My watch officer is also qualified as a flak gunner and deck gunner. This is optimal because as soon as a surface or air target is spotted, I have the option of attacking it without juggling crew too much. Having both a flak qualified officer and gunners makes for impressive reload times and quick target aquisition.
I have a dedicated petty officer crew for each weapon type, 4 flakkers and 3 gunners. I command a Type IXC with two dual 20mm's and one dual 37mm. I plan to try the Quad 20mm weapon at some point, but I like to use the Dual 37mm for surface actions as its handy vs. coastal and small merchants as well as tugs, trawlers, and fishing boats.
Overall, my flak gunners are about 75%+ effective vs fighters, and 95% effective vs bombers, including PBY's and B-25's. All gunners have at least 1500 experience points and all medals but the Wound Badge.
Most often, I set for "engage at long distance" and "target any aircraft". When I get swarmed by a squadron or more at a time (yes, its 1943 and it happens all the time) I set to "engage closing targets", then designate targets of opportunity as I see them.
I see aircraft as easy meat and they have to count towards the overall mission score. Thats everything I know about aircraft.
I dont normally let my gun crew engage targets as they are basically inept at anything beyond 2000 yards. Since almost all convoy craft sport some sort of deck gun, or guns, by 1943 I usually park my boat at 4000+ yards, select a juicy target, verify range, jump to the deck gun and pick it off manually.
I can copy/paste my flak gunner/deck gunner crewmen's stats here if anyone wants them. Its easy to add them to your roster. Really easy if you try it with a new career.
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