VFA-41 was re-tasked with destroying two cargo ships that had been converted into mine laying ships that were operating in the Strait of Hormuz.
VFA-41 sent two flights Dealer 1 was CAP/SEAD/Spotter, Dealer 2 was SEAD & Strike
Dealer 1 launched, flew the waypoints at angels 30, and began looking for Primary targets between whiskey 4 and 5. Dealer 1-2 had jet issues and returned to Kasab for repairs. Dealer 1-1 had weapons issues and returned to Kasab for a weapons check. Cargo ships were located at WP4, which turned out not to be the primary targets which were closer to WP5.
Dealer 2 launched 5 minutes after Dealer 1. Dealer 2 arrived on station and circled WP 4 while setting up for a strike on suspected Mine ships. A pair of hostile Iranian F-4's fired upon Dealer 1 and were quickly dispatched by Dealer 1-3.
Further aerial recon by dealer flight 2 positively identified target ships where a strike was being prepared. Dealer 2-1 was fired upon from ship radar guided AAA, struck and ejected. Dealer 2-2 also had weapons issues and orbited over target area for lasing assistance for the strike package.
Kasab airport was used by the flight for refuel and weapons rearming. A second strike attack was required and one mine cargo ship was sunk with the second being damaged. A second strike aircraft was lost at sea for undetermined reasons being investigated.
All remaining Black Aces stopped for fuel at Kasab before returning to mother for successful recoveries.
Mission was a partial success.
Dealer 1:
Ticman - Primary target hits, Trapped
Trim - trapped
Lion - two Iranian F-4 Phantoms, Primary Target hits, trapped
Cord - trapped
Dealer 2:
HedgeHog - shot down by ship AAA
Shadow - Trapped
PapaJoe - lost at sea
Mad Dog - lost at sea
25 AUG 2019 M-10 Mine Games 2 RE-TASKED
Mission Results
The weapon on the second mine cargo was a close miss astern. I would guess the ship sustained prop, shaft, and/or shaft seal damage. Most likely put out of commission. IMHO
Re: 25 AUG 2019 M-10 Mine Games 2 RE-TASKED
2nd cargo ship also ate 400 rounds of 20mm cannon. Its definitely damaged to heck imo
Re: 25 AUG 2019 M-10 Mine Games 2 RE-TASKED
Pilot records and Greenie Board updated.