Why does it appear that carriers (CV) have a life-span that can usually be measured in minutes once engaged? There are several reasons. Here's the most common.
1) Carrier is unsupported: During WWII, carriers would typically have up to 40 fighters aboard. These fighters would perform the role of CAP and BARCAP, as well as escort the dive and torpedo bombers, or perform fighter-bomber ops. We simply do not see that in the MA. Basically, our carriers depend upon maneuvering and gunfire to avoid being bombed. This is not sufficient. Generally, there exists no CAP or BARCAP whatsoever. BARCAPs would be positioned along expected routes used by the enemy to approach the fleet. Their job is to intercept and inflict loss upon any aircraft flying in the direction of the fleet. BACAPs should be established at a minimum of 10 flying minutes from the fleet pickets. CAPs should operate in the immediate area of the fleet, where they can intercept any "leakers" that may sneak through the BARCAP. Both types of air patrols are defensive in mission and will not participate in attacking enemy bases. BARCAPs are usually assigned to the altitude where the major threat can be expected. In our case, about 25,000 ft. CAPs should be divided, with half at high altitude, and half at medium altitude (10-15k). Keeping a few down at 5k is a good idea if you have the manpower.
Pickets. Normally, this is done by destroyers, placed at a distance from the fleet to detect incoming aircraft. In the MA, this role should be filled by PTs. However, if the radar is up, they have less priority. But, should the HQ be hit, and the radar go down, pickets should be deployed immediately, with the fleet retiring away from potential threats. This also allows for rapid separation between pickets and the fleet, essential to providing time for threat response.
As it stands, carriers rarely, if ever, have even the basic CAP coverage, much less anything remotely close to what is described above. Often, little more than a dozen aircraft are operating from the carrier, and most are involved in attacking enemy fields or fleets. The net result is that carriers are basically fending for themselves, aided only by AI acks and a handful of people who may man the guns. This is important: Tasks Force commanders should not do anything else, but operate the fleet. This provides the fastest response to incoming attackers, allowing time to maneuver. Taking command remotely should only happen in the absence of an onboard commander.
There is a general failure to recognize the tactical limitations of the carrier, and consider the effectiveness of the "laser guided" bombing of heavy bombers. It matters not that there was no single recorded occurrence of a heavy bomber ever even hitting a maneuvering carrier (much less sinking one) in WWII. The fact is that the heavy bomber is the principle enemy of ships in AH.
I can't count how many times people have taken carriers into no-win situations, without considering what happens when the ship sinks (as it always does when misused). No matter how much people try to reason with these guys, they assume they know better. Without fail, they discover otherwise. Apparently, the fact that it will take up to two hours to get a new fleet in place never enters their minds. Carriers should be treated as mobile airfields. Mobile, but much less damage resistant. Don't waste resources.
Please, fellow players, when someone questions fleet placement and deployment, drop any attitude and consider that there are probably sound reasons to raise such questions. Reasons that you may have never considered. If you must err, do so on the side of caution. Whenever I move or reposition a fleet, I always state why in the message buffer. This allows for discussion before the fleet is committed.
Remember, the fleet belongs to the country. Unlike your personal aircraft, fleet use or misuse can effect the entire effort being put forth by your countrymates.
If squads would consider providing CAP and BARCAP as part of a push, carriers would become far less vulnerable, and far more valuable to MA operations.
My regards,
Widewing
