Bear Bait

RSVP: 24 09 26 – 19:30 (please sign-up asap though, as it makes things easier to plan)
Activity: Mission – CAP, Air Interdiction
Theatre: Caucasus
Modules: F-14A, F-4E, MiG-21
Prerequisites: None

1 SITUATION

1.1 Overview

The year is 1976, and the Cold War is at a tense crossroads. Georgia, having recently strengthened its ties with Western powers, has invited the United States to participate in a joint military exercise on Georgian soil. The exercise, officially named “Operation Iron Shield,” aims to demonstrate Western military capabilities and bolster Georgia’s defenses.

The United States has deployed a formidable force to the region, including an aircraft carrier equipped with F-14A Tomcats and a squadron of F-4 Phantom IIs stationed on Georgian soil. This show of force is perceived as a direct threat by the Soviet Union, which has long considered Georgia to be within its sphere of influence.

Already on edge due to the increasing Western presence near its borders, the Soviet Union interprets the exercise as a provocation and a potential pretext for the West to gain a military foothold in the Caucasus. In response, the Soviets launch a full-scale invasion of Georgia, under the pretense of protecting their territory and interests.

In the midst of the exercise, tensions quickly escalate as Soviet forces cross the border and attack Georgian targets. American and Georgian troops must rapidly transition from a training scenario to a real combat situation. The aircraft carrier’s F-14A jets and the Georgian MiG-21 scramble to intercept incoming Soviet MiG-21s and MiG-23, while the F-4 Phantom squadron confronts the advancing Soviet ground forces.

1.2 Area of operations

1.3 Time and weather

* Feb 07 – 1976
* 05:50 local time
* SCT 8000
* Wind 248 / 010
* FORCE QNH 29.72

1.4 Air threats

MiG-21, MiG-23

1.5 Ground threats

SA-2

1.6 Friendly forces

Georgian forces ground and air (mig-21)

1.7 Civilian/3rd part

2 MISSION

Set up CAP and take out the SA-2 north of the border

3 EXECUTION

3.1 Commander’s intent

Two f14 will set up cap as the f4 will take out the SA-2 north of the border N 42°46.769′ E 41°40.403′

3.2 Packages

3.3 Order of events

3.4 Rules of engagement

ROE: C
As per SPINS

3.5 Acceptable level of risk

ALR: FREE
As per SPINS

3.6 Flight tasking

4 ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS

4.1 Airfield operations

* KOBULETI
* TCN: 67X
* Active runway: 25
* Departure via RNW hdg 3000feet
* Approach via RADIAL 070 5nm for lefthand overhead break

4.2 Carrier operations

* CASE 1
* BRC: 271
* Departure time: 06:20
* Departure sequence:
* Charlie time: 08:10

As per Carrier Ops SPINS

4.3 Tankers

No tankers (recovery only)

5 COMMAND AND CONTROL

5.1 Commander

* Mission commander is STINGRAY
* Mission commander deputy is
* Package WOLFPACK lead is

5.2 Frequencies

As per Comms SOP

5.3 Authentication

RAMROD: REGULATION
As per Authentication SOP

5.4 Freq flow (Airfield flights)

7, 9, 3/5, 7
Remain on Tower (ch 7) during startup and departure. Go to Check in (ch 9). Expect Tactical (ch 3) or CAP A (ch 5). Use Tower (ch 7) for recovery.

5.5 Freq flow (Carrier flights)

1, 9, 3/5, 16, 1
Remain on Tower (ch 1) during startup and departure. Go to Check in (ch 9). Expect Tactical (ch 3) or CAP A (ch 5). Use Marshal (ch 16) and Tower (ch 1) for recovery.

5.6 Brevity

* TANGOUNIFORM – Mission declared successful
* NIGHTFALL – Abort mission

5.7 Bullseye

N 42°11.916′ E 41°38.540′

6 ANNEXES

Maps