A new HCE scenario from longtime author Mark Gellis.
"A small scenario pitting Mexican forces (with a little help from the United States) against Colombian ones."
This scenario uses the HCDA database and the Caribbean Basin custom battleset.
Download the scenario (as well as the database) from HarpGamer.
New HCE scenario - Colombian Hat Dance
New HCE scenario - Colombian Hat Dance
Brad Leyte
HC3 development group member for HCE
Author of HCDB official database for HCE
Harpgamer.com Co-Owner
HC3 development group member for HCE
Author of HCDB official database for HCE
Harpgamer.com Co-Owner
RE: New HCE scenario - Colombian Hat Dance
After Action Report: Colombian Hat Dance
A scenario by Mark Gellis
'Colombian Hat Dance' is a new HCE scenario for the new custom 'Caribbean Sea' Battleset. I played the scenario using beta 2008.050.
SPOILER ALERT
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My Mexican Navy (Armada de Mexico) task force was ordered to locate and destroy the terrorist base believed to be situate about 60 miles southwest of Juanchaco. As with much of its naval force, Task Force ABS consisted of elderly warships acquired from other nations, including the flagship Manuel Azueta (formerly the US Navy Edsall class destroyer escort USS Hurst), a pair of ex US Navy Knox class frigates – the Ignacio Allende (formerly the USS Stein) and the Guadalupe Victoria (formerly the USS Pharris), and rounding out the group, a pair of ex Israeli Sa’ar 4.5 class missile craft – the Huracan (ex Aliya) and the Tormenta (ex Guela).
Offensive punch was lacking, especially in the anti-surface department. The Huracan missile boats were the centerpiece of my anti-ship armament, augmented somewhat by a sizeable contingent of ship based AS565 Panther helicopters armed with the diminutive AS.15TT anti-ship missile. My ability to influence events ashore, however, was limited further still to the 5 inch guns aboard the Knox frigates and commando teams that could deploy from the helicopters. ASW capability was extremely limited.
The Mexican air force (Fuerza Aerea Mexicana) and naval aviation (Aviacion de la Armada de Mexico) offered very little to the operation (other than the shipboard helos). An E-2C Hawkeye was available from Tapachula, as was an EMB-145 maritime patrol aircraft, but they were some 1,000 nm from the combat zone and ended up playing only a very small role in the coming operation against the terrorists. The USAF contingent forward deployed to Tocumen, in Panama, however, would prove invaluable. Particularly the four F-15C Eagles and a lone Global Hawk UAV.
Present position of Task Force ABS was approximately 200 nm west of Juanchaco. I had very little information on the disposition of Colombian naval forces in the area, particularly the possibility of any submarine threat, other than a single reference to the possible presence of a Chilean submarine in the area.
Maintaining my usual cautious approach, I moved Task Force ABS northeast at a comfortable 17 knots, in the direction of the coverage offered by USAF assets operating out of Tocumen, while I assessed the situation. ABS remained under strict EMCON.
A pair of F-15s launched out of Tocumen with orders to establish and maintain a rotating CAP about 100 nm west of Juanchaco, equidistant between that Colombian airfield and the ships of Task Force ABS. The Global Hawk quickly followed suit, as did the Hawkeye at Tapachula (though it would be some time before the latter would arrive on scene).
The presence of the F-15s and Global Hawk quickly attracted the attention of the Colombian air force, which dispatched pairs of Kfir C.10s and Mirage 5Ms to the area. Apparently (and hopefully) oblivious to the Mexican naval group, the Colombians rather brazenly (and foolishly) approached the American aircraft at high speed. The F-15s, seeking to defend the Global Hawk and in turn, the Mexican ships, were forced to react. The Colombians stood no chance against AMRAAM, and inside an hour, there was no further airborne threat. (I shudder to think how this would damage future American-Colombian political relations, but alas, it is not the job of the military commander to consider such things. Right?)
The active sensors of both Global Hawk and (by now) the Hawkeye suggested that there was no other immediate threat, and so Task Force ABS now altered course to move southeast in the direction of Juanchaco.
It wasn’t long before the Colombian Navy made its appearance. The Hawkeye had been forced to return to base due to low fuel levels, but the Global Hawk continued its marathon, detecting two Almirante Padilla (FS1500) light frigates sitting offshore from Juanchaco. Task Force ABS remained under EMCON, and the Colombian ships made no effort to move from their position.
Emboldened (and perhaps a little embarrassed) by the Americans’ ease in neutralizing the Colombian air threat, the Mexicans launched a surprise raid against the Armada Nacional. Three AS565 helicopters were launched. (There was considerable backchannel debate at the time about whether this mission violated the ROE, but the Mexicans surmised that early success in the naval arena would serve to dissuade the Colombians from further interference in the anti-terrorist objective).
The Panthers were able to approach at very low level without difficulty, and each of them launched a pair of AS.15TT missiles in rapid succession just outside the effective range of the enemy frigates’ Simbad (Mistral) air defense missiles and 76mm Compact guns. Several of these AS.15TT missiles struck home, but their relatively tiny warheads inflicted only moderate damage on the frigate Antioquia. The Mexicans were nevertheless elated at their “success”.
Meanwhile, the Global Hawk had been successful in locating the terrorist base, sited at the coast some 60 nm southwest of Juanchaco as earlier intelligence had reported. The base appeared to comprise an aboveground bunker complex, but a closer look would be warranted. Acting on this new intel, Task Force ABS now diverted southwest, away from the Colombian ships and intending to make a run against the terrorist base from the south.
There was no further confrontation until Task Force ABS attempted to approach the terrorist base within range of the 5 inch guns carried by the Mexican warships Allende and Victoria. A civilian luxury yacht sailing under the name SS Lionheart was detected and identified west of Juanchaco, and this went without incident. However, as Task Force ABS approached the coast, it became apparent that the Colombian frigates Antioquia and Almirante Padilla were racing south to meet the Mexican navy.
The ships of the Mexican surface action group were badly outranged by the MM.40 Exocets carried by the Colombians, and the limited versatility of the AS.15TT missiles carried by the Panther helicopters had already been established (although the Mexicans were loath to admit it). Another helo strike was quickly readied and launched, again scoring hits on the already damaged Antioquia and starting a fire that quickly consumed her. The Almirante Padilla, however, raced onward, and it was now obvious that it was the Colombians’ turn to mark their mark.
Very soon thereafter eight MM.40 Exocets were detected inbound. If there had not been a pair of USAF F-15s orbiting overhead, it is probable that the Exocets may not have been detected until it was too late. And, furthermore, the Mexicans had little ability to stop the attacking missiles in any event. Again, in both a sigh of relief and more than a little embarrassment, the Americans saved the Mexicans’ hides. The Exocet raid was splashed by AMRAAM.
Knowing the Colombian ship was out of missiles, and again acting under what was perhaps a dangerously false sense of security, the Mexican SAG pushed toward the objective and the Padilla. Mistake. Incoming torpedoes were detected by the passive sonar systems of the Knox frigate Victoria! Turning tail and running, the Knox raced away at 27 knots, pursued by a 35 knot torpedo. No submarine had been detected, but it was very obvious that there was at least one out there. What was happening? Was it a Colombian submarine? Were the Chileans joining the war on Colombia’s side?
Already in range of the Padilla, the two Huracan missile craft of the Mexican SAG opened fire with their Gabriel II anti-ship missiles. Perhaps more than a little panic stricken by the sudden appearance of torpedoes, however, they neglected to illuminate their radars for Gabriel missile guidance. Three of four Gabriels self-destructed before they could capture semi-active radar guidance. Doh! Three more missiles were rapidly launched as the ships’ guidance radars came online. Fortunately for the Mexicans, three of these four Gabriels plunged into the Almirante Padilla and exploded her.
Meanwhile, the clock for the torpedo engagement was still running. Slowly but inexorably, the incoming torpedo ate up the distance between it and the fleeing frigate Victoria. 3 miles. 2 miles. 1 mile. Positive sonar contact was lost as the ship’s engines raced to push her at top speed. A cheer erupted from the ship’s bridge as the clock ran down without any thundering explosion putting an end to everything. A miss? Did it run out of fuel? No matter, the ship had survived. That was the main thing – the only thing.
Shocked into sensibility by this narrow escape, the Mexican SAG now chose a circuituous route to return to the scene and hopefully attack the terrorist base on the coast. The ships circled wide and west, running at their top speed of 21 knots for as long as possible in an effort to foil any further submarine attack.
With only six hours remaining to complete the mission objectives, Task Force ABS now approached from the north, creeping into a position where it could conduct a vigorous shore bombardment of the terrorist complex. No submarine had been detected or located, but the risk had to be taken nevertheless.
The Global Hawk’s eagle eyes had by now precisely identified the complex as containing three distinct bunkers and several SA-14 MANPADS positions. Passing into gunnery range, the crews aboard Victoria and Allende utilized these coordinates to start their bombardment. A couple of dozen 5 inch high explosive rounds fell in and around the complex, neutralizing the air defenses. Commando teams aboard Panther helicopters now launched against the bunkers (and their occupants). Shell shocked and demoralised, the terrorists fell quickly to the specialists, and victory was awarded with about four hours remaining and no losses to Blue.
Another fun scenario, Mark, thanks a bunch. I always grin when I see a new scenario from you because I know I can play it quickly to resolution and still enjoy it immensely. I have to admit that upon quickly and easily defeating the Colombian air force, I was a tad worried that the rest of the scenario would be a push over. But, of course, as always, you were able to lull me into a bit of a false sense of security. Either of the Exocet or torpedo engagement could have been a “game over” for me. Also, compelling the player to get very close to his target (the terrorist base) played very well into the strengths of the Colombians. Well done, and thanks for using the HCDA database and the new custom battlesets for this new scenario.
A scenario by Mark Gellis
'Colombian Hat Dance' is a new HCE scenario for the new custom 'Caribbean Sea' Battleset. I played the scenario using beta 2008.050.
SPOILER ALERT
*
*
*
*
*
*
A few years in the future ... Two terrorist attacks in Mexico City, which claimed the lives of 37 people, are blamed on radicals based in Colombia. The terrorist base has been located, but Colombia has refused to take action against the terrorists. No one is entirely sure why; some believe Colombian officials are concerned about reprisals. Colombia has declared it will not tolerate a violation of its territory, even if it is to pursue terrorists. As one member of the Colombian government said, "These criminals are on Colombian soil and we will deal with them, when and how we see fit." Mexico has gotten tired of waiting for the Colombians to take action. They have moved ships and troops into the region and are preparing to attack the terrorist base. In addition, the United States, which has called for a U.N. condemnation of Colombia for its failure to go after the terrorists, has offered support to Mexico.
My Mexican Navy (Armada de Mexico) task force was ordered to locate and destroy the terrorist base believed to be situate about 60 miles southwest of Juanchaco. As with much of its naval force, Task Force ABS consisted of elderly warships acquired from other nations, including the flagship Manuel Azueta (formerly the US Navy Edsall class destroyer escort USS Hurst), a pair of ex US Navy Knox class frigates – the Ignacio Allende (formerly the USS Stein) and the Guadalupe Victoria (formerly the USS Pharris), and rounding out the group, a pair of ex Israeli Sa’ar 4.5 class missile craft – the Huracan (ex Aliya) and the Tormenta (ex Guela).
Offensive punch was lacking, especially in the anti-surface department. The Huracan missile boats were the centerpiece of my anti-ship armament, augmented somewhat by a sizeable contingent of ship based AS565 Panther helicopters armed with the diminutive AS.15TT anti-ship missile. My ability to influence events ashore, however, was limited further still to the 5 inch guns aboard the Knox frigates and commando teams that could deploy from the helicopters. ASW capability was extremely limited.
The Mexican air force (Fuerza Aerea Mexicana) and naval aviation (Aviacion de la Armada de Mexico) offered very little to the operation (other than the shipboard helos). An E-2C Hawkeye was available from Tapachula, as was an EMB-145 maritime patrol aircraft, but they were some 1,000 nm from the combat zone and ended up playing only a very small role in the coming operation against the terrorists. The USAF contingent forward deployed to Tocumen, in Panama, however, would prove invaluable. Particularly the four F-15C Eagles and a lone Global Hawk UAV.
Present position of Task Force ABS was approximately 200 nm west of Juanchaco. I had very little information on the disposition of Colombian naval forces in the area, particularly the possibility of any submarine threat, other than a single reference to the possible presence of a Chilean submarine in the area.
Maintaining my usual cautious approach, I moved Task Force ABS northeast at a comfortable 17 knots, in the direction of the coverage offered by USAF assets operating out of Tocumen, while I assessed the situation. ABS remained under strict EMCON.
A pair of F-15s launched out of Tocumen with orders to establish and maintain a rotating CAP about 100 nm west of Juanchaco, equidistant between that Colombian airfield and the ships of Task Force ABS. The Global Hawk quickly followed suit, as did the Hawkeye at Tapachula (though it would be some time before the latter would arrive on scene).
The presence of the F-15s and Global Hawk quickly attracted the attention of the Colombian air force, which dispatched pairs of Kfir C.10s and Mirage 5Ms to the area. Apparently (and hopefully) oblivious to the Mexican naval group, the Colombians rather brazenly (and foolishly) approached the American aircraft at high speed. The F-15s, seeking to defend the Global Hawk and in turn, the Mexican ships, were forced to react. The Colombians stood no chance against AMRAAM, and inside an hour, there was no further airborne threat. (I shudder to think how this would damage future American-Colombian political relations, but alas, it is not the job of the military commander to consider such things. Right?)
The active sensors of both Global Hawk and (by now) the Hawkeye suggested that there was no other immediate threat, and so Task Force ABS now altered course to move southeast in the direction of Juanchaco.
It wasn’t long before the Colombian Navy made its appearance. The Hawkeye had been forced to return to base due to low fuel levels, but the Global Hawk continued its marathon, detecting two Almirante Padilla (FS1500) light frigates sitting offshore from Juanchaco. Task Force ABS remained under EMCON, and the Colombian ships made no effort to move from their position.
Emboldened (and perhaps a little embarrassed) by the Americans’ ease in neutralizing the Colombian air threat, the Mexicans launched a surprise raid against the Armada Nacional. Three AS565 helicopters were launched. (There was considerable backchannel debate at the time about whether this mission violated the ROE, but the Mexicans surmised that early success in the naval arena would serve to dissuade the Colombians from further interference in the anti-terrorist objective).
The Panthers were able to approach at very low level without difficulty, and each of them launched a pair of AS.15TT missiles in rapid succession just outside the effective range of the enemy frigates’ Simbad (Mistral) air defense missiles and 76mm Compact guns. Several of these AS.15TT missiles struck home, but their relatively tiny warheads inflicted only moderate damage on the frigate Antioquia. The Mexicans were nevertheless elated at their “success”.
Meanwhile, the Global Hawk had been successful in locating the terrorist base, sited at the coast some 60 nm southwest of Juanchaco as earlier intelligence had reported. The base appeared to comprise an aboveground bunker complex, but a closer look would be warranted. Acting on this new intel, Task Force ABS now diverted southwest, away from the Colombian ships and intending to make a run against the terrorist base from the south.
There was no further confrontation until Task Force ABS attempted to approach the terrorist base within range of the 5 inch guns carried by the Mexican warships Allende and Victoria. A civilian luxury yacht sailing under the name SS Lionheart was detected and identified west of Juanchaco, and this went without incident. However, as Task Force ABS approached the coast, it became apparent that the Colombian frigates Antioquia and Almirante Padilla were racing south to meet the Mexican navy.
The ships of the Mexican surface action group were badly outranged by the MM.40 Exocets carried by the Colombians, and the limited versatility of the AS.15TT missiles carried by the Panther helicopters had already been established (although the Mexicans were loath to admit it). Another helo strike was quickly readied and launched, again scoring hits on the already damaged Antioquia and starting a fire that quickly consumed her. The Almirante Padilla, however, raced onward, and it was now obvious that it was the Colombians’ turn to mark their mark.
Very soon thereafter eight MM.40 Exocets were detected inbound. If there had not been a pair of USAF F-15s orbiting overhead, it is probable that the Exocets may not have been detected until it was too late. And, furthermore, the Mexicans had little ability to stop the attacking missiles in any event. Again, in both a sigh of relief and more than a little embarrassment, the Americans saved the Mexicans’ hides. The Exocet raid was splashed by AMRAAM.
Knowing the Colombian ship was out of missiles, and again acting under what was perhaps a dangerously false sense of security, the Mexican SAG pushed toward the objective and the Padilla. Mistake. Incoming torpedoes were detected by the passive sonar systems of the Knox frigate Victoria! Turning tail and running, the Knox raced away at 27 knots, pursued by a 35 knot torpedo. No submarine had been detected, but it was very obvious that there was at least one out there. What was happening? Was it a Colombian submarine? Were the Chileans joining the war on Colombia’s side?
Already in range of the Padilla, the two Huracan missile craft of the Mexican SAG opened fire with their Gabriel II anti-ship missiles. Perhaps more than a little panic stricken by the sudden appearance of torpedoes, however, they neglected to illuminate their radars for Gabriel missile guidance. Three of four Gabriels self-destructed before they could capture semi-active radar guidance. Doh! Three more missiles were rapidly launched as the ships’ guidance radars came online. Fortunately for the Mexicans, three of these four Gabriels plunged into the Almirante Padilla and exploded her.
Meanwhile, the clock for the torpedo engagement was still running. Slowly but inexorably, the incoming torpedo ate up the distance between it and the fleeing frigate Victoria. 3 miles. 2 miles. 1 mile. Positive sonar contact was lost as the ship’s engines raced to push her at top speed. A cheer erupted from the ship’s bridge as the clock ran down without any thundering explosion putting an end to everything. A miss? Did it run out of fuel? No matter, the ship had survived. That was the main thing – the only thing.
Shocked into sensibility by this narrow escape, the Mexican SAG now chose a circuituous route to return to the scene and hopefully attack the terrorist base on the coast. The ships circled wide and west, running at their top speed of 21 knots for as long as possible in an effort to foil any further submarine attack.
With only six hours remaining to complete the mission objectives, Task Force ABS now approached from the north, creeping into a position where it could conduct a vigorous shore bombardment of the terrorist complex. No submarine had been detected or located, but the risk had to be taken nevertheless.
The Global Hawk’s eagle eyes had by now precisely identified the complex as containing three distinct bunkers and several SA-14 MANPADS positions. Passing into gunnery range, the crews aboard Victoria and Allende utilized these coordinates to start their bombardment. A couple of dozen 5 inch high explosive rounds fell in and around the complex, neutralizing the air defenses. Commando teams aboard Panther helicopters now launched against the bunkers (and their occupants). Shell shocked and demoralised, the terrorists fell quickly to the specialists, and victory was awarded with about four hours remaining and no losses to Blue.
Another fun scenario, Mark, thanks a bunch. I always grin when I see a new scenario from you because I know I can play it quickly to resolution and still enjoy it immensely. I have to admit that upon quickly and easily defeating the Colombian air force, I was a tad worried that the rest of the scenario would be a push over. But, of course, as always, you were able to lull me into a bit of a false sense of security. Either of the Exocet or torpedo engagement could have been a “game over” for me. Also, compelling the player to get very close to his target (the terrorist base) played very well into the strengths of the Colombians. Well done, and thanks for using the HCDA database and the new custom battlesets for this new scenario.
Brad Leyte
HC3 development group member for HCE
Author of HCDB official database for HCE
Harpgamer.com Co-Owner
HC3 development group member for HCE
Author of HCDB official database for HCE
Harpgamer.com Co-Owner