The Black Aces of VFA-41 were tasked with an on-call Close Air Support/Battlefield Interdiction mission. The squadron was divided into three flights, each with it's own flight plan and areas of responsibilities. Once feet wet over Syria, taskings were relayed over the tactical frequency with target area coordinates and descriptions. This required pilots to use the provided coordinates (MGRS) to create new, targetable waypoints and then use FLIR to search for and engage targets in those areas. All flights successfully prosecuted targets in their assigned areas of responsibility, dealing a blow to ISIS forces in the eastern and norther parts of the country.
Two Dealer aircraft experienced fuel emergencies and diverted to Beirut International airport on egress to take on fuel before returning to the ship. One Dealer aircraft and pilot were lost on recovery due to a mishap. All others successfully recovered aboard the USS George Washington.
Due to the larger amount of AWACS radio traffic, it was discussed using an alternative frequency for inter-flight common communications. Further to come on that.
Dealer 1:
1-1 Lion -ground targets struck, trapped
1-2 Maniac -ground targets struck, trapped
Dealer 2:
2-1 Rhino -ground targets struck, trapped
2-2 Crash -ground targets struck, mishap on recovery-aircraft lost
2-3 Hedgehog -ground targets struck, trapped
Dealer 3:
3-1 Mr. Bean -ground targets struck, trapped
3-2 Chaos -ground targets struck, trapped
3-3 Ticman -ground targets struck, trapped
18 June 2023 - Operation Enduring Resolve Week 1
Re: 18 June 2023 - Operation Enduring Resolve Week 1
Pilot records and Greenie Board updated.