Merging Naval Forces

[Awwhegoboom]

Hi all,

I hope this 'first timer' post does not sound too stupid.

I have been reading the following threads with interest (along with countless other threads):

http://www.ageod-forum.com/showthread.php?t=11732
http://www.ageod-forum.com/showthread.php?p=69220#post69220

I feel comfortable with the concepts of merging together small units with available (empty) element slots. However, I have having some trouble trying to merge fleet units.

The second thread noted above suggests that blockade fleets can allow for 2 heavy warships and 8 light warships. The at start forces for the Union include a number of fleets that consist of 2 heavy warships and 6 light warships. I cannot seem to fill the suposed 2 extra 'light' spaces. I do not see a 'merge' option/button for fleets/ships (whether or not the combination is available/allowable). In addition, the second thread also suggests that transport fleets can consist of 4 transport elements. Again, the at start forces for the union contain a number of transport fleets containing 2 ships/elements used, i.e. 2 empty slots, but I cannot seem to merge two together.

I suspect that the answer to this problem is either:
1) you simply can't do it at all.
2) I have missed somthing really obvious

Alternatively, is there any need to merge fleet units? as having the desired ships / elements within a stack, whetrher merged together or not, has the same end result / effectiveness anyway?

Please put me out of my misery.

Just in case it made a difference... I have waited until the relevant units have become 'unlocked' after the initial start of the campaign.

Regards

[Jabberwock]

I add to blockade fleets mostly for convenience ... once combined, there is less micromanagement. I combine transports to increase the number of transports available. Each time I create a 4-ship transport squadron, I can build another 2-ship squadron. I always use ctrl-c, so I'm not even sure if the combine button lights up for fleets. Just select a 2-transport squadron, ctrl-click another, ctrl-c.

[Awwhegoboom]

Thanks for the pointer, Jabberwock. The ctrl-c shortcut works just fine (just tried it). I can now happily merge my fleets.

Cheers

[BigDuke66]

Anyway to get them apart again?

How long would it take to get a missing element?

Lets say you got a frigate, they usually come in pairs, so how long would it take to get that second frigate.
Or you miss some blockade ships in a blockade flotilla how long would it take to get them into the flotilla?(If they are rebuild at all)
Doesn't look like I can buy replacements for them like I do for land forces and just wait a bit so the missing element gets replaced.

[Gray_Lensman]

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