New Command scenario: Novi Pazer Pursuit

March 12, 2014 · Posted in Command · Comment 

Database – DB3000
Author – Mark Gellis

 

In the late 1990s, Kosovo attempted to gain independence from Yugoslavia.  This resulted in armed conflict.  A cease fire was brokered in 1998, but within weeks fighting had broken out again.

After a massacre of civilians in Kosovo, in early 1999, NATO decided to use force to stop the fighting.  This was known as OPERATION ALLIED FORCE and including bombing operations against Yugoslavia that lasted from March to June of 1999.

This scenario is an attempt to present a NATO mission that could have taken place during OPERATION ALLIED FORCE.

*** FLASH *** FLASH *** FLASH ***

ATTN: Commanding Officer, Vella Gulf

INTEL/SITREP

We have reliable intelligence that a battalion of Yugoslavian armored vehicles is making its way to the town of Leposavic in Kosovo.  The column will pass through the towns of Novi Pazer and Raska on its way to Leposavic.

Many of the people living in Leposavic are ethnic Serbians and it is believed that Yugoslavia intends to use the town as a base from which to launch other attacks in Kosovo.

Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) believes that destroying this armored column is essential to advancing OPERATION ALLIED FORCE.

ENEMY FORCES

In addition to the armored column, other Yugoslavian forces, including SAM battalions are operating in the area.

FRIENDLY FORCES

Vella Gulf is the only naval vessel available for this mission.  You will coordinate the attack.  Aircraft at Ghedi air base have been chopped to your command.

MISSION

1. Destroy the bridges at Novi Pazer and Raski.  This should slow the advance of the armored column while they find alternate routes to Leposavic.

2. Destroy the armored column moving through Novi Pazer and Raski en route to Leposavic.  If you cannot destroy the column en route, identify where it has stopped advancing and attack it at that location.

3. Defend your forces from attack.

4. Destroy any targets of opportunity that present themselves.

EXECUTION

Vella Gulf is cleared to use her Tomahawk missiles.

Avoid unnecessary civilian casualties.

Avoid serious losses.  We do not wish to hand the Yugoslavians a political victory.

COMMAND AND SIGNAL

Command: Vella Gulf
Signal: EMCON State C (Unrestricted Emissions)

Good luck.

New Command scenario: Randolph’s Racket

March 12, 2014 · Posted in Command · Comment 

Database – CWDB
Author – Mark Gellis

This scenario assumes tensions between Israel and Egypt reached explosive levels in 1954, two years before the Suez Crisis.

*** OPERATIONAL: IMMEDIATE ***

ATTN: Commanding Officer, Randolph

You are instructed to initiate OPERATION COLORADO PASSAGE.

INTEL/SITREP

Egypt is attempting to pressure Israel and has threatend to fire on merchants attempting to enter Israeli waters.  We have reliable intelligence indicating that Egypt is planning to act on these threats.  Several American merchant vessels are en route to Israel.  Attacks against these vessels will not be tolerated.

ENEMY FORCES

Egypt has limited naval power but a moderately capable air force consisting primarily of British aircraft such as Vampires and Meteors.  Do not underestimate them.

FRIENDLY FORCES

Your task force consists of CV 15 Randolph, CL 145 Roanoke, DD 821 Johnston, DD 859 Norris, and SS 365 Hardhead.

A squadron of F-7 Cutlasses has been moved to Israel and is chopped to your command.  At your discretion, these aircraft may refuel and/or rearm on the Randolph.

MISSION

Protect American merchant vessels en route to Israel.

EXECUTION

Observe the situation but do not initiate attacks against Egyptian foces.  If the Egyptians attack any of the merchant vessels, you should assume that all such vessels are now in jeopardy, and you may intercept and destroy any Egyptian aircraft or warships that appear to threaten them.

If your forces are attacked, you may return fire and you may intercept and destroy any warships or aircraft that appear to threaten your forces.

Attacks against Egyptian territory and/or military installations are NOT authorized.

COMMAND AND SIGNAL

Command: Randolph
Signal: EMCON State C (Unrestricted Emissions)

Good luck.

New Command scenario: Smooth Trail

March 12, 2014 · Posted in Uncategorized · Comment 

Database – DB3000
Author – Mark Gellis

 

This scenario assumes that the Soviets launched a massive offensive against Western Europe on August 1, 1988.

*** FLASH *** FLASH *** FLASH ***

ATTN: Commanding Officer, Colbert

You are instructed to initiate OPERATION SMOOTH TRAIL.

INTEL/SITREP

The War is now ten days old.  You are lucky, my friend, to be at sea; the devastation on both sides is simply beyond description.  Much of Europe lies in ruins.  The Soviet advance has been stopped, although at terrible cost, and they presently control much of West Germany, Denmark, and Greece.

Satellite images show that a Soviet task force is about to enter the Denmark Strait, en route to the North Atlantic.  It must be stopped.

ENEMY FORCES

Your target is a Soviet amphibious task force.  It consists of at least two warships, and unknown number of submarines, and at least two amphibious assault vessels.  Its final destination is not known, although it is possible that it is headed for the Mediterraean.

FRIENDLY FORCES

Your task force consists of four French warships–Colbert, Dupleix, De Grasse, and Jean de Vienne–and one French submarine, Casabianca.

Russian missile strikes have left most of the airfields on Iceland in shambles.  One of the few surviving airfields is Husavik.  Two German Tornados now operating out of Husavik have been chopped to your command.

MISSION

Intercept and destroy the Soviet task force.

EXECUTION

The Soviets appear to be headed for the Denmark Strait.  Intercepting them as they enter the North Atlantic, to the west of Iceland, is probably your best option.  Its only serious drawback is that the Soviets will almost certainly be expecting you.

In case you were wondering, the name of your mission was suggested by an American naval officer, apparently in reference to the weather you are currently experiencing.  The Americans have such a droll sense of humor.

COMMAND AND SIGNAL

Command: Colbert
Signal: EMCON State C (Unrestricted Emissions)

Good luck.  Vive la France!

New Command scenario: Splendid Rambler

March 12, 2014 · Posted in Command · Comment 

Database – CWDB
Author – Mark Gellis

This scenario assumes that tensions between Australia and Indonesia increased in the late 1960s.  By 1968, the situation had become even more serious, with Indonesian naval vessels harassing Australian fishing boats and merchant vessels for supposedly violating their territorial waters.  In late February of 1968, Indonesia fired “warning shots” at an Australian fishing boat, damaging it and injuring two Australian fishermen.

 *** OPERATIONAL: IMMEDIATE ***

ATTN: Commanding Officer, Brisbane

The recent barbaric actions of the Indonesian government demand a clear and firm response.  You are instructed to initiate OPERATION SPLENDID RAMBLER.

INTEL/SITREP

Indonesia has recently restored Aru Airport and established a SIGINT station on Enu Island.

ENEMY FORCES

Unknown.  At least one Indonesian warship is believed to be in your area.  In addition, Indonesian MiG-17s have been observed conducting training missions near Aru Airport.

FRIENDLY FORCES

Your task force consists of DLG 41 Brisbane and D 08 Vendetta.
Aircraft at Darwin are chopped to your command.

MISSION

1. Destroy the SIGINT Station on Enu Island with naval gunfire.
2. Move your warships to the rendevous area marked on your tactical map.

EXECUTION

This is a show of force.  Our primary objective is to show Indonesia that they cannot harass or attack our citizens with impunity, that our response to such behavior will be immediate and harsh.  For obvious reasons, serious losses to your forces are unacceptable.

Aircraft at Darwin should conduct patrol operations and provide air cover for RAN vessels.

If you are approached by Indonesian forces, you are free to take whatever actions appear necessary to complete your mission.

COMMAND AND SIGNAL

Command: Brisbane
Signal: EMCON State C (Unrestricted Emissions)

 Good luck.

New Command scenario: Take it, Brave York

March 12, 2014 · Posted in Command · Comment 

Database – DB3000
Author – Mark Gellis

This scenario assumes that the winter of 1990 saw increased tensions between the Soviet Union and NATO.  The Soviet Union, on the verge of collapse, was concerned that NATO was planning some kind of aggressive action, possibly even a decapitating nuclear strike.  Sorties of naval vessels and submarines increased during this period, as the Soviets attempted to gather intelligence and to position military assets where they would be of the most use if war did break out.  This, naturally, increased concerns on the part of NATO that the Soviets might be planning some kind of attack.

The title is taken from William Shakespeare’s Henry V.  Henry is responding to the Duke of York’s request to lead the British vanguard at Agincourt, a decision that ultimately results in the Duke’s death.

*** FLASH *** FLASH *** FLASH ***

ATTN: Commanding Officer, HMS York.

INTEL/SITREP

Soviet activity in the North Sea has increased in recent weeks.  Whitehall and Washington are both increasingly concerned that the Soviets are planning to attack Europe.

A Soviet submarine has been spotted in the waters northeast of RAF Leuchars.

ENEMY FORCES

Unknown.  At least one submarine and one Soviet cruiser are known to be in your area, but additional details are currently not available.

FRIENDLY FORCES

Available forces in your region are York (D 98), Brazen (F 91), and the American submarine Dallas (SSN 700), which is chopped to your command.

Aircraft at RAF Leuchars are available to assist you.

MISSION

Locate and identify the Soviet submarine in your area.  If the Soviet submarine violates the exclusion zone marked on your tactical map, force it to surface and surrender.  If the Soviet submarine attempts to flee, or if your forces are attacked, you may assume the submarine has been placed in British waters with hostile intent and you may consider yourself free to sink it.

EXECUTION

Avoid initiating a confrontation with Soviet forces in international waters.  If your forces are attacked, you are free to return fire.

COMMAND AND SIGNAL

Command: York

Signal: EMCON State C (Unrestricted Emissions)

Good luck.  God save the Queen.

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