When Fester announced a mission, a P-38 mission no less, I had to join. And, it's rare that I join missions. But, Fester's are always well planned and great fun.
Taking off from A6 (Mindanao) 40 P-38s and an additional dozen or so others who missed the window, formed such a mob that frame rates dropped dramatically. Target was A4, with A23 as secondary. We flew in a tight group, concealing our numbers fairly well.
Enroute, we flew over the Knit CV. Four P-38s were dispatched to sink it, which they did.
Arriving at A4, the field was partially down, so about 8 of us peeled off and finished it. A group of 4 or 5 Knits arrived to dispute the capture. We eliminated them PDQ.
We took A4 within a few minutes. Those of us there rearmed and head out to various bases. Some went to V73(?) and V68, I headed to A22. Meanwhile, the balance of the P-38s had capped A23. As I neared A22, A23 and V73 was captured with V68 coming minutes later.
Arriving at A22, I found CV15 nearby and a few Rooks working over the base. I took down the VH and a Flak Panzer near the runway. KillinU brought in a goon and A22 was Rook. While we took A22, Fester & Company moved over and added A29 to the Rook base list.
Soon after, Fester put up the next mission, this one to A36 with P-34 as secondary. Once again a huge horde of P-38s and 6-8 C-47s headed out for more mayhem. This time the Knits had a dozen or so defenders up. It made little difference though. I killed a fighter hanger as some poor guy spawned in it. With enough targets available, several of us were able to get 4 and 5 kills. P-34 went down, and the Knit CV (CV-21) was promptly dispatched.
Fester then put up his 3rd mission. This one was initially aimed at A30. However, the ambitious Bishops had grabbed several of our lightly defended northern bases, giving them a 38 to 35 field advantage. Mid-flight, Fester redesignated Bish A38 as the prime target, with V-71(?) as secondary. Upon arrival, there was almost no opposition and both bases were taken in just minutes. About 50% of our number diverted to A41 with full ordnance. Those of us who at 38 who still had some ord headed to A-37. Only one or two Bish opposed us at A37. Both A41 and A37 were taken quickly.
With a commanding lead in bases, Fester put up his final mission, to A30 and the reset. There was considerable howling from some Rooks who thought we should be defending and battling the Bish up north. Some guys caved in to the pleas. But, we still managed to get nearly 40 P-38s up anyway. Fester directed everyone to angle-climb (a high-speed, shallow climb that gets you there faster, but with less altitude. Essentially unopposed, A30 went down in about 3 minutes and the map was reset.
While the Fester juggernaut headed to A30, some stout-hearted Rooks managed to take a few bases back from the Bish.
Although the numbers between countries varied up and down all night, it was generally even until about 11:30 eastern. From here on the Rooks gradually gained the edge, having about a 40 man advantage on either the Knights or Bishops by 1:30 eastern.
This was as awesome a display of teamwork as I have seen in Aces High. Fester was absolutely terrific at organizing and running these missions and gets my biggest . Salutes also to all those Rooks who, together, functioned like a Swiss watch. Hat's off to those Rooks who held the line against the Bishops. Finally, a salute to those Knits and Bish who were brave enough to take on a determined horde.
Those of us who flew the missions had a blast.
My regards,
Widewing
