DATE: 14 April 2024
TIME: 13:00
SUNRISE: 05:56
SUNSET: 17:49
TASK: Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) exercise
WX: 320@05 / 18,000 Scattered, 32,000 Scattered / T15 / QNH: 29.78
FLIGHT DURATION: 300 nm (plus loiter)
AVAILABLE SQUADRON ASSETS:
Dealer 1: 4 x F/A-18c
Dealer 2: 4 x F/A-18c
Dealer 3: 4 x F/A-18c
Dealer 4: 4 x F-14B
DEPART/ARRIVE:
Nellis AFB / Freq 132.55,327.0 [1] / TCN 12X "LSV" / ATIS: 270.1 [20]
SUPPORTING UNITS:
Nellis Range Control: “Blackjack” / 377.8 [2]
East Range Tanker: TEXACO / 6X / 295.4 [7] / KC-135
AWACS: DARKSTAR / 266.0 [6] / E-2D
On Scene coordinator/JTAC: REAPER / 377.8 [2] / MQ-9
Rescue Helicopters: GABRIEL / 243.0 [G] / CH-47
DIVERT:
Tonopah
Rwy: 14/32
TCN: 77X
ATC: 257.95 [19]
ATIS: 233.1
BULLSEYE: ELVIS [WP3]
SITUATION
The final three weeks of the Nellis training detachment will be combined forces exercises operating with multiple other assets/agencies and using some of the skills that have been practiced over the past two months.
This week is a simulated Combat Search and Rescue operation to recover a downed pilot in hostile territory.
Mission Commander’s note: F-14’s are available this week and should only be placed in DEALER 3 as CAP assets. DEALER 3 flight lead should remain in a Hornet, however, due to comms and mission trigger limitations.
MISSION
DEALER 1 and DEALER 2 will be responsible for providing air to ground and close air support for the SAR effort. DEALER 3 (and any squadron Tomcats) will be tasked with sanitizing the airspace in the vicinity of the SAR operation.
DEALER 1 and 2 jets will be loaded with a variety of air to ground munitions (MAVF, GBU-12, HE Rockets). DEALER 3 jets will carry a full air to air loadout.
Winds are from the northwest, and flights will depart via Runway 3 utilizing the DREAM SIX departure. Flight leads will be directed to contact Blackjack upon range entry at JUNNO and can expect to be directed to hold at Mormon Peak [WP1] until the start of the exercise.
BLACKJACK will advise when the exercise commences and then will direct all flights to push towards point ALAMO [WP2]. Further information and last known MGRS coordinates of the downed aircraft will be given along the way.
Upon reaching point ALAMO [WP2], DEALER 3 will be directed to check in with DARKSTAR on 266.0. DARKSTAR will establish a no-fly zone over the SAR location and direct intercepts of any hostile aircraft that violate that airspace.
DEALER 1 and DEALER 2 will remain on BLACKJACK frequency. Once REAPER arrives on station over the SAR area, it will begin searching for the downed pilot and will advise of any enemy ground forces that they spot in the area.
REAPER will relay ground target information to DEALER 1 and 2 and provide target marking and/or lasing as able.
Once the downed pilot is located, two CH-47 helicopters (GABRIEL) will depart Groom Lake airfield and proceed to the extraction point. GABRIEL will be transmitting on Guard frequency (243.0). GABRIEL will make radio calls as they are approaching the area, upon reaching the LZ and extraction is underway, and once they are clear of the area with the rescued pilot aboard.
TEXACO will be operating just to the south of our CAP station in the ELGIN Sector. Flights should tank as needed to remain on station for the duration of the 60-minute exercise.
Once the exercise is complete, BLACKJACK will issue a “knock-it-off” call on both 377.8 and 266.0. Flights will then be directed to check back in with BLACKJACK for range exit.
THREATS
Several Red air groups will be operating in the area and may attempt to interfere with the CSAR effort.
Red ground forces consisting of mixed armor, trucks, and infantry can be expected to attempt to reach the downed pilot before the rescue helicopters arrive for the extraction.
NO surface to air threats are expected, other than small arms fire from enemy ground forces.
R4808A (Dreamland) will NOT be active today. Flights will not be restricted from overflying the area.
ROE
DEALER 3 should only intercept targets as assigned by AWACS.
DEALER 1 and 2 may engage any ground forces identified by REAPER or observed in the SAR area. No friendly ground units (other than the downed pilot) will be operating nearby.
All aircraft are reminded that it is squadron SOP to monitor GUARD frequency (121.5/243.0) on COMM2. This will be required at all times in the range complex for high priority information and traffic deconfliction purposes.
Week 11 Data Card
- Z_MDC.png (67.95 KiB) Viewed 68 times
Week 11 Operating Area/Route
- CSAR Map.png (3.29 MiB) Viewed 102 times