21 NOV 21 - IDTC Training Mission 1
Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2021 8:52 am
Never a missed opportunity for the Black Aces, as jets from VFA-41 launched into the teeth of a tropical depression yesterday and took advantage of the adverse weather to practice marginal weather and low-visibility procedures.
Two Dealer flights departed Andersen AFB and conducted separate airborne rendezvous, before proceeding north to the Range.
Once entering the range, Range Control assigned each flight a MGRS target and each flight delivered GBU-38 ordnance on their assigned targets.
With that complete, both flights continued North to the tanker tracks for practice plugs. Dealer 2 was able to top off their tanks and proceeded to the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON where all jets safely recovered after a reduced visibility daytime CASE III approach and landing.
Dealer 1 experienced some communications issues with their assigned tanker. After repeated attempts, one jet was unable to establish radio comms, so with marginal weather covering the whole Marianas OP area, the decision was made to divert to Rota. All Dealer 1 aircraft recovered safely at Rota.
Dealer 1
1-1 Mr. Bean - ground target, divert Rota
1-2 Rhino - ground target, divert Rota
1-3 Lucy - ground target, divert Rota
Dealer 2
2-1 Lion - ground target, trapped
2-2 Maniac - ground target, trapped
2-3 Hedgehog - ground target, trapped
Two Dealer flights departed Andersen AFB and conducted separate airborne rendezvous, before proceeding north to the Range.
Once entering the range, Range Control assigned each flight a MGRS target and each flight delivered GBU-38 ordnance on their assigned targets.
With that complete, both flights continued North to the tanker tracks for practice plugs. Dealer 2 was able to top off their tanks and proceeded to the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON where all jets safely recovered after a reduced visibility daytime CASE III approach and landing.
Dealer 1 experienced some communications issues with their assigned tanker. After repeated attempts, one jet was unable to establish radio comms, so with marginal weather covering the whole Marianas OP area, the decision was made to divert to Rota. All Dealer 1 aircraft recovered safely at Rota.
Dealer 1
1-1 Mr. Bean - ground target, divert Rota
1-2 Rhino - ground target, divert Rota
1-3 Lucy - ground target, divert Rota
Dealer 2
2-1 Lion - ground target, trapped
2-2 Maniac - ground target, trapped
2-3 Hedgehog - ground target, trapped