:42:44 PMQuote from: Tripoli on June 08, 2023, 06:10:30 PMQuote from: bobarossa on June 08, 2023, 04:57:02 PMUm, France has twice as many Battleships as you do and you want to fight them?
Yeah, that's counter-intuitive. In the War Plan Rainbow Gold post, I explain my logic:
That was two days ago! You expect me to remember stuff that long?
I haven't played enough to understand the penalty for lack of bases (been a long time since I played RTW1). I know my ships can get from east coast to west coast (playing as USA in 1890 start) without suffering damage (outside of crew degradation). I assume something bad happens at some point if I leave them without support.
I get not remembering things from two days ago. I cant even go to the grocery store without forgetting at least 2 items on a five item list.... :embarrassed:
A couple of things happen with the basing issue. Short range ships can only move different home base areas (i.e., for the US from the East Coast to the Caribbean) once a war starts. So any French short-range ships wont be able to reach US waters. Cramped crew spaces create crew morale and quality penalties outside of home areas. A couple of moves ago had to withdraw some of my short range destroyers from SE Asia back to the West coast, despite having plenty of base capacity in the Philippines because of this dynamic. And a lack of sufficient basing capacity gradually makes your ships mechanically deteriorate. In fairness, I don't know that the French have short-range or cramped ships, but I suspect a lot of their ships are that way, as evidenced by the relative few number that are outside the North Europe/Med areas. That makes sense, because it takes a fair amount of tonnage to increase range, and this is weight that could instead go to making the ship more protected/heavily armored or faster. However, I do know they lack the basing to keep their fleet in the Caribbean or East Coast. While they do have enough bases in SE Asia, I have more support there, and my fleet is closer, so I think I can "steal a march" on them in this area. It is a calculated gamble on my part, but the game seems to be bound and determined to force me into a war. With France having good relations with both Germany and the UK, I figure I should go to war now rather than wait for the geopolitical situation to worsen.
"Fleet Problem 1905"
This wasn't as successful an fleet exercise as I would have liked. The actual problem itself was marred by my saving the game and going to bed before finishing the scenario. This has the unfortunate side-effect of zeroing out the game log, so I don't have it for analysis.
Fleet Problem 1905 featured a RED squadron largely made up of Pacific fleet ships, led by BATDIV 1 (3 DELAWARE-class) and followed by BATDIV 2 (2 OKLAHOMA-class B). The BLUE squadron was largely Atlantic fleet ships, led by BATDIV 3 (3 COLORADO-class B and one NEVADA-class) and BATDIV 4 (2 OKLAHOMA-class B). so, the engagement was 6 B (BLUE) v. 5 B (RED). Because the purpose of the fleet problem was to evaluate force structure and not tactics, I had the AI largely play out the battle to avoid any advantage that a human player may impart to one side. The weather was good, with 20,000+ yard visibility and calm seas, so there the engagement emphasized long-range gunnery. Further, each battleship is equipped with 4 x 12 in guns, and has identical fire control, so the total firepower of each side's battleships was effectively identical on the individual level. However, because of the "N-squared" law, the theoretical firepower of the BLUE force, assuming all heavy guns were engaged, should be 44% more than the RED force.
1 However, in reality rarely are all guns equally engaged, so for a practical test, the BLUE advantage should have been somewhat less than this.
In the ensuing battle, the RED side was decisively defeated,
losing four battleships sunk and one heavily damaged to BLUE's 1 heavy, 1 medium and 3 lightly damaged battleships.
BLUE suffered no sinkings. One RED battleship (USS Illinois) was sunk early by a magazine explosion, so part of the losses may be due to the sudden shifting of battle from a 5 v. 6 to a 4 v. 6, or a potential 2.25:1 firepower advantage. In any case, the situation rapidly deteriorated for RED.
Image 1 Fleet Problem 1905 results(https://i.imgur.com/rfx6qls.jpg)
Turning to gunnery, the RED battleships had an average hit percentage of 9.42, ( I am not including the USS Illinois, as it blew up to early in the game, so it had a hit percentage of 0). In contrast, BLUE battleships had a much lower hit percentage of 6.155%. So despite having an overall hit percentage 50 % more than BLUE, RED still lost decisively. Both sides had two OKLAHOMA-class battleships in their line, but RED had DELAWARE-class battleships and BLUE had COLORADO and NEVADA classes making up the remainder of their respective battlelines, so these results
may indicate that there is a problem with the damage control features of the DELAWARE class. However, without the logs, I am unable to make this conclusion.
Image 2 Gunnery results(https://i.imgur.com/6EaS0Du.jpg)
There were no torpedo attacks of any size (or effectiveness) made by the AI, so I am unable to resolve the issue of the proper size of a DD Division. That will have to await another fleet problem.
In summary, Fleet Problem 1905 illustrates the necessity of having numerical and firepower superiority over an opposing fleet, and may indicate problems with current US damage control and damage resistance designs. An additional Fleet Problem will be scheduled later to try to resolve this issue.
1 Between 1905 and 1916, Admiral Bradley Fiske and Frederick W. Lanchester independently showed that assuming no difference between the offensive and defensive character of units on either side, numerical superiority in delivered firepower was equivalent to the square of the number of units firing. See Wayne P. Hughes, Fleet Tactics and Coastal Combat (Annapolis, Md: Naval Institute Press, 2000), 40.
One addendum to the above analysis: The Ship that had the magazine explosion (USS ILLINOIS) is an OKLHOMA-class B. Looking at the design, it only has an 8 inch turret armor, which is probably too thin, as it can be penetrated inside of 9,000 yards. In contrast, the COLORADO class used by BLUE were much heavier armored, which likely was the reason that BLUE prevailed, despite having a lower hit percentage. One other factor that may be worth noting: RED had a 3 ship BATDIV, and BLUE had a four-ship BATDIV, which had a much lower hit percentage. It may be that the spotting of shells from four battleships is significantly interfering with their ranging. If so, this might indicate that the 3 ship division is superior compared to the four ship division for gunnery purposes.
OKLAHOMA class
(https://i.imgur.com/HUb5DBZ.jpg)
DELAWARE Class
(https://i.imgur.com/NlXg97H.jpg)
COLORADO class
(https://i.imgur.com/7mSKwOu.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/YFp9DJ6.jpg)
In July the US and France go to war....
This is a great read!
Quote from: nelmsm on June 19, 2023, 04:30:03 PMThis is a great read!
Thank you. I have fun doing these. It definitely beats pulling the weeds in my garden, which is what I really should be doing..... :embarrassed:
The 1905 War with France
In July 1905 France declared war on the US. The fleet disposition at war start is as displayed below:
Figure 1. Fleet Dispositions, July 1905 (Red= France, Blue= USN)(https://i.imgur.com/qfyXtvU.jpg)
As anticipated by the pre-war War Plan GOLD, the French fleet is overwhelmingly stationed in home waters, with the USN having a decisive advantage in both SE Asia and the Caribbean. In accordance with War Plan GOLD, planning and the gathering of forces begins for invasions of Tonkin (in SE Asia) and the Antilles (in the Caribbean). Seizure of these two locations should deprive the French of the logistical support, crippling the French ability to engage in significant offensive operations in these theaters.
At war start, USN has several light cruisers assigned to commerce raiding duties. However, because Northern Europe appears to be relatively unguarded, additional CLs are sent from the Atlantic Fleet to raid commerce there.
By the end of July, the US drives off a French convoy in the Caribbean and invades Tonkin. US raiders sink 5 merchants, three of which are in Northern European waters.
In August the US captures Tonkin. However, the invasion of the Antilles is delayed due to insufficient force superiority, as the French Fleet unexpectedly somehow managed to a heavy fleet of 12 battleships to the Caribbean, depriving the US of the fleet superiority necessary to conduct the landings. Fortunately for the US, the two fleets do not meet. An engagement near Guantanamo between a small division of 2 USN CLs supported by 5 DDs and a French fleet of 2 CAs and 2 CLs ends up with a minor defeat for the USN, which lost a CL and a DD in exchange for a French CL. The defeat is due to my errors, as I had split off the French CL from the main body and sunk it early in the engagement but tried to press my luck and make a torpedo attack on the main body of heavy cruisers in daylight. A better decision would have been for me to have withdrawn from action after sinking the French CL. This bad judgment ended up costing me a light cruiser and destroyer for no further result. And while the heavy presence of the French fleet in the Caribbean is of concern, with only a single level 20 port, they will be unable to support it and will have to withdraw from the region.
US Raiders destroy 14 merchant ships, including 7 in Northern European Waters. Because of this, I begin planning for an invasion of Cam Rahn Bay in Vietnam, to further reduce the ability of the French Fleet to base in Southeast Asia.
In September peace feelers are made. Since this war with France is not one that I wanted, I recommend that any reasonable peace settlement be agreed to. However, I'm overruled by the hawks in the administration, so the war continues. In the war against commerce, 5 French merchants are sunk in Northern European waters, and none anywhere else. This is because France appears to be more aggressively patrolling the sea lanes. However, the Mediterranean appears to be relatively lightly patrolled, so some light cruisers are sent there to raid.
Figure 2. Fleet Dispositions, September 1905
(https://i.imgur.com/b0aDFhe.jpg)
To be continued.....
That does it for me. No more croissants until Victory. Very good AAR Trip. :ThumbsUp:
Quote from: Tripoli on June 19, 2023, 08:41:50 PMQuote from: nelmsm on June 19, 2023, 04:30:03 PMThis is a great read!
Thank you. I have fun doing these. It definitely beats pulling the weeds in my garden, which is what I really should be doing..... :embarrassed:
Sounds like you got your priorities straight. :cool:
This and nelmsm's AAR are really well done. Very immersive both of you gentlemen!
In October, the war heats up in SE Asia. A meeting between the US (3 CA, 2 CL, 10 DDs) and French cruiser squadron 1 CA, 2 CL, 2 KE, 1 transport) off Da Nang result in a resounding US victory, with the French CA, a CL and a transport sunk, for the loss of a single USN DD. See the Battle Report below. Somehow the remaining French CL managed to escape. The US commerce raiders begin to hit their stride, sinking 26 merchants. Commerce raiders in Northern Europe are very successful with 11 merchants sunk, and an additional 8 merchants sunk in the Mediterranean. The French sink US 2 merchants the Caribbean, indicating a need to increase the USN patrols there.
October 1905 Fleet Dispositions
(https://i.imgur.com/qG4AU0h.jpg)
[Quick Note: I'm trying to write these battle reports in the style of Theodore Roscoe, who wrote "United States Destroyer Operations in World War II". This book was published shortly after the war, and makes extensive use of ships logs and combat reports. If you haven't read the book, it is one that provides a really good account of the battles from the individual ship level.]Battle Report: The Battle off Da Nang 18 October 1905
Preparatory to landing US troops in Cam Rahn Bay, a task unit under the command of RADM Hichborn in the protected cruiser USS FREDERICK were conducting a sweep off the waters of Da Nang to eliminate French naval forces that could oppose the landing. In addition to the FREDERICK, the task force consisted of two other protected cruisers (PITTSBURG and BALTIMORE) two light cruisers (TUCSON and FLINT) and sixteen destroyers from DESDIV 1 (CDR Mitchell), DESDIV 3 (CDR Adell) and DESDIV 5 (CDR Dillon). Initial visual contact with the French forces was made at 0700 local time, approximately 25 miles ENE of Da Nang. At the time of the engagement, the weather was clear, with a gentle wind from the WNW.
Image 1. 0700(L)(https://i.imgur.com/9mg8Fyw.jpg)
As is normal in war, the initial contact report was incorrect, with the excited lookouts reporting a French battleship accompanied by two light cruisers. However, the USN crews quickly corrected their misidentification, correctly identifying the French battleship as the protected cruiser FS DUPUY de LOME, accompanied by only two light cruisers, the FS COSMAO and FS ISLY. Seeing that he was outnumbered the French commander ran for the safety of the harbor, which was only about 15 miles distant. However, he was constrained by his orders to escort a small merchant supply vessel to safety. This merchant ship was located well to the south of the French ships and was threatened by RADM Ainsworth's scouting force, consisting of the PITTSBURG and DESDIV 1. RADM Ainsworth correctly ascertained the French commander's dilemma, and in and attempt to lure him away from the safety of Da Nang, maneuvered to threaten the helpless transport. Constrained by his orders and honor, the French commander sailed away from the safety of the port and towards Ainsworth's scouting force. As the French force sailed south, RADM Hichborn sailed the main body of the task force due west, to cut off the French retreat to the harbor.
By 0753L, it was a foregone conclusion that the French would lose. The main body of the USN task unit had cut off the French retreat to Da Nang and were in the process of sinking the merchant, while Ainsworth's scouting force had led the French force south. Unfortunately, the scouting force was at the extreme range of visual signaling, and continued to lead the French south, instead of turning and engaging. After dispatching the merchant, Hichborn's main body had to sprint south to retrieve his errant scouting force.
Image 2. 0753 (L)(https://i.imgur.com/0S1pdEg.jpg)
At 0846 (L), after an hour long run to the south, the main body was almost in range of the French light cruisers, but still out of signaling range of the scouting force, which was still heading south. This gave the French admiral an opportunity to save his force to fight another day.
Realizing his danger, the French admiral reversed course and began sprinting north, hoping to reach Da Nang before the Americans could re-establish communications with the scouting force, and forcing the French to face the combined American squadron. As the two forces passed each other on reciprocal courses, they exchanged fire, each side scoring a few hits.
Image 3. 0846 (L)(https://i.imgur.com/63e0lbD.jpg)
The French gambit almost paid off. By the time Hichborn regained control of the scouting force, reversed course and got within gun range of the French, it was 1100, and they had almost reached "Lion Point", the peninsula forming the southern boundary of Da Nang bay. But the likely necessity of having to clean their grates, or possibly having been damaged the American gunfire as they passed each other earlier, forced the French force to slow, and allowed the American squadron to close the range. At 1104, the French opened fire first, shooting ineffectually at long range at the leading destoryers of DESDIV 1. By 1127 the FREDERICK and BALTIMORE were trading shots with the FS COSMAO. The French scored the first hits of the general engagement at 1202, but the shortly thereafter the heavier and more
numerous guns of the American fleet began to score.
Image 4. 1127 (L)
(https://i.imgur.com/e0CmfTi.jpg)
By 1155, the French force was trapped between the peninsula and the scouting force that was pushing up hard from the south. At this point, the battle was decided, although the butcher's bill still needed to be paid. The French gunnery was good, scoring numerous hits on the American cruisers. At 1205, FREDERICK had her "A" turret destroyed by a close range hit from the FS DUPUY de LOME. At the same time, a hit on the BALTIMORE started a flash fire that knocked out two of her secondary batteries. Seconds later, a lucky 6" hit, likely from French cruiser, detonated in the heretofore undamaged USS JOUETT's engineering spaces, sinking her within minutes. Eighty-one of her crew survived and were later picked up by the USS TUCSON. The USS PITTSBURG narrowly avoided a torpedo, likely fired by the doomed French cruiser.
Image 5. 1155 (L)
(https://i.imgur.com/ruEFKPj.jpg)
But the USN was scoring hits also. Seconds after seeing her sister ship sunk, the destroyer WINSLOW struck back, firing a torpedo that hit the DUPUY de LOME, and making it to dead in the water. The heavier and more numerous American guns gradually silenced the French vessels, first the CL FS COSMAO, then the crippled FS DUPUY de LOME. By 1215 the COSMAO and DUPUY de LOME were burning wrecks, which were subsequently sunk after having absorbed 126 and 87 medium-caliber shell hits. Somehow, in this confusion, the FS ISLY managed to escape this cauldron and reach port.
Image 6. 1215 (L)
(https://i.imgur.com/l9nDEU3.jpg)
Analysis: The French gunnery was good. The DUPUY de LOME achieved a hit percentage of 6.06%, but the two light cruisers fell far short of this, with 2.41 and 1.12%. The USN cruisers were only average, the PITTSBURG achieving a 3.41% and FREDERICK achieving only a 2.49% hit percentage. However, BALTIMORE managed a 6.34 % hit rate. The USN failure to achieve a higher hit percentage may be the result of the American cruisers not being equipped with central firing. Nevertheless, the perfect visibility, close range and relatively slow targets makes this hit percentage disappointing, given the extra effort spent on gunnery training. The US did score two torpedo hits on the FS COSMAO and DUPUY de LOME, but in one case (the FS COSMAO), the ship was already DIW.
Image 7. Battle Statistics
(https://i.imgur.com/XVecm7L.jpg)
HURRAY For Adm. Hichborn! I shall have a double-Sarsaparilla to celebrate. :tophat:
The 1905 War with France-November and December 1905
November-A French battle fleet of 4 Battleships declines battle off the Philippines. This gives me more VP. Unfortunately, the port of Cam Rahn Bay (Annam) is still not captured. I desperately need to get this port before the arrival of the main French fleet shows up, as by capturing, I reduce by over 50% the total French basing capacity in SE Asia. In the Commerce war, 19 French Merchants are sunk, all but four in European waters.
In December, the French avoided a battle in the Caribbean, so the only engagement of note was a 9 December battle in the Alboran Sea (Eastern Mediterranean) between the CL USS OLYMPIA and two French light cruisers. The battle began at approximately 0956 local time, in calm seas when the OLYMPIA identified a single French FOBIN-class light cruiser. The OLYMPIA only had less than 50% fuel, a fact that was soon to have significant consequences. The OLYMPIA opened fire at 1036, and quickly began hitting the French ship with five 6" shells and suffering two hits in return. At 1117, a second French light cruiser, the FS TAGE was spotted, and opens fire at 1202 and begins registering hits after nine minutes of firing. The battle devolved into a slugfest between the three ships. After an hour-long gun duel, the OLYMPIA's rudder is damaged, but the FS TAGE is badly damaged and, taking advantage of the OLYMPIA's crippled state, withdraws to the south. Meanwhile, the FOBIN-class CL is wrecked. After re-gaining steering, the OLYMPIA finishes off the FOBIN-class CL and withdraws from the area with minor flooding and superstructure damage.
Low fuel and damaged condition require the OLYMPIA to try to put into a neutral port for repairs and refueling. Unfortunately, she is denied permission. The captain then decides to scuttle the ship rather than try for another port or retreat to CONUS.
In the commerce war, the USN raiders sink sixteen French merchants, all but three being sunk in French home waters.
(https://i.imgur.com/1thhZqj.jpg)
July-December 1905
GeopoliticalJuly-France and the US go to war.
In late December, the US is given the opportunity to give a revolutionary leader safe passage to France. While tempting, the last time a revolutionary government was established in France, a lot of people lost their heads, and an 18+ year long war erupted over Europe. This is probably not a good idea. I decline, costing me one prestige.
USA PoliticalOctober- Prestige increases to 22 as a result of the Battle of Da Nang
December: Prestige is 22, Unrest is 5. The US has been at war for 6 months.
Naval IntelligenceJuly-Reports that Germany has developed 3 centerline turrets.
October-The Royal Navy completes the HMS Queen, a dreadnought Battleship.
December-The Royal Navy completes the HMS Collingwood, a dreadnought Battleship and lays down a battlecruiser.
December-Intelligence collection on Germany is increased to Medium
USN Technical DevelopmentsJuly-USN develops improved explosive shells and improved turret mechanisms, increasing damage and ROF.
August 3 Centerline turrets researched, better 12-inch guns developed, 9 ft. rangefinders
September-USN develops small tube boilers, saving 1% on machinery weight.
October-Improved rolled shipbuilding steel-1% hull savings.
December-Better coastal submarines (giving better range) and improved fire control are developed.
USN BudgetCongress authorizes a war loan. Yearly budget is now $379,280
USN ConstructionJuly-3 DDs are completed.
July- Begin construction on four AMC (merchant raiders)
October-4 AMCs enter the fleet. One CA enters the fleet
December-Dock size is increased to 23,500 tons. Two improved coastal submarines are ordered.
USN OperationsOctober-Battle of Da Nang. See war report above.
October-US invades Annam
November-French force of 4 B declines battle in the Philippines
November-Fighting continues in Annam
November-Battle between USS OLYMPIA and two French CLs in the Alboran Sea. See War Report above
December-US invades the Antilles.
December-A French submarine torpedoes the CL USS RENO, sinking it. The CL USS OLYMPIA is lost in the Mediterranean. See report above.
1905 End of Year SummaryThe War with France is proceeding in accordance with War Plan GOLD. While I'm concerned with the slow pace of capturing Annam, I believe it is inevitable, and with its fall the US hold on SE Asia should be secure. Similarly, the Caribbean should be secured with the inevitable capture of the Antilles. The French ships apparently have longer range than ONI estimated, but the lack of action by the French fleet in either the Caribbean or SE Asia validates the assumption in War Plan GOLD that they are unable to sustain sufficient combat force in the regions to overcome the USN forces deployed there.
The War with France in 1906
The new year begins with a small engagement off Vietnam. On January-2nd , the 2nd Battle of Da Nang is fought by an American fleet centered around BATDIV 1 consisting of the battleships DELAWARE, NEW YORK and NORTH DAKOTA (RADM Freeman) along with supporting ships, tasked with supporting the US ground troops drive to capture Da Nang. Opposed by only two French corvettes, the battle was quickly won, with the sinking of both corvettes and a small transport. While the ground fighting continued in Vietnam, the meager French naval forces in the area indicated that the French government had likely written off Da Nang as a lost cause. On the other side of the globe, fighting also continued in the Antilles. In January, US commerce raiders sink 16 French merchants, all but three of which are sunk in French home waters. A French commerce raider, the FS ADMIRAL CHARNER sinks 3 US merchants in the Caribbean, necessitating increased US patrols there.
On 3 February, the FS ADMIRAL CHARNER's luck runs out. A small US cruiser force consisting of the USS PUEBLO and USS GALVESTON on trade protection duties encountered the commerce raider off the Caribbean Island of Marie Galante. In a ninety-minute engagement, the French raider is sunk with all hands. However, both the PUEBLO and GALVESTON are damaged, the PUEBLO with a jammed rudder, and the GALVESTON with a destroyed turret and moderate flooding from numerous hits by the skilled French gunners. The end of the month sees the advance of US forces in the Antilles stymied by French resistance, stiffened by their fortifications on the island. However, this disappointment in this delay is offset by good news from southeast Asia, where US forces captured the port of Cam Rahn Bay, the finest deepwater shelter in Southeast Asia. This reduces the French basing capability in the region to only 40, which translates to a maximum supportable fleet of approximately 2 battleships plus supporting vessels. This should seal the fate of the French in Indochina. However, to both secure some additional leverage in peace negotiations, as well as free up US forces for deployment elsewhere, a new landing is conducted at Kwang-Chou-Wan. Once this and Cochin is captured, the French will be unable to make any long-term deployments to the region.
The US and French naval deployments in February 1906 are shown below:
(https://i.imgur.com/iDLvv68.jpg)
January-June 1906
GeopoliticalTensions with foreign nations, January 1906
Germany 5
Great Britain 8
France WAR
Russia 2
Japan 6
Italy 4
Spain 0
Austro-Hungary 3
February-Russia and Spain form an alliance.
May-Spain enters the war as an ally against France.
USA PoliticalPrestige is 21, Unrest is 5. The US has been at war for 7 months.
January- Prestige increases to 22 as a result of the 2nd Battle of Da Nang
February-June: Prestige increases to 27 as the result of the Battle of Point a Pitre (February), Khoai Island (June) and the capture of Annam (February) and Kwan-Chou-Wan and the Antilles (March).
Naval IntelligenceJanuary: Germany lays down a BB of Goeben class. Japan is laying down a BB of Kawachi class and are emphasizing gunnery training. The UK commissions the BC Indomitable
February: ONI increase intel collection on both Germany and the UK, since both are rated as "Very Advanced". Decrease intel collection budget on France, as it is rated as "Behind"
May- The UK lays down a BB of the "Goliath" class. France lays down a BB of the Vernigaud class
June-French develop a mechanical FC computer. Austro-Hungary lays down a BB of the LOUDON class, but is also reported to be laying down a new a pre-dreadnought?
The Japanese are refitting the B Mikasa with central firing. This indicates the Japanese are behind in fire control.
USN Technical DevelopmentsFebruary-700 ton DDs are developed
March-USN develops improved annealing, improving its armor.
April USN develops Oil Fired boilers. This will be used in the WYOMING a new battleship class being developed. Also, Improved armor cap for shells, improving penetration.
May-Torpedo Protection 1 is developed.
USN BudgetJanuary. Congress authorizes a war loan. Yearly budget is now $397,280. However, to speed the capture of Vietnam, I offer up some of the USN budget to the Army, so the budget drops to $365,000 by June.
USN Construction
January-4 subs, 6 DD are completed.
February-WYOMING-class BB is designed.
Begin constructing larger docks. 3 submarines and 3 DDs are commissioned into the USN
USN OperationsJanuary-2nd Battle of Da Nang 2 KE, one transport sunk. Fighting continues in Annam and the Antilles.
16 French Merchants are sunk, all but 3 in French home waters. However, the French raider CA Admiral Charner sinks 3 US merchant ships in The Caribbean, and French raider CA Admiral Cecille sinks 1 US merchant ships in Southern Africa.
February-USN sets Kwang-Chou-Wan as invasion target.
3 February-Battle of Point a Pitre in the Caribbean. The Admiral Charner is sunk
February-US Forces capture Annam.
February Kwang-Chou-Wan is invaded by the US.
Heavy fighting continues in the Antilles, but continues to hold out due to French fortifications on the Island.
USN commerce raiders sink 15 French merchant ships, 11 of them in in French home waters.
March-US captures Kwan-Chou-Wan and the Antilles. US sets Cochin, China as an invasion target. If successfully invaded, this will end the French presence in SE Asia. Commerce raiders sink 11 2 French merchant ships, all but 3 in French home waters.
April USN commerce raiders sink 19 French merchant ships, 14 of them in in French home waters.
May US Invades Cochin, China. USN commerce raiders sink 20 French merchant ships, 13 of them in in French home waters. The increase in sinkings outside of French Home waters is due to the AMCs operating off Africa and in the Pacific.
June Battle of Khoai Island. A USN division of Battleships sinks a French convoy attempting to resupply French forces in Vietnam. The US Gains 240 VP for blockade of France.
Mid-1906 Summary: By June, the French have been kicked out of the Caribbean, and have almost been removed from SE Asia. The US has war score of 15,890 VP to the French score of 9488. The war on commerce is apparently affecting the French, with the US gaining 240 blockade points in June. This blockade is due to the Spanish navy's joining the war in May, and blockading France's northern European ports. As a result, I fully expect the French to sue for peace shortly. To encourage a peace settlement, I am considering sending the Atlantic Fleet into the Mediterranean. With the alliance with Spain, the US has sufficient basing in the region to support this deployment, and the blockade may speed the end this war.
One area that the US is falling behind in is naval construction. I have held off on a major shipbuilding program, but I will be unable to continue this policy much longer. Virtually every nation has a numerically superior fleet, so the US must begin a crash building plan immediately. (See attached image for the current force comparison). Plans for the WYOMING, a new, oil-fired dreadnought battleship, and the OLYMPIA, a small light cruiser for scouting and commerce raiding are drawn up and in SECNAV's office waiting for approval.
SITREP and Naval Balance of Power 1 July 1906(https://i.imgur.com/OU9oP5M.jpg)
Loving it Trip. Does sinking merchants affect the relationship with other nations at all? Or just hits France?
July-December 1906
GeopoliticalTensions with foreign nations, January 1906
Germany 5
Great Britain 8
France WAR
Russia 2
Japan 6
Italy 4
Spain 0
Austro-Hungary 3
September-French peace feelers offering to gain some colonies are rejected.
December: Peace feelers to France are rejected.
(https://i.imgur.com/tYQRXc1.jpg)
USA Political
In June, my Prestige is 27, Unrest is 5. The US has been at war for 12 months.
By December, my prestige has increased to 29, and unrest has decreased to 4.
Naval IntelligenceSeptember Anti-war demonstrations in France
December-Reports of Food shortages in France due to the blockade.
France is reportedly building an 8in coastal battery in the South Pacific
USN Technical DevelopmentsJuly- USN develops improved hoists and the superimposed "X" turret.
September- USN develops Longitudinal Framing and Economizer reduce weight by 1% in both machinery and hull.
September- USN develops Plotting Table providing increased gun accuracy.
USN develops Torpedo aiming system increases submarine reliability.
USN develops Improved 9-inch guns (level 0)
December- USN develops Explosive ASW sweeps.
USN BudgetDecember: $428,080
USN ConstructionJuly-Two WYOMING class BB are ordered, 1 OLYMPIA-class CL is ordered. See images below for the designs
September An additional WYOMING class BB is ordered.
Private docks increase by 1000 tons to 24,500 tons.
November: A second OLYMPIA-class CL is ordered.
USS OLYMPIA-Light Cruiser(https://i.imgur.com/erW5tWq.jpg)
USS WYOMING-Dreadnought Battleship(https://i.imgur.com/mmQyPKl.jpg)
USN OperationsJuly On 11 July The USS OAKLAND engages the commerce raider FS ISLY in the Bay of Biscay, sinking her in a 4 hour, 45 minute engagement.
The USN fleet deploys to Northern Europe and conducts a joint blockade with its Spanish ally, garnering 240 blockade points. The French raider FS TAGE sinks 2 US merchants in SE Asia.
August-On 16 August, a cruiser division consisting of the USS PITTSBURG, USS HUNTINGTON and USS BALTIMORE sinks three French transports attempting to resupply the French garrison in Cochin. The US/Spanish blockade of the French North Atlantic ports continues.
September-US forces take Cochin, China. The US/Spanish blockade of the French North Atlantic ports continues, and reports of food shortages in France indicates it is having an effect.
October-An engagement between the CL USS FLINT and DESDIV 1 (USS WINSLOW and USS FANNING) and the French CL FS LALANDE and DDs HUSSARD and SPAHI results in the sinking of all the French ships without loss. The US/Spanish blockade of the French North Atlantic ports continues.
November-The CA LOUISVILLE sinks the French raider CL TAGE in the Bay of Biscay. The US/Spanish blockade of the French North Atlantic ports continues.
December-the CA PUEBLO and AMC STEADY sink the French CL FS ALGER in the Caribbean. The US/Spanish blockade continues, and reports of unrest in France indicates it is having an effect.
End of the Year Summary-1907: The war with France is dragging on. With the French battlefleet now in North European waters, the USN has an opportunity to seize more colonies. However, none are within range limited amphibious capability. This means that my ability to put further pressure on France is limited, outside the blockade of the country. With the French Fleet being recalled to French waters, this means that in order to maintain this pressure, I will likewise have to switch the Pacific fleet to the Atlantic.
The USN continues to modernize, with four large (+20,000 ton) dreadnought battleships under construction. The first of these ships will be ready by the end of 1907, but I will have to continue to build at a rate of 3 BBs/year to overcome some of the fleet gap between the US and the European powers. For instance, right now the Royal navy has 2 BB commissioned, and another six being built. The USN is smaller, in terms of either battleship hulls or battleship tonnage, than all but Spain. I'm not sure that the 3 hulls/year is a sustainable rate and believe I will not be able to sustain more than 1.5 BBs/year, especially with the inevitable peacetime budget cuts.
Quote from: Sir Slash on July 01, 2023, 02:43:52 PMLoving it Trip. Does sinking merchants affect the relationship with other nations at all? Or just hits France?
Sorry, Slash-I forgot to answer this: Right now, the sinking of merchant ships is just affecting the French. I think the game assumes that the commerce raiders are doing boarding operations under the prize rules. However, with submarines I can set doctrine to "Fleet Support", "Prize Rules" or Unrestricted". According to the rule book:
"Unrestricted means your submarines will carry out unrestricted submarine warfare
against enemy merchant shipping at the expense of operations in support of the fleet.
This will increase sinkings of enemy merchant shipping and may cause starvation and
higher unrest level for the enemy. However, it will also anger neutral nations and risk
bringing in additional enemies against you."Right now, my subs are set on "Fleet support" to avoid irritating the Royal Navy. Plus, given their range, that is really all they are likely good for right now.
Thanks Trip. :notworthy:
Battle Report: The Battle of Bay of Biscay, 11 February 1907
The rocky coastline of Brittany has been the windswept station of many blockading squadrons. One hundred years earlier, Nelson had commanded British squadrons that closed this coastline to French and Spanish ships. One hundred years later, the mantle had been passed to the US Navy. But, whereas the Royal Navy had earlier been alone, now the American navy was supported by Napoleon's old ally, Spain.
On 11 February, the American 2nd Light Cruiser consisting of the light cruisers USS CINCINATI and USS GALVESTON squadron were operating off Brest under the command of CAPT Shufeldt, and accompanied by the DESDIV 12 (CDR Dressling), consisting of the destroyers LITTLE, STRINGHAM, KIMBERLY, CUMMINGS and SIGOURNEY. Attached to this blockading squadron were two Spanish squadrons: CL Squadron 1, consisting of the CONDE del VENADITO and the ALMIRANTE CERVERA and CL Squadron 2, consisting of the light Cruiser DON ANTONIAO de ULLOA, and escorted by a small Spanish destroyer division with two destroyers, T-18 and T-29.
The first indication the allied force had of the presence of the French convoy occurred at 1114 local time, when lookouts on the DENVER spied several columns of black smoke on the horizon to the NW at about 30,000 yards distance from the American squadron. Simultaneously, the Spanish squadron spotted one of the escorting French ships, which they mis-classified as a heavy cruiser. The American lookouts quickly determined the source of the black smoke as originating from several columns of merchantmen. With the enemy in sight, Captain Shufeldt signaled his squadron "General Chase."
With only two light cruisers, an armed merchant cruiser and a few destroyers as an escort, the French commander quickly determined that he was outnumbered and outgunned. To give his slow transports a chance to escape, the French light cruisers sailed south to the west side of the allied force in an attempt to lure the American and Spanish ships westward, and allow the convoy to escape to the north west. (Image 1)
Image 1. 111357 L February 1907(https://i.imgur.com/aQDjdpQ.jpg)
This ruse failed, as Captain Shufeldt understood the importance of preventing the convoy from reaching France. Detaching the Spanish squadron to engage the French light cruisers, he took the American squadron north at flank speed to destroy the convoy. By 1430 the Americans took the convoy under fire (Image 2), and by 1448 the American squadron had torn into the convoy, firing at the heavily-ladened cargo vessels and their escorts at close range. Ultimately, the USN forces sank all the escorts and 15 of the 22 merchantmen, suffering only minor damage in return. (Image 3).
Image 2. 111430 L February 1907(https://i.imgur.com/boT7Niv.jpg)
Image 3. 111448 L February 1907(https://i.imgur.com/RAcyijO.jpg)
The French commander, realizing his ruse had not worked, frantically turned his light cruisers around to shield his charges, but it was too late, and his cruiser squadron was too badly outnumbered. (Image 4). Hit after hit from the American and Spanish squadrons riddled his two light cruisers. By 1610, they were on fire and crippled. (Image 5). But they were not out of action yet.
Image 4. 111518 L February 1907(https://i.imgur.com/0n5PjDN.jpg)
Image 5. 111610 L February 1907 (https://i.imgur.com/952EyXM.jpg)
Attempting to finish the action, Captain Shufeldt ordered DESDIV 12 to make a torpedo attack on the French cruisers. However, while damaged, they were not yet out of the fight. Their defiance fell hardest on the destroyer USS CUMMINGS. At 1116, the light cruiser JEAN BART put a medium shot into CUMMINGS's coal bunker, while the light cruiser CHASSELOUP-LAUBAT destroyed a gun mount and toppled a funnel on the doomed destroyer. This damage, combined with some small caliber hits earlier in the engagement, were enough to flood the ship, which began sinking at 1117.
But the CUMMINGS was not the only American ship hit. USS STERRET had earlier played a role in sinking several merchants and the escorting armed merchant cruiser VILLE de MOSTAGANEM. But now the French light cruisers had the range dialed in. A series of small and medium caliber hits riddled her superstructure, and at 1704 a 4" hit in her engine room forced her to limp out of the action.
But among the survivors, the hardest hit was the USS DUNCAN. Like the STERRET, she had played a role in decimating the French convoy, including landing several hits on the French destroyer ACTEE and the armed merchant cruiser VILLE de MOSTAGANEM. But a single 4" hit at 1642 from the CHASSELOUP-LAUBAT quickly flooded her, and she staggered out of action. Engineers later calculated that this single hit eliminated 95% of her reserve buoyancy. Only heroic damage control from her crew saved the destroyer from sinking. The USS McDOUGAL had a similar story, with a single 6" hit from the CHASSELOUP-LAUBAT reducing her buoyancy by 75%. Like the DUNCAN and STERRET, she withdrew from the action at1710.
While the damage to the USN destroyers was grievous, the damage to the French ships was fatal. First to sink were the two French destroyers. Although the records are unclear, examination of the USN ship logs indicate both the French destroyers sank during the convoy battle at approximately 1600.
Next to sink was the AMC VILLE de MOSTAGANEM, riddled by shell fire, and sinking at approximately 1622. At 1719, a 4" shell from the GALVESTON penetrated the magazine of the JEAN BART, detonating it and sinking the light cruiser. At 1735, it was the CHASSELOUP-LAUBAT's turn. A 6' hit from the GALVESTON penetrated her "S" turret and ignited a powder fire, which blew the ship up.
With the loss of the CHASSELOUP-LAUBAT, the engagement ended. For the loss of a single destroyer sunk and three heavily damaged, the French had lost two light cruisers, two destroyers and one armed merchant cruiser, as well as fifteen of the twenty-two merchant men (Image 6).
Aftermath: While a resounding victory, gaining considerable prestige for the USN, there were some lessons learned. The main lesson was that American destroyers were too small to effectively engage an enemy with torpedoes. The 400-ton JOUETT class destroyers in this engagement were all put out of action by relatively few medium caliber hits, before they could launch their torpedoes. This indicates that the USN will have to build larger destroyers if they are to be of any use in torpedo attacks.
Image 6. Results(https://i.imgur.com/QvHdA1d.jpg)
BRAVO, Capt. Shufeldt! That'll teach the Frogs to mess with the U.S. of A. Hope this doesn't mean we won't still get the Statue of Liberty though.
January-June 1907
GeopoliticalTensions with foreign nations, January 1906 Germany 5
Great Britain 8
France WAR
Russia 2
Japan 6
Italy 4
Spain 0
Austro-Hungary 3
February-Russia joins war against France. Asks for an alliance, but I decline as I don't want to get into another war.
USA Political
January: Prestige is 29, Unrest is 4. Prestige increased to 31 and Unrest decreased to 3 by June 1907. The US has been at war for 24 months.
Naval IntelligenceFebruary-Germany invents triple turrets.
March-Widespread demonstrations and disturbances are reported in France.
Britan may have invented triple turrets.
April-Widespread demonstrations and disturbances are reported continuing in France.
May-Intelligence reports the French have developed 900 ton destroyers.
June-Widespread demonstrations and disturbances are reported in France.
USN Technical DevelopmentsFebruary: USN develops the steroscopic range finder
April Research breakthrough: Subdivision and damage control enabled.
April: Triple turrets, ASW nets, and Scouting force are developed
June-Improved weight control-1% savings on hull weight. Contra-rotating torpedo propellers are developed, giving a significant maximum range 5000 yds@20 knts, 3000 @ 28 knts on US torpedoes.
USN BudgetDecember: $427,360
June: $439,440 (+2.82% increase)
USN ConstructionJanuary-Docks are completed. US can now build ships up to 24,500 tons. Two additional submarines are commissioned.
March: Larger docks are completed. US can now build ships up to 26,500 tons
June: Oregon-class BB design study commissioned.
USN OperationsJanuary-A French raid by two heavy cruisers off Cape Cod results in heavy damage to the CL USS CINCINATTI. However, it escapes to Boston. In an engagement in the Mediterranean, the Spanish navy sinks a French battleship. The US/Spanish blockade continues.
February-11 Feb a convoy attack in the eastern Atlantic. Battle of Bay of Biscay, netting 2 prestige. See battle report below.
April USS SEATTLE sinks the French raider CL. The US-Spanish-Russian blockade of France continues.
May-French raiders sink 3 merchants on the East coast, Mediterranean and Caribbean. US blockade continues. All but 3 USN battleships are now operating in Northern European waters.
June-French raiders sink 3 merchants in the Caribbean. The US-Spanish-Russian blockade of France continues.
Other June-Spanish navy lost a Pre-dreadnought battleship in exchange for 2 French DDs
Mid-Year Summary-1907:
The war with France is dragging on. No additional French possessions are within the limited USN amphibious lift range. With no more to gain from war, my focus is now on ending this conflict. With the French battlefleet now in North European waters, the USN has similarly moved the vast bulk of its fleet to Northern Europe, and in conjunction with its Spanish allies and the Russian navy, is now placed an stranglehold on the French Atlantic ports. The frequent reports of riots in France makes it likely that the French will soon capitulate. This view is reinforced by the current war score, with the US having 34925 points against only 10997 for France.
The USN continues to modernize, with four large (+20,000 ton) dreadnought battleships under construction. The first of these ships will be ready by the end of 1907.
The US continues to lag behind other fleets in terms of size of its dreadnought fleet. See image below:
(https://i.imgur.com/w43shJg.jpg)
However, the USN is beginning to catch up. With the soon-to-be completed NORTH CAROLINA entering the fleet, a new design, the USS OREGON is proposed. This will be a heavily armored ship using oil propulsion and capable of 21 knots. It is armed with 9-12 inch guns in 3 turrets. On reflection, I should have designed it for 13-inch guns. I did not do this because the US 13-inch guns are of poor quality. However, doing so would have given me the option of replacing guns in the future. Now, if I attempt to replace the 12-inch guns with 13iinch weapons, it is likely that the OREGON will only be able to have double, instead of triple turrets.
(https://i.imgur.com/SvejHAs.jpg)
Best show on the Internet. :beermug[1]: :pizza[1]:
Battle Report: The Battle off Brest, 29 July 1907
There was no indication that the 29th of July would be any different, or less tedious for the men of Cruiser Division 5 (RADM Bowen) on blockade duty 75 miles southwest of Brest. Accompanied by the 7th Cruiser Division (RADM Hichborn) 1st, 4th, 5th and 6th Light Cruiser Divisions, and the 5th, 12, 13th and 14th Destroyer Divisions, the clear skies and calm sea gave no indication that a small French cruiser squadron was nearby, attempting to break out into the Atlantic.
The crews aboard the American ships were confident and experienced, and some units such as RADM Hitchborn's 7th Cruiser Division having played a decisive role in the battle off Da Nang less than two years earlier. But despite his success in the Far East, Hitchborn was junior to RADM Bowen, due to his day of rank being dated a mere week after Bowen's, and thereby, by decree from the demigods at BUPERS, dooming him to perpetual junior status. So on this day Hitchborn found himself second in command of the task force, leading its scouting division. Yet even the arbitrary decrees of bureaucrats can be used by divinities more powerful than they to achieve purposes beyond their stilted imagination.
The first indication that the normal routine occurred an hour into the afternoon watch, when lookouts spotted a smudge of smoke on the northern horizon. At 26,000 yards distance, the hazy conditions made identification difficult, but RADM Bowen, flying his flag in the USS CHICAGO knew that any ship in these waters was likely an enemy. Signaling "General Chase" the US squadron quickly came up to flank speed. By 1315L, the USS FLINT identified the ships as two French Kleber-class protected cruisers, escorted by four destroyers.
The French cruisers were capable ships. Displacing 12,700 tons and armed with four 9 inch and 14 6-inch guns, and protected 5 inches of steel, they were an almost identical in capability to the American cruisers. But they were badly outnumbered by the USN's four protected cruisers and six light cruisers. Seeing they were outnumbered, the French ships turned northeast, and began sprinting for the safety of the harbor defenses of Brest. Although evenly matched in speed, the USN ships were slightly to the east of the French ships, enabling them to "cut the corner" on a course to Brest, thereby reducing the range. At 1335, the Hitchborn's CRUDIV 7 (USS FREDERICK and USS HUNTINGTON) opened fire on the two French cruisers at long range. (Image 1).
Image 1. 291338L July 07(https://i.imgur.com/iEES2cz.jpg)
Despite the combat experience and skill of the Hitchborn's fore, the gunners on the French cruisers were also skilled, and they drew first blood almost immediately after opening fire, registering a 6" hit on the destroyer USS WILKES at 1335, and a 9" hit on the HUNTINGDON at 1339. But by 1348 the USN got the range and began hitting the cruiser FS MARSELLAISE in the rear of the French column. For over an hour both sides fired at long range, and while hits were scored, no critical damage was inflicted. But at 1449, a series of 9" gun hits from the FREDERICK began the process of demolishing the MARSELLAISE's upper decks. While only one of the hits penetrated, the cumulative effect began to degrade the MARSELLAISE, and she began to gradually slow. By 1543, Bowen's CRUDIV 5 had caught up to her and took her under fire. (Image 2)
Image 2. 291543L July 07(https://i.imgur.com/L5RJ4GE.jpg)
Her sister ship, the FS JULES FERRY continued at flank speed towards Brest. Hitchborn urged his forces to catch the fleeing French flagship, but the FREDERICK and HUNTINGTON, holed by numerous French hits, were unable to catch up and seal a total victory. But the FERRY's escape was purchased only with the sacrifice of the MARSELLAISE, left alone to face the onslaught of American shells. By 1529, numerous hits on her hull were causing flooding that was exacerbated by her high speed., and at 1533 a hit by the FREDERICK started a fire that soon spread. Over the next two hours, the conflagration spread as repeated hits destroyed firefighting gear and killed the damage control parties trying to contain the flames. By 1747, the fire was raging out of control and her captain ordered her abandoned.
But despite the battering she took, the MARSELLAISE put up a brave and defiant stand. During the battle, she hit the destroyer USS CONNER with a series of 3-and 6-inch hits resulting in the ship foundering later in the evening from progressive flooding. Her guns also grievously damaged the HUNTINGDON, with multiple hull hits causing widespread flooding and heavy damage. Subsequent analysis showed that she had achieved a remarkable 7.54% hit percentage, almost three times that of the USS HUNTINGDON and almost twice that of the FREDERICK. After the battle, critics subsequently maligned Hitchborn, accusing him of inadequately training his gun crews, and this failure resulting in the majority of the French force escaping to the safety of Brest. But Hitchborn's supporters pointed out that a minor victory was still a victory, that the US gunnery was likely hampered by the fact that neither of the CRUDIV 7 ships had received the updated central firing system that was standard on the USN battleships, and that while "the French Fleet has assaulted its jailer, it is still in jail."
Image 3. Track Chart, Battle off Brest(https://i.imgur.com/mTnxDQI.jpg)
Image 4. Battle Statistics(https://i.imgur.com/h0i6diB.jpg)
Taste the Rainbow, Froggies! :ThumbsUp:
(https://i.imgur.com/SA1gLC6.jpg)
End of the War
For almost two years, only a small number of the French leadership knew the war was lost. The capture of their colonies in Vietnam and the Caribbean deprived France of the ability to significantly threaten any critical American territory or interest. Consequentially, France had little leverage for either a military or political resolution of the war. But the May 1906 alliance with Spain virtually guaranteed France's defeat. The Spanish alliance gave the US bases on both the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts from which it could blockade metropolitan France. The alliance also gave the moderately sized Spanish and American navy maritime superiority in French home waters with the US navy, was adequate to cut off French overseas commerce. The subsequent entry into the war by Russia ins February 1907 made France's defeat inevitable.
The economic losses and subsequent unrest in the French cities began in September 1906. But the blockade's stranglehold, combined with repeated losses at sea began to swell the ranks of the protestors in the streets, and the opposition in the halls of government. But what most greatly invigorated the opposition was the government's intransigence in seeking a negotiated settlement. The first feelers for a negotiated settlement with only minor territorial losses was rebuffed in September 1906. Subsequent attempts fared no better, as each moderate settlement offer was rejected by the government, oblivious to the economic suffering of the middle and lower classes and unable to fathom that the French navy incapacity to take effective offensive action.
The street protests of September 1906 were the first hint of popular dissatisfaction with the war. However, these were scattered and disorganized and the French government discounted the brewing dissatisfaction that they signaled. Further supporting the French hard line was the generous American response, which gave the government the mistaken hope that the Americans were eager for peace on any terms, and that continued war might see a regaining of their SE Asian and Caribbean colonies.
While the American president wanted peace, the refusal of the French government to accept their weak position became increasingly irritating. The French refusal accept repeated offers for a peace treaty on generous terms, combined with a series of naval victories and solid public support resulted in a hardening of the American negotiating position. Reports beginning in the spring of 1907 of increasing number and size of anti-war demonstrations and strikes throughout France further supported the administration's new approach of relying on the blockade and increasing French public discontent to end the war.
The nation-wide strike of August 1907 broke the hold the French hard-liners had on war policy. While cynics scoffed it was difficult to tell the economic difference between a typical August vacation season in France and a work stoppage, the strike of August 1907 was different. The call for the strike began with the 29 July return to Brest harbor of the damaged FS JULES FERRY the same day she had left on her raiding mission. Her return, with the news of the sinking of her sister ship the MARSELLAISE was proof to the French dockworkers that the Republic no longer controlled the seas within eyesight of France itself. This news galvanized the anti-war movement, and a nation-wide strike was quickly called. By the end of August, the disruptions in rail traffic exacerbated the blockade, reducing French imports and exports to and from its continental neighbors reaching market. By the beginning of September, the French government bowed to the inevitable, and sought to end the war.
The American demands now were more stringent than earlier. Eager to establish a global presence, the Americans kept the territories captured in SE Asia and the Caribbean (Image 1, in orange). More importantly, the US demanded and received control over the French colonies in the middle Congo, Djibouti and the New Hebrides, allowing for American naval forcers to almost completely span the globe with bases (Image 1, in red). Like the British, America now had an empire on which the sun never set.
Image 1 End of the War(https://i.imgur.com/SRwTibS.jpg)
Well done Grand Admiral Tripoli! :notworthy: Any plans for higher office next Election Season?
Quote from: Sir Slash on July 29, 2023, 09:09:18 AMWell done Grand Admiral Tripoli! :notworthy: Any plans for higher office next Election Season?
I'm probably going to do a post-war wrap up and then take a brief break from this AAR, as I have some CMO and Combat Mission AARs to write up. But I will return to this one.
Great job! Both the writing and the playing!
Quote from: bobarossa on July 30, 2023, 10:05:50 AMGreat job! Both the writing and the playing!
Thank you. I've always enjoyed the "Rule the Waves" and "Steam and Iron" series.
On a slightly related topic, in case anyone is interested is whether they should buy the game, here's a pretty good Youtube highlighting the way the game plays by Drachinifel. For those who do not know who Drachinifel is, he is one of the more knowledgeable and popular Youtubers on general naval issues
You put a lot of time into both the game and writing up this excellent AAR. Great entertainment for us!
Thank you. :cool:
Oooo, Drachinfel! Will be back for that after work!
This has been a great read. I'll be looking forward to you picking it back up some day.
The Aftermath of the War with France[/b]
The aftermath of the war found the US with greatly expanded dominions in West Africa, Asia and the South Pacific. Allied with Russia and Spain, the US also had good relations with all other nations. The one exception to this was Japan, who with a relationship score of 4, the US had a peaceful, but wary relationship with. However, being allied with Russia and Spain also created problems. These alliances meant that consideration needed to be given to whether either of them could drag the US into a war. ONI was tasked with evaluating the possibilities of war and concluded that Spain had excellent relationships with all other powers, including surprisingly even France for whom it had been actively hostile against only two months earlier. Consequentially, it was unlikely to drag the US into a war. Russia, however, while having generally good relationships with most nations, had a strained relationship with Japan (5) and to a lesser extent Great Britain (4). Accordingly, ONI evaluated that the next most likely war would be against Japan, as it had increasingly strained relationships and adjacent territory to both the US and Russia. The good news was that a US-Japanese was would likely not take place for approximately 2 years at the earliest. (see image below for the relations scores of the various nations.)
(https://i.imgur.com/W4MA2Ql.jpg)
In terms of threat, while smaller, Japan is a near peer competitor in a war against the US. It has almost an identical fleet tonnage to the US. Although it has only four dreadnoughts buildings compared the five (5) under construction for the US, its forces are concentrated in the Pacific, while the US has to spread its forces out over the globe. And while its fleet is less technologically developed, and its budget is 62% of the US but Japan's ability to concentrate its full effort in the Pacific, mitigates to a large extent these disadvantages. If Japan were to ally with a European power, it could prove to be a very dangerous adversary.
The most dangerous threat to the US remains Great Britain. Compared to the United States, it has more advanced technology, has a 40% greater budget, and 2.16 times the tonnage, and has six (6) dreadnoughts completed and another six (6) under construction. However, its battleships average around 20,000 tons, so they are somewhat smaller and likely less capable than the US dreadnoughts. However, it possesses large numbers of well developed bases throughout the world, allowing the Royal Navy to easily threaten US interests anywhere. Especially dangerous would be an alliance with Japan (as happened historically from 1902-23), as this would give Japan superiority in the Pacific, while freeing Great Britain to act against the US throughout the world. And with a current UK-Japan relationship score of "0", such an alliance is possible.
(https://i.imgur.com/ti1iepG.jpg)
Directly meeting a British threat with large battlefleet is not possible. The ending of the war with France has slashed the naval budget to $253,000/year, with the current expenses running at $12,000/month over budget. Cuts will have to be made. Additionally, the unrest level of "2" in the US population should be lowered. A reduced budget will help lower this unrest level.
These budgetary realities mean that the USN will be able to build only 3 capital ships at a time, although it might be able to build four smaller dreadnoughts, albeit at a cost in capability. However, a larger fleet means increased tensions, even if it is less capable. Therefore, the US will continue to build three large, very capable and expensive battleship at a time to help close the gap with Great Britain, and maintain a superiority over Japan. Meanwhile, any extra funds will continue to go into raiders, torpedo boats and submarines to execute a "Jeune Ecole" strategy in the event of a war with Great Britain.
While the US shipbuilding strategy is set for 3 battleships under construction at all times, there remains the problem of the current budget deficit, which is running at $12,000/month. Scrapping all the 400-ton destroyers and putting into mothballs all the 500-ton destroyers reduces the deficit by only $1000/month. The USS NORTH CAROLINA will be completed in 2 months, which will save $2500/month. However, the only other way to save money is to scrap and mothball some of the older battleship and cruiser hulls. Some, such as the 1899 ROCHESTER class, cost over $300/month to maintain, so they will also be scrapped. Finally, the USS WYOMING will have its construction delayed for two months, temporarily defraying $5400 in expenses until the USS NORTH CAROLINA is completed.
October-December 1907
GeopoliticalTensions with foreign nations, December 1907 Germany 1
Great Britain 1
France 2
Russia Allied
Japan 3
Italy 3
Spain: Allied
AH 0
USA PoliticalDecember: Prestige is 33, Unrest is 2.
Naval Intelligence• The intelligence budget is reduced. Current targets are Germany (High), Great Britain (Low) and Japan (Medium).
• In December, the Royal Navy begins advertising 14" guns.
USN Technical DevelopmentsDecember USN develops Krupp cemented armor
USN Budget
December : $255,360
USN Construction• November: Construction of a second 12" shore battery in the Phillipines is halted. This will be resumed if tensions rise with Japan.
• December: USS NORTH CAROLINA (BB-1) is commissioned. Construction resumed on USS WYOMING
USN OperationsWith the end of the war with France the Fleet is recalled from European waters and redeployed back to the East and West Coasts. Due to reductions in the operating fleet, there is an on-going effort to re-balance DESDIV and CRUDIV and re-assign officers and getting rid of some deadwood in the officer corps.
Other • Four OKLAHOMA-class B mothballed
• Three ROCHESTER and Four HURON-class CAs are mothballed
• one SAN FRANCISCO, two RALEIGH and one DENVER-class CL mothballed
• nine AYLWIN-class DD (500 tons) are mothballed
January-June 1908
GeopoliticalTensions with foreign nations, October 1907
Germany 1
Great Britain 1
France 4
Russia 2 Allied
Japan 3
Italy 3
Spain: Allied
AH 2
May: France and Japan sign an alliance.
June: France threatens to send a force to the Dominican Republic to quell an uprising. With the recent Japan-French alliance, the US can not permit a French base in the Caribbean, as this would increase the ability of the French to threaten existing US bases. The US supports the sending of an international force, which while increasing tensions slightly with France, results is a lower level of increase than taking over the Dominican Republic ourselves would do. It also prevents them from regaining a foothold in the Caribbean.
USA PoliticalJanuary: Prestige is 32, Unrest is 2.
June: Prestige is 31, Unrest is 0.
Cutting the naval budget quickly reduces domestic unrest from 2 to 0.
Naval Intelligence• April: German navy has halted the construction of a battlecruiser due to financial difficulties
USN Technical DevelopmentsApril: USN develops the light cruiser armor scheme and improved 7inch guns
USN Budget
February: Congress increases the naval budget $260160
USN Construction• January: US increased dock capacity to 27,500 tons
USN OperationsTo help maintain low tensions, the bulk of the US fleet is recalled to the US East and West Coasts.
Other February: I am given the opportunity to fill the position of naval attaché to the Vatican. The game had behind my back, assigned an unknown, CAPT Kirk, to the prestigious position as CO of the brand-spanking new USS NORTH CAROLINA (BB-1). I think he is an absolutely the right man to handle all the naval affairs with the Catholic Church... :grin: ..This move frees up some command slots, allowing the me to move some more capable officers into Division commands.
The most concerning development is the French-Japanese alliance. Such an alliance would potentially greatly strain the ability of the US. Using the French network of bases, a combined Franco-Japanese fleet could cause significant problems throughout the globe for the US.
(https://i.imgur.com/mA06bcX.jpg)
July-December 1908
GeopoliticalTensions with foreign nations, December 1908
Germany 1
Great Britain 1
France 3
Russia 0 Allied
Japan 3
Italy 3
Spain: 0 Allied
AH 2
In July, I renew the alliance with Spain. While not a major naval player, a Spanish alliance gives the USN access to Northern European ports. Further, Spain has excellent relations with all other nations, so it is unlikely that the US will get sucked into a war as a result of the alliance. Overall, the diplomatic situation is relatively quiet, giving the USN a chance to build up its fleet, unhindered by the possibility of impending war.USA Political- June: Prestige is 32, Unrest is 0.
- July: Fleet morale drops to -1, due to a ship CO being a martinet. He is cashiered at a cost of a point of prestige, but the damage is done. Fleet morale comes back up to 0 by the end of the year.
- December: Prestige is 30, Unrest is 0.
Naval Intelligence- • July: Japan halts the construction of a BC due to financial difficulties
- • August-Italy develops 14 inch guns
- • October: Great Britain increases its naval spending
- • October: Germany develops 14 inch guns
- • November: Germany is reported to have halted a BC under construction due to money issues
- • November: Great Britain develops the target designator
USN Technical Developments- July: USN hydraulic rammers, giving a ROF increase.
- July: USN develops 900 ton DDs
- July: USN develops ASW mines
- August: USN develops 3000 yd@30 knt torpedoes
- October: Small tube boilers are developed, resulting in a 1% weight savings.
- USN Budget
- October: SECNAV askes to build 20 DDs. I have been holding off on this, waiting for the development of double mount torpedo tubes, but the budget and prestige are too tempting. The budget is further increased to 317,680 at the cost of some prestige when I use the technical superiority of the Austria-Hungarian navy to argue for an increased budget.
USN Construction•
- July: US increased dock capacity to 29,500 tons. CL OLYPMIA is commissioned.
- • July: begin building a naval base in West Africa
- • August: Private shipbuilding increases capacity to 30,500 tons
- • August: CL Reno is commissioned.
- • August CLEVELAND class CL is developed. Intent is to provide a scouting cruiser for the battlefleet.
- • October: four CLEVELAND-class CLs are ordered. The 900-ton BARRY-class DD is designed (see below) This class emphasizes speed and torpedo armament.
- • December: The ALWIN class DDs are scrapped. Ten BARRY-class DDs are ordered.
USN OperationsWith the advent of 900-ton DDs, the 500-ton ALWIN class have instantly become obsolete. They are all mothballed. As these were all in the Pacific fleet, I move an equal number of 600-ton RINGOLD class DDs to the West Coast, while plans are made to begin building a new 900-ton DD class.OtherThe BARRY class are 900-ton, 32 knot DDs with 3 center-line torpedo tubes. There is room to expand this design to carry double torpedo mounts when they become available. The design is intended to overcome the deficiencies noted in the earlier 500- and 400-ton destroyers, which were too slow to quickly close and too vulnerable to damage to be effective, especially against an enemy's main battleline.
The CLEVELAND class light cruisers are intended to act as advanced scouts for the Battlefleet. My concept of operations is to have four of these ships performing scouting approximately 30,000 yards in front of the main battlefleet. They would be backed up by 2-3 heavy cruisers approximately 15,000 yards in advance of the main battleline. With a top speed of 29 knots, and a broadside of six 5-inch guns the CLEVELAND class is intended to be fast enough to avoid any enemy battlecruisers, but capable of falling back to the main battleline and acting as a "destroyer killer" after contact is made with the enemy's main body.
(https://i.imgur.com/uKDFWKp.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/IDwbBPD.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/t91D04k.jpg)
January-June 1909
GeopoliticalTensions with foreign nations, January 1909
Germany 1
Great Britain 1
France 3
Russia 0 Allied
Japan 3
Italy 3
Spain: 0 Allied
AH 2
• February: A foreign policy gaffe by POTUS gives me the choice of increasing the budget at the expense of a general rise in tension, increasing my budget by blaming a particular country, or keeping tensions low, but losing prestige. As tensions with Germany are relatively low, and her geo-political situation is the least threatening to the US, I opt to increase tensions with her and get an increased budget. This option raises tensions with Germany to 3.
• April: A colonial dispute with Germany gives me the option of increasing budget and tensions or backing down and losing prestige. Germany is allied with Great Britain, so I don't want to push her too far, but with tensions at 3, I have some wiggle room.
• In May, Spain wants to send a force to the Virgin Islands to quell a rebellion. Because we are allied, and because I would rather see a weak power like Spain come into the Caribbean, I don't oppose the move. Also in May, the alliance with Russia expires.
• In June, Italy sends forces to put down an upheaval in Libya. Even though there are no US interests at stake, my self-imposed goal in this playthrough is to defeat every nation. Consequentially, I am not opposed to risking a war with Italy, who lacks allies, while the US has access to Spanish ports in the Med. This increases tensions with Italy from 3 to 5, but also creates a rebellion in Libya that Italy will now have to put down.
USA PoliticalJanuary: Prestige is 30, Unrest is 0.
June: Prestige is 30, Unrest is 0.
Naval Intelligence• February: The US steals German Q-ship technology
• February: Germany invents torpedo protection II. Germany also stops work on a BC due to budget issues.
• April: Great Britain increases its naval budget to remain pre-eminent
• April: Japan Develops small tube boilers, and engages in espionage against Great Britain
USN Technical Developments• April: Extended double bottom hulls are developed.
USN Budget• February: Congress increases the naval budget to $346,400
USN Construction• January: USS MINNESOTA-class BB is designed.
• February: Ten (10) BARRY-class DDs are ordered.
• April: USS MICHIGAN (BB-2) is commissioned
• May: USS CONNETICUT and USS NEW MEXICO are commissioned. USS MINNESOTA and USS OREGON are laid down.
• June: BB WYOMING is commissioned.
USN Operations• NSTR
Other The ROCHESTER class protected cruisers are scrapped in April. They are too old, obsolete and expensive
June 1909 Balance of Forces(https://i.imgur.com/obAkLxr.jpg)
June 1909 Foreign Relations(https://i.imgur.com/qTF4lpJ.jpg)
July-December 1909
GeopoliticalTensions with foreign nations, December 1909
Germany 4
Great Britain 4
France 4
Russia 1
Japan 2
Italy 5
Spain: 0 Allied
AH 2
• October: Italy defeats the Libyan rebels.
USA PoliticalJuly: Prestige is 29, Unrest is 0.
December: Prestige is 27, Unrest is 0.
• December: a government proposal to decrease naval spending in favor of social programs is floated. I have the choice of asking the Navy League to protest, which will maintain the budget, at an increase in tensions, or simply watering down the proposal, which will cost some budget. With the current building program, I don't believe I can have any less budget without having reduce capital ship construction. With unrest at 0 and relatively low international tensions, I opt to protest any budget reductions.
Naval Intelligence• July: Germany develops CL mine rails
• August: The United Kingdom invents secondary BB turrets and increases naval spending
• December: Japan increases naval spending.
USN Technical Developments
• July: Torpedo range is increased to 2000 yds@28knts or 4000@18knts
• July: 14 inch naval guns are developed
• October: Torpedo Protection II and Secondary BB turrets are researched.
• December: Target designator is invented, giving a gradual gun accuracy improvement.
• December: The UK develops medium-range submarines
USN Budget• July: A world cruise is directed, using some of the older USN ships. This will increase the budget, but at a cost in prestige (which I can afford). The alternative was to send the newest ships, which would have increased tensions, but gained me prestige.
USN Construction• July: BROOKLYN-class Heavy Cruiser design study (see below). The mission of this class is to act as the flagship for the scouting force assigned to the battlefleet. They are intended to operate 12-15,000 yards ahead of the main body, with one such group being assigned to for every four BATDIVs. The large (16,000 ton) cruisers are armed with ten 9-inch guns, and have a top speed of 25 knots, allowing them to protect the scouting cruisers from enemy CAs.
BROOKLYN-class Heavy Cruiser(https://i.imgur.com/QR7wlPe.jpg)
• July: one hull of the CHARLESTON-class commerce raiding CL is ordered.
• August: two additional CLEVELAND class scouting cruisers are ordered.
• October: two BROOKLYN-class CAs are ordered.
• November: The first seven of the new 900-ton BARRY class DDs are commissioned.
• December: Another ten BARRY-class DDs are commissioned.
• December: The West Africa port expansion is completed, giving a port capacity of 25 in the region. While less than the 40 capacity bases that both France and the UK have in the region, it should allow the USN to effectively support commerce raiders in the region.
USN Operations• November: I spend some prestige to remove several incompetent officers.
Other With the production of the BARRY-class destroyer completed and the construction of the scouting force cruisers underway, I am planning on beginning the design and construction of several 14-inch armed BBs.
January-June 1910
GeopoliticalTensions with foreign nations, January 1910
Germany 4
Great Britain 2
France 4
Russia 1
Japan 2
Italy 5
Spain: 0 Allied
AH 2
• March: The German/Austro-Hungarian alliance expired.
USA PoliticalJanuary: Prestige is 27, Unrest is 0, Fleet Morale: -1
June: Prestige is 28, Unrest is 0. Fleet Morale: -1
Fleet morale was damaged by an officer who was immediately relieved for his leadership failures. However, the damage was done, and will take some time to repairNaval Intelligence• March: Germany the extended double bottom hull
• April: Russia is conducting night training.
• May: Reporting indicates that Japan has developed mine rails for light cruisers and is stealing technology from Germany.
USN Technical DevelopmentsResearch Emphasis is on armor, damage control, fire control, fleet tactics and gun development (high) All other fields are set to "Medium" (see image below)
(https://i.imgur.com/UFcTcZ8.jpg)
• March: Medium range submarines are developed
• April: Armor quality improvement is made, resulting in a 1% weight savings on armor
• April: The USN receives assistance from Russia in developing fleet tactics
• May: The USN develops Fleet Cruising formation, allowing for cruising in parallel columns and reducing the risk of submarine attacks.
USN BudgetJanuary: $439,040
USN Construction• January: an increase in dock size is funded. Although the current dock size of 30,500 tons is large, it is 500 tons smaller than current Royal Navy capabilities, and only 500 tons greater than German capabilities. To maintain dominance in ship capability, the dock capacity will have to be increased.
• January: The four ships of the pre-dreadnought OKLAHOMA class are scrapped. These 13,900-ton ships were obsolete, and would have been of little use in combat. Scrapping them frees up almost $1,000/month for new construction
• January: A design study of a 14-inch gun Battleship, to be named the ILLINOIS-class is undertaken. This ship will displace 30,500 tons, have thirteen 14-inch guns and a speed of 22 knots. The main reason for undertaking this design is that the US is falling behind Great Britain in the number of battleships, so it is important to get some more units under construction. While adding several units of the MINNESOTA class is an option, these vessels have only 13-inch guns, and these guns are not particularly effective, as they have a quality rating of -2, as opposed to the newer 14 inch guns, which have a quality rating of -1 .
(https://i.imgur.com/kud79yM.jpg)
• January: The last three units of the BARRY class destroyers are commissioned.
• April: Three medium-range submarines are laid down.
• April: Problems with the design of the ILLINOIS-class result in it being delayed and probably canceled. Basically, the fundamental problem with the design is it is overweight, beyond the capacity of US shipyards to produce. Reducing belt armor isn't an option, as it will eliminate the immunity zone of the class. Additionally, the class can only manage an earlier form of torpedo protection. In summary, before a truly effective 14' gun armed battleship can be built, the USN will have to achieve additional advances in weight savings technology as well as an increase in drydock size. Otherwise, any 14" inch armed vessel will lack firepower, speed, armor or underwater protection. However, to maintain a very rough parity with the Royal Navy and German fleets, additional BB construction is needed. Accordingly, and reluctantly, a third unit of the MINNESOTA class BB is laid down.
• May: Two CLEVELAND-class CLs are commissioned.
• June: Two more medium-range submarines are ordered. After months of thinking about the problems with the ILLINOIS design, BUSHIPS submits a proposed 14-inch gun RHODE ISLAND design. With only nine, instead of thirteen 14" guns, the RHODE ISLAND has 22% less boadside firepower and 34% less lethality compared to the ILLINOIS-class. Like the ILLINOIS, the RHODE ISLAND is unable to use the level 2 TPS system. However, it improves its survivability by having a slightly higher ( 23 knot v. 22 knot) speed, making it more capable of avoiding torpedoes. More importantly, it has an additional 1.5 inches of belt and turret armor, giving it an 8-18,000 yard immunity zone, compared with the 11-15,000 yard immunity zone of the ILLINOIS class. Given the quality limitations of the 13-inch gun, I believe the USN should begin moving to 14' gun ships as quickly as possible, so while the RHODE ISLAND is not ideal, it is a safer alternative to building additional MINNESOTA-class ships or waiting for shipbuilding technology to allow for more capable 14-inch armed ships to be produced.
(https://i.imgur.com/PFTmesU.jpg)
USN Operations• NSTR
Other • The Naval War College is asked to consider how to revise the fleet organization to best integrate the new scouting forces into the fleet structure. This new structure is to be evaluated in the Fleet Problem-1911/12 exercise.
July-December 1910
GeopoliticalTensions with foreign nations, July 1910
Germany 5
Great Britain 2
France 4
Russia 1
Japan 1
Italy 7
Spain: 0 Allied
AH 2
• July: The Italians seized the island of Rhodes. The subsequent US objection to the seizure has resulted in a significant increase in tensions.
While normally my policy is to keep tensions low while building the fleet, Italy lacks any allies and is sufficiently small that the USN should be able to defeat it in a short, sharp war.• November: Russia tries to send a force to the Dominican Republic, but the US backs a international peacekeeping force. This raises tensions with Russia to 2.
USA PoliticalJuly: Prestige is 28, Unrest is 0, Fleet Morale: 0
Naval Intelligence• July: With the increased tensions with Italy, funding is increased for increased intelligence collection efforts against Italy
• July: Germany: achieved improved base fuzes for improved AP shells
• July: Japan invents horizontal turbines.
• August: Italy invents horizontal turbines.
• October: ONI receives plans for the German light cruiser STRASSBURG. It is a capable ship at 6700 tons, 28knt speed and 12-6" guns.
Based on this German design, I can see that my USN cruiser fleet is largely obsolescent, and will have to be replaced.(https://i.imgur.com/FRwjD0d.jpg)
• October: Japan Develops Quality control II
USN Technical Developments• July: Improved 10-inch guns are developed.
• August: Double torpedo mounts are invented. Horizontal torpedo turbines are also discovered, giving torpedoes a range of 3800 yds@ 30knts.
• October: The USN develops high capacity pumps, increasing damage control capability.
• November: Improved stee reduces weight by 1%
• November: A destroyer screen formation is developed, allowing DDs to screen a formation.
USN Budget• December: $488,320
(increase of approx. $30,000 from last period)USN Construction• July: A CLEVELAND-class CL is commissioned
• July: five more BARRY-class DDs are ordered. Three additional medium range submarines are also ordered.
• August: A CLEVELAND-class CL is commissioned
• August: Sixteen BARRY-class DDs go into the yards to receive double torpedo mounts.
Surprisingly, this is a modification that will take one year. Additionally, these mounts are heavier than I estimated when designing the BARRY class. Due to weight limitations, only two of its three torpedo mounts can be upgraded to double tubes.• October: A RHODE ISLAND-class battleship is ordered.
USN Operations• NSTR
Other • NSTR
December 1910 Naval Balance(https://i.imgur.com/6pmlBPm.jpg)
January-June 1911
GeopoliticalTensions with foreign nations, January 1911 Germany 3
Great Britain 2
France 4
Russia 2
Japan 1
Italy 7
Spain: 0 Allied
AH 1
(https://i.imgur.com/KuTKSOq.jpg)
• January: The rebellion against Italy in Rhodes continues.
• February: Our spy in Japan is caught, increasing tensions and costing me some prestige.
• April: Italy crushes the rebellion in Rhodes.
• April: Our spy in the UK is caught, increasing tensions and costing me some prestige.
USA PoliticalJanuary: Prestige is 28, Unrest is 0, Fleet Morale: 0
Naval Intelligence• January: The UK develops Fleet Cruising formation
• January: Japan invents the preheater
• February: The UK develops early airships
• February: The Russian navy is emphasizing gunnery training.
• March: Germany develops early airships and medium range submarines
• May: Royal Navy develops 15 inch guns. A second report claims that the Royal Navy is building a battlecruiser HMS INCONSTANT with 10x 14" guns
USN Technical Developments• January: Research opens up the field of lighter than air aviation.
•
• .May: USN develops early airships.
(https://i.imgur.com/29mzXYM.jpg)
USN Budget• December: $488,320
USN Construction• January: Begin developing the SPRINGFIELD heavy cruiser. Designed primarily for trade protection and cheaper than the BROOKLYN class, it is a 28 knot cruiser armed with eight 7 inch guns. It should also be capable of operating with the battlefleet in an anti-scout role.
(https://i.imgur.com/oMnpo0S.jpg)
• January: Private dock construction increases the dock size to 33,500 tons
•
• March: One SPRINGFIELD-class cruiser is ordered. This is the maximum the USN budget can manage at this point.
• April: Private shipbuilding increases dock size to 34,500. The USS TALLAHASSEE is commissioned.
• May: light cruisers USS AMSERDAM and USS CHARLESTON are commissioned. Two more medium-range submarines and one SPRINGFIELD-class cruiser are ordered.
• June: Three more BARRY class DDs are taken out of service to upgrade to dual torpedo mounts.
USN Operations• NSTR
Other • I'm considering putting some of my older cruisers in the yard to update their propulsion plants to oil and to make them faster. However, the cost in terms of time and money is such that it is probably better off to simply build new construction. In some cases, the cost and time are almost as much as a new ship would cost.
^Did not know that there was a naval aviation piece, with blimps. That is cool.
Quote from: Gusington on January 25, 2024, 08:04:34 AM^Did not know that there was a naval aviation piece, with blimps. That is cool.
That is one of the really good things about RotW3: it is simulating a period where there was a revolution in naval technology and tactics. Gun calibers increased, torpedoes were invented and became effective. Missiles, submarines and airpower added new dimensions to naval combat, radio and radar added increased C3 capability by orders of magnitude, etc. Balancing the current requirements of a fleet against against the R&D and construction of new forces to meet future threats is a challenge. That is one of the reasons I picked the USN for this playthrough: the US has a variety of potential threats/challenges it needs to meet during the 70 years covered by the game, which makes for an interesting challenge.
July-December 1911
GeopoliticalTensions with foreign nations, January 1911
Germany 3
Great Britain 4
France 4
Russia 2
Japan 3
Italy 8
Spain: 0 Allied
AH 1
• July: The alliance with Spain expires. This deprives the USN of a base in Europe.
• October: Germany and the United Kingdom let their alliance expire.
An overview of the budget, diplomatic relations and ships under construction is below:
(https://i.imgur.com/sjOlsFw.jpg)
USA Political• January: Prestige is 29, Unrest is 1, Fleet Morale: 0
• July: US domestic unrest increases to 2
Naval Intelligence
• August: Germany develops 15-inch guns
• November: Intell reports that the Japanese BB Yamashiro has 12" of belt armor and 11" of turret armor and that the CA Kasuga has a top speed of 20 knots with a belt armor of 6".
• November: Intell reports the Italian BB Vittorio Veneto has 10x13 inch guns and 14x4 inch secondary batter
• November: Germany develops Director firing
• December: Germany invents internal torpedo stowage
USN Technical Developments• July: USN develops director firing.
• July: USN develops 15-inch guns
• July: Improved armor bracing, giving a 2% reduction in armor weight
• December: USN develops hydrostatic pistol, improving ASW. The research budget is being spent according to the table below
(https://i.imgur.com/TjtxLdV.jpg)
USN Budget• December: $523,840
USN Construction• July: Two BARRY-class DDs are commissioned. USS NORTH CAROLINA is refitted with improved 12-inch guns and a fire director.
• July Private shipbuilding capacity increases dock size by 1000 tons to 34,500.
• July : Begin building an airship base in Manila and Guantanamo Bay
• August: Three submarines and one BARRY-class DD are commissioned.
• August: USN begins expanding the West Africa base. With the expiration of the Spanish alliance and the consequent loss of the USN's access to Mediterranean bases, This is to provide an operating base for units deployed to the Mediterranean, in the event of a war with Italy
• September: The two air stations in Manila and Guantanamo Bay are completed. USS WYOMING goes to the shipyard to add a gun director and replace the coal fired engineering plant with an oil-fired. This will increase the speed of the class to 23 knots
• September: 3 submarines are completed.
• October: 3 submarines are completed.
• November: A second RHODE ISLAND -class BB is ordered.
• December: USS NORTHAMPTON, a BROOKLY-class CA is completed.
USN Operations• NSTR
Other •
The crisis with Italy appears to have stabilized, with tensions remaining elevated, but not increasing. The increasing domestic unrest level in the US is of concern. While 3 is not terribly high, the level of naval spending is undoubtably playing a large role in driving the unrest. However, the US remains behind both Germany and the Royal Navy in terms of spending and battlefleet size, so I have no choice but to continue the high levels of spending.
January-June 1912
GeopoliticalTensions with foreign nations, January 1911
Germany 3
Great Britain 3
France 3
Russia 2
Japan 3
Italy 7
Spain: 1
AH 3
Naval Balance December 1911:
(https://i.imgur.com/pV87pml.jpg)
USA Political• January: Prestige is 29, Unrest is 2, Fleet Morale: 0
• In March, unrest increased to 3
Naval Intelligence• January: Germany is building a 7-in coastal battery in the Caroline Islands. The BB Thuringen has a top speed of 20 knots, and the new construction BC MacKensen has a top speed of 25 knts
• January: The Royal Navy's CL Comus has a top speed of 22 knots and a belt armor of 2"
• May: Germany develops the 12' rangefinder. UK develops All or Nothing armor.
USN Technical Developments• January: 1100-ton DDs are developed
• February: 12' rangefinder developed.
• May: All or Nothing armor layout is developed.
USN Budget• December: $538,880
USN Construction• January: USS Minnesota is commissioned. An airship base at Norfolk, VA is begun
• January: WYOMING-class ships NEW MEXICO and CONNECTICUT go to the yards to receive oil-fired engineering plants.
• February: NORTH CAROLINA completes her reconstruction.
• March: BURROWS-class DD is designed. This is a 1100-ton destroyer, armed with 2x5", 4x3", 3x2 TT, 32-knot max speed.
• April: Three BURROWS-class DDs are ordered. The airship base in Norfolk is completed. One SPRINGFIELD-class CA ordered.
• May: USS OREGON is commissioned. An airship base is ordered in Middle Congo.
(https://i.imgur.com/6CD44Nf.jpg)
USN Operations• NSTR
Other T
he USN is significantly behind the major European powers in destroyers, so the BURROWS class is developed to further add to the torpedo capability of the main battlefleet. The good news is that ONI estimates that the US ship are superior in speed and equal in armament to German and British ships under construction.
January-June 1912
GeopoliticalTensions with foreign nations, January 1912
Germany 3
Great Britain 3
France 3
Russia 2
Japan 3
Italy 7
Spain: 1
AH 3
Naval Balance December 1911: (https://i.imgur.com/pV87pml.jpg)
USA Political• January: Prestige is 29, Unrest is 2, Fleet Morale: 0
• In March, unrest increased to 3 (NOTE: I'm going to have to watch this unrest carefully. It is partially driven by the high naval expenditures, so political pressure for the USN to reduce costs is likely to increase)
Naval Intelligence• January: Germany is building a 7-in coastal battery in the Caroline Islands. The BB Thuringen has a top speed of 20 knots, and the new construction BC MacKensen has a top speed of 25 knts
• January: The Royal Navy's CL Comus has a top speed of 22 knots and a belt armor of 2"
• May: Germany develops the 12' rangefinder. UK develops All or Nothing armor.
USN Technical Developments• January: 1100-ton DDs are developed
• February: 12' rangefinder developed.
• May: All or Nothing armor layout is developed.
USN Budget• December: $538,880
• June: 552,080 (increase of 2.4%)
USN Construction• January: USS Minnesota is commissioned. An airship base at Norfolk, VA is begun
• January: WYOMING-class ships NEW MEXICO and CONNECTICUT go to the yards to receive oil-fired engineering plants.
• February: NORTH CAROLINA completes her reconstruction.
• March: BURROWS-class DD is designed. This is a 1100-ton destroyer, armed with 2x5", 4x3", 3x2 TT, 32-knot max speed.
See notes in "OTHER" section• April: Three BURROWS-class DDs are ordered. The airship base in Norfolk is completed. One SPRINGFIELD-class CA ordered.
• May: USS OREGON is commissioned. An airship base is ordered in Middle Congo.
• June: MOBILE-class commerce raiding CL is designed.
See below and in the "OTHER" section for a description of the class. An single medium range submarine is ordered.
BURROWS-class DD(https://i.imgur.com/6CD44Nf.jpg)
MOBILE-class CL(https://i.imgur.com/UgjTCt3.jpg)
USN Operations• The USN is beginning a reorganization of its battlefleet to better integrate the two forces, and in preparation for the next Fleet Battle problem.
Other The USN is significantly behind the major European powers in destroyers, so the BURROWS class is developed to further add to the torpedo capability of the main battlefleet. The good news is that ONI estimates that the US ships are generally superior in speed and equal in armament to German and British ships under construction. Design Study: The MOBILE-class CL (1912)In 1911, the expanding USN faced a budget crisis. Its High-Low fleet strategy was based on building a two-ocean capable battlefleet equal in size with its most probable adversary, while simultaneously building a cheaper "Juene Ecole"-style "low-end" fleet capable of inflicting disproportionate losses against the superior Royal Navy. This strategy required significant resources to create the expensive battlefleet, leaving few resources for the low-end part of the fleet. Further, the American budget was at its maximum, the high naval expenses driving an increase in domestic unrest and preventing additional resources being allocated to the navy. Building the low-end portion of the fleet required cheaper alternatives. A case in point was the large 7,800-ton CHARLESTON-class light cruiser. Intended to fill the commerce raiding role, these vessels were too large and expensive to build in the numbers needed for a successful global raiding strategy. A cheaper alternative was required. BUSHIP's solution to this problem was the MOBILE-class light cruiser.
The MOBILE-class shared the same oil-fired engineering plant and extreme range of the CHARLESTON-class, but its 5300-ton displacement was two-thirds the displacement and cost of its predecessor. While its 27-knot max speed was only a knot slower than the CHARLESTON, it was still capable of outrunning most contemporary light cruisers. However, this speed and range came at the cost of armor and armament. Equipped with only four centerline-mounted five" guns and six three" guns, it was incapable of engaging vessels larger than a destroyer without undue risk of damage and loss. But as a commerce raider, it was vastly superior to the merchant ships which were its intended prey, and its speed and range meant that it was likely to evade any commerce protection patrols.
July-December 1912
GeopoliticalTensions with foreign nations, June 1912
Germany 4
Great Britain 2
France 4
Russia 2
Japan 3
Italy 7
Spain: 2
AH 3
September: Russo-Spanish Alliance expires.
September: The USS SIGOURNEY explodes in Haiti, and Italy is blamed. See "Other" column below.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZW39uvH.jpg)
USA Political• June: Prestige is 29, Unrest is 3, Fleet Morale: 0
• December: The socialist party demands a reduction in naval spending. I meet with their leaders to explain the importance of the spending. This costs 1 prestige
• December Prestige is 26, Unrest is 3, Fleet Morale: 0
Naval Intelligence• July: Japan is reported to have discovered Director firing
• September: ONI reports the following information on various ship classes:
o Great Britain: BB GOLIATH has belt armor of 11" and turret armor of 11.3". The B FORMIDABLE has belt armor of 8.5" and a speed of 17 knots
o Italy: New construction CL TERSICORE has a speed of 22 knts and belt armor of 2". CA PARTENOPE has a top speed of 23 knts and belt armor of 3". (NOTE: These designs are inferior to existing USN ships.)
• October: Germany is reported to have developed 5+ centerline turrets.
• October: ONI increases the collection priority of Italy to "High"
• November: Germany is reported to have stolen armor technology from the US.
• November: Japan and Italy begin increasing their naval budget
USN Technical Developments• July: Ballistic Cap is developed, giving an increase in AP penetration
• August: USN develops Ladder shooting, giving a gradual improvement in gunfire accuracy
• September: The Wet heater engine is developed, increasing torpedo range to 4000 yards at 33 knots.
• December: The USN develops 5 centerline turrets.
• December: The USN opens up the research area of heavier than air aircraft.
(https://i.imgur.com/0DoaWeK.jpg)
USN Budget• July: $552,080
• December: $589,920 (Increase of 6.8%)
USN Construction• July: The pre-dreadnoughts of the COLORADO class are all taken into the yards to upgrade their 12 inch guns and Fire Control to Director firing. See notes below
• July: Private shipbuilding increases dock capacity by 500 tons to 36,000 tons. Airship base in the Middle Congo is completed.
• September: The pre-dreadnoughts of the DELAWARE class are all taken into the yards to upgrade their 12 inch guns and Fire Control to Director firing. See notes below
• October: Private shipbuilding increases dock capacity by 1000 tons to 37,000 tons
• October: Two medium range submarines are commissioned. The last of the BARRY class destroyers receive their upgraded dual-torpedo mounts.
• October: The 700-ton STARLING-class corvette is designed. Intended to quickly build up ASW capability, it is a cheap, quickly built design.
• November: Private shipbuilding increases dock capacity by 1000 tons to 38,000 tons
• November: Ten STARLING class KE are ordered. An airship base and 6" coastal battery is begun on Djibouti
• December: Private shipbuilding increases dock capacity by 1000 tons to 38,500 tons. B OHIO, MONTANA and COLORADO finish their rebuilds and rejoin the fleet
STARLING-class Corvette
(https://i.imgur.com/r2Mwb2D.jpg)
USN OperationsNovember: The Pacific Squadron sends a cruiser fleet to the Indian Ocean to defend the region against any Italian moves. Elements of the Pacific Fleet forward deploys to the Philippines, to prepare for operations in the Indian Ocean. BATDIV 2 (USS NORTH CAROLINA (BB-1) and pre-dreadnoughts USS COLORADO and USS OHIO along with supporting vessels deploy to the Indian Ocean.
Other The USS SIGOURNEY incidentThe art of war is of vital importance to the State. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected. -Sun Tzu, The Art of War
In September, the USS SIGOURNEY, a 600-ton TUCKER-class destroyer, explodes in Haiti with the loss of all hands. Some newspapers blame the explosion on Italian saboteurs. Intense public pressure is immediately brought to declare war. While I am not adverse to war, I'm not sure now is the right time.
My options are: 1) call for war, increasing tensions and budget or; 2) call for an investigation, increasing my budget and tensions an equal amount, but costing me significant prestige. The game seems to indicate the only difference between the choices is the prestige cost. While war appears to be inevitable, I would like to delay it as long as possible. This is for several reasons: 1) While the US is superior to the Italian fleet, it lacks destroyers and ASW corvettes, while the Italian navy has a significant number of submarines (see Naval Almanac below); 2) The USN has several pre-dreadnaughts finishing up rebuilds. I would like to get them back from the yards; 3) The naval base in Africa has not been sufficiently upgraded, making long-term blockade of logistically impossible and the base at Djibouti is all but undefended; 4) The idea of going to war without a clear cause is inimical to the American self-image and to its aspirations for global leadership. Further, with internal unrest already at level "3", I don't want to increase it any more with a war that may be preventable, or more quickly winnable with increased preparation. Arguing against delay is that the war appears to be inevitable, and delay would give Italy the opportunity to seek an alliance with another power. Currently, Italy lacks allies but has relatively good relations with most nations. Particularly concerning is Japan, for which Italy has a relationship score of 2. This means that a delay in war with Italy would give it the opportunity to ally with Japan, making a relatively easy war much more difficult and dangerous for the US.
After a series of late-night meetings with ONI, the decision is made to ask for an investigation, while preparing US forces for war. The naval staff was almost evenly balanced between the dangers of engaging in war, or waiting with the risk of Italy obtaining allies that would make victory much less likely. The Naval War College is tasked with upgrading RAINBOW GREY, while the fleet is readied for a probable war with Italy in the next 12 months.
September 1912 Naval Almanac (https://i.imgur.com/yznqe5m.jpg)