You are in command of Strike Fleet North (STRIKFLTNOR) and control all naval and air assets north of the GIUK gap and above the Arctic Circle in Norway. Your boss, Admiral Falkner commanding Strike Fleet Atlantic (STRIKFLTLANT) from shore at Faslane Scotland has given you his command ship (USS Mount Whitney) and most of the offensive power of NATOs Atlantic Fleet.
You’ve just wrapped up Operation Thor’s Lightning with a two-carrier strike on the Command and Communications structure in the Narvik area, but we’re not ready for the next major operation yet. You’ve been informed that the amphibious/airborne operation planned for northern Norway is at least two weeks away. Therefore, you have the problem of keeping the pressure on the Soviets without risking any major losses. Of course, Ivan will see this as an opportunity to strike back, he still has lots of ways to do that.
You’re role in this scenario is one that is seldom depicted in CMO, that of a ‘holding action’. You are not on the defensive, but your offensive actions need to be limited and have the general effect of tying the enemy down for the next 10 days. Physically, you have the capacity to restore cave-dwelling as an acceptable way of life in north Norway – but that would be counterproductive and not fit the overall plan of action for the next month. Going on the attack now would expend tremendous resources, both logistically and in the form of loses, bringing the Strike Fleet to a much weaker state when it is needed to support the amphibious operations in a couple weeks. From a principles of war perspective; you are conducting an Economy of Effort operation to allow Admiral Falkner (and you in later scenarios) to Concentrate Force and Maintain the overall aim of the campaign.
Shouldn't be too much longer...
I wonder how WP forces are faring on other fronts such as the Baltic and Pacific...