Find attached for beta testing a scenario about Tripoli and Lincoln opening the Hormuz strait. It begun as an effort to understand what does "opening the Strait" actually mean and it ended up in this...
This is my first scenario and for sure there is room for improvement before release. Hence I would appreciate all constructing criticism and feedback in order to make it fun and challenging, while staying close to the actual situation.
The idea is that US will need to conduct operations until they determine that passage is safe. At that point US President will declare the strait open. Not doing so will result in failure. Following that point, damages to traversing tankers after that are punished heavily.
Losses of key assets are also punished to reflect impact on public opinion. No points are gained by destroying Iranian assets. It is all about achieving the objective.
DO NOT END the scenario before all three tanker groups exit the strait safely. It will prevent the scoring system from unfolding.
"Equations" that I have not solved yet are
- is the duration too long or too short?
- Given the current (or other) duration, what should be the deadline to impose on US President
- is it too easy on the player?. How to make it more balanced?
- for testing ammo is unlimited. Do you have recommendations about magazines in each airbase?
Looking forward to your feedback.
Enjoy your weekend
[PS. Recommend to play with Weapons Damage and Weapons Endgame Calculations OFF in the message Log]
Operation Rite of Passage [beta version for testing]
Moderator: MOD_Command
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Knightpawn
- Posts: 506
- Joined: Mon Dec 02, 2024 12:28 pm
Operation Rite of Passage [beta version for testing]
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- Operation Rite of Passage_v0.9.zip
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Correcaminos
- Posts: 210
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Re: Operation Rite of Passage [beta version for testing]
I've been reviewing your order of battle and I recommend the following adjustments; you know these are always just suggestions.
NAVAL UNIT RELOCATION
All ships currently in the Persian Gulf or the Strait of Hormuz should be relocated to the Gulf of Oman or the Arabian Sea. As for the Arleigh Burke-class and Independence-class LCSs (USS Canberra, USS Tulsa, and USS Santa Barbara): their aluminum hulls and lack of area air defenses make them incredibly easy targets for swarms of suicide drones. Furthermore, there's no logical explanation for how they managed to enter the Gulf with the Strait already heavily mined. It would be tactically insane to deploy them there from H-Hour, wouldn't it? If I were playing as Iran, I would attack them without hesitation.
Also, regarding the unit names you've included in the scenario, I'm not sure if you're aiming for strict realism—since many of these specific ships/squadrons don't currently operate in that area of operations—or if it's simply a hypothetical configuration.
MINE COUNTERMEASURES AND LOGISTICS (MCM)
Regarding your mine countermeasures (MCM) assets: you've assigned helicopters with the ALMDS system. These don't yet function correctly in CMO; they will only detect surface/floating mines, not the bottom or moored mines you've laid (this is a known and reported issue in the simulator).
You also need to adjust your tanker support. Heavy helicopters like the MH-53E Sea Dragon require much slower, fixed-wing tankers equipped with specific hose and basket systems; otherwise, you won't be able to maintain continuous MCM operations. You should add a squadron of KC-130J Super Hercules (USMC) or HC-130J Combat King II helicopters to the base of operations at Al Minhad or Thumrait.
To alleviate the burden on the helicopters, I suggest adding Mk18 Mod 2 Kingfish unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). You can deploy them on Independence-class LCSs, but keep in mind that they are slow and have short range, so the mother ships will need to be positioned close to the clearing zone.
If this is a hypothetical scenario, you could include Avenger-class mine countermeasures ships (there are still four in service), which could theoretically begin their deployment in the Persian Gulf. Overall, you need to allocate more helicopters equipped with Mk106 magnetic sleds and AN/AQS-20A/AQS-24 side-scan sonar, as these are the ones that will detect deep-water mines.
And be careful with the number of speedboats you add to the map; they can become overwhelming for the player. Especially the anti-aircraft ones.
There will be more things to fine-tune, but this is what I've seen at first glance.
Anyway, you can always refer to my quest "The Challenge of Ormuz" for your battle order if you need it!
NAVAL UNIT RELOCATION
All ships currently in the Persian Gulf or the Strait of Hormuz should be relocated to the Gulf of Oman or the Arabian Sea. As for the Arleigh Burke-class and Independence-class LCSs (USS Canberra, USS Tulsa, and USS Santa Barbara): their aluminum hulls and lack of area air defenses make them incredibly easy targets for swarms of suicide drones. Furthermore, there's no logical explanation for how they managed to enter the Gulf with the Strait already heavily mined. It would be tactically insane to deploy them there from H-Hour, wouldn't it? If I were playing as Iran, I would attack them without hesitation.
Also, regarding the unit names you've included in the scenario, I'm not sure if you're aiming for strict realism—since many of these specific ships/squadrons don't currently operate in that area of operations—or if it's simply a hypothetical configuration.
MINE COUNTERMEASURES AND LOGISTICS (MCM)
Regarding your mine countermeasures (MCM) assets: you've assigned helicopters with the ALMDS system. These don't yet function correctly in CMO; they will only detect surface/floating mines, not the bottom or moored mines you've laid (this is a known and reported issue in the simulator).
You also need to adjust your tanker support. Heavy helicopters like the MH-53E Sea Dragon require much slower, fixed-wing tankers equipped with specific hose and basket systems; otherwise, you won't be able to maintain continuous MCM operations. You should add a squadron of KC-130J Super Hercules (USMC) or HC-130J Combat King II helicopters to the base of operations at Al Minhad or Thumrait.
To alleviate the burden on the helicopters, I suggest adding Mk18 Mod 2 Kingfish unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). You can deploy them on Independence-class LCSs, but keep in mind that they are slow and have short range, so the mother ships will need to be positioned close to the clearing zone.
If this is a hypothetical scenario, you could include Avenger-class mine countermeasures ships (there are still four in service), which could theoretically begin their deployment in the Persian Gulf. Overall, you need to allocate more helicopters equipped with Mk106 magnetic sleds and AN/AQS-20A/AQS-24 side-scan sonar, as these are the ones that will detect deep-water mines.
And be careful with the number of speedboats you add to the map; they can become overwhelming for the player. Especially the anti-aircraft ones.
There will be more things to fine-tune, but this is what I've seen at first glance.
Anyway, you can always refer to my quest "The Challenge of Ormuz" for your battle order if you need it!
"Si vis pacem, para bellum."
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Knightpawn
- Posts: 506
- Joined: Mon Dec 02, 2024 12:28 pm
Re: Operation Rite of Passage [beta version for testing]
Noted. I was under the impression that a few US Naval assets that were stationed inside the Gulf remained there. I will fix thisCorrecaminos wrote: Sat Mar 28, 2026 8:41 am I've been reviewing your order of battle and I recommend the following adjustments; you know these are always just suggestions.
NAVAL UNIT RELOCATION
All ships currently in the Persian Gulf or the Strait of Hormuz should be relocated to the Gulf of Oman or the Arabian Sea. As for the Arleigh Burke-class and Independence-class LCSs (USS Canberra, USS Tulsa, and USS Santa Barbara): their aluminum hulls and lack of area air defenses make them incredibly easy targets for swarms of suicide drones. Furthermore, there's no logical explanation for how they managed to enter the Gulf with the Strait already heavily mined. It would be tactically insane to deploy them there from H-Hour, wouldn't it? If I were playing as Iran, I would attack them without hesitation.
Also, regarding the unit names you've included in the scenario, I'm not sure if you're aiming for strict realism—since many of these specific ships/squadrons don't currently operate in that area of operations—or if it's simply a hypothetical configuration.
That is all very valuable. I understand that the Avengers have been withdrawn from the area as we speak. So I will keep it that wayMINE COUNTERMEASURES AND LOGISTICS (MCM)
Regarding your mine countermeasures (MCM) assets: you've assigned helicopters with the ALMDS system. These don't yet function correctly in CMO; they will only detect surface/floating mines, not the bottom or moored mines you've laid (this is a known and reported issue in the simulator).
You also need to adjust your tanker support. Heavy helicopters like the MH-53E Sea Dragon require much slower, fixed-wing tankers equipped with specific hose and basket systems; otherwise, you won't be able to maintain continuous MCM operations. You should add a squadron of KC-130J Super Hercules (USMC) or HC-130J Combat King II helicopters to the base of operations at Al Minhad or Thumrait.
To alleviate the burden on the helicopters, I suggest adding Mk18 Mod 2 Kingfish unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). You can deploy them on Independence-class LCSs, but keep in mind that they are slow and have short range, so the mother ships will need to be positioned close to the clearing zone.
If this is a hypothetical scenario, you could include Avenger-class mine countermeasures ships (there are still four in service), which could theoretically begin their deployment in the Persian Gulf. Overall, you need to allocate more helicopters equipped with Mk106 magnetic sleds and AN/AQS-20A/AQS-24 side-scan sonar, as these are the ones that will detect deep-water mines.
Noted. The whole idea of the scenario is for the US to locate as many threats as possible and destroy them before the tankers start moving. Testing a bit, It seems that this is a relatively easy task for US sensors. So I will need to re-arrange a few things. The light low clouds aim to add to this challenge (and these type of clouds fit - or at least they are not improbable - with the weather patterns of the gulf during spring especially near the Iranian side)And be careful with the number of speedboats you add to the map; they can become overwhelming for the player. Especially the anti-aircraft ones.
Looking forward to your further inputs with much appreciation for the time to review.There will be more things to fine-tune, but this is what I've seen at first glance.
Anyway, you can always refer to my quest "The Challenge of Ormuz" for your battle order if you need it!
Re: Operation Rite of Passage [beta version for testing]
v0.9 tested. B1825.11
Ended in a complete disaster -7750 points. Now I know what a swarm is
Some more comments, suggestions, etc for you to consider
SPOILER ALERTS
- Briefing: Peykaap residual number is bigger than pre-war. Also suicide drones. Zulfiqar no pre-war estimation. Attrition makes sense? Lincoln CSG has 80 ACs. Tripoli ARG has 44 ACs.
- It is also said that there are not Tomahawks available, but there are several units with them. If you want to remove them completely I would add reload capability to the HIMARS.
- Add messages with the phases you have described in the briefing.
- The scenario is too long, I was defeated, but continued to see what happened. The surviving tankers (8) arrive nearly the Arabian Sea and then return back in the direction of Hormuz. I would reduce it in more than 1 day.
- Some ACs have no loadout or are unavailable, like the tankers.
- Some typos in the special action.
- The air groups dissolve themselves when the loadout is expended.
- Airfield near FOA has no name. Only Spike munitions. I would remove the length of the ABs names.
- 2 Destroyers with the same name (Michael and Micheal) Murphy.
- Add a U-2S for inland Iran reconnaissance (present in Correcaminos' scenario).
- The LCSs present are those configured as MCM, however in the scenario are ASW. Some links with the transformation into LCS, you may also ask the AI.
https://www.19fortyfive.com/2026/03/ira ... y-in-asia/
https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-nav ... ey-assets/
https://taskandpurpose.com/tech-tactics ... e-hunting/
https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/ ... -ps-031826
- There are too few helos that can detect mines. As Correcaminos commented ALMDS only works for surface mines (bug), and there are too many of them.
- STEER helo has a "nothing" loadout. The same for some of the ASW helos.
- Change the name of Iranian piers for some variety of coves, etc. as described in the briefing.
- Did not detect any subsurface contact. I would add biologics.
- Iran side is too passive before the POTUS declaration.
- I had destroyed what considered enough Iranian FIACs and drones, so decided to activate the special action. To my surprise there were even many more of them. The first convoy was overwhelmed and as a result the scenario was lost.
- But continued and managed to destroy most of them to see what happened.
- You have not control of the convoys, the route they followed was not the corridor I had prepared. Also there is no clear destination for them. These two features are in Correcaminos' scenario.
- Also it is not clear where are the mined zones all of the map?
- The scenario ends when a convoy ship is hit. There is no opportunity to recover, perhaps the defeat scenario should be when the first is sunk, maintaining the loss of points when they are hit.
- When the scenario ended 8 of the convoy ships "passed the rite", 8 were stopped near Hormuz strait (out of comms, engines destroyed) and 2 were sunk.
- Scoring log attached. What is Reaper offset event?
This is the Lua History file. It is not explained in the SL the reason for the 800 points.
Ended in a complete disaster -7750 points. Now I know what a swarm is
Some more comments, suggestions, etc for you to consider
SPOILER ALERTS
- Briefing: Peykaap residual number is bigger than pre-war. Also suicide drones. Zulfiqar no pre-war estimation. Attrition makes sense? Lincoln CSG has 80 ACs. Tripoli ARG has 44 ACs.
- It is also said that there are not Tomahawks available, but there are several units with them. If you want to remove them completely I would add reload capability to the HIMARS.
- Add messages with the phases you have described in the briefing.
- The scenario is too long, I was defeated, but continued to see what happened. The surviving tankers (8) arrive nearly the Arabian Sea and then return back in the direction of Hormuz. I would reduce it in more than 1 day.
- Some ACs have no loadout or are unavailable, like the tankers.
- Some typos in the special action.
- The air groups dissolve themselves when the loadout is expended.
- Airfield near FOA has no name. Only Spike munitions. I would remove the length of the ABs names.
- 2 Destroyers with the same name (Michael and Micheal) Murphy.
- Add a U-2S for inland Iran reconnaissance (present in Correcaminos' scenario).
- The LCSs present are those configured as MCM, however in the scenario are ASW. Some links with the transformation into LCS, you may also ask the AI.
https://www.19fortyfive.com/2026/03/ira ... y-in-asia/
https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-nav ... ey-assets/
https://taskandpurpose.com/tech-tactics ... e-hunting/
https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/ ... -ps-031826
- There are too few helos that can detect mines. As Correcaminos commented ALMDS only works for surface mines (bug), and there are too many of them.
- STEER helo has a "nothing" loadout. The same for some of the ASW helos.
- Change the name of Iranian piers for some variety of coves, etc. as described in the briefing.
- Did not detect any subsurface contact. I would add biologics.
- Iran side is too passive before the POTUS declaration.
- I had destroyed what considered enough Iranian FIACs and drones, so decided to activate the special action. To my surprise there were even many more of them. The first convoy was overwhelmed and as a result the scenario was lost.
- But continued and managed to destroy most of them to see what happened.
- You have not control of the convoys, the route they followed was not the corridor I had prepared. Also there is no clear destination for them. These two features are in Correcaminos' scenario.
- Also it is not clear where are the mined zones all of the map?
- The scenario ends when a convoy ship is hit. There is no opportunity to recover, perhaps the defeat scenario should be when the first is sunk, maintaining the loss of points when they are hit.
- When the scenario ended 8 of the convoy ships "passed the rite", 8 were stopped near Hormuz strait (out of comms, engines destroyed) and 2 were sunk.
- Scoring log attached. What is Reaper offset event?
This is the Lua History file. It is not explained in the SL the reason for the 800 points.
[Award] +800 points awarded to USA (100 -> 900)
[Mission] Iran mission 'Radars' activated.
[EMCON] Mission 'Radars' set to Radar=Active.
[TankerMove] Tanker Group 1 set to 12 kts
[TankerMove] Tanker Group 2 set to 12 kts
[TankerMove] Tanker Group 3 set to 12 kts
[TankerMove] Done.
AS OF: 31-Mar-26 06:33:45
SIDE: USA
===========================================================
LOSSES:
-------------------------------
1x MH-60R Seahawk
13x MQ-9A Reaper UAV
EXPENDITURES:
------------------
8x 12.7mm/50 MG Burst [10 rnds]
280x 127mm/54 HE-CVT [HiFrag]
260x 127mm/54 HE-PD [HiCap]
80x 127mm/54 WP
40x 127mm/62 Mk186 HE-MOFN [Mk64 HiCap Body, Mk437 Fuse]
611x 127mm/62 Mk187 HE-MFF [Mk64 HiCap Body, Mk419 Fuse]
51x 25mm/75 Bushmaster Mod 2 Burst [12 rnds]
13x 30mm M230 Burst [40 rnds]
8x 30mm Mk46 Mod 1 [Bushmaster II Mk44 Mod 2] Burst [20 rnds]
100x 57mm/70 Bofors Mk3 GP Burst [4 rnds]
107x AGM-114K Hellfire II
27x AGM-179 JAGM
9x AIM-120D AMRAAM P3I.4
71x AN/SSQ-53F DIFAR
77x AN/SSQ-62E DICASS
2x Blackwing SL-UAV
72x CBU-89/B GATOR [45 x BLU-91/B Bomblets + 15 x BLU-92/B Mines]
72x GBU-12D/B Paveway II LGB [Mk82]
10x GBU-32(V)2/B JDAM [Mk83]
18x GBU-49/B Paveway II GPS/LGB [Mk82]
80x GBU-53/B StormBreaker
12x Generic Flare Salvo [3x Cartridges, Dual Spectral]
354x HYDRA 70mm Rocket
8x Mk214 Sea Gnat Chaff [Seduction]
8x Mk234 Nulka
81x PrSM [200lb Superfrag]
16x RGM-109C Tomahawk Blk III TLAM-C
80x RGM-109E Tomahawk Blk IV TACTOM
24x RGM-184A NSM Block 1
8x RGM-84G Harpoon ICR
3x RIM-156A SM-2ER Blk IV
4x RIM-174A ERAM SM-6 Blk I
3x RIM-174A ERAM SM-6 Blk I Dual I
3x RIM-66M-2 SM-2MR Blk IIIA
2x RIM-66M-5 SM-2MR Blk IIIB
107x Spike NLOS
SIDE: Iran
===========================================================
LOSSES:
-------------------------------
12x 7.62mm MG
8x Abu Mahdi [Hoveyzeh Mod] TEL
2x Building (Large)
1x Building (School)
3x Forward Observer + Sensor Tripod (Generic Laser Designator)
195x Generic Suicide USV
29x Misagh-3 MANPADS
106x Peykaap III [Zolfaghar]
14x Peykaap III [Zolfaghar]
8x Radar (China Type 352 Square Tie)
3x Sniper Section [7.62mm Sniper Rifle]
5x Structure (Pier [Large (25.1-45m) x 1])
3x Structure (Pier [Large (25.1-45m) x 4])
20x Structure (Pier [Medium (17.1-25m) x 2])
1x Structure (Pier [Small (11.1-17m) x 4])
99x Suicide Drone TEL
144x Toragh [Boghammar Mod]
8x Zolfaghar Basir ASBM TEL
12x Zulfiqar Air Defense Boat
EXPENDITURES:
------------------
110x 12.7mm/50 MG Burst [10 rnds]
199x 12.7mm/50 Twin MG Burst [20 rnds]
8x Abu Mahdi [Hoveyzeh Mod]
21x C-701
6x C-704
16x Generic RPG
25x Mine [Moored, Contact Fuze]
77x Misagh-3
2x SA-20b Gargoyle [48N6E2]
SIDE: Civilian
===========================================================
LOSSES:
-------------------------------
1x Commercial LNG/LPG Tanker [18,000t DWT]
1x Commercial Tanker - Large Range 2 [150,000t DWT]
EXPENDITURES:
------------------
- Attachments
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- SL RoP v0.9.txt
- (6.56 KiB) Not downloaded yet
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Knightpawn
- Posts: 506
- Joined: Mon Dec 02, 2024 12:28 pm
Re: Operation Rite of Passage [beta version for testing]
@Nikel
Thank you for this feedback. This is invaluable. I will take them on board in the new version that is underway. On the other hand I am "slow mover" compare to Correcaminos OODA loop in version updates
A few points / questions :
- Did you get a defeat message when you reached -500;
- Iran side is passive indeed; the task is to leverage the absolute air superiority to detect and destroy as many threats as possible during the first 48hrs before opening the Strait. If I understand correctly that was not enough for you.
- When a ship is hit it is supposed to be - 700 Points and when sunk defeat. I will check the events again.
- Reaper offset is +50pts because loss of any US Aircraft is -50pts. But I don't want to penalise losses that 'acceptable' to public opinion
- Player receives +800 when the Strait is declared open.
- number and type of threats were at a discount of OSINT estimates / speculation provided by AI. I will check again
Thanks again
Thank you for this feedback. This is invaluable. I will take them on board in the new version that is underway. On the other hand I am "slow mover" compare to Correcaminos OODA loop in version updates
A few points / questions :
- Did you get a defeat message when you reached -500;
- Iran side is passive indeed; the task is to leverage the absolute air superiority to detect and destroy as many threats as possible during the first 48hrs before opening the Strait. If I understand correctly that was not enough for you.
- When a ship is hit it is supposed to be - 700 Points and when sunk defeat. I will check the events again.
- Reaper offset is +50pts because loss of any US Aircraft is -50pts. But I don't want to penalise losses that 'acceptable' to public opinion
- Player receives +800 when the Strait is declared open.
- number and type of threats were at a discount of OSINT estimates / speculation provided by AI. I will check again
Thanks again
Re: Operation Rite of Passage [beta version for testing]
- I think the defeat message was with the first damaged tanker, that caused a sudden -700 points loss.
- I tried to destroy as many as I could. But those inside the coves (piers) are very difficult to destroy. Also the recon is not very good. I read in the contact report, 100 unknown there, attacked, recon, and still the same, the info was not updated. I lost patience and played the "Trump card"
- +800. OK, but it should be explained in the scoring log.
- I tried to destroy as many as I could. But those inside the coves (piers) are very difficult to destroy. Also the recon is not very good. I read in the contact report, 100 unknown there, attacked, recon, and still the same, the info was not updated. I lost patience and played the "Trump card"
- +800. OK, but it should be explained in the scoring log.
Last edited by Nikel on Sun Mar 29, 2026 6:33 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Knightpawn
- Posts: 506
- Joined: Mon Dec 02, 2024 12:28 pm
Re: Operation Rite of Passage [beta version for testing]
In the meantime, I asked Grok to audit the threat assumptions and confirmed they are by and large reasonable
https://grok.com/share/bGVnYWN5_05c844b ... 3cd5fff49f
https://grok.com/share/bGVnYWN5_05c844b ... 3cd5fff49f
Re: Operation Rite of Passage [beta version for testing]
Knightpawn wrote: Sun Mar 29, 2026 6:33 pm In the meantime, I asked Grok to audit the threat assumptions and confirmed they are by and large reasonable
https://grok.com/share/bGVnYWN5_05c844b ... 3cd5fff49f
OK. Next time I will strike harder before playing the card
Also all the ACs available will be airborne for the swarm. Really I was not prepared for it.
I would revise the loadouts giving some range to attack the FIACs at a distance for the A-10s and the F-35s.
More Storm Breakers please.
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Knightpawn
- Posts: 506
- Joined: Mon Dec 02, 2024 12:28 pm
Re: Operation Rite of Passage [beta version for testing]
In this I am afraid I will disappoint. Based on my (superficial) research it does not sound like the F-35s and F-18s on Lincoln and Tripoli are currently configured to entertain storm-breakers. And I was on track to adjust for this in next version. More than happy to be proven wrong
Re: Operation Rite of Passage [beta version for testing]
I guess I am still trying to destroy the swam at see and not in the coves
Perhaps those bombs the A-10 are using in the scenario right now are the best option.
Perhaps those bombs the A-10 are using in the scenario right now are the best option.
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Knightpawn
- Posts: 506
- Joined: Mon Dec 02, 2024 12:28 pm
Re: Operation Rite of Passage [beta version for testing]
I will have a look. When tankers get damaged the player would have presumably 1000 pts already (insertion of JTAC and declaration)Nikel wrote: Sun Mar 29, 2026 6:30 pm - I think the defeat message was with the first damaged tanker, that caused a sudden -700 points loss.
I will compare how recon works with clear skies. I though it was too easy- I tried to destroy as many as I could. But those inside the coves (piers) are very difficult to destroy. Also the recon is not very good. I read in the contact report, 100 unknown there, attacked, recon, and still the same, the info was not updated. I lost patience and played the "Trump card"
A last question:
Did you face an ASBM attack on US ships at some point?
Re: Operation Rite of Passage [beta version for testing]
I attached the scoring log.
They launched 8x Abu Mahdi, it is also above.
They launched 8x Abu Mahdi, it is also above.