The squadron was divided into two flights, each identically loaded, launching 10 minutes apart to conduct search patterns. As Dealer 1 approached the search area, an S-3 Viking reported grid coordinates and direction of travel of the last sighting of the sub. The S-3 was subsequently shot down by Russian warplanes, which were then dispatched by supporting CAP aircraft.
By the time Dealer 2 launched, Dealer 1-1 had gotten lucky and located the sub near the reported coordinates on surface radar and ATFLIR. After finally resolving and locking the sub with a Maverick missile, the sub was hit and destroyed, completing mission objectives. The squadron was ordered to RTB.
The E-2C Hawkeye AWACS supporting the mission reported a hostile aircraft closing Dealer 1. As it broke the 40 nm envelope, Dealer 1-3 and 1-4 were ordered to engage it. It was visually identified as a Russian military reconnaissance aircraft and was shot down.
The greatest challenge to mission pilots was returning to the carrier with full ordnance and most of their fuel remaining, placing them well over the 34,000 trap weight limit. Dumping fuel to nearly the low fuel state was necessary to get back aboard. Additionally, the carrier's ICLS system was inoperative, adding additional challenge, and resulting in one aircraft lost in a crash on recovery.
Dealer 1
1 - Hedgehog: sub destroyed, trapped.
2 - Maniac: trapped.
3 - Lion: 1x An-30M, trapped.
4 - Chaos: trapped.
Dealer 2
1 - Mad Dog: trapped.
2 - Rhino: trapped.
3 - Trim: trapped.
4 - Crash: crashed on recovery.
MISSION SUCCESS!
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