We're taking a break this week from the Damascus Dawn campaign while the powers that be figure out how to respond to the Syrian's blatant and egregious violations of the Ceasefire agreement. To pass the time, I've put together a little 1980's mission that is based on some elements of historical events. We'll be embarked on the USS Forrestal (CV-59). As Forrestal isn't part of the Supercarrier module, there won't be any deck crew guidance or automatic hook up to the cats. Once you're lined up and near the shuttle, hit the "U" key to seat into the shuttle, then retract the launch bar. As this is a historical mission, the loadout is somewhat limited. No 9X's, AMRAAM's, JDAMs or targeting pods will be available. I encourage everyone to re-familiarize yourself with the employment of the AGM-62 Walleye, as it will be the only available PGM for the mission.
Wags on how to use the AGM-62 Walleye II:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--nFNQQU1y4
SITUATION
In this timeline, the United States is still a part of the Multinational Force (MNF), a joint peacekeeping operation in Lebanon made up of units from the United States, France, Italy and Great Britain. The mission of the MNF is to ensure the withdrawal of all foreign forces; aid, support and train the Lebanese Armed Forces to restore the sovereignty of the Lebanese Government at the request of the latter in Beirut and the promotion of national unity and reconciliation, along with strengthening all national institutions, including the army. What started as a rather benign operation in 1982 has since spiraled into chaos as the civil war in Lebanon has continued to escalate. President Reagan authorized US forces in theater to engage in "aggressive self-defense", as the Marine contingent based at the Beirut International Airport continually received indirect artillery, as well as sniper fire, from the hills and ridgetops overlooking the airport. In October of 1983, suicide bombers detonated large truck bombs at the Marine Barracks at the airport, as well as a French army post, killing 241 US servicemen and 58 French troops. Investigations into the bombings determined that the terrorists had received training and material support from the Syrian army, as well as members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). Despite the evidence, the United States only pursued diplomatic options for recourse and with the ever escalating violence in and around Beirut, US forces were withdrawn from the airport base in early 1984 to ships offshore. Being an election year, President Reagan decided to withdraw US forces completely from the region by summer. However, after winning re-election and starting his second term, President Reagan again sent forces back into Lebanon in response to continued destabilization in the region and a rash of airliner hijackings by various terrorists groups.
MISSION
VFA-41 is currently embarked aboard USS Forrestal on a Mediterranean cruise. US Intelligence has information on a barracks facility being used by IRGC and Syrian forces in the Bekka Valley region of eastern Lebanon. The barracks is located in the city of Baalbek, approximately 37 nautical miles east-northeast of Beirut and VFA-41 has been tasked with destroying this facility. There are three primary target buildings; two barracks structures and what is believed to be a munitions storage building. For targeting purposes, Waypoints 4, 5 and 6 have been co-located with each target. Additionally, hostile SAM, AAA and interceptor threats are located in the area, so it is advised a flight of SEAD capable aircraft be assigned to accompany the strike aircraft.
*It should be noted the target buildings are surrounded by a complex of ancient Roman ruins which have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is imperative that these structures not be damaged by our strike.*
THREATS
The Bekka Valley is notorious for Syrian anti air threats. An F-14 TARPS mission was able to identify two SAM systems in close proximity to the target area. The first, an SA-3, is located near Waypoint 3 along the ingress route to the target. The second, an SA-6, is located further south in the valley, south of the Rayak Airfield at Waypoint 7. Additional AAA and MANPADs are likely in the area as well. SA-2 sites are located further north and east inside Syrian territory, however they shouldn't threaten the flight unless pilots stray across the Syrian border.
The Syrian Airforce has also been flying daily CAP patrols in the vicinity of the AO. Expect possible response by Syrian MiG-23, MiG-21 and possibly MiG-25's. The Syrian army is also know to operate small helicopters in the Bekka Valley as well, but they are not likely to pose a significant threat to strike package aircraft.
ROE
Restricted-Extreme care must be taken not to damage the Roman Ruins, however any Syrian or IRGC units, including aircraft can be engaged as required.
MISSION OVERVIEW
DATE: 26 September 1986
TIME: 1630
SUNRISE: 0631
SUNSET: 1824
TASK: Strike
WX: 031@06 / Scattered 8,200 Scattered 23,000 / T28 / Q30.04
FLIGHT DURATION: 361NM
AVAILABLE SQUADRON ASSETS:
Dealer 1: 4 x F/A-18c
Dealer 2: 4 x F/A-18c
Dealer 3: 4 x F/A-18c
CARRIER
USS Forrestal (CV-59) / BRC 039* / Freq 127.5 [6] / TCN 59X "FST" / ICLS: 5
SUPPORTING UNITS
AWACS / E-2D / WIZARD / Freq 266.000 [4]
Mission Tanker / KC-135 / TEXACO / Freq: 251.00 [8]/ TCN 55Y
Recovery Tanker / S-3B / SHELL / Freq 353.00 [10] / TCN:66Y
DIVERT
Primary:
Beirut International Airport [WP10]
Freq 252.600
RWY 17/35
Secondary:
Akrotiri
TCN 107X
Freq 128.000
RWY 10/28
BULLSEYE
Beirut International Airport [WP10]
Mission Map:
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- Target Circle.jpg (4.55 MiB) Viewed 821 times
- Waypoint Marks.jpg (2.39 MiB) Viewed 821 times
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