[Herman]

The 37th NEW Harpoon scenario of the year!

06.0 First Convoy

Act I: Onslaught

"In a carefully planned series of attacks, the Warsaw Pact begins a war against NATO. Their goal is to seize West Germany, gutting NATO militarily and economically. The Soviets will demand a high price for Germany's return, or assimilate its industry and technology for their own use."

"Large scale strikes by Soviet Naval Aviation (SNA) on NATO port facilities and energy infrastructure slow reinforcements and disrupt transportation.

Spetsnaz attacks further disrupt transportation and communications lines. One group, landing in Norway, cuts a critical North-South reinforcement highway. Soviet forces, landing near Tromso, Norway, rapidly secure the northern third of the country, then head south.

Keflavik, Iceland, a vital base for maritime patrol aircraft and fighters as well as a SOSUS station, is pounded by land-attack SS-N-3s from Echo II-class SSGNs. Using a combination of fuel-air-explosive and persistent chemical warheads, this vital base is neutralized for the critical opening phase of the war. By the time it recovers, the Russians figure it won't matter.

The first few days of the war find the Soviets advancing through Europe and NATO reeling. Decision-makers in Washington, London, and Paris must decide whether or not to use nuclear weapons to redress the imbalance."

"The Battle of Reforger begins. Convoys carrying supplies and reinforcements to Europe are attacked by Soviet subs and SNA aircraft. Dozens of long-range aircraft launch high-altitude standoff missiles against warship formations and convoys. With one-ton high explosive warheads crashing into ships at supersonic speeds, one hit can sink almost any vessel. Fortunately, the initial Soviet attacks are poorly coordinated, which allow the convoy escorts the time they need to get organized.

The battle across the European plain is consuming men and material at a rate far in excess of all pre-war predictions. The Soviet 8th Guards Army has been relentless and NATO forces are nearing the breaking point. Reinforcements and re-supply are desperately needed. REFORGER units are flying in and marrying up with their pre-positioned assets. As more personnel assets reached Germany, they have been assigned piecemeal as replacements to units already in the field.

Soviet naval forces have concluded a series of attacks against NATO air installations in Iceland. It is not expected that Icelandic operations will be re-constituted in the near term. The Soviets have launched a pair of RORSats and now have significant surveillance capabilities. It should be expected that the Soviets would be aware of the location with a two hour delay of any NATO forces at sea.

SNA has been conducting naval strike operations from a number of airfields. Subordinated to the 5th Naval Air Reconnaissance Division (MRAD) are three long-range maritime strike regiments (MRAP). The 574th MRAP, a composite Tu-22M unit, has been operating from the Lakhta airfield near Arkhangel'sk. The 924th MRAP is operating its Tu-22Ms from the Olen'ya (Olenegorsk) airfield. The 987th MRAP is comprised solely of Tu-16s and flies from Severomorsk airdrome. Both Severomorsk and Olenegorsk are near Murmansk.

Multiple nuclear-powered submarines were reported by SOSUS before it went off-line. These contacts were in transit crossing the Norwegian Sea at high speed and will likely assume patrol stations along the convoy's expected line of advance. One Oscar SSGN was detected as well as a pair of Charlie II SSGNs."

Duration: 24 hours

***** Flash ***** Flash *****

SSSSSS 033000Z24May88 SSSSSS

1.0 SitRep:

The 24th Mechanized Division has been loaded aboard SL-7 fast cargo ships. They must reach the English Channel as quickly as possible. These ships are vital to the survival of the XVIII Corps and to the NATO line theatre-wide. Leyte Gulf and its task group (TG 20.41) are assigned to escort the first large convoy from the USA to Europe. SNA has not appeared yet and will likely attack in its full fury. Fighters are available, but a severe tanker shortage limits their numbers and their range. No significant airborne early warning assets are available.

Leyte Gulf and her consorts will be required to maintain their own radar coverage. The Saipan Amphibious Read Group (TG 22.1) and the 22nd Marine Amphibious Unit are vital to an upcoming operation. They must reach Great Britain intact. TG 22.1 will be sailing in the company of TG 20.4 for air defense support.

2.0 Intelligence:

Soviet Naval Aviation has not yet made its appearance, yet. Inclement weather over the Kola Peninsula has limited their operations. However, the weather has cleared and their presence will soon be felt.

3.0 Orders:

Ensure the safe arrival of both TGs 20.4 and 22.1 to RefPt UK.

Due to an upcoming operation, TG 20.4 must arrive at RefPt UK by 200000Z24May88 while TG 22.1 must arrive by 030000Z25May88. Upon arrival at RefPt UK, continue on towards the UK.

Detach AO Henry J. Kaiser from TG 20.4 and transfer it to TG 22.1 for the remainder of the journey.

Author: Herman Hum

06.0 First Convoy
High Tide\1stConvy.SCN

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