First Strike
Its time to take the fight to the enemy. First things first, I’ve classified all SKUNK contacts as hostile.
I’ve decided to move my “Shadow” aircraft closer to the enemy formation. It is unlikely that it will be able to identify specific types of ships without getting far too close. However, there is a possibility the enemy ships light off their radars to paint the “Shadow.” If they do this, the “Shadow” may be able to identify the ships based on their radar emissions. It’s a bit of a risk. The “Shadow” will be close enough to be engaged by SAMs if the enemy vessels are so equipped. But the “Shadow” should be able to egress away from the vessels and out of the SAMs envelope and escape without being shot down.
Meanwhile, I begin drawing up my strike packages. The type of ship being engaged determines a lot about the characteristics of the strike package. Larger vessels require more munitions to ensure a kill, and certain vessels are better protected by systems such as CIWS, radar, and anti-missile missiles. Because I don’t know the specific ID of the vessels I’ll be striking, I have to use a generic strike package.
The packages will be identical. 4 F/A-18C’s armed with 2 AGM-84E SLAM’s per plane, escorted by an EA-6B Prowler. The Prowlers will provide jamming support, which should blind the enemy vessels to the attack, and reduce the chance of counter fires from them as well. Each SKUNK contact will be fired on by 4 AGMs. If all four missiles hit, it should ensure a kill on smaller vessels such as destroyers and frigates, and should cripple anything larger.
If all goes well, I should severely cripple or destroy the enemy screening force, which in turn will pave the way for strikes against the 4 ship capital ship (suspected) group.
With the plans all drawn up, its time to see how it all plays out.
15 minutes after launching from the Nimitz, the first shots of the battle are fired.
And just like that, 16 missiles are fired at their targets. The enemy vessels haven’t lit off their radars, nor fired at any of my planes. Its possible they have no idea they’re under attack. If this is the case, it is the best case scenario.
As the missiles streak towards their targets and the strike packages RTB, I decide to pull the “Shadow” back. If the enemy detects the incoming missiles, they will likely begin to light off their radars and engage defensive. I don’t want my “Shadow” anywhere near this soon to be busy, and hostile airspace.
The AGM-84E SLAM uses an infrared seeker instead of a radar seeker in order to find its targets after entering the terminal phase of attack. Unlike radar, IR seekers do not give the enemy any warning that he is being targeted. As the first SLAMs get close to their targets, their seekers are able to identify the vessel type, and send that information back to me via datalink.
The SLAM identifies the first ship as a PCFG – a Fast Guided Missile Patrol Craft. This type of vessel makes sense, as it is part of the screen for the larger group of ships behind it. While small, these craft are extremely dangerous. They are small and fast as their name implies, and they are able to volley fire anti-ship missiles (ASMs) that can do tremendous damage if fired en masse. The 4 SLAMs should be more than enough to destroy a small craft such as this.
In ASuW Strike Package 2 group, a SLAM identifies another enemy ship. It’s a DDG – Guided Missile Destroyer. This vessel poses a threat to my surface ships (its equipped with ASMs) my submarine, and my aircraft. If this first strike does not cripple or destroy her, I will need to follow up with a second strike to neutralize it.
A hit! One of the SLAMs smashes into its target, vaporizing it. Two weapons malfunction, and the final missile splashes harmlessly into the ocean.
I am a firm believer that there is no such thing as overkill. When I first learned that 4 SLAMs were targeted against a ship that ended up being a PCFG, I was slightly annoyed by the amount of firepower used against such a small target. However, it seems to have paid off, as two of the missiles malfunctioned and failed to hit the target. I’m hoping all of the SLAMs targeting the DDG hit home. Even one missile malfunctioning and failing to hit it could mean a DDG left damaged, but still operational.
As the first PCFG was destroyed, the IR seeker of another SLAM identified the 4th and final enemy ship, in ASuW Strike Package 2 group, another DDG.
Moments later, the first pair of SLAMs impact the first DDG.
Seconds later, the second pair of SLAMs hits the DDG, sinking her. At the same time, the PCFG is hit and destroyed.
Finally, the remaining SLAMs hit and sink the second DDG.
The ASuW strike packages are overwhelmingly successful. All 4 enemy surface ships have been sunk, with no losses to friendly forces. Further, the enemy didn’t even get a chance to shoot back, and did not detect the SLAMs until it was far too late. Task Force Nimitz has seen the elephant and come out unscathed, with 4 new combat victories to its credit.
While the first round is a decisive success for Task Force Nimitz, the battle is far from over. The force arrayed against me is still more than formidable. 2 enemy surface groups, one of which I suspect contains the Indian carrier
Viraat still stand between me and the coast of Sri Lanka. Somewhere beneath the waves, yet undetected Indian submarines are lurking, waiting for an opportunity to get in close and sink my carrier. Finally, the Indian air force has not yet joined the fray. The battle is young, and the threats are many.
More to come!
P.S if anyone has any feedback for me, be it questions or tips/advice on formatting, don't hesitate to ask!
