Naval Gaming Introduction

Diamond

The diamond is a line formation adapted to provide a column with increased general anti-aircraft coverage and the ability to allow individual ships to maneuver unexpectedly. The diamond formation was employed prior to the common use of circular formations when in situations which might result in an unexpected air or submarine attack. Each ship has extra room within the formation to allow it to make radical maneuvers without endangering the other ships. The formation also allows ships to more effectively bring their anti-aircraft batteries to bear on attacks against other ships in the formation. A simple four ship diamond is formed by placing the second ship of the column at a 45° angle off the port stern of the lead ship. The third ship takes a position 45° off of the starboard stern of the lead ship. Each of these ships is at double the standard distance for the formation. The fourth ship is in its normal position. Additional ships may be added to the diamond by similar expansions of the column. In all cases, odd numbered ships are placed to starboard and even numbered ships are placed to port, except for every third ship after the leader, which remains on the formation axis. The diamond formation is not used at night. Its increased distances reduce the ability of ships to see each other. Normally a diamond will collapse back to a column for night steaming. The lead ship of the formation is always the guide. The only formation into which a diamond formation may change is a column (without breaking formation). In the figure D = Distance.

Wheel

Also Known As. Formation Turn or a Diamond Change of Front. Purpose. A formation turn allows a diamond formation to change direction while retaining its formation. Description. When executed, the lead ship immediately turns to the new course. Ships along the original column treat the maneuver the same as for a column turn. Ships deployed to port and starboard advance and turn at a point which will maintain them in formation. Limitations. A diamond formation may perform a course change of no more than 30° at a time. The entire formation must complete the course change before a new turn may be ordered. This is not a formation used for a surface battle. Problems. Given the limitation on the amount of wheel, this is not a readily maneuverable formation. Also, a formation turn of more than a few degrees would be almost guaranteed to disrupt the formation somewhat, however any necessary corrections would be relatively simple and quickly accomplished.

Simultaneous Turn

Also Known As. Turn Together. Purpose. The simultaneous turn is used to shift a diamond sideways from its original course. Description. When the turn is executed, all ships turn at the same moment to the new course. Limitations. There are no limitations on the change of course for a simultaneous turn. Problems. For a diamond with more than four ships, the "formation" which results from a simultaneous turn is not sustainable for extended periods of steaming. The ranges from the ships farthest from the guide are too great for accurate measurement without radar. As a result, the formation cannot remain safely intact for more than a limited period of time. The formation must return to its original course.