[2020] Flightdeck Friday - First Strike!

*A U.S. Marine Corps TBF Avenger from VMTB-232 escorted by New Zealand Air Force P-40 Warhawk en route to Empress Augusta Bay on 1 November 1943*

Commanders of the Air Group: which squadron is your first off the flight deck during an engagement?

From rocket attack, dive bombers, and torpedo strike aircraft, aircraft carriers have an awesome arsenal at their disposal.

Mission and purpose are key to selecting your first wave as some are more suitable for scouting while others can deal an early strike and blow to the enemy fleet.

CAGs - Which squadron do you keep on alert status 5 and ready to launch when the fighting starts?

"Flying is hours and hours of boredom sprinkled with a few seconds of sheer terror." - Gregory "Pappy" Boyington, United States Marine Corps

#flightdeckfriday

#anchorsaweigh

Oddly enough, I'm starting to launch dive bombers first instead of the rocket attack planes.

My goal is to try and intercept the enemy aircraft squadron


Provide fighter cover for my team's destroyer screen


Find isolated battleships for targets of opportunity


Find an isolated destroyer and try to keep them spotted


DBs have more HP than fighters (starting to run the German CVs now)

Eliminating an enemy destroyer provides a huge tactical advantage, but providing valuable intelligence and spotting allows my fleet to adjust their tactics and avoid getting caught in cross-fires.

"The difference between a good and great officer is about ten seconds." - Arleigh Burke, United States Navy

#anchorsaweigh