Flashpoint: Beirut

RSVP: 25 02 27 – 19:30 (please sign-up asap though, as it makes things easier to plan)
Activity: Mission – CAP
Theatre: Syria
Modules: F/A-18C, F-14B, F-16C (others by request)
Prerequisites: Basic airfield procedures. Case 1 for Navy.

1 SITUATION

1.1 Overview

Beirut. With no previous warning, a military coup began yesterday evening. At the same time, the Russian and Syrian governments held a joint press conference declaring their support for “the peace-loving people of Lebanon in their fight against corruption and fascism”. Presidents Putin and Assad declared all of Lebanon a no-fly zone, to be enforced by their respective Air Forces. Explicitly warning “western imperialist forces” from intervening.

The Lebanese government, on the other hand, is asking for immediate assistance and American, Israeli and Jordanian forces have answered this call.

1.2 Area of operations

Eastern Mediterranean, western Syria

1.3 Time and weather

* July 04 – 2023
* 06:00 local time
* Weather: FEW/SCT 8/10 SCT 23/24
* Wind: From 207, 8 kts
* FORCE QNH: 2977

1.4 Air threats

MiG-21, SU-27, MiG-29, SU-25

The Russians have MiG-29C stationed at Basse Al-Assad. The Syrians have MiG-21, MiG-29A and SU-25 in Hama and Shayrat. Enemy strength is at least 24 aircraft but not all are believed to be mission ready.

1.5 Ground threats

ZSU-23 Shilka, MANPADS, SA-10, SA-11

The Russian base in Basse Al-Assad is protected by an SA-10. Syrian bases in Hama and Shayrat are protected by SA-11.

1.6 Friendly forces

An airlift consisting of 4 x C-130 will depart Ben Guiron for Beirut at the discretion of Mission Command

1.7 Civilian/3rd part

Civilian air traffic is still active in Cyprus, otherwise grounded.

2 MISSION

A military coup is underway in Lebanon. Beirut is on the verge of being overwhelmed. An allied airlift will bring in reinforcements for the besieged government forces. The Russians and Syrians have declared the area a no-fly zone and we have to believe that they intend to enforce it. The mission is to establish and maintain air superiority over Lebanon, allowing allied transport aircraft unimpeded access.

3 EXECUTION

3.1 Commander’s intent

Maintain air superiority in the AO.

3.2 Packages

No packages, all flights are on CAP duty

3.3 Order of events

Take off ASAP, establish CAP as directed by Stingray

3.4 Rules of engagement

ROE: C, weapons free on any aircraft considered hostile
As per SPINS

3.5 Acceptable level of risk

ALR: MEDIUM
As per SPINS

3.6 Flight tasking

CAP
All Tomcats, Vipers and Hornets have the following waypoints:
1) CAP WEST
2) CAP MID
3) CAP EAST

4 ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS

4.1 Airfield operations

* Ramat David
* TCN: 84X
* Active runway: 27

4.2 Carrier operations

* CASE 1
* BRC: 231
* Departure time: ASAP
* Departure sequence: N/A
* Charlie time: 08:00

As per Carrier Ops SPINS

4.3 Tankers

As per Aerial Refueling SOP

5 COMMAND AND CONTROL

5.1 Commander

* Mission commander is STINGRAY
* Mission commander deputy is ARCTIC11

5.2 Frequencies

As per Comms SOP

5.3 Authentication

RAMROD: GRANDSLICE
As per Authentication SOP

5.4 Freq flow (Airfield flights)

7, 9, 3/5/10, 7
Remain on Tower (ch 7) during startup and departure. Go to Check in (ch 9). Expect Tactical (ch 3) or CAP A/B (ch 5/10). Use Tower (ch 7) for recovery.

5.5 Freq flow (Carrier flights)

1, 9, 3/5/10, 16, 1
Remain on Tower (ch 1) during startup and departure. Go to Check in (ch 9). Expect Tactical (ch 3) or CAP A/B (ch 5/10). Use Marshal (ch 16) and Tower (ch 1) for recovery.

5.6 Brevity

* TANGOUNIFORM – Mission declared successful
* NIGHTFALL – Abort mission
* BODYGUARD – Cleared to commence airlift from Ben Guiron to Beirut

5.7 Bullseye

Beirut (N33 52.04, E35 40.40)

6 ANNEXES

Maps