Enewald: I'm pretty close to decided on what will happen with the Naval Command, but it will have to stay a secret for now. A little shuffling is coming for sure. I'll have to add "Geiserik" to the list. The Marine production is beginning to step up again in preparation for a few special operations.
TheHyphenated1: It's hard to believe they used to create such nice covers. More proof that better technology can't make you creative!
Swede_Islander: Lots more Gray Wolf goodness is coming, for sure. Congratulations on Lieutenant rank!
coz1: There's going to be some ugly politics with Raeder, that's for sure! With Doenitz and Goering there's a historical animosity that could provide for some nice scenes in the future, depending on how the leadership situation is settled. So far so good on in the East, I just have to beware of the screw-ups that have led to my ultimate defeat literally every time I've invade them (no oil, man power gone, Western Allies perform devastating landings, etc). I'm holding out hope this will be the time things come together.
volksmarschall: There's actually another Doenitz "Time" picture if memory serves, but it isn't nearly as awesome. Japan is sorting themselves out now, but they're in a private war with the USA instead of going after the Allies. I have no idea what will happen next. I do like sprites, too, as I'm sure you've noticed.
I think I've got some idea of how to handle the leadership situation, I've been given a lot to work with. I'm not biased either way, but I promised a historical game and the success of the U-Boats can't be denied. When the USA finally pulls the trigger I think Doenitz will bag his limit real fast!
See the "All section for a major announcement!
TheLoneGunman: I think Goering's policy would be "give me my planes, those Carriers can rot in the port." Just like in real life.

I think I've got a pretty clear idea of what the future holds for Raeder...stay tuned!
Lord Strange: Now you're a Lieutenant! We are an honest firm in the Kriegsmarine, I won't miss anyone's rightly earned promotions. I use a lot of "google." With the right key words you'll do pretty well. I'm actually a little disappointed at the relative lack of Kriegsmarine propaganda, but what I find gets used. Thanks for all the kind words, more is on the way! Britain seems to be building up their infantry for home defense and annoyances in Norway. Based on what I've seen on the shores and intelligence reports I'd estimate 40 divisions in England, another 40 in Egypt and 10 or so constantly being used for ill-conceived landings.
dublish: Believe it or not when Doenitz became Grand Admiral historically he lobbied heavily for not getting rid of the surface fleet. He's a submariner to the core, but he's smart enough to see the value of surface forces as well. I have to speculate on how he'd feel about Carriers, especially considering the
Graf Zeppelin was cannibalized for U-Boat parts. We'll get some real answers, soon.
son of liberty: The issue would be who is overall commander. Or split the Kriegsmarine? It's an interesting thought...
Also: no Saalwächter! Well, probably not.
Myth: We're doing a valuable service sinking the Soviets, which explains my next construction project: the Battle Cruiser
Kevorkian.
AKjeldsen: I think Raeder was worn down by all these outside pressures. Doenitz is at least healthy and full of fight, but can he play the political games with high command is the question. I think the overall stock of the Kriegsmarine is high right now, combined with the fact that they don't face much interference from Hitler...but that could change, too. Welcome aboard!
Dead William: I'm bomber poor, but what I do have is being used. I started using that tactic in my last (failed) Germany game. This time, I've learned to encircle and give ground, so the pieces are coming together.
To be honest I don't know much about Saalwächter. The impression I've always had of Doenitz is someone who quietly gets the job done, but also stands up for himself when it is needed. I think Hitler would take the tough guy over the clever guy.
We can't have the Soviet navy littering the Baltic with empty vodka bottles!
More news on Admiral ranks, below, thanks for reading!
GhostWriter: I see "Grand Admiral" as the one overall commander. There could be a few in the game, but only one in the storyline. There are changes coming, that's for sure. I need to educate myself about Saalwächter, because I know nothing about him. Here's your Lieutenant stripes!
Mædhric: The urban scene owes a lot to Full Metal Jacket and even those first-person shooter games. I wanted to offer some gritty stuff as a counter-point to "Heroes of the Fatherland." I think you're right about the U.S., but this is getting pretty drawn out. Part of me really wants to see Doenitz get rewarded, too.
Stuyvesant: I see the promotion situation as being driven by Doenitz's rising fortunes coupled with Raeder slowly wearing down. Is there room for both? I'll be trying to answer that question in the near future. And yes, I'm only thinking narrative here, too.
For me these scenes are challenging, trying to get just the right amount of description and action. There's so much historical awfulness to draw from with the Eastern Front. I always like mixing tones, so maybe some more "Heroes of the Fatherland" will be next.
Sinking that junk is almost a service to the Soviets, but it's still glorious victory, in my opinion.
The Japan situation is shaping up, although I'm still waiting for the USA to join the allies. Strange stuff going on!
Von Perkele: Perhaps a Guderian-style "inspector" assignment will be given to Raeder? Congratulations on your promotion to Lieutenant-Commander!
von Mauser: Well, you're here now.

Welcome to the Kriegsmarine!
Blue emu helped me a lot and I give him credit for the success of the U-Boat war. The screw-ups are all me. A total commitment to U-Boat war does lead to victories, there's no doubt.
Right now the Soviet Navy is being taken apart. I've got Destroyers in the Baltic on ASW and the Carrier force was doing some hunting. I think they're mostly hiding right now. Of course, once they are annexed these problems go away.
I blame the Suez debacle on my late entry to that front combined with general Italian fecklessness. If I could free the forces that would be the next goal, then Sea Lion.
von Mauser it is!
All: Congratulations to new Lieutenant-Commander
Von Perkele and our new class of Lieutenants:
Lord Strange,
Swede_Islander and
GhostWriter! Warm welcomes to Midshipmen
AKjeldsen and
von Mauser!
The time has come to promote our first Vice Admiral. The Admiral ranks are reserved for long time posters who make consistently excellent contributions. To make it more important, there will only be one Admiral promotion every few pages or so.
Let's now congratulate our first Vice Admiral:
volksmarschall! He's been here from the very beginning and always has lots of good advice and material for me to use. There were a few very strong candidates (who will see promotion soon!) but in the end his long record of fine posts needed to be recognized.
Coming up soon: solving the leadership issue, war with the USA, maybe?