AAR Atlantic Convoys, Day #6, 7

[FransKoenz]

[center]SPOILER ALERT[/center]

After Action Report

Scenario : Atlantic Convoys
Designer : Freek Schepers
Side : NATO
Reporter: : Taitennek

Introduction.

This scenario takes several days to cover. So, I have decided to report by day.


I am in command of two large convoys [30+8 and 16+7], an Amphibious Group [12], a CVBG [7], 5 nuclear attack submarines [including the brand new SSN 21 USS Seawolf], as well as more than 200 aircraft and helicopters [some of the units are in maintenance or need longer readiness times before they can come in action].
My orders are to transit the convoys and the Amphibious Group through the Atlantic to Portsmouth in the UK. The aircraft carrier must survive in a position to cover future convoys. No losses of LHA, LHD, LSD and LST are allowed.

For a comprehensive version of the orders, please click here.

[center]DAY #6[/center]

The day started with the detection of several air contacts north of convoy #2.
I launched Sea Harriers [4] to investigate and destroy the contacts. 4 Tomcats are in the air as well, but have to reach the area first.
5 Backfires are approaching convoy #2!
The Sea Harriers successfully intercepted the incoming bombers; none of the enemy aircraft could launch their missiles.

After arrival of convoy #1, I formed a new taskforce [3 ships, CG 55, DD 978 and FFG 50] for patrol duties at the entrance of the English Channel.

14:33:00 Zulu Time.

Suddenly the sky was filled with incoming missiles, unknown where they came from.
The just formed taskforce immediately fired SAM’s. Soon other escorts started firing SAM’s as well and managed to destroy all incoming missiles [later identified as Shipwrecks].
Suddenly the sky was filled with incoming missiles, unknown where they came from.
The just formed taskforce immediately fired SAM’s. Soon other escorts started firing SAM’s as well and managed to destroy all incoming missiles [later identified as Shipwrecks].


[center]DAY #7[/center]

December 2nd, 2003.
00:00:00 Zulu Time.

At 04:00:00 Zulu Time, the second convoy has finally reached the entrance of the English Channel. Most of the escorts are about coming home in their homeport Portsmouth.
Only the pass by of the Russian RORSAT’s does remember me that there is war going on.
There were no attacks since the last attack with Shipwrecks last afternoon.

I do not expect Russian attacks, but have taken measurements to protect the convoys and AG during their presence in coastal waters of Portsmouth. Helicopters are patrolling in the English Channel and at the entrance to the Channel. A small surface group [3 escorts] is patrolling there as well. And last but not least: the 3 remaining submarines are in the area, in case a Russian submarine should slip through the barrier.

The CVBG is underway to her new position [ref. point "2ndc12"]. The CVBG is still intact, only 2 of her aircrafts were destroyed during the transit.

As I said in my report of the second day, I didn’t match the Victory conditions for this scenario. I did lose too many ships and I was not able to maintain the schedule.
The Amphibious Group, however, completed the transit without losses to the ships. The CVBG is still intact. But the convoys…….

Convoy #2 did suffer 4 losses [not that bad, if I had reached the waters of Portsmouth in time, convoy #2 would match the VC].
Convoy #1 did suffer heavy losses, 18 merchants and 1 escort. 2 submarines were destroyed as well. Only few [7] aircraft were destroyed.

Russia suffered great losses as well:
19 submarines [18 nuclear powered, 1 diesel-electric],
105 Aircraft,
7 surface vessels.

Great scenario!
Thanks for sharing it with us![:)]

P.S.
For your convenience, the complete AAR can be viewed here