30 June 2019 - Limpet Elimination

[Trim]

VFA-41 was tasked with destroying an explosives manufacturing plant in Iran.

VFA-41 sent three flights to accomplish the task. A SEAD flight to eliminates SAM sites in the target area, an escort flight to provide cover, and strike to eliminate the targets.
SEAD and Escort ingressed the area first and SEAD was able to eliminate the SAM site at the target location as well as at least one other SAM site. Strike was able to enter the target area and delivered 8 MK-31 JDAMs. BDA showed seven of the eight targets were destroyed. During egress Escort engaged a pair of Mig-21 Fishbeds which resulted in the loss of one VFA-41s aircraft. Whether RoE was follow remains under investigation. Dealer 1 (Escort) had to divert to Khasab airport to refuel and then continued on back to Stennis.

Ultimately, the mission was a success.

Dealer 1 (Escort):
1 - Hedgehog: Trapped
2 - Pigpen: CTD
3 - Cord: Shot down by Mig-21

Dealer 2 (Strike):
1 - Trim: Ground Targets Hit, Trapped
2 - Mad Dog: Ground Targets Hit, Trapped
3 - Lion: Ground Targets Hit, Trapped
4 - Shadow: Ground Targets Hit, Trapped

Dealer 3 (SEAD):
1 - Ticman: Ground Targets Hit, Trapped
2 - Papa Joe: Ground Targets Hit, Trapped

[Shadow]

This was a difficult mission in that the distance was fuel critical and the overall number of targets. Eight primary, a SAM site, and the need for CAP. The mission could not have been successfully completed without each flight doing their job and doing it well. Thanks to the squad for everyone participating. Bravo Zulu to the XO as Mission Commander.

[Hedgehog]

As CO, I get to be the bearer of bad news... the Intel weenies report that the target objectives were only partially met. The command bunker may have been hit but was not destroyed. It probably would have needed a 'bunker buster' penetrator weapon. The target facility was substantially destroyed otherwise.

Pigpen's first squadron mission as a Black Ace.

AAR 30JUNb.jpg (23.39 KiB) Viewed 2889 times

Target area burning.

AAR 30JUNa.jpg (26.41 KiB) Viewed 2889 times

[Hedgehog]

Pilot Records and Greenie Board updated.