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
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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:
- Trim, 2x UAV, Trapped
- NoPro, Crashed on recovery due to DCS buggery
- Chaos, DCS Crash
- Sabot, Trapped
- Rhino, Trapped
- Sven, Trapped
- Crash, Crashed on Recovery
- Razor, Trapped
- Hedgehog, Recovered
- Maniac, Recovered