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Have been fascinated by Yu-go since i've read about it first. This would have been the only (and probably last) chance for Kido Butai to inflict heavy losses on the US fleet in 1944 and delay the US advance, given the growing numerical and technical disparity, the other way i could think of being mass use of kamikazes from the Kido Butai carriers.

http://www.combinedfleet.com/U-GO.htm

So... what if they pulled it off?:eek: What would be it's ramifications?

Really, it would be extremely interesting to find out as many details as possible from the japanese and US side. For instance, not clear if IJN planned to launch the 500 (!) aircraft in a one way mission, or get to within striking range and recover the strike. It appears they wanted to fly the strike during the night to reach the target by dawn.

Btw, let's forget about the submersible tanks part, that was a silly idea. Say it's cancelled, or the operation goes ahead without waiting for them etc.

From the US side, would be interesting to know exactly what types of shore based fighters they had around Majuro, their availability, and also how many VP aircraft were there and what type (PBMs mostly?), details about their searches etc. It says there i think 15 VP squadrons, were they full VP squadrons or detachments, at Midway in 1942 there were for instance 31 PBYs from four different VP squadrons. Also would be very interesting to hear details about torpedo defences in such anchorages.

One thing is certain: losing all the carrier and land-based aircraft in exchange for the bulk of the US fleet is a small price to pay, compared to losing all the aircraft, pilots AND 3 carriers, AND the Marianas for nothing at all in OTL.

PS: I know some will be inclined post one liners like "All will be the same, we had tens of Essexes building, it will just take couple of months to get the fleet back in action, Japan still losses. The end". That will not very useful. Really, would appreciate intelligent and informed ideas as to how things might have gone until say the atomic bombs are dropped, reactions from all sides involved, and everything that makes alternative history such an engaging concept.
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