11 APR 2021 Gauntlet-5

[Lion]

In an attempt to solidify their hold on the Gulf region, punish their neighbors for support of the US during the Gulf War, and to assert themselves as the pre-dominant oil supplier in the region, Iran has begun attacking oil platforms and shipping vessels trapped in the Gulf, especially oil tankers.

Our current role is to intercept as many of these strikes as we can, in addition to trying to eliminate the Iranians' ability to launch them in the first place.

The carrier strike group will switch its attention from enforcing the Iraqi no-fly zone in order to better respond to Iranian oil field and shipping attacks.

Iranian attack aircraft and helicopters are rampaging through the Gulf attacking anything not flying an Iranian flag. Obviously, this course of action can not be allowed to continue. Currently there are several neutral or friendly vessels transiting the Gulf that must be protected.

The helicopter base located on Lavan Island has caused enough trouble to warrant its destruction. Go in and destroy all the fuel storage tanks and parked helicopters you can.

Because defenses at the island are expected to be significant, your flight is being assigned both SEAD and escort assets from the United Arab Emirates.

The strike is being conducted just after sundown to minimize Iranian fighter and optical air defense capabilities with their largely inability to attack at night.

A KC-130 is airborne near the coast of the UAE to provide mission tanking support.

Package:
1. 4x F/A-18C Callsign: Dodge 1-1 (Strike)
2. 4x F/A-18C Callsign: Dodge 2-1 (Support)
3. 4x F-14B Callsign: Dodge 3-1 (Support)

(UAE Air Force)
4. 4x F-16C Callsign: Enfield 1-1 (SEAD)
5. 4x F-16C Callsign: Enfield 2-1 (TARCAP)

Supporting Aircraft (USN, UAE Air Force):
1. 1x E-2 AWACS Callsign: Overlord 1-1
2. 1x S-3B Tanker Callsign: Texaco 2-1, TCN 56Y
3. 1x KC-130 Tanker Callsign: Arco 3-1, TCN 55Y

Supporting Aircraft (RSAF):
1. 1x E-3 AWACS Callsign: Focus 2-1

Supporting Aircraft (USAF):
1. 1x E-3 AWACS Callsign: Wizard 3-1

Mission: Night Airbase Attack
Flight Callsign: Dodge 1-1
Takeoff time: 1900 (local)
Bullseye: Lavan Island Airport
ROE: Red - Weapons Free
Carrier ICLS: 5

Expected Threats:
Probable SA-2 site on Lavan Island.
Probable SA-6 site on Kish Island.
Possible SA-2 site at Nay Band.
Probable AAA & manpads on Lavan Island.

MiG-29A and F-14A interceptors will likely be scrambled at some point during the attack on the airfield.

Iranian forces are running reduced late evening combat air patrols on their coastlines and will be engaged by the package TARCAP by the time the strike flights arrive.

Target Priority:
Fuel storage tanks;
Parked helicopters.

[MrBean]

CDR Trim assigned as Mission Commander

Alternate: CDR Ticman