New Scenario - The Seizure of M/T Marinera - for Beta Testing

[Mark352]

This is a small scenario based on the seizure of the allegedly Russian flagged tanker M/T Marinera (formerly Bella 1). It is not intended to be a literal recreation of the actual event. A joint US/UK task force is tasked to seize the tanker, and escort it to a secure anchorage while be monitored/pursued by Russian forces.

In the briefing I explain what needs to be done (hopefully its clear). I have taken some liberty regarding the actual events. One key point is the player needs to exercise some tactical restraint; you cannot fire on the opposing side. I incorporated a number events and Lua scripting in the scenario.

I have a shoebox full of scenarios that that are in various stages of work but, this is the first one I'm posting for some play testing. Any and all feedback, comments, questions are welcomed. Thanks.

Edit - update scenario v3 posted (removed preset missions on player side)

[Mgellis]

Played it twice. Some initial observations...

* Good, clear briefing.

* Was it deliberate to uncheck the 1/3 rule for the two missions? Checking it will pace how many aircraft go out on the missions so they do not go out all at once.

* Use a marker or a facility to identify Sullom Voe.

* Interesting set-up for boarding mission; if you wanted to make it more flexible, you can link the reference points to the tanker so they move with it. That way, you can do the boarding whenever you want. Of course, if you want to limit it to a certain time period, you can just leave it the way it is.

* I'm guessing one of the ways to defeat the Russian submarine is to speed up the tanker and its escorts up to about 18 knots; it will pull away from the spy ship and it will lose contact; this will make it harder for the submarine to match courses with it. As long as the spy ship can keep up with the tanker, it can relay its position to the submarine and the submarine is fast enough that it can catch up with the tanker. Do you want to mention a recommended speed in the briefing?

I hope this helps.

[Mark352]

* Was it deliberate to uncheck the 1/3 rule for the two missions? Checking it will pace how many aircraft go out on the missions so they do not go out all at once.

* Use a marker or a facility to identify Sullom Voe.

* Interesting set-up for boarding mission; if you wanted to make it more flexible, you can link the reference points to the tanker so they move with it. That way, you can do the boarding whenever you want. Of course, if you want to limit it to a certain time period, you can just leave it the way it is.

* I'm guessing one of the ways to defeat the Russian submarine is to speed up the tanker and its escorts up to about 18 knots; it will pull away from the spy ship and it will lose contact; this will make it harder for the submarine to match courses with it. As long as the spy ship can keep up with the tanker, it can relay its position to the submarine and the submarine is fast enough that it can catch up with the tanker. Do you want to mention a recommended speed in the briefing?

Thanks you for providing some feedback.

I removed the missions on the player side. I want the player to build their missions. This requires the player to setup the doctrine and follow the rules of engagement described in the briefing. The U-28A were part of the real-world mission. I’m not sure if they add any value other than a touch of realism. When I played it through I sent all three out on the Overwatch mission. Once the tanker was captured I set the mission to 1/3. The player gets points for getting the U-28A’s to the Overwatch area before 0930z and loses points for arriving to the area late.

I had a reference point that marked Sollum Voe but, I forgot to select it so it was visible. I like your idea better. I deleted that reference point and added a buoy that marks the anchorage.

The Boarding Area is marked by reference points B-1 thru B-16 around the tanker. The points are fixed to the tanker while it’s on the Russian side as are the reference points W-1 thru W-4 for the Overwatch area. Once the tanker is captured those points all detach from the tanker. During my testing I would reattach the Overwatch area points and keep a U28-A on patrol so one stayed with the tanker and the escorts but, as I mentioned not sure if that adds any value to the scenario. Maybe I should come up with a scoring process that requires keeping one U-28A on Overwatch. I'll look at that.

I want to keep the boarding/seizure/capture setup as I have it. The tanker needs to be captured between 1000z and 1030z. Failing to do that will end the scenario in mission failure. There are several other events that will end the scenario with mission failure as well.

I hadn’t thought of speeding up to 18 knots; that could be one way to beat the submarine. Might depend on the where the submarine is spawned though; there are multiple points to spawn it when the scenario starts so you could be sprinting right into it. Once the sub is detected that plan could be effective. I’ll leave speed up to the player for now. If that strategy makes the scenario to easy to beat I could swap out the intell ship with a frigate.

I’ve posted an updated version. Thanks again.

[Knightpawn]

I liked the mission. Small and refreshing, manages to keep the tension.
I would delete the blue missions. Designing them is part of the fun. Other that that I did not face any real problems.
I boarded Marinera and escorted it to the destination port, without facing any threat from the submarine or otherwise. I discovered the Submarine quite early but I lost it after a while. Easy Triumph

[Mark352]

I liked the mission. Small and refreshing, manages to keep the tension.
I would delete the blue missions. Designing them is part of the fun. Other that that I did not face any real problems.
I boarded Marinera and escorted it to the destination port, without facing any threat from the submarine or otherwise. I discovered the Submarine quite early but I lost it after a while. Easy Triumph

Thanks for giving it a go. I deleted the player missions in the latest version (my mistake leaving those in). Give it another try. The Russian sub might not always be so easy to beat.

[Knightpawn]

I deleted the player missions in the latest version (my mistake leaving those in)

OVW and ASW missions are still pre set in v2.

[Mark352]

OVW and ASW missions are still pre set in v2.

My apologies. I didn't consider folks playing in the editor. That's my bad. Thanks for pointing it out. I've posted an updated version 3. The missions should be removed from existence ( I hope). Learning something new with CMO everyday.

[Knightpawn]

I didn't consider folks playing in the editor.

I believe this this the most efficient way to beta test