Jane's F/A-18 - Operation: RED HEAT

OPERATION: RED HEAT



SEPTEMBER 25, 2013

Operation Red Heat was launched today in support of NATO forces against Communist Russian separatists in the Kola Peninsula. News as it happens will be posted here.


BACKGROUND

The United Nations Security Council is debating a resolution to assist the Russians to reunite and NATO is discussing security in case the situation escalates. Washington is expressing concern also so COMNAVPAC has ordered the USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Group to the Barents Sea to reassure our NATO partners. The orders are to present a high profile and hopefully a calming effect over this Russian internal conflict. The VFA-41 Black Aces have been ordered to fly to Kirkenes Air Base, Norway and land. There will be a short ceremony by local officials and then you are clear to RTB. Take care to not stray into Russian air space. The Stalinists of the new Russian region, Maskirovka Oblast of Russia (MOOR) are beating the war drum but everyone understands it is just sabre rattling to impress the Russian Republic politicians and possibly other world leaders. The carrier group will stay on station in international waters and be careful to not aggravate the situation. Have a pleasant flight.


MISSION OBJECTIVES

1. Launch from the carrier and land at Kirkenes for local ceremony to welcome us to the area.


Package:
4xF/A-18E (Foxtrot)

Supporting flights:
2xF/A-18E (Carrier CAP)( Skate)
1xE-2C (AWACS)(X-Ray)


Bullseye: Kirkenes Air Base

USS REAGAN TACAN 76
Kirkenes Air Base TACAN 21

Waypoint Listing:
WP1/FORM UP/300 IAS/5000 AGL
WP2/INGRESS/350 IAS/10000 AGL
WP3/LAND/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP4/INBOUND/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP5/RECOVERY/400 IAS/2000 AGL


RECOMMENDED LOAD OUT

550 x PGU-28 20mm
1x AN/ALE-47(2)
1x 330 Gal. Ext.
6x AIM-120 AMRAAM
4x AIM-9M Sidewinder



DEBRIEF

Dragon, ShoGunny, Lion, Arson attending

Lead: Dragon - trapped
#2: Shogunny - trapped
#3: Lion - trapped
#4: Arson - trapped

Notes: Flight launched and headed towards Kirkenes Air Base in hopes of enjoying the short ceremony and getting the cellphone numbers of a few of the local "hotties" in hopes of getting laid on a future visit.

However, while ingressing, one of our warships was hit by cruise missiles and heavily damaged. The origin of the missiles was not determined, but our flight received orders to abort its original mission and to CAP over the carrier until ordered to RTB.

All aircraft recovered safely and the mission was considered a success.


US Navy warship firing CIWS at inbound cruise missiles

SEPTEMBER 29, 2013

MISSION 2

USS Ronald Reagan - Barents Sea
VFA-41 Black Aces

LOCAL TIME: 0600
WEATHER: Overcast

ROE: YELLOW and TIGHT

BACKGROUND

COMNAVPAC has ordered the USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Group to continue to conduct operations in the Barents Sea. The investigation into the attack on the carrier group has not revealed who launched the missiles and is ongoing.
Ships radar has detected boggies at 160 deg and 180 nm away inbound to the carrier group. Scramble a flight and intercept the boggies. Keep them at least 100 nm away from the carrier group. You are cleared to engage if fired upon or they ingress within 100 nm of the carrier. When the area is clear of threats you are ordered to RTB. Take care to not stray into Russian air space.


MISSION OBJECTIVES

1. Scramble and intercept incoming boggies.


Package:
6xF/A-18E (Foxtrot)

Supporting flights:
2xF/A-18E (Carrier CAP)( Skate)
1xE-2C (AWACS)(X-Ray)


Bullseye: Kirkenes Air Base

USS REAGAN TACAN 76
Kirkenes Air Base TACAN 21

Waypoint Listing:
WP1/FORM UP/300 IAS/5000 AGL
WP2/INGRESS/350 IAS/10000 AGL
WP3/INTERCEPT/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP4/INBOUND/365 IAS/25000 AGL
WP5/RECOVERY/400 IAS/2000 AGL


RECOMENDED LOAD OUT

550 x PGU-28 20mm
1x AN/ALE-47(2)
1x 330 Gal. Ext.
2x AIM-7MH Sparrow
8x AIM-120 AMRAAM
4x AIM-9M Sidewinder



DEBRIEF

Dragon, Arson, Hedgehog, Ticman attending

Lead: Dragon - 2 MiG-23s, landed at divert airfield
#2: Arson - 1 MiG-23, landed at divert airfield
#3: Hedgehog - trapped
#4: Ticman - crashed on deck

Notes unavailable.


Intelligence provided photo of downed Russian aircraft

OCTOBER 2, 2013

MISSION 3

USS Ronald Reagan - Barents Sea
VFA-41 Black Aces

LOCAL TIME: 1300
WEATHER: Cloudy

ROE: Yellow and Hold

BACKGROUND

Radar has indentified a A-50U Mainstay inbound from the Murmansk area. As its mission is probably to gather intelligence on the carrier group, command has ordered a flight of FA-18s to intercept it. Your orders are to prevent the A-50U from engressing within 100 nm of the carrier group and force it to return to the mainland. If it will not turn back you are cleared to engage and fire. If the Mainstay trys to divert around you to another path to the carrier group you are clear to engage and fire. IF it is nessessary to use weapons, attempt to only damage the Mainstay with guns and force it to return to the mainland. Unnecessary loss of life will only aggravate this situration. Do not stray into Russian air space. RTB when the area is clear.


MISSION OBJECTIVES

1. Launch from the carrier and intercept the A-50U Mainstay. Force it to return to the mainland.


Package:
6xF/A-18E (Foxtrot)

Supporting flights:
2xF/A-18E (Carrier CAP)( Skate)
1xE-2C (AWACS)(X-Ray)


Bullseye: Kirkenes Air Base

USS REAGAN TACAN 76
Kirkenes Air Base TACAN 21
Kutskova Air Field TACAN 45

Waypoint Listing:
WP1/FORM UP/300 IAS/5000 AGL
WP2/INGRESS/350 IAS/10000 AGL
WP3/INTERCEPT/350IAS/30000 AGL
WP4/INBOUND/350 IAS/30000 AGL
WP5/RECOVERY/400 IAS/2000 AGL


RECOMENDED LOAD OUT

550 x PGU-28 20mm
1x AN/ALE-47(2)
1x 330 Gal. Ext.
8x AIM-120 AMRAAM
4x AIM-9M Sidewinder




DEBRIEF

Hedgehog, ShoGunny, Madrus, Arson, Lion attending

1 - Hedgehog: 1x MiG-21, 1x Su-27, trapped.
2 - ShoGunny: shot down by SAM.
3 - Madrus: shot down by SAM.
4 - Arson: 1x A-50, shot down by Su-27.
5 - Lion: 1x MiG-21, trapped.


Notes: Flight encountered several aircraft groups near intercept point. One civilian airliner was VID'ed. A flight of MiG-21s was intercepted. MiGs demonstrated hostile intent by launching missiles. FL ordered weapons free. MiGs were shot down. A-50 was located at about 100nm engagement threshold from mother. Flight was under constant attack by enemy shipboard SAMs. FL ordered A-50 shot down. Remaining aircraft were accosted by Su-27s launched from enemy carrier and had to shoot their way out to get home.

MISSION SUCCESS. We're in a shooting war at this point, having lost three airframes in this engagement.

On deck.



CAPT Hedgehog launching.



In formation.



CAPT Hedgehog on final approach.



Debriefing document displaying hostile enemy action within a five minute segment.

Nice! Your debrief makes me sorry I missed the flight.

OCTOBER 6, 2013

MISSION 4

USS Ronald Reagan - Barents Sea
VFA-41 Black Aces

LOCAL TIME: 0800
WEATHER: Clear

ROE: Yellow and Safe

BACKGROUND

The VFA-41 Black Aces are ordered to escort an E-2C to gather intel on the MOOR carrier group. The carrier group is currently 200 nm south-east of our position. The E-2C will take off with the flight and ingress at Angels 30, 250 Kts following the same flight path as Foxtrot. The MOOR carrier will likely launch fighters as a defensive cover. The E-2C Hawkeye will orbit at a safe distance until it is determined to be safe for the Hawkeye to continue the mission. Do not fire upon the Russian fighters unless fired upon first.


MISSION OBJECTIVES

1. Launch from the carrier with the Hawkeye (Hotel) and escort for intel gathering flight.


Package:
6xF/A-18E (Escort)(Foxtrot)
1xE-2C Hawkeye (Hotel)

Supporting flights:
2xF/A-18E (Carrier CAP)( Skate)
1xE-3 (AWACS)(X-Ray)
1xSH-60 (SAR)(Sandy)

Bullseye: Kirkenes Air Base

USS REAGAN TACAN 76
Kirkenes Air Base TACAN 21
Kutskova Air Field TACAN 45

Waypoint Listing:
WP1/FORM UP/250 IAS/2000 AGL
WP2/ESCORT/275 IAS/5000 AGL
WP3/ESCORT/300 IAS/30000 AGL
WP4/ESCORT/300 IAS/30000 AGL
WP5/INBOUND/300 IAS/25000 AGL
WP6/RECOVERY/400 IAS/2000 AGL


RECOMMENDED LOAD OUT

550 x PGU-28 20mm
1x AN/ALE-47(2)
1x 330 Gal. Ext.
2x AIM-7 Sparrows
6x AIM-120 AMRAAM
4x AIM-9M Sidewinder




DEBRIEF

Dragon, Madrus, Arson, Ticman, Hedgehog, ShoGunny attending

1 - Dragon: trapped.
2 - Madrus: trapped.
3 - Arson: 2x Su-27, 1x Su-33, trapped.
4 - Ticman: 3x Su-33, crashed on recovery.
5 - Hedgehog: landed at divert field (Kutskova)
6 - ShoGunny: trapped.

Notes:
Dragon & Madrus collided in flight. Both planes damaged and both recovered safely. Hedgehog was re-assigned as Flight lead.

AWACS reported hostile aircraft inbound. Flight Leader sent Arson & Ticman to investigate. Bandits launched a-a missiles, Arson & Ticman engaged and shot them down.

ShoGunny, Arson, & Ticman were ordered RTB due to low fuel. FL continued escort until fuel low, and was diverted to Kutskova due to crash on deck/fouled deck.

Mission failed. Flight did not complete escort of E-2C Hawkeye. Overall, flight would have needed much more fuel to complete the escort, which was well over 2 hours. (No tanker available.)

Not enough flares for this unlucky Flanker.

OCTOBER 9, 2013

MISSION 5


USS Ronald Reagan - Barents Sea
VFA-41 Black Aces

LOCAL TIME: 0700
WEATHER: Clear

ROE: Yellow and Tight

BACKGROUND

A flight of F/A-18 Hornets are tasked to fly a patrol along the Russian coast in international waters. The MOOR carrier group has moved in port but intel reports indicate above normal radio traffic and chatter. Command advises caution and staying alert for unprovoked aggression. Your flight is cleared to engage any hostiles if you or our ships are fired upon. Your load out will include SEAD and anti-ship capability. The USS Reagan carrier group will be moving to a position farther off the coast. This move should take the carrier group out of range of land based missiles and provide more warning time for other threats. Intelligence does not yet know the extent of the MOOR naval capability or the location of all their ships. A KC-135 tanker will be available on your waypath near WP5. Stay alert and do not stray into Russian air space. RTB safely.


MISSION OBJECTIVES

1. Fly a coastal patrol and be alert for any hostile aggression.


Package:
6xF/A-18E (Foxtrot)

Supporting flights:
2xF/A-18E (Carrier CAP)( Skate)
1xE-2C (AWACS)(X-Ray)
1xKC-135 (REFUELER)(Delta)

Bullseye: Kirkenes Air Base

USS REAGAN TACAN 76
Kirkenes Air Base TACAN 21
Kutskova Air Field TACAN 45 (Divert Field)
KC-135 (USAF) Air Tanker TACAN 88

Waypoint Listing:
WP1/ARCING/300 IAS/5000 AGL
WP2/FORM UP/300 IAS/10000 AGL
WP3/PATROL/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP4/PATROL/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP5/PATROL/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP6/PATROL/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP7/INBOUND/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP8/MARSHALL/300 IAS/5000 AGL
WP9/RECOVERY/400 IAS/2000 AGL
NOTE: All WPs numbered 10 and above are to be ignored as they are used only to show geopolitical borders.

RECOMMENDED LOAD OUT

550 x PGU-28 20mm
1x AN/ALE-47(2)
1x 480 Gal Ext Fuel
1x ATFLIR DATA LINK
5x AIM-120 AMRAAM
2x AGM-84A HARPOON
2x AGM-88 HARM
2x AIM-9x Sidewinder



DEBRIEF

Hedgehog, Arson, Lion, Madrus attending

1 - Hedgehog: 5x MiG-23, trapped.
2 - Arson: trapped.
3 - Lion: 1x DD, trapped.
4 - Madrus: trapped.

Notes: Flight encountered numerous hostile aircraft as well as two destroyers, evidently under the control of MOOR separatists, that fired on our aircraft and were headed toward the fleet. Flight sank one destroyer with 2x Harpoon missiles and the other turned away.

MISSION SUCCESS.


An unconfirmed photograph of Black Ace CAPT Hedgehog shooting down Floggers.


An F/A-18 shooting a High speed Anti-Radiation Missile...


...at a separatist-controlled Sovremenny-class destroyer.

OCTOBER 13, 2013

MISSION 6

USS Ronald Reagan - Barents Sea
VFA-41 Black Aces

LOCAL TIME: 1700
WEATHER: Cloudy- Incoming storm

ROE: Yellow and Tight

BACKGROUND

COMNAVPAC has ordered a strike on the MOOR carrier group now believed to be responsible for the previous attacks against our ships. The success of this strike will not be determined only by damage inflicted to the enemys ships but more by demonstating our willingness and ability to launch a strike against their carrier group. The first priority is no loss of friendly aircraft, second priority is critical damage to enemy ships. The mission is outlined as follows:

1. The STRIKE flight (Alpha, Group A) will ingress NOE from WP#3 to within weapon launch range, then climb rapidly to optimal weapons release altitude to launch weapons, then hit the deck and egress.
STRIKE flight should concentrate the attack on the nearest target to give the weapons the best chance of penetrating the enemies defenses.

2. CAP/SEAD flight (Bravo, Group B) will ingress at angels 25 and arrive at WP#3 two minutes before STRIKE reaches its respective WP#3.
CAP/SEAD will ingress to launch HARMS then stand off near WP#5 at angels 15 to cover the STRIKE flights egress in case enemy fighters launch and pursue.

3. Both flights will meet near WP#5 and RTB.

A KC-135 tanker will be available on your egress waypath midway between WP5 and WP6. AWACS (X-Ray One) will launch with the flight and be onstation by 1715. The MOOR carrier group is presently 200 nm south-east of our present position and consists of 5 or 6 ships. Good luck and RTB safely.

MISSION OBJECTIVES

1. Two flights launch and coordinate their respective ingress to deliver a HARM SEAD and HARPOON STRIKE on a ship in the MOOR carrier group.

Package:
3xF/A-18E (STRIKE)(Alpha)
3xF/A-18E (CAP/SEAD)(Bravo)

Supporting flights:
2xF/A-18E (Carrier CAP)( Skate)
1xE-2C (AWACS)(X-Ray)
1xKC-135 (USAF)(Delta)

Bullseye: Kirkenes Air Base

USS REAGAN TACAN 76
Kirkenes Air Base TACAN 21
Kutskova Divert Field TACAN 45
KC-135 (Delta) Air Tanker TACAN 88

STRIKE(Alpha) Waypoint Listing:

WP1/FORM UP/300 IAS/5000 AGL
WP2/INGRESS/300 IAS/25000 AGL
WP3/INGRESS NOE/350 IAS/100 AGL
WP4/ANTI-SHIP STRIKE/450 IAS/100 AGL
WP5/EGRESS/500 IAS/200 AGL
WP6/INBOUND/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP7/RECOVERY/400 IAS/5000 AGL

CAP/SEAD(Bravo) Waypoint Listing:

WP1/FORM UP/300 IAS/5000 AGL
WP2/INGRESS/300 IAS/25000 AGL
WP3/INGRESS/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP4/ANTI-SHIP SEAD/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP5/CAP/300 IAS/15000 AGL
WP6/INBOUND/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP7/RECOVERY/400 IAS/5000 AGL


RECOMENDED STRIKE LOAD OUT

550 x PGU-28 20mm
1x AN/ALE-47(2)
1x 480 Gal Ext Fuel
2x AIM-120 AMRAAM
4x AGM-84A HARPOON
2x AGM-88 HARM
2x AIM-9x Sidewinder

RECOMENDED CAP/SEAD LOAD OUT

550 x PGU-28 20mm
1x AN/ALE-47(2)
1x 480 Gal Ext Fuel
6x AIM-120 AMRAAM
4x AGM-88 HARM
2x AIM-9x Sidewinder


DEBRIEF

Sim crashed for everyone as they reached the target area.

OCTOBER 16, 2013

MISSION 7

USS Ronald Reagan - Barents Sea
VFA-41 Black Aces

LOCAL TIME: 0800
WEATHER: Clear

ROE: White and Safe

BACKGROUND

The MOOR carrier has stayed close to port and within the Russian territorial waters. The region might be more secure now but patrols are still nessessary and we have to maintain the training schedule. Fly a patrol ahead of the USS REAGANs course and meet a KC-135 (USAF) near WP#5 to refuel for training. Upon completion of the training return to the carrier and do a Case 1 recovery.
Potentially hostile Russian aircraft have also been patroling in the region but there have been no incidents or hostile action since our strike against the MOOR carrier group. ROE have been set to Weapons Safe but stay alert and defensive. You are only authorized to launch weapons if first fired upon. Take care to not stray into Russian air space. RTB safely.


MISSION OBJECTIVES

1. Fly an advance patrol for the carrier group. Refuel for training and RTB.


Package:
6xF/A-18E (Foxtrot)

Supporting flights:
2xF/A-18E (Carrier CAP)( Skate)
1xE-2C (AWACS)(X-Ray)
1xKC-135 (USAF)(Delta)

Bullseye: Kirkenes Air Base

USS REAGAN TACAN 76
Kirkenes Air Base TACAN 21
Kutskova Divert Field TACAN 45
KC-135 (Delta) Air Tanker TACAN 88

Waypoint Listing:
WP1/TAKE OFF/300 IAS/5000 AGL
WP2/FORM UP/300 IAS/15000 AGL
WP3/PATROL/300 IAS/25000 AGL
WP4/PATROL/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP5/REFUEL/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP6/PATROL/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP7/INBOUND/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP8/RECOVERY/400 IAS/2000 AGL


RECOMENDED LOAD OUT

550 x PGU-28 20mm
1x AN/ALE-47(2)
1x 330 Gal Ext Fuel
6x AIM-120 AMRAAM
4x AIM-9M Sidewinder

DEBRIEF

Hedgehog, Arson, Lion, ShoGunny attending

1 - Hedgehog: tanked, landed at divert.
2 - Arson: tanked, engine failure, landed at divert.
3 - Lion: tanked, trapped.
4 - ShoGunny: tanked, trapped.

Notes: ROE was weapons hold unless fired upon. Encountered several flights of bandit aircraft, however none fired upon us. Began IFR exercise. Sim glitch resulted in controls freeze-up and engine damage on #2 aircraft. FL ordered 1 & 2 to divert. 3 & 4 tanked, completed patrol, and RTB.

OCTOBER 20, 2013

MISSION 8

USS Ronald Reagan - Barents Sea
VFA-41 Black Aces

LOCAL TIME: 0600
WEATHER: Cloudy

ROE: Yellow and Tight

BACKGROUND

Radar detected two large aircraft taking off from Kilpyavr Air Base about an hour ago. The flight headed north out to sea and were joined by several fighter aircraft. The flight has now turned toward our carrier group. Radar signatures identify the aircraft as Russian Tu-22M Backfires and Mig-29s as escorts. The Backfires may be armed with long range anti-ship missiles and can not be allowed within 150 nm of the carrier. Intercept the incoming flight at WP#4 and turn them away. You are clear to launch weapons only if fired upon. You are clear to use guns to damage the Backfires if they refuse to turn away and close within 150 nm of the carrier. When AWACS declares the ops area is clear, you are ordered to RTB. A KC-135 Air Tanker will be available near WP#5.


MISSION OBJECTIVES

1. Launch and intercept the inbound Backfires.


Package:
6xF/A-18E (Foxtrot)

Supporting flights:
2xF/A-18E (Carrier CAP)( Skate)
1xE-2C (AWACS)(X-Ray)
1xKC-135 (Delta) Air Tanker

Bullseye: Kirkenes Air Base

USS REAGAN TACAN 76
Kirkenes Air Base TACAN 21
Kutskova Divert Field TACAN 45
KC-135 (Delta) Air Tanker TACAN 88

Waypoint Listing:
WP1/ARCING/300 IAS/5000 AGL
WP2/FORM UP/300 IAS/10000 AGL
WP3/INGRESS/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP4/INTERCEPT/385 IAS/25000 AGL
WP5/INBOUND-REFUEL/375 IAS/25000 AGL
WP6/RECOVERY/400 IAS/2000 AGL


RECOMENDED LOAD OUT

550 x PGU-28 20mm
1x AN/ALE-47(2)
1x 330 Gal Ext Fuel
2x AIM-7F Sparrow
8x AIM-120 AMRAAM
4x AIM-9M Sidewinder




DEBRIEF

Dragon, Madrus, Hedgehog, ShoGunny, Arson, Ticman attending

Lead: Dragon - 2x MiG-29, crashed (sim failure)
#2: Madrus - 1x MiG-29, shot down by MiG-29
#3: Hedgehog - 1x MiG-29, trapped
#4: ShoGunny - trapped
#5: Arson - trapped
#6: Ticman - trapped

Notes: Flight launched and flew up through foul weather before forming up and flying to the intercept point. The MiG-29s were orbiting just beyond the engagement zone. However, one of the MiGs fired on #3. Lead called weapons hot and after a short air-to-air engagement followed which resulted in four MiGs being splashed. #2 was hit and punched out.

The Tu-22s turned away and were never a factor.

Remaining aircraft were ordered to RTB.

OCTOBER 23, 2013

MISSION 9

USS Ronald Reagan - Barents Sea
VFA-41 Black Aces

LOCAL TIME: 0345
WEATHER: Stormy
ROE: Red and Free

BACKGROUND

The TU-22M Backfires that are threatening the Reagan carrier group are based at Kilpyavr Air Base. COMNAVPAC has ordered a surprise strike to destroy them. The base is protected by a SA-10B Flap Lid radar SAM site that will have to be taken down. The Russian coast is protected by a network of SA-11 and IHawk SAMs. It will be possible to fly at NOE and pass through the coastal SAMs without being detected. CAP/SEAD will pop up before feet dry after WP#6 and SEAD the SA-10. WP# 4, 5, and 6 can be edited at mission setup to give Flight Lead the option to change the ingress if necessary. In addition to the four (4) Backfires as primary targets, the Air Field Tower is assigned as a seconday target. GPS coordinates are provided for the Air Field Tower and have been entered into your onboard targeting computers.The Air Field Tower will require two 2000-lb bombs dropped in salvo to destroy in a single pass. It is not a hardened target.
Do not linger over the target area. Expect a hostile fighter response from other area bases.

MISSION OBJECTIVES
Primary: Destroy the Backfire bombers at Kilpyavr Air Base.
Secondary: Destroy the Air Field Tower.

Package:
6xF/A-18E (Foxtrot)

Supporting flights:
2xF/A-18E (Carrier CAP)(Skate)
1xE-2C (AWACS)(X-Ray)
1xKC-135 (Air Tanker)(Delta)

Bullseye: Kirkenes Air Base

USS REAGAN TACAN 76
Kirkenes Air Base TACAN 21
Kutskova Divert Field TACAN 45
KC-135 (Delta) Air Tanker TACAN 88

Waypoint Listing:
WP1/ARCING/250 IAS/2000 AGL
WP2/FORM UP/300 IAS/5000 AGL
WP3/INGRESS/350 IAS/10000 AGL
WP4/INGRESS NOE /475 IAS/200 AGL
WP5/INGRESS NOE /475 IAS/200 AGL
WP6/INGRESS NOE /475 IAS/200 AGL
WP7/SEAD /400 IAS/5000 AGL
WP8/STRIKE TARGETS /325 IAS/15000 AGL
WP9/EGRESS /375 IAS/25000 AGL
WP10/INBOUND/375 IAS/25000 AGL
WP11/RECOVERY/400 IAS/2000 AGL

NOTE: All WPs numbered 12 and above are to be ignored as they are used only to show geopolitical borders.

RECOMENDED STRIKE LOAD OUT
550 x PGU-28 20mm
1x AN/ALE-47(2)
2x Mk-82SE SNAKE EYE (RETARDED)
1x ATFLIR DATA LINK
5x AIM-120 AMRAAM
2x GBU-29 JDAM
2x AGM-88 HARM
2x AIM-9M Sidewinder





DEBRIEF

Hedgehog, Lion, Madrus, Arson, ShoGunny attending

1 - Hedgehog: 1x Flap Lid, landed at divert.
2 - Lion: 2x MiG-23, 1x tower (pri tgt), 1x fire station, 1x truck, 1x SA-11, 1x Hawk, landed at divert.
3 - Madrus: shot down by MiG-23.
4 - Arson: 2x MiG-23, 3x Tu-22 (on gnd, pri tgt), landed at divert.
5 - ShoGunny: shot down by MiG-23.

Notes: Flight ingressed NOE at night time, and despite being under 200 feet radar altitude, an SA-11 found us and made trouble entering MOOR territory. First section performed SEAD actions and managed to bomb part of the air field. Second section was shot down by stealthy MiG-23s except for #4. #1 and #4 were damaged in the furball and diverted to a Norwegian airbase.

Great AARs - Also spent a lot of time on Jane's F/A 18 at the time I was flying jets.

OCTOBER 27, 2013

MISSION 10

USS Ronald Reagan - Barents Sea
VFA-41 Black Aces

LOCAL TIME: 0400
WEATHER: Overcast

ROE: Red and Free

BACKGROUND
The MOOR military is increasing the SAM sites and border defenses after the strike on Kilpyavr. COMNAVPAC has ordered a second strike to degrade these defenses. A window of opportunity still exists to take out the EW radar and SOC center near Murmansk. These two assets are critical to the MOOR military and the defense of the Murmansk command and area shipyards. Degrading the area defenses will make later strikes possible should it become necessary.
A flight of F/A-18 Hornets are tasked to destroy Early Warning radar and Sector Operations Command (SOC) center. DMPI-1 and DMPI-2 are the SOC communications eguipment bunkers. They are hardened targets and each will require a direct hit with a GBU-31 JDAM. DMPI-3 is the SOC command building. It is not hardened but will require at least two (2) 2000# bombs to destroy. The EW radar site is one (1) kilometer north of the SOC center and consists mainly of large antennas. Foxtrot will ingress NOE feet dry and arrive on target after Sparrow SEADs the coastal SAM.
1. At 0435 hours Sparrow will SEAD the coastal IHAWK battery on your egress route to create a divertion and eliminate the threat on your egress route.
2. Strike flight (Foxtrot) should arrive at target (WP#7) two (2) minutes after Sparrow Flight SEADs the IHAWK SAM. Anticipated fighter response should be directed towards Sparrow Flight and off shore.
3. Destroy the targets and egress NOE along the river channel until you are 15nm north of WP#9. At that point you are beyond the heavy AAA and SAM cover in the Severomorsk and Polyarnyy port areas and should be clear of land based SAMs. Sparrow Flight will be providing CAP feet wet for your egress.
A E-2C Hawkeye (Raven) will provide off shore jamming of enemy radar.
A KC-135 Air Tanker (Delta) will be available near WP#11 by 0445 if needed.

MISSION OBJECTIVES

1. The Black Aces are tasked to destroy an Early Warning radar and a SOC center.


Package:
6xF/A-18E (Foxtrot)

Supporting flights:
4xF/A-18E (SEAD)( Sparrow)
2xF/A-18E (Carrier CAP)( Skate)
1xE-2C (AWACS)(X-Ray)
1xKC-135 (Air Tanker)(Delta)
1xE-2C (Stand Off Jammer)(Raven)

Bullseye: Kirkenes Air Base

USS REAGAN TACAN 76
Kirkenes Air Base TACAN 21
Kutskova Divert Field TACAN 45
KC-135 (Delta) Air Tanker TACAN 88

Waypoint Listing:
WP1/ARCING /300 IAS/2000 AGL
WP2/FORM UP /300 IAS/5000 AGL
WP3/INGRESS /350 IAS/10000 AGL
WP4/INGRESS /375 IAS/5000 AGL
WP5/INGRESS NOE /450 IAS/200 AGL
WP6/INGRESS NOE /450 IAS/200 AGL
WP7/BOMB TARGETS /325 IAS/10000 AGL
WP8/EGRESS NOE /475 IAS/200 AGL
WP9/EGRESS NOE /475 IAS/200 AGL
WP10/EGRESS /400 IAS/20000 AGL
WP11/INBOUND/400 IAS/20000 AGL
WP12/RECOVERY/400 IAS/2000 AGL


RECOMENDED STRIKE LOAD OUT
550 x PGU-28 20mm
1x AN/ALE-47(2)
1x 480 Gal Ext Fuel
1x ATFLIR DATA LINK
1x AIM-120 AMRAAM
4x GBU-31 JDAM
2x AGM-88 HARM
2x AIM-9M Sidewinder






DEBRIEF

Dragon, Ticman, Arson, ShoGunny attending

Lead: Dragon - shot down by MiG-29
#2: Ticman - 1x MI-24, 1x Comm Bldg (primary), 2x Sat dish 1, Trapped
#3: Arson - 2xMiG-29, shop bldg, 2xmicrowave twr, Commo bunker (primary), Bldg 1 (primary), Flap lid, trapped
#4: ShoGunny - 55G6-1 Radar(primary), crashed on landing

Notes: Flight formed up in trail and ingressed nap-of-the-earth. As flight approached target, we were engaged by a flight of MiG-29s and went defensive. Lead was hit by an AA-12 and ejected safely. 2, 3,& 4 dropped on targets and egressed. Mission was a success.


An unverified photograph of the radar facility blowing up.

OCTOBER 30, 2013

MISSION 11

USS Ronald Reagan - Barents Sea
VFA-41 Black Aces

LOCAL TIME: 1700
WEATHER: Stormy

ROE: Red and Free

BACKGROUND

Sat Data has revealed the movements of 3 Russian SSBN Typhoon class submarines in the harbor area of Severomorsk. Active duty Russian subs where removed from this port prior to the MOOR seperation. Intel believes the 3 subs operating there now are reactivated from the mothball fleet. There is no way of determining the degree of combat readiness of these SSBNs but Command does not want them to become sea worthy and impossible to find. A strike has been ordered to sink them in port. The port area is guarded by a SA-15 Gauntlet and SA-13 Snap Shot SAM systems. The SA-15 Gauntlet is a radar guided system capable of shooting down sub-sonic anti ship missiles at 11,500 feet altitude and 3.5 miles range. The SA-13 Snap Shot is a range only radar system with IR homing missiles capable of shooting down targets at 10,000 feet altitude and 3.1 miles range. Several low altitude AAA sites also guard the port area. Additionally a newly installed IHAWK battery at the Murmansk port has the range to reach the target area. Intel is recommending the use of GBU-24B Paveway Precision-guided 2000# munitions. The heavy double hull of the submarines would require multiple hits of lighter weapons. The SSBNs are normally docked before dusk at piers #1, #2, and #3. The MOOR carrier group is out of port and nearing the Norway border. This may complicate using the Kutskova Divert Field. A temporary Divert Field has been established at Batsfjord, Norway, Tacan 55. A KC-135 Air Tanker (Delta) will be on station by 1750.
The Black Aces are tasked with this strike mission.


MISSION OBJECTIVES

1. Sink the three SSBN Typhoon class subs at Severomorsk, WP#5.


Package:
6xF/A-18E (Foxtrot)

Supporting flights:
2xF/A-18E (Carrier CAP)( Skate)
1xE-2C (AWACS)(X-Ray)
1xKC-135 (Air Tanker)(Delta)

Bullseye: Kirkenes Air Base

USS REAGAN TACAN 76
Kirkenes Air Base TACAN 21
Kutskova Divert Field TACAN 45
Batsfjord AP (Temp Divert Field) TACAN 55
KC-135 (Delta) Air Tanker TACAN 88

Waypoint Listing:
WP1/ARCING/300 IAS/5000 AGL
WP2/FORM UP/300 IAS/10000 AGL
WP3/INGRESS/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP4/INGRESS/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP5/BOMB TARGETS/300 IAS/15000 AGL
WP6/EGRESS/400 IAS/25000 AGL
WP7/INBOUND/400 IAS/25000 AGL
WP8/RECOVERY/400 IAS/2000 AGL


RECOMENDED STRIKE LOAD OUT

550 x PGU-28 20mm
1x AN/ALE-47(2)
1x 480 Gal Ext Fuel
1x ATFLIR DATA LINK
1x AIM-120 AMRAAM
4x GBU-24B Paveway LGB
2x AGM-88 HARM
2x AIM-9M Sidewinder

RECOMENDED CAP/SEAD LOAD OUT

550 x PGU-28 20mm
1x AN/ALE-47(2)
1x 480 Gal Ext Fuel
6x AIM-120 AMRAAM
4x AGM-88 HARM
2x AIM-9M Sidewinder





DEBRIEF

Dragon, Lion, Madrus, Arson, ShoGunny attending

Lead: Dragon - sank sub (primary) but fragged self in the process and ejected
#2: Lion - 1xMiG-29, shot down
#3: Madrus - shot down
#4: Arson - lots of SAMs, aircraft damaged, crashed on deck
#5: Shogunny - lots of SAMs, shot down

Notes: Mission failure because two subs were not destroyed.


A menacing looking Typhoon-class underway.

NOVEMBER 03, 2013

MISSION 12

USS Ronald Reagan - Barents Sea
VFA-41 Black Aces

LOCAL TIME: 0530
WEATHER: Clear

ROE: Red and Free

BACKGROUND

Intel has now confirmed that prior to the separation of the MOOR faction from the Russian Federation several SS-16 "Sinner" medium range ICBM missiles were transported from storage at Plesetsk, Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russia to the Pushnoy Air Base. The SS-16 is an older missile armed with a very capable single 0.6-1.5 MT nuclear warhead. The warheads are being stored and modified in three hardened bunkers. Recent SAT DATA revealed the MOOR military have also moved three (3) Scud-TEL launchers to Pushnoy Air Base. Command feels there is a high probability the SS-16 warheads are being fitted to the Scud missiles. COMNAVPAC has ordered a strike to destroy the warheads and Scud-TEL vehicles before this can be completed. The Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) has agreed to provide a flight of F-16s to SEAD at the target area. The operation will be carried out as follows:
1. The RNoAF F-16s (Raven) will ingress from the south west and SEAD the IHAWK SAM guarding the area at 0600.
2. Strike flight (Foxtrot) will ingress from the north and arrive at the target area (WP#6) no earlier than 0605.
3. Escort SEAD flight (Python) will SEAD the IHAWK SAM at Murmansk to clear the Strike flight ingress route. Python will continue to escort Foxtrot to the target area and provide CAP over target and during egress.
4. Strike flight (Foxtrot) is tasked with bombing the three hardened bunkers and destroying the Scud-TEL vehicles. GPS targeting is provided as DMPI-1, DMPI-2, and DMPI-3 for the bunkers. Each bunker can be destroyed with a direct hit by a single GBU-31 JDAM Bunker Buster.
The Scud-TEL vehicles are normally parked at night on the tarmac near the air base control tower and should still be there for this early morning strike.

MISSION OBJECTIVES

Primary. Ingress with Python flight and bomb the three bunkers.
Secondary. Locate and destroy the three Scud-TEL vehicles.

Package:
6xF/A-18E (STRIKE)(Foxtrot)

Supporting flights:
2xF/A-18E (Escort SEAD)(Python)
4xF-16 (Norway)(SEAD)(Raven)
2xF/A-18E (Carrier CAP)( Skate)
1xE-2C (AWACS)(X-Ray)
1xKC-135 (Air Tanker)(Delta)

Bullseye: Kirkenes Air Base

USS REAGAN TACAN 76
Kirkenes Air Base TACAN 21
Kutskova Divert Field TACAN 45
Batsfjord AP (Temp Divert Field) TACAN 55
KC-135 (Delta) Air Tanker TACAN 88

Waypoint Listing:
WP1/ARCING/300 IAS/5000 AGL
WP2/FORM UP/325 IAS/25000 AGL
WP3/INGRESS/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP4/INGRESS/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP5/INGRESS/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP6/BOMB TARGETS/350 IAS/20000 AGL
WP7/EGRESS/340 IAS/30000 AGL
WP8/EGRESS/340 IAS/30000 AGL
WP9/REFUEL/340 IAS/30000 AGL
WP10/INBOUND/400 IAS/20000 AGL
WP11/RECOVERY/400 IAS/2000 AGL


RECOMENDED STRIKE LOAD OUT

550 x PGU-28 20mm
1x AN/ALE-47(2)
1x 330 Gal Ext Fuel
1x ATFLIR DATA LINK
1x AIM-120 AMRAAM
4x GBU-31 JDAM
2x AGM-88 HARM
2x AIM-9M Sidewinder









DEBRIEF

Hedgehog, Arson, Madrus, ShoGunny, Dragon attending

1 - Hedgehog: 1x MiG-23, 2x SA-15, 1x Hawk, trapped.
2 - Arson: 1x MiG-23, 2x Su-27, 2x SA-15, trapped.
3 - Madrus: 1x Bunker (pri tgt), MIA.
4 - ShoGunny: landed at divert.
5 - Dragon: 1x SCUD Launcher (pri tgt), trapped.

Notes: Mission partially successful. All bunkers not destroyed. ALL SCUD launchers not found, may have been moved from the tarmac area before strike mission arrived.



The SS-16 ICBM

NOVEMBER 06, 2013

MISSION 13

USS Ronald Reagan - Barents Sea
VFA-41 Black Aces

LOCAL TIME: 0800
WEATHER: Unsettled

ROE: Red and Free

BACKGROUND

Two flights of F/A-18 Hornets (Foxtrot & Bravo) are coordinating an attack on the enemy A-50 Mainstay. A pattern in its ops has been identified and Intel believes this information can be exploited to bring it down. It will require two flights to coordinate their ingress on seperate routes to trap the Mainstay between them. Foxtrot (Group A) will ingress undetected NOE over land on a southern route. Bravo (Group B) will ingress at Angels 25 in a high profile route over water to the north. Our fighter activity should bring the enemy Mainstay into operation from Monchegorsk Air Base as AEW, Airborn Early Warning. If it follows the identified pattern, the Mainstay will fly an AWACs pattern at Angels 30 in the safety of two SA-10 SAM sites.
1. Foxtrot and Bravo need to arrive at their respective WP#7 at about the same time with the Mainstay on the north bound leg of its pattern. SA will make timing this possible.
2. Bravo will SEAD the SA-10B SAM site and possibly draw the Mainstays escort into an engagement.
3. Foxtrot will climb rapidly from WP#7 and block the Mainstays retreat route to the south. At this point Command is ordering the use of only AIM-7 Sparrow missiles by both flights to reduce the risk of a friendly fire incident.
4. Target and kill the Mainstay and both flights egress to the north. Resume normal weapons deployment.
A hostile fighter response is expected and a FA-18 flight (Shark) will launch at 0820 to provide additional egress cover. An air refueler will be available by 0850 if needed.
Because of the demanding conditions of this complex mission, the Black Aces are tasked with both Foxtrot and Bravo flights.

MISSION OBJECTIVES

1. Coordinate ingress and targeting to eliminate the A-50 Mainstay.


Package:
2xF/A-18E (Foxtrot)
4xF/A-18E (Bravo)

Supporting flights:
4xF/A-18E (Egress CAP)( Shark)
2xF/A-18E (Carrier CAP)( Skate)
1xE-2C (AWACS)(X-Ray)
1xKC-135 (Air Tanker)(Delta)

Bullseye: Kirkenes Air Base

USS REAGAN TACAN 76
Kirkenes Air Base TACAN 21
Kutskova Divert Field TACAN 45
KC-135 (Delta) Air Tanker TACAN 88

Foxtrot Waypoint Listing:
WP1/ARCING/250 IAS/5000 AGL
WP2/FORM UP/375 IAS/15000 AGL
WP3/INGRESS/400 IAS/15000 AGL
WP4/INGRESS NOE/450 IAS/200 AGL
WP5/INGRESS NOE/450 IAS/200 AGL
WP6/INGRESS NOE/450 IAS/200 AGL
WP7/INGRESS NOE/450 IAS/200 AGL
WP8/KILL TARGET/340 IAS/30000 AGL
WP9/EGRESS/340 IAS/30000 AGL
WP10/REFUEL/340 IAS/30000 AGL
WP11/INBOUND/340 IAS/30000 AGL
WP12/RECOVERY/400 IAS/2000 AGL

Bravo Waypoint Listing:
WP1/ARCING/250 IAS/5000 AGL
WP2/FORM UP/300 IAS/10000 AGL
WP3/INGRESS/350 IAS/15000 AGL
WP4/INGRESS /350 IAS/20000 AGL
WP5/INGRESS /350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP6/INGRESS /350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP7/SEAD /350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP8/CAP/300 IAS/30000 AGL
WP9/EGRESS/340 IAS/30000 AGL
WP10/REFUEL/340 IAS/30000 AGL
WP11/INBOUND/340 IAS/30000 AGL
WP12/RECOVERY/400 IAS/2000 AGL

RECOMENDED LOAD OUT

550 x PGU-28 20mm
1x AN/ALE-47(2)
1x 480 Gal Ext Fuel
4x AIM-7MH Sparrow
4x AIM-120 AMRAAM
2x AGM-88 HARM
2x AIM-9M Sidewinder







DEBRIEF

Hedgehog, ShoGunny, Lion, Arson attending

1 - Hedgehog: damaged by MiG-29, landed at divert.
2 - ShoGunny: 1x MiG-29, shot down by MiG-29.
3 - Lion: 1x Flap Lid, 1x Hawk, landed at divert.
4 - Arson: 1x MiG-23, 1x MiG-29, 1x A-50U, 1x Snow Drift, trapped.

Notes: Located and destroyed high value airborne asset (enemy AWACS).


A-50 Mainstay aircraft, no more.

NOVEMBER 10, 2013

MISSION 14

USS Ronald Reagan - Barents Sea
VFA-41 Black Aces

LOCAL TIME: 0600
WEATHER: Clear

ROE: YELLOW AND TIGHT

BACKGROUND

As political conditions worsen between the Russian Republic and the Stalinist's of Maskirovka, the United Nations security council has ordered sanctions to stop the buildup of weapons flowing into the area. COMNAVPAC has ordered the USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Group to enforce a naval blockade along the Barents Sea. No cargo ship is allowed to make port without first being inspected.
A small convoy of ships with military escort have entered the restricted area to the south east. The convoy of three (3) cargo ships and two (2) destroyers are presently steaming at 14 knots on a heading of about 310 for the Maskirovka mainland port of Ostrovnoy. Intercept the ships at WP#5 and turn the cargo ships away from the mainland, to the north or east. At least two (2) Foxtrot Flight aircraft will orbit within 10 nm of the convoy below Angels 10 to make your presence known. If the cargo ships do not change course away from the mainland within 5 minutes of commencing this low level orbit, you are authorized to sink any of the cargo ships still heading toward the mainland. If the military escort ships fire on the flight, you are authorized to sink both escort ships. Use caution to not accidentally sink any cargo ships that turn away and show they are willing to abide by the rules of the embargo. The MOOR Stalinist's are protesting the blockade and vow to protect the MOOR sovereignty with military action if necessary.


MISSION OBJECTIVES

1. Launch and intercept the convoy. Enforce the embargo blockade.

Package:
6xF/A-18E (Foxtrot)

Supporting flights:
2xF/A-18E (Carrier CAP)( Skate)
1xE-2C (AWACS)(X-Ray)
1xKC-135 (Air Tanker)(Delta)

Bullseye: Port of Ostrovnoy

USS REAGAN TACAN 76
Kirkenes Air Base TACAN 21
Kutskova Divert Field TACAN 45
KC-135 (Delta) Air Tanker TACAN 88

Waypoint Listing:
WP1/ARCING/300 IAS/5000 AGL
WP2/FORM UP/340 IAS/15000 AGL
WP3/INGRESS/325 IAS/25000 AGL
WP4/INGRESS/325 IAS/30000 AGL
WP5/INTERCEPT CONVOY/350 IAS/15000 AGL
WP6/EGRESS-REFUEL/325 IAS/30000 AGL
WP7/INBOUND/325 IAS/30000 AGL
WP8/RECOVERY/400 IAS/2000 AGL


RECOMENDED LOAD OUT

550 x PGU-28 20mm
1x AN/ALE-47(2)
1x 330 Gal Ext Fuel
1x ATFLIR DATA LINK
5x AIM-120 AMRAAM
2x AGM-84A HARPOON
2x AGM-88 HARM
2x AIM-9M Sidewinder



[/quote]

DEBRIEF

Dragon, Arson, Hedgehog, Ticman attending

Lead: Dragon - 2xMiG-23, 2xMiG-29, cargo ship (primary), trapped
#2: Arson - shot down (glitch)
#3: Hedgehog - 1xMi-24, shipborne radar, shot down (glitch)
#4: Ticman - shipborne radar, shot down (glitch)

Notes: Flight formed up for 300 nm ingress to station off MOOR coast. During transit, flight was engaged by two MiG-23s. 1 & 2 turned to VID, but incoming aircraft launched on 1 & 2. Lead got two AMRAAMs off and splashed both bandits.

As flight approached target area, 1 & 2 began Show-Of-Force pass over cargo ships. Two escorting destroyers launched SAMs but 3 & 4 fired HARMs and took out the fire control radars on both ships.

Flight was then engaged by two MIG-29s and an Mi-24 Hind. 2, 3, & 4 were all hit and went down, but not before #3 dispatched the Hind. Lead splashed both MiGs.

Meanwhile, two of the three cargo ships turned around. The third ran the blockade line and was sunk by a single AGM-84 "Harpoon" fired by Lead, who then egressed 150 nm to a tanker before recovering safely onboard the carrier.

Mission was a success, despite the loss of three pilots and aircraft.


Naval blockade being enforced.

NOVEMBER 13, 2013

MISSION 15

USS Ronald Reagan - Barents Sea
VFA-41 Black Aces

LOCAL TIME: 1000
WEATHER: Clear

ROE: YELLOW AND TIGHT

BACKGROUND

As political conditions worsen between the Russian Republic and the Stalinist's of Maskirovka, the United Nations security council has ordered sanctions to stop the buildup of weapons flowing into the area. COMNAVPAC has ordered the USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Group to enforce a naval blockade along the Barents Sea. No cargo ship is allowed to make port without first being inspected.
Two cargo ships have entered the restricted area to the south east. The two (2) cargo ships are presently steaming at 14 knots on a heading of about 200 for the Maskirovka mainland port of Ostrovnoy. Expect a possibly hostile escort to join them from the port. Intercept the ships at WP#4 and turn them away from the mainland. At least two (2) aircraft will orbit within 10 nm of the cargo ships below Angels 10 to make your presence known. If the cargo ships do not change course away from the mainland within 5 minutes of commencing this low level orbit, you are authorized to sink any of the cargo ships still heading toward the mainland. If any military escort ships fire on the flight, you are authorized to sink them. Use caution to not accidentally sink any cargo ships willing to abide by the rules of the embargo.


MISSION OBJECTIVES

1. Launch and intercept the convoy. Enforce the embargo blockade.

Package:
6xF/A-18E (Foxtrot)

Supporting flights:
2xF/A-18E (Carrier CAP)( Skate)
1xE-2C (AWACS)(X-Ray)
1xKC-135 (Air Tanker)(Delta)

Bullseye: Tumannyy

USS REAGAN TACAN 76
Kirkenes Air Base TACAN 21
Kutskova Divert Field TACAN 45
KC-135 (Delta) Air Tanker TACAN 88

Waypoint Listing:
WP1/ARCING/275 IAS/5000 AGL
WP2/FORM UP/300 IAS/15000 AGL
WP3/INGRESS/350IAS/25000 AGL
WP4/INTERCEPT CARGO/350 IAS/15000 AGL
WP5/EGRESS-REFUEL/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP6/RECOVERY/400 IAS/2000 AGL


RECOMENDED LOAD OUT

550 x PGU-28 20mm
1x AN/ALE-47(2)
1x 480 Gal Ext Fuel
1x ATFLIR DATA LINK
5x AIM-120 AMRAAM
2x AGM-84A HARPOON
2x AGM-88 HARM
2x AIM-9M Sidewinder







DEBRIEF

Hedgehog, ShoGunny, Lion, Madrus, Arson attending

1 - Hedgehog: 1x MiG-29, 1x Su-27, trapped.
2 - ShoGunny: RTB (medical).
3 - Lion: 1x MiG-29, 1x Su-27, 1x unknown, shot down by MiG.
4 - Madrus: hit by friendly missile, trapped.
5 - Arson, 1x anti-ship missile, 2x MiG-23, 2x destroyer, trapped.

Notes: As soon as flight was on deck ready to launch, carrier group came under major attack from enemy naval force. Flight was re-tasked with defending the carrier and retaliation strike on enemy fleet. Carrier group suffered minor damage while two enemy destroyers were sunk. Enemy carrier remains afloat.


Not pictured: a barrage of hostile anti-ship cruise missiles.

NOVEMBER 17, 2013

MISSION 16

USS Ronald Reagan - Barents Sea
VFA-41 Black Aces

LOCAL TIME: 0430
WEATHER: Stormy

ROE: RED and FREE

BACKGROUND

The effectiveness of the naval blockade has increased the movement of weapons and supplies by truck over difficult winter routes. Two bridges have been identified as critical to the MOOR military to move these supplies by truck to the north coast. COMNAVPAC has ordered a strike to destroy both bridges. As the targets are 120 nm inland and near the heavily defended Olenegorsk Air Base the use of AGM-84H SLAM-ER missiles is authorized. The center span of each bridge is to be targeted with GPS coordinates DMPI-1 and DMPI-2. One AGM-84H SLAM-ER is capable of destroying the center bridge section.
Getting to the launch point without being detected is crucial to the survivability of the SLAM-ER missiles until termination at the targets. Two flights of F/A-18 Super Hornets will coordinate an attack ingress to put the strike flight in-range to launch weapons. Foxtrot (Group A) will fly strike and Bravo (Group B) will provide CAP/SEAD support.

The Intel Dept. has prepaired the following flight plan:

1. Foxtrot (Strike) will ingress undetected at N.O.E. AHEAD of Bravo. Bravo (CAP/SEAD) will fly high profile 60 nm off shore. Both flights should reach WP#3 at about the same time.
2a. From WP#3; Foxtrot (Strike) will ingress N.O.E. and undetected for nine (9) minutes to weapon launch at WP#6.
2b. From WP#3; Bravo (CAP/SEAD) will ingress for six (6) minutes and SEAD the coastal SA-11 SAM site to provide a clear egress for Strike and provide effective CAP cover as necessary.
The elapsed time from Foxtrot releasing weapons at WP6 to egressing into the threat range of the coastal SA-11 is four (4) minutes. This timing allows Bravo seven (7) minutes to eliminate the SA-11 SAM site. Intel has determined this will be more than adequate.
A KC-135 tanker will be available near Kutskova Field, Norway, if needed.
Due to the complex nature of the mission the Black Aces have been assigned to both Foxtrot and Bravo flights. RTB safely.

MISSION OBJECTIVES

1. Launch from the carrier and use SLAM-ER missiles to destroy two inland bridges.

Package:
2xF/A-18E (Foxtrot)(STRIKE)
4xF/A-18E (Bravo)(CAP/SEAD)

Supporting flights:
2xF/A-18E (Carrier CAP)( Skate)
1xE-2C (AWACS)(X-Ray)
1xKC-135 (Air Tanker)(Delta)

Bullseye: Kirkenes Air Base

USS REAGAN TACAN 76
Kirkenes Air Base TACAN 21
Kutskova Divert Field TACAN 45
KC-135 (Delta) Air Tanker TACAN 88

Foxtrot Waypoint Listing:
WP1/FORM UP/275 IAS/5000 AGL
WP2/INGRES/340 IAS/25000 AGL
WP3/INGRES NOE/450 IAS/200 AGL
WP4/INGRES NOE/450 IAS/200 AGL
WP5/INGRES NOE/450 IAS/200 AGL
WP6/LAUNCH WEAPONS/450 IAS/200 AGL
WP7/ENGRESS/525 IAS/2000 AGL
WP8/ENGRESS/475 IAS/10000 AGL
WP9/INBOUND/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP10/RECOVERY/400 IAS/2000 AGL

Bravo Waypoint Listing:
WP1/FORM UP/275 IAS/5000 AGL
WP2/INGRESS/300 IAS/25000 AGL
WP3/INGRESS/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP4/SEAD/350 IAS/20000 AGL
WP5/CAP/350 IAS/15000 AGL
WP6/EGRESS/350 IAS/20000 AGL
WP7/INBOUND/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP8/RECOVERY/400 IAS/2000 AGL

RECOMENDED STRIKE LOAD OUT
550 x PGU-28 20mm
1x AN/ALE-47(2)
1x 480 Gal Ext Fuel
1x ATFLIR DATA LINK
1x AIM-120 AMRAAM
4x AGM-84H SLAM-ER
2x AGM-88 HARM
2x AIM-9M Sidewinder

RECOMENDED CAP/SEAD LOAD OUT
550 x PGU-28 20mm
1x AN/ALE-47(2)
1x 480 Gal Ext Fuel
6x AIM-120 AMRAAM
4x AGM-88 HARM
2x AIM-9M Sidewinder









DEBRIEF

Dragon, Madrus, Hedgehog, Arson attending

Lead: Dragon - 1x Snow Drift, 1x SA-11, 1x Bridge (primary), crashed on deck
#2: Madrus - 1x Bridge (primary), landed at divert due to fouled deck
#3: Hedgehog - 2x MiG-25, 1x Snow Drift, 1x SA-11, trapped.
#4: Arson - 1x SA-11, 2x SA-15, trapped.

Notes: Foxtrot flight ingressed NOE deep into MOOR controlled territory and released SLAM-ER stand off missiles at two bridges.

Bravo flight ingressed at high altitude and provided SEAD and CAP for Foxtrot.

Both bridges were destroyed and all aircraft egressed safely. However, Lead aircraft crashed on deck during recovery. Suspected cause was that he dropped his nose as he touched down. Aircraft was a complete loss and pilot was roasted.

Otherwise, mission was a complete success.



The more you know!

NOVEMBER 20, 2013

MISSION 16a

USS Ronald Reagan - Barents Sea
VFA-41 Black Aces

LOCAL TIME: 0400
WEATHER: Cloudy

ROE: RED and FREE

BACKGROUND

The effectiveness of the naval blockade has increased the movement of weapons and supplies by truck over difficult winter routes. Two bridges have been identified as critical to the MOOR military to move these supplies by truck to the north coast. COMNAVPAC has ordered a strike to destroy both bridges. The targets are near the heavily defended Olenegorsk Air Base. Ingress will have to be NOE to prevent detection before reaching the target area. The center span of each bridge is to be targeted with GPS coordinates DMPI-1 and DMPI-2.
Two flights of F/A-18 Super Hornets will ingress on the same flight path NOE deep within MOOR hostile territory to reach the targets. Extra fuel will be necessary to fly the 600 nm flight path to reach the Air Tanker at WP#8. This will reduce the weapons capacity of both flights and require a undetected ingress and the judicious use of weapons that more important. Alpha (Group A) will fly CAP/SEAD and Bravo (Group B) will fly STRIKE.

The Intel Dept. has prepaired the following flight plan:

1. Both flights will ingress undetected at N.O.E. from WP#3 to WP#4.

2. At WP#4, Alpha (CAP/SEAD) will climb and SEAD the I-HAWK and SA-15 SAM sites at Olenegorsk Air Base and provide effective CAP cover as necessary.

3. Bravo (STRIKE) should stay NOE and undetected to allow Alpha time to clear any immediate threats.

4. Egress route will avoid known SAM threats.

A temporary divert field for damaged aircraft has been established at Stolichnaya, Finland. This air field is 80 nm west of the target bridges. TACAN 63
A KC-135 tanker will be available near WP# 8.
Due to the importance of this mission the Black Aces have been assigned to both Alpha and Bravo flights. RTB safely.


MISSION OBJECTIVES

1. Launch from the carrier and destroy two inland bridges.

Package:
4xF/A-18E (Alpha)(CAP/SEAD)
2xF/A-18E (Bravo)(STRIKE)

Supporting flights:
2xF/A-18E (Carrier CAP)( Skate)
1xE-2C (AWACS)(X-Ray)
1xKC-135 (Air Tanker)(Delta)

Bullseye: Kirkenes Air Base

USS REAGAN TACAN 76
Kirkenes Air Base TACAN 21
Kutskova Divert Field TACAN 45
Stolichnaya Divert Field TACAN 63
KC-135 (Delta) Air Tanker TACAN 88

Waypoint Listing:
WP1/ARCING/275 IAS/5000 AGL
WP2/FORM UP/325 IAS/25000 AGL
WP3/INGRESS NOE/450 IAS/200 AGL
WP4/INGRESS NOE/450 IAS/200 AGL
WP5/IP-STRIKE/350 IAS/10000 AGL
WP6/EGRESS/345 IAS/30000 AGL
WP7/EGRESS/345IAS/30000 AGL
WP8/EGRESS-REFUEL /375 IAS/25000 AGL
WP9/INBOUND/340 IAS/25000 AGL
WP10/RECOVERY/400 IAS/2000 AGL


RECOMENDED STRIKE LOAD OUT
550 x PGU-28 20mm
1x AN/ALE-47(2)
3x 330 Gal Ext Fuel
1x ATFLIR DATA LINK
1x AIM-120 AMRAAM
2x GBU-29 JDAM
2x AGM-88 HARM
2x AIM-9M Sidewinder

RECOMENDED CAP/SEAD LOAD OUT
550 x PGU-28 20mm
1x AN/ALE-47(2)
3x 330 Gal Ext Fuel
1x ATFLIR DATA LINK
1x AIM-7MH Sparrow
4x AIM-120 AMRAAM
2x AGM-88 HARM
2x AIM-9M Sidewinder







DEBRIEF

Hedgehog, Arson, Madrus, Lion attending

1 - Hedgehog: 1x MiG-29, 1x Hawk, 1x SA-15, trapped.
2 - Arson: 3x MiG-29, 1x MiG-25, 1x Hawk, 1x SA-15, trapped.
3 - Madrus: shot down by SA-11.
4 - Lion: shot down by unknown.

Notes: 3 and 4 released SLAM-ER missiles with good in-zone cues. Mission results were all screwed up. Showed that 4 did not release any weapons. Showed 1 released (Mk. 20) rock-eyes, which were not even loaded for the mission.

Mission failed (sim glitch).

NOVEMBER 24, 2013

MISSION 17

USS Ronald Reagan - Barents Sea
VFA-41 Black Aces

LOCAL TIME: 0530
WEATHER: Cloudy

ROE: RED and FREE

BACKGROUND
The successful strike on the inland bridges has thrown the MOOR military strategists into disarray. SAM systems are being repositioned in an attempt to cover vulnerable flanking ingress routes. MOOR Strike fighter assets have been forced to spread out. The coastal SA-11 destroyed in the first bridge strike mission has not yet been replaced. This leaves a window of opportunity to engress between the major SAM sites. Radar signatures indicate a significant buildup of SAM systems along the Murmansk Fjord and Tuloma River making this NOE ingress route too dangerous. An over land route is still possible to evade SAM threats as they are currently positioned. Intel has identified the location of a large weapons cache in a warehouse complex near Pushnoy. The complex consists of three (3) large warehouses and twelve (12) small warehouses. These are older framed buildings. Several small warehouse will be easily destoyed with a 500 lb bomb, a large warehouse will require one 1000 lb bomb or two 500 lb. COMNAVPAC has ordered another strike deep within enemy territory to destroy these weapons. The warehouse complex is located at WP#6. The target area is protected by a I-Hawk SAM and a SA-10B SAM located at Olenegorsk Air Base to the south. The Olenegorsk Air Base SA-10B SAM capability is degraded by lack of repair parts due to the success of the naval embargo and eliminating the over land supply routes. Expect a fighter response from area air bases once the flight has been detected.
A KC-135 refueler will be available at WP#9 if needed.
RTB safely.

MISSION OBJECTIVES
1. Launch from the carrier and ingress undetected to bomb the complex.

Package:
6xF/A-18E (Foxtrot)

Supporting flights:
2xF/A-18E (Carrier CAP)( Skate)
1xE-2C (AWACS)(X-Ray)
1xKC-135 (Air Tanker)(Delta)

Bullseye: Kirkenes Air Base

USS REAGAN TACAN 76
Kirkenes Air Base TACAN 21
Kutskova Divert Field TACAN 45
Stolichnaya Divert Field TACAN 63
KC-135 (Delta) Air Tanker TACAN 88

Waypoint Listing:
WP1/FORM UP/275 IAS/5000 AGL
WP2/INGRESS/350 IAS/10000 AGL
WP3/INGRESS/350 IAS/20000 AGL
WP4/INGRESS NOE/450 IAS/200 AGL
WP5/INGRESS NOE/450 IAS/200 AGL
WP6/BOMB TARGET/300 IAS/15000 AGL
WP7/EGRESS/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP8/EGRESS/325 IAS/30000 AGL
WP9/EGRESS-REFUEL/325 IAS/30000 AGL
WP10/INBOUND/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP11/RECOVERY/400 IAS/2000 AGL


RECOMENDED STRIKE LOAD OUT
550 x PGU-28 20mm
1x AN/ALE-47(2)
1x 480 Gal Ext Fuel
1x ATFLIR DATA LINK
1x AIM-120 AMRAAM
8x Mk-83R (Retarded) 1000lb
2x AGM-88 HARM
2x AIM-9M Sidewinder









DEBRIEF

Hedgehog, Ticman, Arson, Dragon attending

1 - Hedgehog: 1x MiG-29, 1x bldg (pri tgt), fragged self, ejected.
2 - Ticman: 1x Hawk, 4x bldgs (pri tgt), sim failure.
3 - Arson: 3x bldg (pri tgt), sim failure.
4 - Dragon: 2x SA-8, 7x bldg (pri tgt), sim failure.

Notes: Sufficient damage was inflicted on enemy weapons storage location to presume weapons stored there were mostly destroyed. Sim crashed when flight was about 50nm from the carrier. All aircraft presumed recovered safely except for FL.
MISSION SUCCESS.


Those things can really go out with a bang.

NOVEMBER 27, 2013

MISSION 18

USS Ronald Reagan - Barents Sea
VFA-41 Black Aces

LOCAL TIME: 0600
WEATHER: Cloudy

ROE: RED and FREE

BACKGROUND

The Arms Embargo against the MOORs has driven them to buy high tech weapons abroad on the black market. Intel has confirmed enemy agents have purchased Sandbox and Sunburn anti-ship missiles from probable Chinese sources. The missiles and other weapons are included in a truck convoy with armor and mobile AAA/SAM support. Less than an hour ago the convoy crossed the Finnish-Russian border into western Maskirovka Oblast south west of Nikel. Finnish authorities report the convoy consists of 18 vehicles with about 12 loaded trucks. Foxtrot flight will be able to locate and engage the convoy between WP#5 and WP#6 following the road to Zapolyarnyy. This mission will be over 720 nm overall and a KC-135 air tanker will be waiting at WP#8 on your egress.
Don't let any of the trucks escape. The MOOR carrier group is operating near the mouth of the Murmansk Fjord and should not be a threat to the flight. Good luck and good hunting. RTB safely.

MISSION OBJECTIVES

1. Launch from the carrier and destroy the supply truck convoy.

Package:
6xF/A-18E (Foxtrot)

Supporting flights:
2xF/A-18E (Carrier CAP)( Skate)
1xE-2C (AWACS)(X-Ray)
1xKC-135 (Air Tanker)(Delta)
2x SH-60 (SAR)(Sandy)

Bullseye: Kirkenes Air Base

USS REAGAN TACAN 76
Kirkenes Air Base TACAN 21
Kutskova Divert Field TACAN 45
KC-135 (Delta) Air Tanker TACAN 88

Waypoint Listing:
WP1/FORM UP/275 IAS/5000 AGL
WP2/INGRESS/325 IAS/15000 AGL
WP3/INGRESS/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP4/INGRESS/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP5/LOCATE CONVOY/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP6/STRIKE/300 IAS/15000 AGL
WP7/EGRESS/350 IAS/30000 AGL
WP8/EGRESS-REFUEL/350 IAS/30000 AGL
WP9/INBOUND/350 IAS/30000 AGL
WP10/RECOVERY/400 IAS/2000 AGL


RECOMENDED STRIKE LOAD OUT

550 x PGU-28 20mm
1x AN/ALE-47(2)
1x 480 Gal Ext Fuel
1x ATFLIR DATA LINK
1x AIM-120 AMRAAM
4x AGM-65 MAVERICK
2x AGM-88 HARM
2x AIM-9M Sidewinder







DEBRIEF

Dragon, Arson, Hedgehog, Ticman attending

Lead: Dragon - 1xMi-24, 1xMi-8, 1xRoland, 1xtruck (primary), trapped
#2: Arson - 1xMi-8, 1xmobile AAA, 1xSA-8, 1xCMD truck, 4xtruck(primary), trapped
#3: Hedgehog - 1xSnow Drift, 1xSA-15, 3xtruck (primary), trapped
#4: Ticman - 5xtruck (primary), trapped

Notes: All trucks were destroyed and all aircraft recovered safely.
The mission was a complete success.


Photograph of convoy captured moments before obliteration.

DECEMBER 04, 2013

MISSION 19

USS Ronald Reagan - Barents Sea
VFA-41 Black Aces

LOCAL TIME: 0600
WEATHER: Clear

ROE: RED and TIGHT

BACKGROUND

A situation is developing south east of Kirkenes, Norway. A MOOR armor column with attack helo support is advancing toward the Norwegian border. This attack on Norway may be a retaliatory response for the information Norwegian Intel provided on the supply convoy we recently attacked. The MOOR military have set up an IHAWK SAM fifteen (15) nm from Kirkenes Air Base and no aircraft have been able to take off. Friendly tanks and troops are heading south east to the border to meet the offensive but they desperately need air cover. The Norwegian tanks and troops will not cross the boarder into MOOR territory. Your flight is weapons FREE to destroy tanks and ground vehicles on the MOOR side of the border. Launch a flight of Super Hornets and make best speed to the conflict area and take out the IHAWK SAM near WP#5 and any other SAM that might interfer with your mission. This will allow the Norwegian Air Force to get aircraft up from Kirkenes AB to attack the enemy tank offensive. Provide Combat Air Support for Norwegian forces until the situation is under control and you are ordered to RTB. A KC-135 air tanker will be waiting at WP#7 on your egress. Good luck and good hunting. RTB safely.

MISSION OBJECTIVES

1. SEAD the IHAWK SAM south east of Kirkenes.

2. Provide CAS for Norwegian forces.

Package:
6xF/A-18E (Foxtrot)

Supporting flights:
2xF/A-18E (Carrier CAP)( Skate)
1xE-2C (AWACS)(X-Ray)
1xKC-135 (Air Tanker)(Delta)
1x SH-60 (SAR)(Sandy)

Bullseye: Kirkenes Air Base

USS REAGAN TACAN 76
Kirkenes Air Base TACAN 21
Kutskova Divert Field TACAN 45
KC-135 (Delta) Air Tanker TACAN 88

Waypoint Listing:
WP1/FORM UP/275 IAS/5000 AGL
WP2/INGRESS/325 IAS/20000 AGL
WP3/INGRESS/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP4/INGRESS/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP5/SEAD IHAWK BATTERY-CAS/300 IAS/15000 AGL
WP6/EGRESS/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP7/EGRESS-REFUEL/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP8/EGRESS/350 IAS/30000 AGL
WP9/INBOUND/350 IAS/30000 AGL
WP10/RECOVERY/400 IAS/2000 AGL

MISSION NOTE:
IGNORE FLIGHT WAY POINTS NUMERICALLY ABOVE WP#10.

RECOMENDED LOAD OUT

550 x PGU-28 20mm
1x AN/ALE-47(2)
1x 480 Gal Ext Fuel
1x ATFLIR DATA LINK
5x AIM-120 AMRAAM
2x AGM-65 MAVERICK
2x AGM-88 HARM
2x AIM-9M Sidewinder









DEBRIEF

Hedgehog, Madrus, Lion, Ticman attending

1 - Hedgehog: 1x Su-27, 2x Hawk, 1x T-72 (pri tgt), landed at divert.
2 - Madrus: 1x Su-27, 1x truck (pri tgt), 1x Hawk, landed at divert.
3 - Lion: 1x MiG-23, 1x truck, 2x BMP (pri tgts), landed at divert.
4 - Arson: 1x Su-27, 2x Hawk, 1x truck, 1x T-72 (pri tgts), CTD.

Notes: Close air support was provided and no friendlies were hit. Mission success.

DECEMBER 08, 2013

MISSION 20

USS Ronald Reagan - Barents Sea
VFA-41 Black Aces

LOCAL TIME: 0630
WEATHER: CLOUDY

ROE: RED and FREE

BACKGROUND

The Stalinists commanding the MOOR military have taken this conflict to a new level. The ground offensive against Norway caused civilian casualties in Norwegian border towns and Washington no longer classifies this as a civil conflict among Russians. A strike against the responsible leadership has been ordered. Two flights of F/A-18 Super Hornets will coordinate seperate ingress routes. Foxtrot (Group A) will fly STRIKE and Bravo (Group B) will provide CAP/SEAD support for Foxtrots egress.
Intel has received information from an anonymous source concerning the MOOR high ranking leadership. Other data confirms the source is reliable. MOOR military H.Q. is located at Verkhnetulomshiy, a small industrial area south west of Murmansk on the Tuloma River. Many of the MOOR high command officers maintain living quarters and offices in two adjacent apartment buildings and are presently there attending daily meetings. A small commercial airport services the area and the roads leaving the area to the east and west are normally open. Additionally the river also provides transportation to and from the area. DMPI-1 provides GPS coordinates for the living quarters apartment building and DMPI-2 provides GPS coordinates for the office building. Both target buildings will require two (2) 2000# bombs to destroy. They are not hardened targets. This strike mission can only be successful if the high value targets get no advance warning and are in either of the two targeted buildings. Both flights ingress will be NOE below radar with no weapons launched before Strike flight can arrive at the target area and bomb the target buildings. Egress altitude will have to be decided by Strike Lead based on fighter threat response. Two (2) Air Refuelers will be available on egress by 0730 hours near Kutskova Field, Norway.1x KC-135 (Delta) will be orbiting at Angels 10 and 1x S-3B USN (Echo) will be orbiting at Angels 25.

The Intel Dept. has prepaired the following flight plan:

1a. Foxtrot (STRIKE) will ingress undetected at N.O.E. along a small river.
1b. Bravo (CAP/SEAD) will fly low profile 80 nm off shore and ingress N.O.E. to remain undetected.

2a. Foxtrot (STRIKE) will time its ingress to arrive at target (WP#7) at 07:22. Foxtrot (STRIKE) will have to bypass the inland I-HAWK at NOE then climb to Angels 15 for weapon release and to stay above the threat range of the SA-13 Snap Shot SAM at the target area.

2b. Bravo (CAP/SEAD) will time its ingress to arrive at WP#5 at 07:24 and SEAD the coastal SA-11 SAM site and the inland I-HAWK SAM at WP#6 to provide a clear egress for Strike. Bravo will then provide CAP cover for Strike flights egress.


MISSION OBJECTIVES

1. Launch two flights from the carrier and coordinate an undetected ingress.
2. Bomb the office building and the apartment building occupied by enemy high command.


Package:
3xF/A-18E (Foxtrot)(STRIKE)
3xF/A-18E (Bravo)(CAP/SEAD)

Supporting flights:
2xF/A-18E (Carrier CAP)( Skate)
1xE-2C (AWACS)(X-Ray)
1xKC-135 (Air Tanker)(Delta) 10K Orbit
1xS-3B USN (Air Tanker)(Echo) 25K Orbit

Bullseye: Murmansk Ship Yard

USS REAGAN TACAN 76
Kirkenes Air Base TACAN 21
Kutskova Divert Field TACAN 45
Stolichnaya Divert Field TACAN 63
KC-135 (Delta) Air Tanker TACAN 88
S-3B USN (Echo) Air Tanker TACAN 99

Foxtrot (STRIKE) Waypoint Listing:
WP1/FORM UP/300 IAS/5000 AGL
WP2/INGRESS/300 IAS/15000 AGL
WP3/INGRESS/350 IAS/15000 AGL
WP4/INGRESS NOE/450 IAS/200 AGL
WP5/INGRESS NOE/450 IAS/200 AGL
WP6/INGRESS NOE/450 IAS/200 AGL
WP7/BOMB TARGET/300 IAS/15000 AGL
WP8/EGRESS-NOE/450 IAS/200 AGL
WP9/EGRESS-NOE/450 IAS/200 AGL
WP10/EGRESS-REFUEL/350 IAS/15000 AGL
WP11/INBOUND/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP12/RECOVERY/400 IAS/2000 AGL

Bravo (CAP/SEAD) Waypoint Listing:
WP1/FORM UP/300 IAS/5000 AGL
WP2/INGRESS/300 IAS/15000 AGL
WP3/INGRESS/300 IAS/500 AGL
WP4/INGRESS NOE/330 IAS/200 AGL
WP5/POP UP-SEAD/350 IAS/200 AGL
WP6/CAP/350 IAS/20000 AGL
WP7/EGRESS-REFUEL/350 IAS/15000 AGL
WP8/INBOUND/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP9/RECOVERY/400 IAS/2000 AGL


RECOMENDED STRIKE LOAD OUT
550 x PGU-28 20mm
1x AN/ALE-47(2)
1x 480 Gal Ext Fuel
1x ATFLIR DATA LINK
1x AIM-120 AMRAAM
4x GBU-29 JDAM
2x AGM-88 HARM
2x AIM-9x Sidewinder

RECOMENDED CAP/SEAD LOAD OUT
550 x PGU-28 20mm
1x AN/ALE-47(2)
1x 480 Gal Ext Fuel
1x ATFLIR DATA LINK
5x AIM-120 AMRAAM
4x AGM-88 HARM
2x AIM-9x Sidewinder









DEBRIEF

Dragon, Ticman, Lion, Arson, Hedgehog, Madrus, Shadow attending

STRIKE
Lead: Dragon - primary, SA-13, landed at divert
#2: Ticman - primary, trapped
#3: Lion - primary, trapped
#4: Arson - primary, trapped

CAP/SEAD
Lead: Hedgehog - SA-11, HAWK, Snow Drift, Il-76, trapped
#2: Madrus - SA-11, Landed at divert
#3: Shadow - MiG-23, SA-11, crashed on deck

Mission was a success.


That is one big #%&*$# of a bomb.

DECEMBER 11, 2013

MISSION 21

USS Ronald Reagan - Barents Sea
VFA-41 Black Aces

LOCAL TIME: 0445
WEATHER: Cloudy

ROE: RED and FREE

BACKGROUND

The strike against MOOR Head Quarters at Verkhnetulomskiy has caused a shift of leadership to other locations. Intel from reliable but unidentified sources and sat data have located additional targets. Both are farther inland near the mountainous areas of Olenegorsk but can be reached undetected by a NOE ingress. COMNAVPAC has ordered additional strikes to eliminate the high value military leadership at these targets.

The Intel Dept. has prepaired the following flight plan:

1. FOXTROT FLIGHT (Group B, Green Waypath) and BRAVO FLIGHT (Group A, Blue Waypath) will ingress together undetected at N.O.E. along a small river until they reach WP#5 where they split up to strike their respective targets.

2a. FOXTROT will continue south NOE to WP#6 and turn west to WP#7.
DMPI-1 & DMPI-2 are at WP#7. The area is protected by a IHAWK SAM site.

2b. BRAVO will turn west at WP#5 and target DMPI-3 at WP#6. DMPI-3 is protected by a SA-11 Snow Drift radar SAM site. BRAVO will egress to the south and form up with FOXTROT at WP#7.

3. Both flights egress west from WP#7 into Finland.

DMPI-1, DMPI-2 & DMPI-3 are all hardened buildings and will require two GBU-31 JDAM Bunker Busters each.
A small air field at Stolichnaya, Finland near WP#8 has been designated as a divert field TACAN 63 and is guarded by friendly mobile SAMs. Two Air Tankers will also be available in the area by 0545 hours. The egress route is through neutral air space of Finland and Norway.
This mission is 850 nm and will take about 2 hours. Refueling will be necessary. Two air tankers will be available near Stolichnaya Divert Field in neutral Finland. RTB safely.

MISSION OBJECTIVES
1. Launch two flights of Super Hornets and ingress undetected NOE to eliminate enemy leadership.

Package:
4xF/A-18E (Foxtrot)(Group B)
4xF/A-18E (Bravo)(Group A)

Supporting flights:
2xF/A-18E (Carrier CAP)( Skate)
1xE-2C (AWACS)(X-Ray)
1xKC-135 (Air Tanker)(Delta) 10K Orbit
1xS-3B USN (Air Tanker)(Echo) 25K Orbit

Bullseye: Murmansk Ship Yard

USS REAGAN TACAN 76
Kirkenes Air Base TACAN 21
Kutskova Divert Field TACAN 45
Stolichnaya Divert Field TACAN 63
KC-135 (Delta) Air Tanker TACAN 88
S-3B USN (Echo) Air Tanker TACAN 99

Waypoint Listing:
WP1/FORM UP/275 IAS/5000 AGL
WP2/INGRESS/325 IAS/10000 AGL
WP3/INGRESS/350 IAS/20000 AGL
WP4/INGRESS/450 IAS/200 AGL
WP5/FLIGHTS SPLIT UP/450 IAS/200 AGL
WP6/BRAVO STRIKE/325 IAS/15000 AGL
WP7/FOXTROT STRIKE/325 IAS/15000 AGL
WP8/EGRESS-REFUEL/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP9/EGRESS/325 IAS/30000 AGL
WP10/INBOUND/325 IAS/30000 AGL
WP11/RECOVERY/400 IAS/2000 AGL


RECOMENDED FOXTROT STRIKE LOAD OUT
550 x PGU-28 20mm
1x AN/ALE-47(2)
1x 480 Gal Ext Fuel
1x ATFLIR DATA LINK
1x AIM-120 AMRAAM
4x GBU-31 JDAM
2x AGM-88 HARM
2x AIM-9M Sidewinder

RECOMENDED BRAVO STRIKE LOAD OUT
550 x PGU-28 20mm
1x AN/ALE-47(2)
1x 480 Gal Ext Fuel
1x ATFLIR DATA LINK
1x AIM-120 AMRAAM
2x GBU-31 JDAM
4x AGM-88 HARM
2x AIM-9M Sidewinder







DEBRIEF

Hedgehog, Arson, Shadow attending

1 - Hedgehog: 1x MiG-31, hit pri tgt, trapped.
2 - Arson: 1x MiG-31, hit pri tgt, trapped.
3 - Shadow: hit pri tgt, trapped.

Notes: All JDAMs delivered on assigned targets. High-ranking enemy military leaders presumed neutralized.
Very long mission; 2.5 hours including refueling. All aircraft egressed and recovered safely. Good job to all pilots who carried out this ninja stealth mission.


An unrelated image of F/A-18E pilots conducting nap-of-the-earth training.

DECEMBER 15, 2013

MISSION 22

USS Ronald Reagan - Barents Sea
VFA-41 Black Aces

LOCAL TIME: 0440
WEATHER: Cloudy

ROE: WHITE and TIGHT for ingress.
RED and FREE after reaching target.

BACKGROUND

Russian intelligence services have provided us with intel on WMDs of biological or chemical nature. It has been confirmed the Stalinists have them stored in a warehouse complex, WP#7, in the mountains but the specific warehouses are not known. There are three (3) complexes in the target area and we know the military will be moving some of the weapon components by truck this morning and possibly modifying Scud launchers at the two warehouses we need to destroy. Truck activity around the two warehouses that store the WMDs will identify the specific warehouse buildings to target. There might also be SCUD TEL vehicles near the two adjacent target warehouse buildings. None of the warehouse buildings are hardened. The flights ingress will have to be covert NOE to prevent warning the personel at the strike target. If they cease their activity before you arrive on target you will have no way of determining which two buildings contain the WMDs. A SA-11 SNOW DRIFT SAM guards the area from an elevated plateau 4 nm to the north of the target area and will have to be suppressed. Expect mobile SAM systems in the target area. Stolichnaya Air Field, Finland, is 110 nm west of the strike area and can be used as a divert field. The flights egress can be either Angels 25 via WP#8 or NOE retracing the ingress route depending on hostile fighter response. An air tanker will be available at WP#9 by 0550. Good hunting and RTB safely.

MISSION OBJECTIVES

1. Ingress undetected and identify the two target buildings by truck activity around them.
2. Bomb the two warehouse buildings and destroy any scud launchers moving in the area.


Package:
6xF/A-18E (Foxtrot)

Supporting flights:
2xF/A-18E (Carrier CAP)( Skate)
1xE-2C (AWACS)(X-Ray)
1xKC-135 (Air Tanker)(Delta)

Bullseye: Kirkenes Air Base

USS REAGAN TACAN 76
Kirkenes Air Base TACAN 21
Stolichnaya AF TACAN 63
Kutskova Divert Field TACAN 45
KC-135 (Delta) Air Tanker TACAN 88

Waypoint Listing:
WP1/FORM UP/270 IAS/5000 AGL
WP2/INGRESS/325 IAS/20000 AGL
WP3/INGRESS/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP4/INGRESS NOE/450 IAS/500 AGL
WP5/INGRESS NOE/450 IAS/200 AGL
WP6/INGRESS NOE/450 IAS/200 AGL
WP7/STRIKE/350 IAS/10000 AGL
WP8/EGRESS/325 IAS/30000 AGL
WP9/EGRESS-REFUEL/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP10/INBOUND/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP11/RECOVERY/400 IAS/2000 AGL


RECOMENDED STRIKE LOAD OUT
550 x PGU-28 20mm
1x AN/ALE-47(2)
1x 480 Gal Ext Fuel
1x ATFLIR DATA LINK
1x AIM-120 AMRAAM
2x AGM-65G Maverick
4x Mk-83R (Retarded) 1000#
2x AGM-88 HARM
2x AIM-9M Sidewinder










DEBRIEF

Dragon, Madrus, Hedgehog, Arson attending

Lead: Dragon - SA-11, shot down (MIA)
#2: Madrus - buildings, trucks, trapped
#3: Hedgehog - buildings, trucks, SA-13, Mi-8, trapped
#4: Ticman - buildings, fragged by explosions (KIA)

Notes: Flight formed up and ingressed NOE to target. Flight of MiG-25s flew past at high altitude, but did not engage. Lead fired HARMs on SAM sites near target, then was hit and lost engine. Lead headed north and had to eject when right engine caught fire.

#2,3,& 4 dropped on buildings and trucks but could not ID specific target buildings or vehicles. #4 was fragged by bombs dropped by #2.

#3 was engaged by Mi-8 over target and destroyed helo.

2 & 3 egressed feet wet and refueled before recovering safely.

Mission was a failure. (CO comment: Technically true... though we blew up a lot of stuff. It was simply impossible to identify the exact warehouses with the intel provided.)


Returning after a long mission.

DECEMBER 18, 2013

MISSION 23

USS Ronald Reagan - Barents Sea
VFA-41 Black Aces

LOCAL TIME: 0800
WEATHER: Clear

ROE: YELLOW and TIGHT

BACKGROUND
A commercial Boeing 707 (Robin Four) has been hijacked inroute to Kirkenes, Norway. It is presently orbiting in a holding pattern near Ivalo Finland International Air Port under control of hostile MOOR fighters. Radar signatures have identified MIG-29 and MIG-23 fighters near the Boeing 707 but the numbers can not be determinded. The 707s orbiting location is marked at WP#5.
Officers from the MOOR military are demanding the end to the arms embargo and the release of all prisoners in exchange for the 707 and passengers. By direction of the White House, COMNAVPAC has ordered a flight of Super Hornets to confront the fighters and attempt to draw them away from the 707 before engaging with weapons. The 707s survival is the primary concern. When you clear the area of enemy fighters the 707 will land at Ivalo AP, the nearest air port. Form up with the 707 and escort to Ivalo, WP#6. RTB when the 707 is safely down. A refuel tanker will be available on egress near WP#7. This mission is 800 nm long and will require refueling. Take care to not stray into MOOR air space. Good hunting and RTB safely.
NOTE: Ignore WPs above #9 as they only serve to mark the MOOR geographical border.

MISSION OBJECTIVES

1. Launch from the carrier and ingress to the 707. Eliminate the hostiles without shooting down the 707.
2. Escort the 707 to Ivalo Air Port before you RTB.

Package:
6xF/A-18E (Foxtrot)
Boeing 707 (Robin Four)

Supporting flights:
2xF/A-18E (AWAC Escort)( Skate)
1xE-2C (AWACS)(X-Ray)
1xKC-135 (Air Tanker)(Delta)

Bullseye: Ivalo Air Port, Finland

USS REAGAN TACAN 76
Stolichnaya AF TACAN 63
Kirkenes Air Base TACAN 21
Kutskova Divert Field TACAN 45
KC-135 (Delta) Air Tanker TACAN 88

Waypoint Listing:
WP1/FORM UP/300 IAS/5000 AGL
WP2/INGRESS/325 IAS/15000 AGL
WP3/INGRESS/375 IAS/25000 AGL
WP4/INGRESS/375IAS/25000 AGL
WP5/ENGAGE HOSTILE FIGHTERS/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP6/ESCORT 707/250 IAS/25000 AGL
WP7/EGRESS-REFUEL/375 IAS/30000 AGL
WP8/INBOUND/375 IAS/30000 AGL
WP9/RECOVERY/400 IAS/2000 AGL


RECOMENDED LOAD OUT

550 x PGU-28 20mm
1x AN/ALE-47(2)
1x 480 Gal Ext Fuel
2x AIM-7 MH Sparrow
8x AIM-120 AMRAAM
4x AIM-9M Sidewinder







DEBRIEF

Lion, Shadow, Hedgehog, Arson attending

#1: Lion - MiG-23, MiG-29, Su-27 x 2, trap
#2: Shadow - trap
#3: Hedgehog: MiG-29, trap
#4: Arson: MiG-23, trap

Notes: Flight formed up and ingressed to ops area. Located hostage airliner around WP5, engaged group of bandits between WP4 and WP5. Lead found a couple of Flankers out west trying to sneak up on hostage and splashed them. 3 & 4 mopped up the rest and 3 & 4 escorted the 707 to its final approach and cleared to RTB.

Flight egressed to WP7, refuelled with tanker and made a successful Case 1 recovery.

Mission success.


Robin Four being provided a military-escorted landing at Ivalo airport, Finland.

DECEMBER 22, 2013

MISSION 24

USS Ronald Reagan - Barents Sea
VFA-41 Black Aces

LOCAL TIME: 0500
WEATHER: Clear

ROE: YELLOW and TIGHT

BACKGROUND
The Black Aces are tasked to participate in a Multi-National coalition operation with strike aircraft from Norway, Finland, Russian Republic, USA Air Force, and USA Navy. This joint ops will eliminate the remaining MOOR high command Stalinists and bring peace to the region. Based on intel provided by the Russian Republic, the extremist Stalinists have entrenched themselves in a fortified compound in the mountains near Kirovsk. A flight of eight (8) F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Bombers are standing by at Kirkenes Air Base for a strike on the compound with GBU-31 JDAMs. Foxtrot will escort the F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Bombers to the strike area at WP# 6 and provide High CAP while the F-117s deliver their JDAMs. Foxtrot will cover the F-117s egress and escort them to neutral Finland airspace. The F-117s will land at Ivalo, Finland near WP# 7 and Foxtrot will be cleared to RTB. Two air refuelers will be available near WP# 8 on your egress.
SEAD and CAP of the strike area will be assigned as follows:

2x F-16 Norway (SEAD/CAP)(RATTLER) will SEAD the SA-10 north of the strike area and then provide CAP to the north east. Rattler will ingress with Foxtrot.

4x F/A-18 Finnish (SEAD/CAP)(PYTHON) will SEAD the SA-11 west of the strike area and then provide CAP to the south east. Python will ingress ahead of Foxtrot.

4x SU-25 Blue Russian (SEAD)(RAVEN) will ingress from the south and SEAD the SA-10 south of the strike area and egress back to the south. Raven will ingress before Foxtrot and the strike flight arrive at WP#6.

4x MIG-29 Blue Russian (CAP)(ROBIN) will ingress with RAVEN from the south and provide LOW CAP to the south of the strike area.

Extreme Caution must be stressed to not target Neutral Coalition Aircraft, especially the Blue Russian Republic aircraft (Raven, Robin) operating to the south.


MISSION OBJECTIVES

1. Launch from the carrier and escort the F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Bombers to the strike area at WP# 6 and cover their egress.


Package:
6xF/A-18E (Foxtrot)

Supporting flights:
8x F-117 Nighthawk (STRIKE)(BOA)
2x F-16 Norway (SEAD/CAP)(RATTLER)
4x F/A-18 Finnish (SEAD/CAP)(PYTHON)
4x SU-25 Blue Russian (SEAD)(RAVEN)
4x MIG-29 Blue Russian (CAP)(ROBIN)
2xF/A-18E (Carrier CAP)( Skate)
1xE-2C (AWACS)(X-Ray)
1xKC-135 (Air Tanker)(Delta)
1xS-3B (Air Tanker)(Papa)

Bullseye: Pushnoy

USS REAGAN TACAN 76
Stolichnaya AF, Finland TACAN 63
Kirkenes Air Base TACAN 21
Kutskova Divert Field TACAN 45
KC-135 (Delta) Air Tanker TACAN 88
S-3B (Papa) Air Tanker TACAN 95

Waypoint Listing:
WP1/FORM UP/250 IAS/5000 AGL
WP2/INGRESS/325 IAS/25000 AGL
WP3/INGRESS/350 IAS/30000 AGL
WP4/ESCORT/350 IAS/30000 AGL
WP5/ESCORT/350 IAS/30000 AGL
WP6/HIGH CAP for STRIKE/325 IAS/25000 AGL
WP7/ESCORT-COVER BOMBERS/350 IAS/25000 AGL
WP8/EGRESS-REFUEL/350 IAS/30000 AGL
WP9/EGRESS/350 IAS/30000 AGL
WP10/RECOVERY/400 IAS/2000 AGL


RECOMENDED LOAD OUT

550 x PGU-28 20mm
1x AN/ALE-47(2)
1x 480 Gal Ext Fuel
1x ATFLIR DATA LINK
9x AIM-120 AMRAAM
2x AGM-88 HARM
2x AIM-9 Sidewinder







DEBRIEF

Dragon, Ticman, Madrus, Arson attending

Lead: Dragon - 1xSu-27, shot down by Flanker, ejected
#2: Ticman - RSB
#3: Madrus - 1xMiG-25, shot down, ejected
#4: Arson - 1xMiG-25, Finnish F-18, RSB

Notes: Flight launched and formed up with F117s for ingress to target. Target was destroyed by strike group. 3 & 4 were sent to intercept incoming flight of MiG-25s and splashed one while 1 & 2 covered F-117 egress.

Flight reformed and went fence out as F-117s landed at airbase and released flight to RTB.

Flight entered pattern and commenced Case I recovery when suddenly flight was jumped by a pair of Su-27s. Both were splashed but 1 & 3 were forced to eject near the CSG.

Upon recovery, it was noted that a Finnish F-18 had been shot down in a Blue-on-Blue incident over the target area.

Mission was a complete success and campaign was completed.

Hey guys... sorry for totally forgetting to update this thread. D:

So we the Black Aces are officially done with flying the Red Heat campaign (authored by Shadow), flown over the last three months, twice a week. I hope everyone reading this has enjoyed to some degree the after action reports I've compiled from our website/message boards and gotten a look and some sort of sense the way we fly. We always welcome new pilots and our senior and retired officers have many years of experience getting Jane's F/A-18 to work on modern computers, as well as the folks over at the Jane's F-15/FA-18 subforum.

We're currently on holiday stand-down, but look for us flying a new campaign soon starting in the new year (hopefully)! I promise to be more diligent in updating these things.

I enjoyed it a lot thanks for all the the time you put into this

Very nice AAR's. Thanks for posting.

One little thing I noticed, COMNAVPAC running the show in the Murmansk area??

You'll uh, you'll have to ask Shadow about that... :p

Great reports Lion! Shadow writes some great, and complex missions, that are always fun to fly. After three months off the North Cape, I'm looking forward to some R&R.

Wow.. makes me want to take the old girl up for a spin again. Been a long time since I flew Single Player and even longer since doing any Multiplayer. Might have to brush off the NATOPS manual and see if I can get up to speed again.



to you guys for keeping F/A-18 alive!