That early war task force that you want to hit with your old WW I tub is headed for Manila to invade the joint. So, lets's cheat a little with some intel from the coast watchers we dropped off in Japan. After you debark from Manila, head straight up the western coast and park yourself in that western Luzon bay and wait for them to arrive. There are numerous troop transports and a few juicy cruisers to go along with a plethora of DDs.
Good luck.
