VFA-41 was tasked with a nighttime raid on several identified weapons depots in areas between Syria and Lebanon. Weather conditions were poor. Precision GPS-guided "JDAM" bombs were ordered for the attacks since they allowed for high altitude delivery and target coordinates were known.
Targets were divided into two groups, assigned to Dealer 1 and Dealer 2 flights.
Dealer 2 launched first, flew their assigned route and delivered ordnance on targets. One aircraft was engaged and downed by a surface-to-air missile. The others returned to the carrier safely.
Dealer 1 aircraft got airborne, though one suffered an instrument failure and crashed into the ocean near the carrier battle group. The remaining Dealer 1 aircraft delivered their ordnance on target and returned safely to the carrier.
Dealer 1
1 - Hedgehog: gnd tgts, trapped.
2 - Jega: crashed.
3 - Lion: gnd tgts, trapped.
Dealer 2
1 - Rhino: gnd tgts, trapped.
2 - Crash: gnd tgts, shot down by SA-11.
3 - Chaos: gnd tgts, trapped.
Early bomb damage assessment reports indicate substantial impact on several facilities, including destruction of several armored vehicles and tanks that were present. Mission objectives were met, though the resulting loss of 1/3 of the mission aircraft is considered unsustainable.
01 October 2023 - Operation Enduring Resolve Week 14
Re: 01 October 2023 - Operation Enduring Resolve Week 14
Pilot records and Greenie Board updated.