Hi Acidlemon
I would say it’s somewhat country specific. US probably wants to go heavy ACs with fighters for defense in the pacific. A little heavy on DDs for blockers. At least early. BBs usually aren’t a good bang for your buck buy. I like to have a couple subs and DDs per carrier. More subs later if you can go on the offensive. You’ll want to stay next to a AB. Watch out for Japanese land based air.
In the Atlantic you’ll probably want a carrier and dd with subs. Use the subs to convoy Italy. You’ll want 3 or 4 transports as well. UK can supply protection with ACs and DDs. A few subs to help convoy and tranny is nice too. Stick a AB in Gibralter and put some fighters there.
I like to have a small German fleet. AC dd and a few subs to go with the starting crusier. Keep it up north, next to an AB, to prevent cheap landings in Norway and Denmark. You’ll want a sub in 125 to prevent the Russian NO. If you take S France you can throw some ships in the med. I find that to detract from Russia too much and usually support Italy with planes instead.
Usually move the UKP fleet towards the med except the DD. Use it for a blocker. If the Italian fleet survives you’ll want a couple trannys to get dudes to Africa. You’ll want a DD to cork Gibralter for a turn or two. After they die it’s best to just concentrate on land.
You want plenty of transports with Japan. Probably at least half a dozen. You don’t want to fall behind in the arms race to the US if you can help it. You’ll want more DDs later for blockers.
ANZAC is nice to have a tranny for island trading. Subs are good for convoying and taking out Jap blockers if you can get some air to reach. Nice to have a DD for blocking if the US couldn’t do it all.
I guess I like AC, w/fighters, 2 DDs, 2 subs and a tranny. Maybe 1 DD and 3 subs with a tac if i’m on the offensive. I don’t buy cruisers and rarely BBs. Try and save the ones you start with for bombard and hit soaker with the BB. Use the subs,DDs and fighters for fodder.
Anyway that’s one way to go about it. After 3,4,5 carriers you wanna make sure you keep your fodder units up.
First game will be a Blast :)