Leyte Gulf (BigPac RR) during October 1998:
Objectives: Close defense of our Carriers

Frame #1
3.10.98: Whilst everywhere around us the battle was raging, only flight B under command of LUGS encountered the enemy in the area around "Shokaku" in the north.
Flight A under the command of DIVE never got a glimpse of the enemy in its patrol-area. Even later tries to get some enemy stragglers had no success.
Our Carrier "Zuikaku" was not harmed this frame. Though we didnt see the enemy our flight was in a good temper and all landed safe.
The US had to take massive losses on planes and several hits on their carriers.

Frame #2
10.10.98: This time we took off at the "Enterprise" (Carrier-Movements were simulated by alternating the carriers in BigPac). The first half of the Frame was just Formation-flying and climbing to ear-bleeding alts. Close to the end of frame both flights got jumped by a "aggressive" Fighter-Sweep consisting F4U and F6F. I was BnZ´ed and killed at the first approach of a "Hog" (never happend to me again <g>).
Kuer survived this attack and eventually killed a TBF during the Torpedo-Run.
This Frame again ended with heavy losses for the US. Our fleet steamed along with no damages.

Frame #3
17.10.98: We got airborne from the "Junyo" in the southern areas. Heavy Delays wrecked our nerves during the early part of this frame. Several dumps occured and we had serious trouble to keep our formation.
Our scouting fighters and the forward-defense reported US-Bombers with Escorts in the south.
We left our position at the "Hiyo" to intercept this threat.
DIVE had first contact with the enemy and dove toward the bombers. KUER and me were right behind him, when suddenly masses of bombers "materialized" right in front of me and KUER. Within seconds we where in gun-range of the escorts. Immediatly i took several hits and my engine stalled. Diving to the deck to save my butt i killed one smoking F4F on the fly-by. The next ping ended my life for this frame.
KUER survived this onslaught till 4 mins to end of the frame. A single F4U sealed his fate!

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