Svalbard Incident part I

[scottthecanuck]

OK my first scenario since purchasing the game...I did play Harpoon many years ago and I am surprised how easy it has been to back into it.

Background: while the scenario seems a bit far fetched (why on earth is the US conducting amphib ops in the Artic circle on Russia's doorstep?) I was able to justify it in my mind thus; The US admin decides on a show of strength to counter growing CIS sabre rattling re Scandanavia, however so as not to be too provocative the Amphib group is sent sans CVBG despite the protests of the Flag officer commanding it (sound like Washington to you?)

The CIS is politicaly split and unstable, the Navy is a microcosm of this split and decides on its own show of force. The Marines are strafed (as per scenario background) prompting the DOD's decision to withdraw and cancel the exercises. Nato's Standing Naval Force Atlantic (under command of US Tatnall Flag) is ordered to escort. CIS SAG is ordered to shadow and observe (though its CO is a bit of a loose cannon with intentions of his own). NATO patrol activities are curtailed to try to calm the situation (hence the single P3).

Start Scenario

Having been told (in scenario orders) that the CIS SAG is near Greenland I send the P3 there to find it and keep an eye on it - cruise at med with SS radar on. I set the SNF group for an intercept course with the "Phibs" but for extra measure I take advantage of the CDN Seakings range and strong SS radar and send them west to try to locate the CIS SAG.

For the Phibs I head them southeast on a dogleg at max speed, because the scenario mentioned pos/SAG from Kola area I put out a Seahawk at med with SS on. SInce the scenario was a little vague on air ops I decide to take no chances with the "Phibs" and reluctanlty light up the AS radars just in case, hoping I can shut them down later when more is known. I also put two Jarheads in Harriers up on CAP such as they are capable of.

My Cdn SeaKings are the first to find the SAG through ESM which allows me a rough location so I can get my P3 there sooner. About the same time the "Phibs" detect 2 incoming small aircraft heading straight for my Seahawk. No ID is confirmed as to type but expecting the worst I leave the Seahawk in place to get a visual if possible since My Cap is out of position. 2 Flankers are Id'd ...a quick check indicates they could have iron bomb loadout so I move to intercept.

Scenario orders instruct me to hold weapons tight until fired on, that restriction is released when the bastards nail my fleeing Seahawk. My Marines close at military (not that they have a chance but those Flankers might have a iron bomb loadout) but alas the CIS pilots turn, content with the easy victory over the hapless helo.

With the cry of "There will be blood!" on our lips decisions are made. The P3 eventually fixes the SAG but discretely keeps out of SAM range, it appears the SAG is on an intercept course for the "phibs" so they go dark and make a course change to take them west and around Jan Mayen Island to make Bergen from the rear. Alas the SAG keeps changing course to intercept. Someone is still tracking the Phibs.

Hello Mr. Bear as the "Phibs" AS is lit up again...off go the jarheads hoping the Bear isn't escorted or near to Flanker CAP. In due time 2 sidewinders drop the turbo prop into the Norwegian Sea. A Recon Foxbat appears and annoyingly maintains a Vhi altitude making him invulnerable to sidewinder fire. Attempt to engage with cannon fire are equally fruitless as the harriers are limited to a Hi ceiling (hey who designed this scenario...seems like they were really thinking ahead). A lucky break occurs when my Marines chase the Foxbat back over the "Phibs" as the Perry class Frigate downs it with a SAM.

Phibs go dark and course change, SAG responds to intercept hmmm still being tracked? A new Seahawk eventually detects a CIS Helo with a SS radar. Send in the Marines. As they said in the Matrix "dodge this" the Helix doesen't and spirals down in flames.

Meanwhile concerned that the SAG is getting within range of the SNFA or my "phibs" I get the P3 to line up and let the dogs loose. Instantly I regret the impetuous waste of the precious Harpoons which should have been co-ordinated with the SNFA. However to my amazement I hit if not the jackpot, at least a good payoff when the seaskimmers take out a Sovremmneny class DDG...no sunburn for me. Sometime though I have to send that P3 back for a reload.

It now becomes clear that the CIS SAG can outrun my SNFA and intercept the "Phibs" at will thanks to the inclusion of the Cdn provision ship and French frigate both of which are ltd to speeds of 20knts. They'll have to be left behind. Then an idea....the two slowpokes are seperated from the SNFA and they commence to light up all sensors "yoo who look over here!" My SNFA diverts SW hoping to rendezvous with the phibs west of Jan Mayen and then lead them in.

But the CIS SAG doesen't take the bait ....they still make for the "phibs" .....until I take down yet another Bear and then dispose of the Foxbat courtesy of the RAF Tornadoes finally arriving on the scene.

Then all hell breaks loose as the Kirov class CG launches all 16 Shipwreck SSM's. At first the bearing only detection doesen't make clear if its the SNFA or recently split off FF and replenishment ship that is the victim....I'm just glad the "phibs are spared as they are far out of range. Moments later its clear its the decoy group that has selflessly sacrificed themselves (anybody here know the French President personally?). I further split the decoy's again and begin jinking them like crazy. As the Shipwreck missiles pass by the SNFA the Iroqouis manages to claim 3 kills with the block II SAM's...not nearly enough though....the memaing SSM's eventually find their target ...all go for the French FF which goes up like a firework.

Now the CIS SAG is headed straight at Bergen (or is it the replenshment ship?) they are both on the same heading. My Phibs are safe for now but its clear the SAG will be to Bergen before them if the AI has that course in place. Though the Shipwrecks and the Sunburns are gone there is enough firepower in SAM's and deck guns to cause serious damage in close in fighting. What to do?

The SNFA is now ordered to engage with SSM's...I really should wait for that P3 but decide not to ......because the HMS Battleaxe only has Exocets we must close to 23nm. Once done I'll be able to fire a 16 missle salvo all at the Kirov class (the Kriva FF and Kresta CG are not much of a threat)....still I anticipate the foearsome SAM capabilitis of the SAG will be more than suffecient to deal with my puny attack. And so it goes.

My efforts to lead the SAG away from Bergen are going nowhere....repeated attacks with the P3 likely won't hurt the Kirov. What to do.

More heroism presents itself when the Tatnall offers to engage the SAG in short range gunfire. The goal here is like threading a needle, bring the Tatnall in range for its 127mm gun to engage the Krivak but leave it beyond the range of the Kirov's twin 100mm guns (which have a blind spot directly ahead of the ship). Hopefully I can damage the Krivak enough for it to reduce speed below 20 knts ...I'm guessing the AI won't leave it behind and I should be able to make Bergen first.

Tatnall splits off...reverses course and begins the "death ride" into the now black night. Before her guns can fire she is subjected to missile attack from the Kresta's SAM's (d'oh) multiple hits to the bridge and sensors take their toll and eventually her speed is reduced to 24 knts.. only 2 hits are recorded on the Krivak and damage is not enough to slow it down. The CIS SAG drives on relentlessly as the Tatnall veers away to escape further pounding.

Now what? well game is saved so I'll have to continue in post II

[hermanhum]

Great AAR.  Welcome (back) aboard, shipmate.  [8D]

It sounds like a heckuva scenario.  Hope we'll get to play it MP, someday.

[CV32]

Good job on the AAR! Thanks for taking the time to write it up. [:)]

[scottthecanuck]

d'oh! Forgot about the auto save feature....got fooling around with another scenario and I overwrote this one so I can't finish it.....won't make that mistake again...thanks for the comments this seems like a great community.