4 August, 2024 -Operation Hormuz Sentinel Week 10

[Trim]

Date: July 18, 2019

Time: 0900 Local

Mission: Combat Air Patrol (CAP) over the Strait of Hormuz

Units Involved:

• Dealer 1 (4 x F/A-18C) - BARCAP
• Dealer 2 (4 x F/A-18C) - SuCAP
• Dealer 5 (2 x UH-1H) - Surface scouting (Boxer-based)
• WIZARD (E-2D Hawkeye) - Airborne Early Warning and Control
• SHELL 1-1 (KC-135) - Air Refueling

Mission Summary:

VFA-41 Black Aces successfully executed a CAP mission over the Strait of Hormuz to provide security for the USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) during its northbound transit.

Dealer 1:

• Conducted BARCAP at altitudes above 25,000 feet, maintaining a vigilant watch for aerial threats.
• Intercepted and escorted an Iranian P-3 Orion aircraft out of the area, preventing potential hostile actions.
• Successfully identified and neutralized two armed drones approaching the fleet, ensuring the safety of the ARG.

Dealer 2:

• Executed SuCAP between 20,000 and 25,000 feet, monitoring surface vessels in the vicinity.
• Identified two groups of surface vessels approaching the USS Boxer and effectively persuaded them to alter course, mitigating a potential threat.

Dealer 5:

• Operated from the USS Boxer, scouting ahead of the ARG and providing early warning of surface contacts.
• Relayed critical information to Dealer aircraft, enhancing situational awareness and enabling timely responses to potential threats.

Challenges Encountered:

• The presence of Iranian military aircraft and UAVs in the area presented a persistent potential threat.
• The extensive Iranian SAM network in the region required careful navigation and adherence to ROE to avoid escalation.

Lessons Learned:

• The use of a split-section tactic for BARCAP and SuCAP flights proved effective in maintaining continuous coverage and flexibility to respond to multiple taskings.
• The integration of surface scouting helicopters (Dealer 5) with airborne CAP assets significantly improved early warning and threat detection capabilities.
• Clear and concise communication between all units, especially during intercepts and course alterations of surface vessels, was crucial for successful mission execution.

Recommendations:

• Continue utilizing a combination of BARCAP, SuCAP, and surface scouting assets for future Strait of Hormuz transits to ensure comprehensive threat coverage.
• Regularly update and share intelligence on Iranian SAM deployments and tactics to refine mission planning and execution.
• Conduct post-mission debriefings with all participating units to identify areas for improvement and reinforce lessons learned.

Overall Assessment:

The CAP mission was successfully executed, ensuring the safe transit of the USS Boxer ARG through the Strait of Hormuz. The coordinated efforts of VFA-41 Black Aces, supported by WIZARD and SHELL 1-1, effectively deterred potential threats and demonstrated a strong commitment to maritime security in the region.



Dealer1:

1. Trim, 2x UAV, Trapped
2. NoPro, Crashed on recovery due to DCS buggery
3. Chaos, DCS Crash
4. Sabot, Trapped

Dealer 2:

1. Rhino, Trapped
2. Sven, Trapped
3. Crash, Crashed on Recovery
4. Razor, Trapped

Dealer 5:

1. Hedgehog, Recovered
2. Maniac, Recovered

[Hedgehog]

aarhs10a.jpg (83.28 KiB) Viewed 439 times

aarhs10b.jpg (107.22 KiB) Viewed 439 times

aarhs10c.png (472.28 KiB) Viewed 439 times

[Hedgehog]

Pilot records and Greenie Board updated.