VFA-41 was tasked with delivering JDAMs on pre-designated target coordinates, presumably where bad guys were.
The flight returned to recover in exceptionally poor weather conditions; a thunderstorm with heavy seas, high cross-winds and turbulence, and at night. Ceiling was less than 1000 ft; deep in Case III conditions. One aircraft crashed into the ocean on final approach in extremely poor visibility. SAR helo was launched, though no survivor yet located.
Dealer 1-1 - Hedgehog: tgts hit, trapped.
Dealer 1-2 - Shadow: tgts hit, crashed on recovery.
Dealer 1-3 - Lion: tgts hit, trapped.
Dealer 1-4 - Ticman: tgts hit, trapped.
MISSION SUCCESS.
26 MAY 2019 Riders On the Storm v2.5
Re: 26 MAY 2019 Riders On the Storm v2.5
Pilot records and Greenie Board updated.